Thiel Happenings

Thiel College awarded 2022 Tree Campus recognition by the Arbor Day Foundation

Thiel College was awarded 2022 Tree Campus Higher Education recognition by the Arbor Day Foundation for its commitment to effective urban forest management. This is the College’s 4th year of recognition.

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Thiel students present research at Pennsylvania Capitol during research conference

Thiel College students Malajah Johnson ’23 and Liz Heberling ’24 traveled to Harrisburg, Pa. in March to present their undergraduate research during Undergraduate Research at the Capitol-PA Poster Conference.

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Commencement is here

Thiel College celebrates its 149^th Commencement Exercises on Sunday, May 7, 2023. We will recognize both Class of 2023 undergraduate and graduate students.

The honorary degree recipient is for chair of the Board of Trustees and Join the Journey Campaign Cabinet Chair John Hudson and the Commencement speaker is Gary Witosky ’79.

• Read more in the Newsroom.

Commencement Exercises will take place in the William A. Passavant Memorial Center. A Baccalaureate worship service will be held at 7 p.m. Saturday, May 6, 2023 in the David Johnson Memorial Chapel.

The Commencement Exercises will be livestreamed, beginning at 11 a.m. Sunday, May 7, and will also be available for online viewing afterward.

• Commencement information and link for livestream

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Send-off held for Frazier’s retirement

The Facilities Department hosted a farewell reception for Jerry Frazier who is retired after 25-plus years of service to the Thiel College community.

In a campus message Frazier was recognized “as a skilled carpenter and creative problem solver, Jerry has been an invaluable asset to the Maintenance Department. He’s also been relied upon as our heavy equipment operator, lead organizer of the Dome inflation/deflation, mentor, and so much more!”

Student News

Scarpitti shares his Thiel story and advice for leading a good life

Joe Scarpitti ’80 was the featured speaker at the April 27 Ruth A. Miller Senior Business Seminar, which was the final class of the year. Joe is a Senior Vice President with the American Funds, which is one of the largest mutual fund companies in the world.

“Joe Scarpitti was a first-generation college student. The sixth out of eight children, his family believed that faith and education are important in life.” Emily Grandy ’23

“He described himself as a shy math nerd, but this would soon change when he went to Thiel.” Tyler Zere ’23

“While at Thiel, he was a math and business major. He took up business because of the legendary Professor David Miller, for he said that Professor Miller saw more in him than he ever saw in himself, and that was inspiring, as he was a first-generation college student. Not only did Professor Miller impact him, but some other people who did were Dr. Olson, who joined us that evening, the late Dr. Wilt.” Autumn Gourley ’24

“Like many other speakers, Scarpitti mentioned how welcoming Professor Miller was. He took an interest in him always talking about basketball.” Natalie Zgurich ’23

“After graduating from Thiel, he worked for a year and then quit. He believed that education was the key to success, so he attended Bowling Green University for his master’s degree.” Asher Patton ’23

“Mr. Scarpitti was an adjunct professor for a few years here at Thiel too, where he taught investments and insurance.” Autumn Gourley ’24

“Joe Scarpitti, class of 1980, has worked in the investment business for over forty years, but his real passion is learning new things and finding himself. Scarpitti was full of gratitude for Thiel and the experiences he gained here.” Natalie Zgurich ’23

“I think that tonight’s presentation had a different approach than most of the other speakers we have had in the class. I really enjoyed his presentation because I found that it was more about how we can develop in our careers, rather than just his accomplishments in his career.” Ian Yahner ’24

“Mr. Scarpitti did not just give us a presentation on his educational and career journey, but he also talked most about the journey of life itself.” Autumn Gourley ’24

“Scarpitti had three parts to his speech: the importance of a liberal arts education, the road map of life, and the eighth wonder of the world. Regarding liberal arts, Scarpitti mentioned many benefits like listening and learning, writing clearly, talking with anyone, reading and understanding, and empowering people.” Natalie Zgurich ’23

“These keywords, combined in the acronym ‘PRAYER,’ offer valuable guidance for navigating life's challenges and finding direction in difficult times. By planning, reading, adopting a positive attitude, saying yes to new opportunities, staying enthusiastic, and showing respect, we can create a life compass that leads us towards a fulfilling and meaningful life.” Seoyeon Choo ’23

“His ‘eighth wonder of the world’ was PRAYER – both the act itself and the acronym: plan/prepare, read, attitude, yes, enthusiasm, and respect. These six focuses are what he describes as the most important principles to follow.” Allison Walsh ’24

“In conclusion, Mr. Scarpitti’s presentation pressed upon faith, education, and drive. Faith and religion are hard to talk about in today's world. I have nothing but respect for him because of this.” Asher Patton ’23

“He gave us students recommendations, things to think about, and insight into what is important in life. He started off by telling us to build a life résumé. This is like a business résumé but built with our heart and soul.” Emily Grandy ’23

“He mentioned that Thiel gives you a bond and that the people at Thiel, and the people he has met along the way, have also helped him become the person he is today.” Amy Jackson ’23

“I have never had the opportunity to meet Professor Miller, however I did share an important story with Ruth Miller about my mother, who was his student, and that made her smile. Through everyone I got to meet in this night class, I feel as if I met Professor Miller, and I could never be more grateful.” Asher Patton ’23

“For our last class, I feel that this was the perfect way to end it. Joe is very inspirational and has so much knowledge to pass down to others. He leads not just by example, but by experience as well.” Jeremy Meyer ’23

“At the end of the night, we watched the music video for ‘Humble and Kind’ and discussed the importance of portraying those two qualities in your actions. Joe was such a great speaker to round up the semester, and it was very fitting and meaningful that he was able to be there for Professor Witosky’s last class.” Allison Walsh ’24

“Overall, it was a great last class, and it was nice to be a part of sending Professor Witosky off on a high note.” Matt Castles ’23

“Finally, I wanted to say thank you to Professor Witosky. I was so thankful that I received so much consideration in class. In Korea, there is no such class, so I will never forget it. It feels like the first class was held yesterday, but I couldn't believe that it was already the last class.” Inseo Chong ’23

“This week I was able to surprise Ruth Miller that The Phoenix was dedicated to Professor Miller and Professor Witosky. The festivities and community at class tonight was unmatchable, and I am so grateful for the opportunity to spend the past 15 weeks in such good company.” Allison Walsh ’24

Lessons Learned

• “Do not stop reading.” Matt Castles ’23
• “What you can control is your attitude.” Inseo Chong ’23
• “Use time as your asset.” Seoyeon Choo ’23
• “We were born not to fail.” Emily Grandy ’23
• “Pursue excellence and think big.” Autumn Gourley ’24
• “The world does not owe you anything.” Matt Castles ’23
• “Learn through the mistakes and failures.” Amy Jackson ’23
• “Failure is just preparation for victories.” Autumn Gourley ’24
• “Patience and timing are everything. It will all work out. Never give up.” Natalie Zgurich ’23
• “Always be curious and seize the opportunity with a positive attitude.” Sujin Park ’23
• “Plan tomorrow today, but always have a plan B.” Allison Walsh ’24
• “Surround yourself with good people.” Ian Yahner ’24
• “Prayer is the eigth wonder of the world.” Tyler Zere ’23
• “The liberal arts make you stand out.” Emily Grandy ’23
• “A new journey started when you came to Thiel, and another will start when you leave.” Natalie Zgurich ’23

Dinner Dishing

• “This week’s dinner was by far the best; I have never had anything more flavorful in my life! The company at my table was also the best it has been all semester; I had the pleasure of sitting with Dr. Hall, Ruth Miller, Asher, and Josie. I was so excited to have such a wonderful group of people to sit with for the last class.” Allison Walsh ’24
• “Dinner was another hit and a great way to end the semester. Sitting with Roberta and Professor Witosky is always a pleasure. It was also nice to see Roberta stumping Professor Witosky with a question during dinner.” Matt Castles ’23
• “Mr. Bill Sayles, who sat at my table, inquired about Korean education and the experiences of American exchange students, and he listened with keen interest and empathy.” Seoyeon Choo ’23

Epilogue

• “Success does not happen by accident; a significant amount of planning, communication and coordination needs to occur to make this class work effectively. I am especially appreciative and grateful for the efforts, contributions, and support of College Advancement, President Susan Traverso, Ph.D. and Vice President for Academic Affairs and Dean of the College Greg Q. Butcher, Ph.D., Monica Adametz, AVI, Amy Jackson ’23 (photographer extraordinaire), Hayden Tucker ’26 (IT support specialist extraordinaire), Dr. Ruth A. Miller H’20, our guests from across campus, the students in the class, and, most importantly, our speakers. Thanks to all—it was a great semester!” Prof. Gary Witosky ’79

Alpha Kappa Delta induction ceremony

Last Tuesday, Alpha Kappa Delta, the Sociology/Criminal Justice honor society, held an induction ceremony for its new members.

The four inductees were Brianne Coatsworth ’24, Madison Walsh ’23, Kylie Vergnola ’23, and Kayla Roddy ’24.

Operations management class makes pitch to Wilt

The operations management class made their final operational plan presentation to Rod E. Wilt ’86, co-owner of Pine Hills Golf Course, on Friday, April 28. The plan consisted of four parts based on the directives of Wilt to revitalize the golf course.

Allison Walsh ’24 was the project manager responsible for the overall completion of the project and directing the efforts of the four team leaders and their teams. Travis Henry ’23 was the team leader of the cost team, which consisted of Jakob Misencik ’23 and Steve Alcegaire ’24. Their team was to develop the break-even point for daily and monthly operating revenue and update the cash receipts log.

Braylon Humphrey ’24 became the team leader for social media team with Jason Masciantonio ’23 and Inseo Chong ’23. This team focused on updating the golf course’s Instagram and Facebook accounts, while also updating the web site and initiating promotional activities.

Autumn Gourley ’24 directed the activities of the Golf Course restructure team, which included Cade Wolfe ’24 and Kyiam Exum ’24. This team was responsible for revamping the kitchen areas and the clubhouse area to encourage a faster turnaround of people into the course.

Braydon Herbster ’24 was the team leader of the ballot team, consisting of Aidan Rispoli ’24, Charles Luedtke ’24, and Reagan Hayne ’23. The team initially assisted Mr. Wilt in acquiring 125 signatures to get a liquor license issue on the spring primary vote, and then they assisted in getting the RAMP certification for employees, along with filing for a retail food license application.

As of the presentation, the four teams met their individual goals and Wilt invited several of the students back for the fall semester to follow through with the completion of the restructuring and the food certifications.

Environmental Safety Management students attend conference

Last week, Anna Reinsel, Ph.D. ’06 and students from her ESM 380 course attended the Western Pennsylvania American Society of Safety Professionals Professional Development Conference. In addition to attending the Conference, the group of students presented the research that they conducted on ergonomics.

Pictured are, from left to right: Elizabeth Heberlig ’24, Beni Lavodrama ’23, Caden Loutzenhiser ’25, Tyler Hussey ’26, Frank Gill ’24, Matthew Redfoot ’24, Zackery Perseghetti ’26, Nathan Musser ’24, Joe Venasco ’24, Chris Costanzo ’23, Austin Huebner ’24, and Reinsel.

PA program receives new gurney; celebrates with pizza and a plush

Sharon Regional Medical Center recently donated a new gurney to Thiel College’s Physician Assistant Program. PA students also took advantage of the Stuff-A-Plush event that took place in the HMSC last Thursday and celebrated the close of finals with a pizza party.