Thiel Happenings

New sonar find sparks latest theory about what happened to famed aviator Earhart

The recent developments in the search for Amelia Earhart H’32, the iconic aviator who mysteriously disappeared over the Pacific Ocean in 1937, have a special meaning for the Thiel College community.

+ Read the full story in the newsroom

Thiel College education majors finishing program with student-teaching assignments

Nineteen members of the Thiel College Class of 2024 are finishing their degrees with student-teaching assignments at six Mercer County school districts.

+ Read the full story in the newsroom

Founders' Day celebration is Thursday

Linda (Dean) ’75 and Barry Oman ’74 will join 10 Thiel College employees as honorees for the College’s annual Founders’ Day celebration at 11 a.m. Thursday, Feb. 1 in the Lutheran Heritage Room of the Howard Miller Student Center.

• Stream the event live.
• Read more.

In addition to the Barbara and Louis Thiel recognition, the Founders’ Day ceremony will highlight the contributions of Thiel College employees.

Five staff members will be honored with a Distinguished Staff Award:

• Olivia “Libbi” Brown, of Greenville, Pa., admissions counselor and Career Development Center liaison
• Dominick DiRienzo M.A.’22, of Meadville, Pa., director of communications and marketing
• Jacob Frantz ’23 MBA’25, of Greenville, Pa., Solution Center support specialist
• Stacy Gerber, of Atlantic, Pa., facilities office coordinator
• Michelene Orteza, of Sharon, Pa., cataloging and reference librarian and interim director

Five faculty members will also be honored with awards.

• Distinguished Adjunct: John Morettini ’94, of Meadville, Pa., Adjunct Professor of Environmental Science
• Distinguished Scholar: Christopher Morgan, Ph.D., of Cortland, Ohio, Assistant Professor of Chemistry
• Distinguished Service: Mary Beth Mason, Ph.D., of Edinboro, Pa., Professor of Communication Sciences and Disorders, Speech-Language Pathology program director and Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders chair
• Distinguished Teacher: Greg Kingston, Ed.D., of Slippery Rock, Pa., Assistant Professor of Exercise Science
• Distinguished Professor: Marie Courtemanche, Ph.D., of Hermitage, Pa., Professor of Political Science and Department of Political Science chair

Wilt, Traverso testify before rural population impact

The Center for Rural Pennsylvania Board of Directors, Center staff, and other state and local officials and stakeholders, are holding a public hearing in Mercer County to address rural population change in light of the Center’s recent population projections through 2050. Changes in Pennsylvania’s population will likely affect a wide range of policy issues, including workforce availability, housing, healthcare, education, and transportation.

• Read more in the Thiel College Newsroom.
• Watch the hearing.

Wilt's testimony begins at the 1-hour and 47-minute mark of the video. President Traverso's testimony begins at the 2-hour and 47-minute mark.

Thiel community invited to comment as nursing department seeks B.S.N. accreditation

The Thiel College Department of Nursing will be hosting an accreditation visit by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education on April 10-12. The visit is part of the College’s effort to seek nursing accreditation of the Bachelor of Science in Nursing program.

In accordance with CCNE’s procedures, the Commission provides the opportunity for program constituents and other interested parties to submit, in writing, third-party comments concerning a program’s qualifications for accreditation.

Written third-party comments regarding the Thiel College B.S.N. program must be received by CCNE no later than March 20. Only signed comments are accepted by CCNE. All third-party comments submitted to CCNE must be written in English, consistent with CCNE's policy on Conduct of Business in English.

CCNE shares third-party comments with members of the evaluation team prior to the visit, but at no time during the review process are these comments shared with the program. During its review of the program, the evaluation team considers third-party comments that relate to the accreditation standards.

• Email comments to the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education regarding the Bachelor of Science Nursing  program at Thiel College.

Or mail comments
Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
Attn: Third-Party Comments
655 K Street, NW, Suite 750
Washington, DC 20001

Faculty & Staff: Check your email for the the link to enter your soup or chili recipe in the cook off and you could take home the GOLDEN LADLE! 🏆

Farewell gathering for Pastor Riddle

Say farewell to Pastor Brian Riddle ’07 from 1 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. on February 2 in Weyers Lounge of the Howard Miller Student Center and wish him the best in his new role.

Student News

Leonard kicks off the 2024 Ruth A. Miller Senior Seminar

Thiel College Vice President for College Advancement Roberta Leonard was the featured speaker at the January 24 Ruth A. Miller Senior Business Seminar. Leonard has worked at Thiel for more than 20 years in a variety of positions, currently serving as Vice President for College Advancement. Roberta guided the class through an etiquette dinner, highlighting the dos and don’ts of dining in a business situation. After dinner, she shared her experiences working in government and at Thiel.

• Read all the student comments.

“After advancing her career while being employed by the county, she was hired at Thiel College to continue using her grant writing gift. While working for Thiel, she held various job titles, including Executive Director of the Capital Campaign, Director of Grants, and Vice President of College Advancement, among others. She stated that she loves her job, and it shows with her contributions at Thiel as the institution achieves very high returns on its investments.”  Jacara Green ’25

“Throughout her whole career, Roberta made an impact on people’s lives. ...she was always mission driven and devoted to improving the life of those around her and who she worked for.” Connor Lovic ’24

“Roberta spoke about the importance of connection with others, developing relationships that improve the quality of all parties involved. In her words, ‘relationships drive success.’  Her passion to change people’s lives daily truly supports her desire for mission driven work. She spoke of the importance of knowing what drives you, what makes you continue to want to push forward.” Damion Grinnell ’25

“Just like myself, Roberta was a first-generation college student as well as her other five siblings. Roberta referred to her family as being the core of her life and how they have always kept her motivated. I found that very comforting to hear because family means the same to me and why I am where I’m at today.” Taya Sykes ’24

Lessons Learned

• “Get out and travel to experience new things.” Emma Hatfield ’25
• “Hold your friends and family close. You don’t get them back so you must cherish it while you can.” Connor Lovic ’24
• “Your family does not have to be your blood relatives; it is who you make it.” Alex Martin ’24
• “Always be kind to everyone because you don’t know what others are going through.” Hailey McClain ’24
• “Loving what you do and making a difference is worth more than the money you make.” Julianne Slagle ’25

Dinner “Dishing”

• The dinner experience was definitely very humbling. I learned how to eat challenging foods and how to act during a professional business meal. I especially learned about foods that are not ideal menu choices during a professional meal, particularly spaghetti noodles. Overall, I thought all the food was amazing, but I especially favored the frozen brownie sundae.” Madi Yurich ’24
• “Our table had many good conversations about different things such as classes that have impacted us and our families. Another thing we talked about was some of our experiences here at Thiel and how our time here has shaped and changed us.” Nick DiLullo ’24