Members of the Phi Theta Phi fraternity at Thiel College began collecting local donations Monday as the organization prepares for the organization’s 55th annual Walk-a-thon to Pittsburgh to raise funds for Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh.
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Thiel College Kappa Sigma fraternity was presented a certificate of appreciation by the Reynolds VFW for raising more than $3,600 during its recent See-Saw-A-Thon.
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Thiel College announces Kylie Vergnola ’24, of Meadville, Pa., and Steven Wright ’24, of Kittanning, Pa., as Student of the Month honorees for December.
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Auditions for the Spring production of “The Awesome 80s Prom” by Ken Davenport and the Class of '89 will be at 7 p.m. Nov. 29-30 and at 7 p.m. Jan. 22 in the Robinson Theater.
New Thiel Players swag is in
A Thiel Players Reunion is in the works! Stay tuned for updates.

In preparation for the upcoming 2024-2025 FAFSA release, the Financial Aid Office will be closed from 8:45 a.m. to 5 p.m. Thursday. It was also closed Monday and Tuesday to allow staff members to attend the Federal Student Aid Virtual Conference.
The financial aid office will be open from 8-8:45 a.m. Thursday and staff will be available via email.
The office resumes regular hours on Friday.

On November 8, the Department of Philosophy hosted the final Ruthanne Beighley ’72 H’20 Humanities Speaker Series of 2023. With an generous, eponymous endowment fund, current humanities students gain perspective from successful alumni returning after developing their careers. The presentations occurred in the Sawhill Georgian Room and were delivered to nearly 40 attendees. Among the guests were Ruthanne Beighley, Esq. ’73 H’20, coordinator Sheila Gross, Ph.D. ’10, President Susan Traverso, Ph.D., Vice President for Academic Affairs and Dean of the College Greg Q. Butcher, Ph.D. and Assistant Dean for Academic Success Jared Hanneman, Ph.D., Assistant Professor of History Jay Donis Ph.D., and First Year Curriculum Coordinator and Lecturer of English Sean Oros ’15. Philosophy majors and minors were then feted with a formal dinner in the Anderson Dining Room, where they continued conversations with Beighley and the two presenters.
The two distinguished alumni on this occasion were philosophy majors Brittany Chill ’08, and Ryan Hart, Ph.D. ’15. Professor of Philosophy and Department Chair Matthew Morgan, Ph.D. introduced the speakers. Chill completed a Master of Arts in higher education and college counseling in 2015, and now serves as the Director of Career Services at Shorelight, an international education company, overseeing career programs with more than 70 university partners. She also works with immigrants and refugees in the Dayton, Ohio area, and owns her own consulting business. Hart is the Neuro-Documentation Coordinator at FHC, Inc. Following his graduation from Thiel College, he earned his master’s in philosophy from the Catholic University of Leuven in Belgium, co-founded Narrative Dimensions, and last year, completed his Ph.D. in the medical humanities from the University of Texas in Galveston. His work is primarily geared toward exploring ways of narrowing the gap between medical and existential understandings of illness.
Following are some student reflections on the presentations:
Chill described how Thiel taught her how to thing, rather than what to think… She found that social structures that would tell students otherwise on this and other traditions are comprised only by our minds: the cage is made of nothing but thoughts, though they can range from being harmless to outright dangerous. [Hart] described how stories consist of what we care about, allowing storytelling to communicate cultural values…Lastly, the theme of interpretation was especially important throughout the two presentations: people must experience literature to be ready to interpret their lives, yet also must experience life to be ready to interpret media.—Roxanne Cianci ’24
Britt Chill’s presentation focused on discussing her life as a student and beyond, especially with the struggles she faced during her academic career. Ultimately, she wanted to help students the way the faculty and staff helped her during her own struggles. Ryan Hart’s presentation, on the other hand, discussed three primary themes of a humanities education… uncertainty, interpretation, and possibility. The lessons learned were what makes a good life, and to live the best life you can, while you can.—Alex Henry ’24
One of my personal favorite things she [Brittany] shared is that “you should be the only one defining what success means for you.” Ryan detailed during his time at Thiel he was diagnosed with osteosarcoma twice. His cancer diagnosis brought about feelings of uncertainty and raised new questions for him. Ryan shared that he considered the philosophical idea of death, and didn’t back down from the challenges life threw at him. —Isabella Lampadarios ’24
Britt Chill said: Having a degree in philosophy and the humanities is not about achieving material success; rather, it’s about personal intellectual growth and maturity.
Ryan Hart said: Sprezzatura, grace under pressure, is a vital lesson with many applications beyond education.—Bradley Molnar ’24
I felt particularly struck by Ryan’s speech because he did a wonderful job of putting the fragility of life into perspective… when one begins to cherish the struggle and love the process, intellectual growth begins to flourish.—Mark Permigiani ’24

Tomcat Tributes
Tomcat Tributes recognize the teamwork Thiel College employees exhibit each day. Employees can nominate co-workers for recognition in four categories (Random Act of Kindness, Going the Extra Mile, Had a Great Idea, Just Because).
Going the Extra Mile
Nominee: Scott DiTulio
Nominator: MIke Mason
Comment: “I wanted to acknowledge and thank Scott and the Thiel College Band for the amazing performance on Veterans Day, 11 Nov. The special piece "Salute to Armed Forces" they performed was greatly appreciated by Veterans in attendance. Scott has brought a whole new level of energy to the Thiel Band and it is definitely showing.”
Publishing Schedule
T-Notes is published every week during the academic year. It arrives Wednesday afternoons. The next edition will be out Dec. 6. Send your event or news to tnotes@thiel.edu by noon Monday, Dec. 4 to be published in that week’s edition.

HR Notes
Thiel College welcomes:
And says farewell to:
Public Safety Note
The Tomcat Emergency Alert System was tested at noon Wednesday.
The Thiel Department of Public Safety is asking everyone who registered with the Tomcat Alert System but did not get an alert to contact the department.
For anyone who is not signed-up with the Tomcat Emergency Alert System, the department encourages you to sign-up for the service. The link is also located on the Thiel College Public Safety web page.
Students are also encouraged to register parent phone numbers on your Tomcat Alert profile.
Women’s Basketball: Allegheny at Thiel
Nov. 29 at 5:30 p.m.
Beeghly Gymnasium
Thiel hosts Allegheny in women’s basketball.
For more information, contact Sports Information.
Men’s Basketball: Allegheny at Thiel
Nov. 29 at 7:30 p.m.
Beeghly Gymnasium
Thiel hosts Allegheny in men’s basketball.
For more information, contact Sports Information.
Tomcast General Meeting
Nov. 29 from 6-7 p.m.
Pedas 120, James Pedas Communication Center
General meeting for the podcast club on campus.
For more information, contact Bailey Stilts ’24.
Mindfulness and Meditation
Nov. 29 from 6–7 p.m.
David Johnson Memorial Chapel
Mindfulness with Pastor Brian Riddle ’07 is a variety of stretching, movement, and meditation designed to promote harmony between your body and mind, so that you may heal and grow in all the areas of your life. It is non-religious, and helpful whether you are a beginner or an experienced practitioner. It will be held every Wednesday when classes are in session.
For more information, contact Pastor Riddle at ext. 2130.
Spring Production Auditions
Nov. 29-30 from 7-8 p.m.
William A. Robinson Theatre
“The Awesome 80s Prom” is an audience-interactive blast-from-the-past party set at Wanaget High's Senior Prom...in 1989! There are 16 roles available, many of which are modeled on your favorite characters from ’80s movies as well as many behind the scenes roles.
Faculty, staff and community members are encouraged to audition!
For more information, please contact J.K. Rogers, Ph.D.
As The Page Turns Book Meeting
Nov. 29 from 7:30 p.m.
Pedas 125, James Pedas Communication Center
The club will be meeting for the first time to discuss what the club is about, learn who is interested, and share future events. They will share favorite novels, learn about one another and get a general idea of what genre members are interested in.
For more information, contact Madalyn Semmler ’27.
Phi Theta Phi Local Collection
Nov. 30 from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Along College Avenue, near David Johnson Memorial Chapel
The brothers of Phi Theta Phi will be collecting money near David Johnson Memorial Chapel for the organization’s 55th annual 100-mile Walk-a-thon to Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh.
For more information, contact Logan Ross ’25.
Career Tabling: UPMC
Nov. 30 from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Howard Miller Student Center hallway
Students, faculty and staff can meet and greet a representative from UPMC to learn about open job and internship opportunities.
For more information, contact Liza Schaef at ext. 2063.
Father Brandon Office Hours
Nov. 30 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Rudisill Room, Howard Miller Student Center
Father Brandon of St. Michael’s church will hold office hours on campus weekly. He will be meeting with students for counseling and hearing confession.
For more information, contact Pastor Pastor Brian Riddle ’07 at ext. 2130.
Passion Driven Statistics Poster Session
Nov. 30 at 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Second floor, Haer Family Science and Arts Connector
Students in PSY 215: Statistics for the Social Sciences will be presenting their class research posters!
For more information, please contact Kristel Gallagher, Ph.D.
Common Hour: Building Lasting Connections Through Language
Nov. 30 at 11 a.m.
Stamm Lecture Hall, James Pedas Communication Center
Panelists will discuss the importance of learning multiple languages.
Thiel Forum: Special Edition
Nov. 30 at 4 p.m.
Stamm Lecture Hall, James Pedas Communication Center
The last Thiel Forum: Special Edition of the semester is a single extended session being presented by Professor of History and Dietrich Honors Institute Director Sheila Nowinski, Ph.D. and Director of the Langenheim Memorial Library Tressa Snyder. The session is titled “Creativity in HONS 330” on the integration of creativity into research. This presentation is informed by presenters’ recent attendance at an honors conference.
Coping Skills 101
Nov. 30 at 4 p.m.
Across from the office of Pastor Brian Riddle ’07, Howard Miller Student Center
The Counseling Center is hosting its final stress relief workshops. All are welcome and encouraged to join! The workshop will be a casual atmosphere to practice coping with stress. Space is limited.
If interested or requesting more information, contact Jodie Witherite.
MBA Information Session
Nov. 30 at 6 p.m.
Online
The Thiel College admissions team will discuss the MBA program! During this information session students will hear from faculty and staff about coursework, the admissions process, financial aid and more!
For more information, contact the Office of Admission at ext. 2345.
Phi Theta Phi Kickoff Breakfast and Departure
Friday, Dec. 1 at 9 a.m.
TC Cafe, Howard Miller Student Center
Alumni, friends and the brothers of Phi Theta Phi will be joined by faculty and staff members at a kickoff breakfast to send the fraternity off on the organization’s 55th annual 100-mile Walk-a-thon to Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh.
For more information, contact Logan Ross ’25.
Environmental Club meeting
Dec. 1 at 4 p.m.
AC13, Academic Center
General meeting for Environmental Club.
Tomcast General Meeting
Dec.1 at 5 p.m.
Pedas 120, James Pedas Communication Center
General meeting for the podcast club on campus.
For more information, contact Bailey Stilts ’24.
Panhel Late Night Kickball Tournament
Dec. 1 at 8:30 p.m.
Beeghly Gymnasium
Thiel College Panhel is hosting a late night kickball tournament for all students and faculty to participate in. Each member is $5, but if you are involved with Greek Life it is only $2. Teams can have up to 8 members.
For more information, contact Ava Kidder ’25.
Paranormal Club Meeting/Discussion
Dec. 1 at 10 p.m.
Stamm Lecture Hall, James Pedas Communication Center
The Paranormal Club hosts a weekly movie night and conversation where they watch movies that relate to the paranormal based on real events and discuss the accuracy, inaccuracies, and other theories.
For more information, contact Cora Post ’24.
Academic Scholarship Competition
Dec. 2 at 9 a.m.
Various campus locations
Annual Thiel College Academic Scholarship Competition. Accepted students compete to win full tuition. Families and guests are invited for a day full of sessions on Thiel and a seated luncheon after.
For more information, contact the Office of Admission at ext. 2345.
Phi Theta Phi 100-mile Walk-a-thon
Saturday, Dec. 2 at 8 p.m.
Pittsburgh, Pa.
Alumni, friends and the brothers of Phi Theta Phi are scheduled to arrive at Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh as they complete their 55th annual 100-mile Walk-a-thon to Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh.
For more information, contact Logan Ross ’25.
Communion Service
Dec. 3 at 10:30 a.m.
David Johnson Memorial Chapel
Pastor Brian Riddle ’07 leads a Sunday service with communion at the Chapel.
For more information, contact Pastor Riddle at ext. 2130.
OBC African Cuisine Eats
Dec. 3 at 5 p.m.
Sawhill Georgian Room, Howard Miller Student Center
Join OBC to experience African cuisine!
Women’s Basketball: Hiram at Thiel
Dec. 4 at 7 p.m.
Beeghly Gymnasium
Thiel hosts Hiram in women’s basketball.
For more information, contact Sports Information.
St. Paul’s Fundraiser Raffle
A raffle is being held to ride in the firetruck during the Greenville Christmas parade.
For more information, contact John Hauser ’71 H’20.