Senior student-athletes Jared Curcio ’24 and Ashlyn Wightman ’25 represented Thiel College at the Presidents’ Athletic Conference Scholar-Athlete of the Year Banquet on May 16 at The Chadwick in Wexford, Pa.
+ Read the full story in the newsroom
Thiel College and Point Park University have established a pathway for Point Park undergraduates to smoothly enter Thiel College’s Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology program.
+ Read the full story in the newsroom
Charlotte Hornets Assistant General Manager Dotun Akinwale Jr. ’13 was among several professionals who were recognized for making an impact as a role model for high school and college students through his professional achievements and commitment to civic engagement. He was honored at the third annual Thiel College Mentor of the Year Awards.
+ Read the full story in the newsroom
Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine Director of Patient Care Susan Calderbank, D.M.D. was among several professionals who were recognized for making an impact as a role model for high school and college students through her professional achievements and commitment to civic engagement. She was honored at the third annual Thiel College Mentor of the Year Awards.
+ Read the full story in the newsroom
Deep Well Services CEO Mark Marmo ’93, was among several professionals who were recognized for making an impact as a role model for high school and college students through his professional achievements and commitment to civic engagement. He was honored at the third annual Thiel College Mentor of the Year Awards.
+ Read the full story in the newsroom
Thiel College recently awarded diplomas to its graduates following its spring 2024 academic semester.
+ Read the full story in the newsroom
The Class of 1971 Quadrangle will be dedicated at 4 p.m. June 15. Anyone interested in attending should rsvp to Cindy McClelland at ext. 2160.
Director of Advancement Mark Batt ’87 met with former football coach and Director of Athletics Jack Leipheimer ’74, who stopped by the Barry and Carol Stamm Track & Field Complex to see the new scoreboard.
Through Wednesday, June 5, the Langenheim Memorial Library will not offer services during the day. The building will be open as a study space, and the entrance to the Daniel and Dorothy Spence Academic Center on the library’s first floor will be open. Circulation Librarian Jeffrey Blanc will be available from 5-8 p.m. Monday through Thursday for anyone needing reference assistance or wanting to borrow materials.
During this time, the library hours will be as follows:
Regular library services will resume at 8 a.m. Thursday, June 6, and will continue with summer hours:
HR Notes
Thiel College welcomes
And says farewell to
Retirement planning available
Participants of the Thiel College Retirement Plan can meet with independent Retirement Plan Advisor Jack Ryan from HB Retirement for retirement planning needs through conference calls and virtual meetings. His office hours can be selected below.
Ryan is available for phone or Zoom calls on May 30
Ryan can assist you with questions regarding:
Greenville H.S. Graduation
May 31 at 6 p.m.
William A. Passavant Memorial Center
Greenville High School 2024 Graduation.
Bike MS: Escape to the Lake
June 1
Thiel College
The Bike MS: Escape to the Lake 2024, named by USA Today as one of the Top 10 cycling events in the country, will make its overnight stop at Thiel College for the third straight year!
Jeff Hughes piano concert
June 11 at 7 p.m.
David Johnson Memorial Chapel
Thiel College welcomes Jeff Hughes to the David Johnson Memorial Chapel for an evening of music. Hughes has spent nearly 30 years as a musician in the cruise industry and has recently been appointed the music director on the Queen Mary II cruise ship. Guests can expect a variety of solo piano arrangements.
This performance is free and open to the public as part of the Restore Riverside 2024 Summer Concert Series
St. Paul's Color Me Happy 5K
June 1 at 9 a.m.
St. Paul's, 339 East Jamestown Road, Greenville, Pa.
St. Paul’s is hosting a color run 5K.
$20 fee per race participant includes official 5K Race packet (Race map, runner’s bib, and race t-shirt).
For more information, contact Cindy Yeager at 724-588-9613 ext. 1312.
Riverside Park Concert Series: Memphis Honey Blues
June 8 at 5 p.m.
Riverside Park, Greenville, Pa.
Restore Riverside is proud to kick off the 2024 Summer Concert Series with the Memphis Honey Blues Band! This performance is free and open to the public.
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: Randall Burnett M.A.’22
Comment: “I just wanted to take a moment to express how much I value Randy's positive impact on campus. His commitment to organizing a variety of events and consistently being there for his athletes truly shows his dedication to nurturing and creating a vibrant campus community.”
Going the Extra Mile
Your Name: Roberta Leonard
Comment: “On Sunday May 12, Thiel graduated our newest class of students. That day was amazing, as was the entire weekend. The events that occurred were meaningful and well-executed. That does not happen without a committed group of people from all aspects of campus. The work that went into the successful weekend was led by the Commencement Committee including Amy Taczanowsky, Monica Adametz, Debbie Schreiber, Chris Casanta, Dom DiRienzo, Mike Mason, Jared Johnson, Anna Reinsel, Jaclyn Schulz and Paul Coatsworth.”
Publishing Schedule
T-Notes is published every other week during the summer break. It arrives Wednesday afternoons. The next edition will be out June 12, 2024. Send your event or news to tnotes@thiel.edu by noon Monday, June 10, 2024 to be published in that week’s edition.
Submit updates and news
The Office of Communications and Marketing is always looking for good content that can be featured in the weekly staff newsletter (T-Notes), the student newsletter (Thiel Happenings), the website Newsroom or on social media.
Please send any information about you, your students, your department or your colleagues to Dominick DiRienzo M.A.’22.
Information about anything your department is featuring this year, any faculty accomplishments or student activity.
These updates do not have to meet a “newsworthiness” standard and do not have to be things that you are specifically doing or hosting.
If you have any questions, contact DiRienzo at ext. 2188.
Communications collateral
Employees should update the logos used on institutional materials, including email signatures, letterhead, PowerPoint slides, etc.
Thiel College has used the shield and wordmark combination as the official institutional logo for more than a year. They are the only approved logo for academic co-curricular and institutional use. Additional athletic logo packages are also available.
Email signatures, brand resources, and a job request form are all available online. A Dropbox folder has been set up with instructions and the materials necessary to create new email signatures. Employees can find other Thiel College-branded resources including letterhead, logos and PowerPoint slides in the same folder.
Thiel College community members who need help with communications and marketing initiatives and collateral can now request those services with a job form. The request form is available on the communications and marketing webpage or linked directly below.
For more information, email the office.
Professor of English and James Pedas ’50 H ’89 Chair of Communication Mary Theresa Hall, Ph.D. was recognized on May 12 during a celebration that dedicated the commons area of the College’s oldest academic building and a portrait unveiling in the space.
+ Read the full story in the newsroom
Senior midfielder Ashlyn Wightman ’25 was named to the USA Lacrosse NCAA Division III All-American Second Team recently.
+ Read the full story in the newsroom
Thiel College celebrated the groundbreaking of the Daniel and Dorothy Spence Academic Center this Friday, marking the beginning of a transformative multi-million-dollar renovation project for its largest academic building.
+ Read the full story in the newsroom
With the completion of the spring semester, construction inside the Daniel and Dorothy Spence Academic Center will ramp up quickly. The building will be open throughout the project, but traffice will need to use specific entrances and around construction areas.
Going forward the building can be accessed through the Langenheim Memorial Library, the Science Connector, or the lower-level of the Science Wing (near the PA Program or to the rear of the building). The north entrance (near Pedas) and access to the main lobby, the lower-level, and the main elevator of the Spence Academic Center will be closed. The Solution Center will remain open and accessible through the Science Wing and Library. Please use caution around the construction zone and be conscientious of any cordoned-off areas.
If you need assistance with access to the building or temporary accommodations, students should reach Vice President for Academic Affairs and Dean of the College Greg Q. Butcher, Ph.D. (students) and employees to Jennifer Clark.
The Facilities Department will continue to update campus of construction developments.
Over the summer, AVI will be serving lunch from 11:30 a.m. through 1:30 p.m. on Mondays through Fridays (excluding days the College is closed for a holiday or paid day off). Lunch will be served in TC Café and occasionally The Bistro. Location changes will be communicated in advance and signs will be posted at those locations.
Employees are invited to purchase lunch in the TC Café for $8.20 if paying with cash or credit at the door, or for $5.43 if using a TCC employee meal plan. Any employee wishing to purchase and/or add money to an existing TCC plan can work with the Student Accounts Office to do so.
For employees who receive a meal plan as part of their compensation, those meal plans are active during the undergraduate fall and spring semesters. If you wish to enjoy lunch in the Bistro or TC Café over the summer months, you will need to either pay with cash or credit card at the door and/or set-up a TCC plan.
If you have any questions please contact AVI Resident Director Tina Gillam at 724-589-2204.
Community offers farewells to Antonino and Courtemanche
Lecturer of Communication Sciences & Disorders Nancy Antonino, Ph.D. was celebrated at retirement party on May 10. She has been a member of the Thiel community since 1989 and helped add a master’s to enhance the historically strong Communications Sciences and Disorders bachelor’s program. Faculty and staff attended the event as did members of the Joining Generations program (pictured above) from St. Paul’s.
Memebers of the Thiel Community gathered on May 14 to send off Professor of Political Science and Department Chair Marie Courtemanche, Ph.D. Courtmanche began teaching at Thiel in 2014.
The American Society of Safety Professionals congratulated Thiel College for winning its 2024 Spring Student Membership Drive.
The section will receive $200 to fund an upcoming meeting and provide an incentive for current members, a selection of ASSP T-shirts and complimentary dues renewal for one year for faculty advisor Anna Reinsel, Ph.D. ’06.
One lucky student will receive an ASSP Port Authority City backpack, and one lucky faculty advisor will also receive a complimentary year of full membership.
TC’s Health, Wellness & Safety Notes
May is Mental Health Awareness Month, but prioritizing mental health is essential year-round..
An individual’s mental health—how one thinks, feels and acts—can change over time due to various factors. Mental illnesses are some of the most common health conditions in the United States. While 1 in 5 adults experiences mental illness each year, less than half of them receive treatment.
The stigma around mental health and treatment has long existed, but fortunately, it’s becoming less of a taboo topic.
If you know someone who is experiencing a mental illness, be supportive, validate what they are going through and
minimize judgment about seeking help.
HR Notes
Thiel College says farewell to
Retirement planning available
Participants of the Thiel College Retirement Plan can meet with independent Retirement Plan Advisor Jack Ryan from HB Retirement for retirement planning needs through conference calls and virtual meetings. His office hours can be selected below.
Ryan is available for phone or Zoom calls on May 16, 21, and 30
Ryan can assist you with questions regarding:
Kiwanis Club
May 16 at 11:30 a.m.
Sawhill Georgian Room, Howard Miller Student Center
Each community has different needs, and Kiwanis empowers members to pursue creative ways to serve the needs of children through local service projects and fundraising.
Alumni Zoo Visits
May 18
Nationwide locations
Thiel College alumni are hosting events at the following zoos on May 18.
The rain make-up date is June 8.
Schedule of zoos and hosts:
For more information, contact David Hummel ’83 at ext. 2027.
New Student Orientation
May 18 at 9 a.m.
Campus
Students in the Class of 2028 come to campus for orientation.
For more information, contact the Office of Admissions at ext. 2345.
Buhl and Baughman Family Community Center Dance Recital
May 18 at 1 p.m.
William A. Passavant Memorial Center
Please call 724-981-3700 ext. 101 for tickets.
Physician Assistant Information Session
May 20 at noon
Online
The Physician Assistant Admissions Team will discuss the faculty and staff, course work, clinical rotations, the admissions process, financial aid and more!
For more information, contact the Office of Admissions at ext. 2345.
Docucenter Closed
May 24 and May 27
DocuCenter
The DocuCenter will be closed for Memorial Day on Monday, May 24 and Friday, May 27.
For more information, contact the DocuCenter at ext. 2267.
Mercer County Career Center Graduation
May 23 and May 27
William A. Passavant Memorial Center
Graduation of 203 students from the Mercer County Career Center.
Tax Saving Tips
May 16 at 6:30 p.m.
Anderson Fellowship Hall in The Heritage at St. Paul's, 339 East Jamestown Road, Greenville, Pa.
Accountant Robert Sherbondy and Director of Planned Giving Community Foundation of W PA and Eastern Ohio Amy Atkinson will cover minimizing capital gains tax, maxing out retirement contributions, annual gift tax exclusion, HSAs and FSAs, tax savings through charitable giving and more. An open Q & A session will follow presentation.
For those not comfortable attending in person, there will also be a virtual option through Zoom.
Reservations are recommended. Please register here. Or call 724-589-4667 and select option 7.
Grapes and Growlers Sponsored By Greenville Area Chamber of Commerce
May 18 from 4-7 p.m.
The Bistro, Howard Miller Student Center
General admission is $25 per person. Food will be available for purchase.
For more information or to purchase tickets contact Mark Batt ’87 at ext. 2157.
St. Paul's Color Me Happy 5K
June 1 at 9 a.m.
St. Paul's, 339 East Jamestown Road, Greenville, Pa.
St. Paul’s is hosting a color run 5K.
$20 fee per race participant includes official 5K Race packet (Race map, runner’s bib, and race t-shirt).
For more information, contact Cindy Yeager at 724-588-9613 ext. 1312.
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).
Nominee: Capri Turk
Nominator: Richard Orr
Comment: “Capri did an outstanding job leading the organization and execution of the 2024 Mentor Awards. This was the first time the awards had been consolidated into a single event. She pulled it off flawlessly. Great job!”
Publishing Schedule
T-Notes is published every other week during the summer break. It arrives Wednesday afternoons. The next edition will be out May 29, 2024. Send your event or news to tnotes@thiel.edu by noon Monday, May 27, 2024 to be published in that week’s edition.
Submit updates and news
The Office of Communications and Marketing is always looking for good content that can be featured in the weekly staff newsletter (T-Notes), the student newsletter (Thiel Happenings), the website Newsroom or on social media.
Please send any information about you, your students, your department or your colleagues to Dominick DiRienzo M.A.’22.
Information about anything your department is featuring this year, any faculty accomplishments or student activity.
These updates do not have to meet a “newsworthiness” standard and do not have to be things that you are specifically doing or hosting.
If you have any questions, contact DiRienzo at ext. 2188.
Communications collateral
Employees should update the logos used on institutional materials, including email signatures, letterhead, PowerPoint slides, etc.
Thiel College has used the shield and wordmark combination as the official institutional logo for more than a year. They are the only approved logo for academic co-curricular and institutional use. Additional athletic logo packages are also available.
Email signatures, brand resources, and a job request form are all available online. A Dropbox folder has been set up with instructions and the materials necessary to create new email signatures. Employees can find other Thiel College-branded resources including letterhead, logos and PowerPoint slides in the same folder.
Thiel College community members who need help with communications and marketing initiatives and collateral can now request those services with a job form. The request form is available on the communications and marketing webpage or linked directly below.
For more information, email the office.
A leading voice to eliminate global prejudice and intolerance and a former candidate for Pennsylvania Governor Laura E. Ellsworth, J.D. will be given an honorary degree and be the speaker for Thiel College’s 150th Commencement Exercises at 11 a.m. May 12 in the William A. Passavant Memorial Center.
+ Read the full story in the newsroom
The Thiel College Office of Communications and Marketing was recently recognized for a strategic communication collaboration with the Department of Athletics by a regional communications organization.
+ Read the full story in the newsroom
Thiel College Assistant Professor of History Jay Donis, Ph.D. hosted the campus community and external speakers to join his students as he discussed the complicated nature of protests as part of his class Protests in American History on Friday.
+ Read the full story in the newsroom
Thiel College celebrates its 150th Commencement Exercises this weekend, recognizing both Class of 2024 undergraduates and Master of Business Administration and Master of Clinical Mental Health Counseling graduates.
Saturday, May 11
7 p.m. Baccalaureate Service, David Johnson Memorial Chapel
Sunday, May 12
For more information click the link below to the 2024 Commencement Page
The Thiel College community is invited to the groundbreaking festivities for the Spence Academic Center at 3 p.m. Friday. Dan Spence and his family will be joining the Board of Trustees for this special occasion. As the renovation of the largest academic space on campus begins, the College is grateful for the Board’s commitment and Dan Spence’s generosity to this important project.
The groundbreaking program will be followed by a reception in the library. Celebrate the end of finals this week and the beginning of the Spence Center renovations by attending this event.
To RSVP email Cindy McClelland or call 724-589-2160.
The Wellness Committee’s spring slimdown group of 10 lost a grand total of 68 pounds through our challenge.
The winner lost 16 pounds.
Tennis coach Anthony Kobak and the Thiel Tennis teams fulfilled all 18 requests for used tennis balls from various Thiel College faculty and staff. For example, Cindy McCelland, Office of College Advancement, requested tennis balls for her three dogs - Lexie (an Australian Shepherd), Abby (a Border Collie) and a Diesel (a Boxer). (Lexie and Diesel pictured on left; Abby (not pictured) was hiding her tennis ball.) Also, Jean Carr, Manager of ComDoc DocuCenter and Heritage Days Committee Chairperson, was given 40 tennis balls to use for children’s activities at the upcoming Greenville Heritage Days in July.
Thiel Tennis also reached out to various local organizations. St. Paul’s Senior Living Community was contacted and student-athletes from both teams delivered over 100 tennis balls to the therapy department last week. Wendy Vaughn, Director of Volunteer Services and Life Enrichment said, “We will be making good use of the tennis balls for safety and ease of use applications on therapy gym equipment and residents' personal walkers, etc. The balls will suit our needs well for quite some time.”
Thiel Tennis teammates also delivered 75 balls to Strayhaven Animal Shelter. Above from left to right Mo Gerber’24, Bret Vilage ’27, Mei Williams’23 MBA’24 and Payton Blankenbeckley ’24 with Angel.
Cindy Underwood ’88 and James Carter ’95 were the featured speakers at the May 1 Ruth A. Miller Senior Business Seminar, which was the final class of the year. Underwood and Carter are partners in the consulting firm C&J Financial Foundations in Pittsburgh, Pa.
“For our final class of the semester, we were fortunate to have two speakers, Cindy Underwood ’88 and James Carter ’95, join us. Their presentation began with an interactive exercise aimed at demonstrating finding common ground and improving interpersonal connections.” Emma Hatfield ’25
“Cindy Underwood and James Carter spoke to the class about their own professional careers and then how their partnership came about. They were both very humorous and brought a lot of liveliness into their speeches. I enjoyed their personalities, and they were a wonderful close to this course.” Hailey McClain ’24
“Cindy's athletic ability brought her to Thiel to play basketball, where she became the all-time leading rebounder and was inducted into the Thiel Athletics Hall of Fame.” Jackson Pletcher ’24
“While at the IRS, she did undercover for a while and even fronted as an exotic dancer on one of the tax returns. She was also briefly on the presidential detail but said it was not that exciting because she just got to guard a garbage can.” Abigail Sefton ’25
“James shared his journey next, highlighting his college experience and career. Initially at Thiel for football, he described the college as having chosen him. Despite starting as an engineering major, James struggled with calculus and realized it wasn't the right fit. Contemplating leaving college, an admissions counselor suggested he explore accounting, which he found intriguing. By the third day of classes, James was certain he had found his calling.” Emma Hatfield ’25
“After college, he worked in construction in Pittsburgh, but he has also held a lot of jobs since then. He has worked in banks, healthcare, the legal system, a cemetery, he has been a football coach, and he has even worked at an ice cream truck. He also prides himself on doing the books for his sister-in-law’s small business, which provides a home for people with disabilities. Overall, he believes that he has taken away a learning experience from each job.” Madi Yurich ’24
“Thiel is important, and you do not realize it until you go out into the world.” Abigail Sefton ’25
Lessons Learned
Dinner Dishing
Epilogue
On Thursday, April 25, members of the Thiel College soccer and wrestling teams volunteered at the annual Greenville Lion’s Club Pancake and Sausage Day at the local K of C.
Last week, Thiel College's Instagram account featured members of the Thiel community and some of their volunteer causes.
The Operations Management class made their final operational plan presentation to CEO Alec Miller ’13 and CFO Lee Totten ’14, of Hurricane Venture, on Friday, April 26, 2024. The plan consisted of three parts based on the directives to assist in the growth of this start-up company.
Abraham Hochstetler ’24 was the project manager responsible for the overall completion of the project and directing the efforts of the three team leaders and their teams. Nick Janidlo ’24 was the team leader of the filter manufacturing process team consisting of Dillon Belknap ’25, Andrew Brandon ’24, Kevin Gilroy ’25, Caden Loutzenhiser ’25, Katherine Smith ’25, and Shamod Hatton ’24. Their team was to develop an improvement of the work flow, the optimization of manufacturing and improve overall efficiency.
Jordan Lang ’24 was the team leader of inventory team with an assistant team leader Casey Yacos ’25 with Madalyn Russell ’25, Aidan Ochs ’25, Ethan Cooper ’25 and Jacara Green ’24. This team focused on improvement of the inventory structure regarding raw goods, work-in-process and finished goods. The team has also looked at inventory software packages, and supply chain and warehouse management software and the cost-benefit analysis for the most effective approach.
Nick DiLullo ’24 directed the activities of the 3PL (third party logistics providers) team which includes Zachary Bergstresser ’25, Joshua Govannucci ’25, Dakota King ’25, Chris Slaven ’25 and Baylee Young ’24. The team developed a plan for Hurricane to become a third party logistics provider by securing quotations from six different providers, along with a cost-benefit analysis to assist in determining the utilization of the best system.
As of the presentation, the three teams met their individual goals for the executive team at Hurricane Venture.
TC’s Health, Wellness & Safety Notes
May is Mental Health Awareness Month, but prioritizing mental health is essential year-round..
An individual’s mental health—how one thinks, feels and acts—can change over time due to various factors. Mental illnesses are some of the most common health conditions in the United States. While 1 in 5 adults experiences mental illness each year, less than half of them receive treatment.
The stigma around mental health and treatment has long existed, but fortunately, it’s becoming less of a taboo topic.
If you know someone who is experiencing a mental illness, be supportive, validate what they are going through and
minimize judgment about seeking help.
HR Notes
Thiel College welcomes
And says farewell to
Retirement planning available
Participants of the Thiel College Retirement Plan can meet with independent Retirement Plan Advisor Jack Ryan from HB Retirement for retirement planning needs through conference calls and virtual meetings. His office hours can be selected below.
Ryan is available for phone or Zoom calls on May 16, 21, and 30
Ryan can assist you with questions regarding:
Baccalaureate Service
May 11 from 7–9 p.m.
David Johnson Memorial Chapel
Graduating seniors will be celebrated in a baccalaureate service. Students will reflect on their time at Thiel, in a service with readings, music and ritual. This year’s theme is “The Flow of Life’s Call.”
Senior Bonfire
May 11 from 8–11 p.m.
Lower campus
Post Baccalaureate service bonfire and gathering.
150th Commencement Exercises
May 12 at 11 a.m.
William A. Passavant Memorial Center
Graduating seniors will be celebrated during the 150th Commencement Exercises.
Tax Saving Tips
May 16 at 6:30 p.m.
Anderson Fellowship Hall in The Heritage at St. Paul's, 339 East Jamestown Road, Greenville, Pa.
Accountant Robert Sherbondy and Director of Planned Giving Community Foundation of W PA and Eastern Ohio Amy Atkinson will cover minimizing capital gains tax, maxing out retirement contributions, annual gift tax exclusion, HSAs and FSAs, tax savings through charitable giving and more. An open Q & A session will follow presentation.
For those not comfortable attending in person, there will also be a virtual option through Zoom.
Reservations are recommended. Please register here. Or call 724-589-4667 and select option 7.
Grapes and Growlers Sponsored By Greenville Area Chamber of Commerce
May 18 from 4-7 p.m.
The Bistro, Howard Miller Student Center
General admission is $25 per person. Food will be available for purchase.
For more information or to purchase tickets contact Mark Batt ’87 at ext. 2157.
St. Paul's Color Me Happy 5K
June 1 at 9 a.m.
St. Paul's, 339 East Jamestown Road, Greenville, Pa.
St. Paul’s is hosting a color run 5K.
$20 fee per race participant includes official 5K Race packet (Race map, runner’s bib, and race t-shirt).
For more information, contact Cindy Yeager at 724-588-9613 ext. 1312.
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).
Nominee: John Hauser ’71 H’20
Nominator: Mike Mason
Comment: “John has always been an avid supporter of the Thiel College Veteran Community and I just wanted to recognize and thank him for his thoughtful donation to purchase this year’s official Thiel College Veteran shirts. John, from all TC Veterans, we greatly appreciate your support!”
Publishing Schedule
T-Notes is published every week during the academic year. It arrives Wednesday afternoons. The next edition will be out May 15, 2024. Send your event or news to tnotes@thiel.edu by noon Monday, May 13, 2024 to be published in that week’s edition.
Submit updates and news
The Office of Communications and Marketing is always looking for good content that can be featured in the weekly staff newsletter (T-Notes), the student newsletter (Thiel Happenings), the website Newsroom or on social media.
Please send any information about you, your students, your department or your colleagues to Dominick DiRienzo M.A.’22.
Information about anything your department is featuring this year, any faculty accomplishments or student activity.
These updates do not have to meet a “newsworthiness” standard and do not have to be things that you are specifically doing or hosting.
If you have any questions, contact DiRienzo at ext. 2188.
Communications collateral
Employees should update the logos used on institutional materials, including email signatures, letterhead, PowerPoint slides, etc.
Thiel College has used the shield and wordmark combination as the official institutional logo for more than a year. They are the only approved logo for academic co-curricular and institutional use. Additional athletic logo packages are also available.
Email signatures, brand resources, and a job request form are all available online. A Dropbox folder has been set up with instructions and the materials necessary to create new email signatures. Employees can find other Thiel College-branded resources including letterhead, logos and PowerPoint slides in the same folder.
Thiel College community members who need help with communications and marketing initiatives and collateral can now request those services with a job form. The request form is available on the communications and marketing webpage or linked directly below.
For more information, email the office.
Dozens of Thiel College employees and students joined community members, sexual assault survivors and AWARE personnel as the campus hosted the annual Take Back the Night event on Friday, April 26.
+ Read the full story in the newsroom
Thiel College hosted television anchors, reporters and photographers from Pittsburgh, Youngstown, and Erie on Tuesday to speak with students about careers in communication and television.
+ Read the full story in the newsroom
The Thiel College Student-Athlete Advisory Committee and the Department of Athletics hosted the third annual Tommys Sunday night at the William A. Passavant Center.
+ Read the full story in the newsroom
Thiel College hosted its third annual Mentor of the Year event on Friday, April 26. The event recognizes the extraordinary contributions of alumni, educators, and professionals in a ceremony held in the Howard Miller Student Center’s Sawhill Georgian Room. The event, part of the Thiel College Mentor of the Year Initiative, underscores the significant professional and civic impacts of these individuals, celebrating the deep connections they foster within the community.
+ Read the full story in the newsroom
President Susan Traverso, Ph.D. hosted the final Thiel News Time (TNT) was held Tuesday.
Faculty and staff members gathered in the Sawhill Georgian Room to hear introductions of new employees and a recap a busy spring semester and to discuss key updates regarding enrollment, the budget and an outline of the board retreat and meeting.
The meeting was also an opportunity to celebrate several high points from the past semester and also set the stage for the Commencement Exercises on May 12, the dedication of the first floor for Professor of English and James Pedas Endowed Chair of Communication Mary Theresa Hall, Ph.D. and groundbreaking for the Daniel and Dorothy Spence Academic Center on May 10.
The Speech-Language Pathology department invites faculty, staff, and students on May 9 to join them from 1-3pm as they celebrate Dr. Nancy Antonino.
Antonino has been a member of the Thiel community since 1989 and helped add a master’s degree to enhance the historically strong Communications Sciences and Disorders bachelor’s degree program. Here retirement party will be in the lobby of the Glen Johnson Community Center.
Kayla Emanuelson ’13; Aaron Wakley ’15; Allison Wakley ’16; Louie Karellas ’20 MBA’22; and Kate Sollers ’22 were the featured speakers at the April 24 Ruth A. Miller Senior Business Seminar. Emanuelson is a tax manager at SSB CPAs, Aaron Wakley a financial consultant at PRESTIGE Wealth Strategies, Allison Wakley a human resource and recruiting specialist at LECOM, Karellas a payroll analyst at The Walt Disney Company, and Sollers a production scheduler at Hiab USA.
“Having the opportunity to hear from a panel of Thiel alumni that were recent graduates was a unique and special experience. As many of the students in the class are graduating in May and have a lot of change approaching it was encouraging to hear Aaron, Allison, Louie, Kate, and Kayla discuss their current positions and how they got there.” Julianne Slagle ’24
“Kayla graduated with majors in Business and Accounting and a minor in English and was also able to graduate with 150 credits in four years. She then passed the CPA exam in six months and went four for four on all the tests.” Abigail Sefton ’25
“A former resident director, Louie now works at Disney doing risk assessment and auditing for their various branches. A major in international business and business administration, Louie spoke on how he loved his professors at Thiel. While at Thiel he had an internship at Disney which would help him secure a job later on.” George Tice ’24
“Kayla emphasized the importance of tackling the CPA exam early, she cautions against underestimating its complexity. Unlike traditional exams, cramming for the CPA exam is not a viable strategy. Kayla found the financial portion to be the most challenging, differing from the opinion of Professor Kassalen who considered it to be the easiest.” Jackson Pletcher ’24
“The other big piece of advice Kayla had for the CPA exam is to take a review course. She stated that what is on the CPA exam is not like what you see in school or in your work. Neither experience will adequately prepare you to take the CPA exam alone.” Connor Lovic ’24
“The panel gave us lots of wisdom such as discussing the importance of budgeting and even a tool to do so. It gave me some hope to hear that one panelist was able to pay off $75k of student debt in 2 ½ years. We were also given investment advice (Roth IRA over Traditional IRA) and had the terms ‘debt snowball’ and ‘debt avalanche’ defined to us. As a non-business major, I found this down-to-earth advice really useful and uplifting as I enter the real world with debt and little financial knowledge.” George Tice ’24
“A lesson I thought was very important was learning about work life balance and how important that is in the future and being able to still live your life while working long days. A few of the members of the panel also had young families and they needed to be able to balance their careers along with starting a family.” Aidan Rispoli ’25
“I just thought it was really cool to see what people I went to college with and saw graduate not long ago have been up to and how they are moving forward in life.” Jacob Traupman ’24
“One main message that I got from the panel of speakers was to pursue what you love and what is meant to find you will find you if you are patient.” Julianne Slagle ’24
“Overall, all of the panel provided great insights and advice for all of us that will be useful soon.” Connor Lovic ’24
Lessons Learned
Dinner “Dishing”
Final exams are upon us, and the TLC would like to remind you of our peer-led review sessions. Our schedule of sessions is included below.
For more information, contact Than Oo.
TC’s Health, Wellness & Safety Notes
May is Mental Health Awareness Month, but prioritizing mental health is essential year-round..
An individual’s mental health—how one thinks, feels and acts—can change over time due to various factors. Mental illnesses are some of the most common health conditions in the United States. While 1 in 5 adults experiences mental illness each year, less than half of them receive treatment.
The stigma around mental health and treatment has long existed, but fortunately, it’s becoming less of a taboo topic.
If you know someone who is experiencing a mental illness, be supportive, validate what they are going through and
minimize judgment about seeking help.
HR Notes
Thiel College welcomes
Retirement planning available
Participants of the Thiel College Retirement Plan can meet with independent Retirement Plan Advisor Jack Ryan from HB Retirement for retirement planning needs through conference calls and virtual meetings. His office hours can be selected below.
Ryan is available Tuesday, May 7 for in-person meetings on campus.
Ryan is available for phone or Zoom calls on May 6, 16, 21, and 30
Ryan can assist you with questions regarding:
Challenge 24 Competition
May 1 from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Lutheran Heritage Room, Howard Miller Student Center
The bi-annual Challenge 24 competition will be held in the Lutheran Heritage Room.
Stuff-a-Plush
May 2 from 11 a.m. to noon
Lutheran Heritage Room, Howard Miller Student Center
Students will have an opportunity to fill their very own stuffed animal for them to take home.
Chess Club Tournament
May 2 from 5–10 p.m.
201 Greenville Hall
School and community Chess Club tournament! The games will be 20 minutes long with each player getting 10 minutes each for moves. There will be a grand prize gift card as well as snacks for players.
Fellowship of Christian Athletes Bonfire
May 2 from 8–11 p.m.
Quad Fire Pit
Thiel’s Fellowship of Christian Athletes will hold their final meeting with a campfire, s’mores, bible study, and fun.
Circle K Car Smash
May 3 from 4–7 p.m.
Greenville Hall parking lot
Circle K is having their annual car smash fundraiser as part of the Farewell Festival.
Farewell Festival
May 3 from 4:30–7 p.m.
Greenville Hall Lawn
All college departments and offices will be invited to host an activity for Thiel College’s farewell festival. This festival will feature games, activities, crafts or other events to celebrate the end of the semester.
Bingo in Bly
May 3 from 7–9 p.m.
Bly Hall
Student Life will host weekly bingo games in Bly Hall.
For more information, contact Than Oo at too@thiel.edu.
Class of 2024 Graduation Rehearsal Picnic and Dinner
May 5 from 5:30–8:30 p.m.
Passavant Center and Lawn, Howard Miller Student Center
As part of the celebration for the graduating class, there will be a picnic on the Howard Miller Student Center lawn for seniors prior to graduation rehearsal. Additionally, a tree dedication ceremony will take place before rehearsal.
Baccalaureate Service
May 11 from 7–9 p.m.
David Johnson Memorial Chapel
Graduating seniors will be celebrated in a baccalaureate service. Students will reflect on their time at Thiel, in a service with readings, music and ritual. This year’s theme is “The Flow of Life’s Call.”
Senior Bonfire
May 11 from 8–11 p.m.
Lower campus
Post Baccalaureate service bonfire and gathering.
150th Commencement Exercises
May 12 at 11 a.m.
William A. Passavant Memorial Center
Graduating seniors will be celebrated during the 150th Commencement Exercises.
Tax Saving Tips
May 16 at 6:30 p.m.
Anderson Fellowship Hall in The Heritage at St. Paul's, 339 East Jamestown Road, Greenville, Pa.
Accountant Robert Sherbondy and Director of Planned Giving Community Foundation of W PA and Eastern Ohio Amy Atkinson will cover minimizing capital gains tax, maxing out retirement contributions, annual gift tax exclusion, HSAs and FSAs, tax savings through charitable giving and more. An open Q & A session will follow presentation.
For those not comfortable attending in person, there will also be a virtual option through Zoom.
Reservations are recommended. Please register here. Or call 724-589-4667 and select option 7.
Grapes and Growlers Sponsored By Greenville Area Chamber of Commerce
May 18 from 4-7 p.m.
The Bistro, Howard Miller Student Center
General admission is $25 per person. Food will be available for purchase.
For more information or to purchase tickets contact Mark Batt ’87 at ext. 2157.
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).
Nominee: Than Oo
Nominator: Kristel Gallagher
Comment: “Than happened to be walking by while I was taking down poster easels at the Scholarship & Arts Symposium and, in true Than form, he jumped in to help. He stayed until the entire area was cleaned up and made the job much easier on me. Thank you, Than!”
Nominee: Michelle Lentz
Nominator: Kristel Gallagher
Comment: “Michelle was instrumental in helping me set up the poster easels for the PA Research Poster Session at the Scholarship & Arts Symposium. Michelle gave up her precious morning time to help me organize, straighten, and make "perfect" the easels in our designated space. Thank you!”
Publishing Schedule
T-Notes is published every week during the academic year. It arrives Wednesday afternoons. The next edition will be out May 8, 2024. Send your event or news to tnotes@thiel.edu by noon Monday, May 6, 2024 to be published in that week’s edition.
Submit updates and news
The Office of Communications and Marketing is always looking for good content that can be featured in the weekly staff newsletter (T-Notes), the student newsletter (Thiel Happenings), the website Newsroom or on social media.
Please send any information about you, your students, your department or your colleagues to Dominick DiRienzo M.A.’22.
Information about anything your department is featuring this year, any faculty accomplishments or student activity.
These updates do not have to meet a “newsworthiness” standard and do not have to be things that you are specifically doing or hosting.
If you have any questions, contact DiRienzo at ext. 2188.
Communications collateral
Employees should update the logos used on institutional materials, including email signatures, letterhead, PowerPoint slides, etc.
Thiel College has used the shield and wordmark combination as the official institutional logo for more than a year. They are the only approved logo for academic co-curricular and institutional use. Additional athletic logo packages are also available.
Email signatures, brand resources, and a job request form are all available online. A Dropbox folder has been set up with instructions and the materials necessary to create new email signatures. Employees can find other Thiel College-branded resources including letterhead, logos and PowerPoint slides in the same folder.
Thiel College community members who need help with communications and marketing initiatives and collateral can now request those services with a job form. The request form is available on the communications and marketing webpage or linked directly below.
For more information, email the office.
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