Thiel Happenings

Thiel College names Michelene Orteza as Director of Langenheim Memorial Library

Thiel College has appointed Michelene Orteza, the former interim director, as the new Director of Langenheim Memorial Library.

+ Read the full story in the newsroom

Cleveland artist Stina Aleah to showcase work and inspire students at Thiel College

Thiel College’s Common Hour will feature Stina Aleah, a nationally acclaimed Cleveland-based artist, at 11:30 a.m. on Thursday, Feb. 27, in Stamm Lecture Hall at the Pedas Communication Center.

+ Read the full story in the newsroom

‘Match to the Future’ one-day giving at event at Thiel College set for another big year

Thiel College’s biggest fundraising event of the year, Match Day: Match to the Future, will take place on Tuesday, March 4, with a full day of philanthropic challenges, spirited competitions, and community celebration.

+ Read the full story in the newsroom

Campus comes together for Honors Convocation

The annual Thiel College Academic Honors Convocation, held on Friday, February 21, 2025, in the William A. Passavant Memorial Center, celebrated the academic achievements of students and honored distinguished alumni.

Kaitlyn Schmidt '25, a senior mathematics secondary major, delivered the student address titled "Decoding Success: The Formula for Academic Excellence." Meanwhile Dr. Thomas R. Guskey '72, Professor Emeritus at the University of Kentucky, was awarded an honorary degree by the College in recognition of his significant contributions to the field of education.

The event also acknowledged students who earned Dean’s List honors, received named and endowed scholarships, and were members of honor societies, highlighting the academic excellence within the Thiel College community.

• Watch the 2025 Academic Honors Convocation.
• View photos of 2025 Academic Honors Convocation.
• Check out all the amazing moments from Thiel College’s events, both past and present.

Upcoming TNT moved to Stamm Hall in the Pedas Center

The third Thiel News Time gathering of the spring semester is at 11:30 a.m. Tuesday, March 4 in Stamm Hall of the James Pedas Communication Center. 

Remaining schedule:

• Tuesday, March 4
• Tuesday, April 15

Midterm donut and fry pie sale to benefit equestrians

The equestrian team is scheduled to have donuts and fry pies on campus to sell on March 6, starting around 9 a.m.

Donuts are $2, and fry pies are $3.

Team members will be at the Post Office entrance from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Additionally, smoked country meat sticks will be on sale, two for $3.

Student News

Haller entreprenuer scholarship application available

• Apply online.

Taylor discusses focus, family, faith, and finish with senior seminar students

Damen Taylor ’95, was the featured speaker at the February 19th Ruth A. Miller Senior Business Seminar. Damen has more than 25 years of experience in non-profit and governmental accounting. He also serves as the vice president of the Thiel College Alumni Association Board of Directors and has been a frequent speaker on campus, both in this class and at other venues.

“Damen Taylor, hereinafter referred to as DT, is the true embodiment of school pride, legacy, and inspiration. As a native of Pittsburgh, he returned to his alma mater for the 10th year to speak to the senior seminar class. His energy lit up the room, and he welcomed students as they arrived.” Anna Kavulla ’27

“Mr. Taylor is a Thiel alumnus from the class of 1995 where he studied Business Administration and Accounting with a minor in Religious Studies. Mr. Taylor is originally from McKeesport, Pennsylvania which is right down the road from my house.” Zach Johns ’25

“As a Senior Budget Analyst for the Allegheny County Department of Human Services, he manages budgets and accounts for multiple divisions within a half-billion-dollar organization, ensuring financial efficiency and the strategic allocation of resources. Beyond his work in the public sector, he also provides financial guidance to smaller nonprofit organizations, helping them strengthen their fiscal operations.” Sam Denu ’26

“He works as a nonprofit accountant and jokes around about how much he hated governmental accounting class and is now working in that field of accounting.” Jordan Castona ’25

“His passion for Thiel was evident from the beginning of his presentation. He emphasized that he “bleeds blue and gold” and owns more Thiel merchandise than the campus store!” Ava Kavulla ’25

“He explained that from a young age, he had a natural aptitude for math, recalling a summer when he was grounded and spent the entire time reading his mother’s old college textbooks on accounting. It was then that he realized not only was he good at it, but he enjoyed it.” Josie Gadsby ’26

“He was also a first-generation student in his family to go to and complete college. His father had attended Thiel College but dropped out. Damen ended up going to Thiel because of this: ‘I’ll show him, I’m going to succeed where you failed.” Kaitlynn Wolffe ’25

“DT shared his insights, which he condensed to the four “F’s”— focus, family, faith, and finish.” Anna Kavulla ’27

“Focus Shapes Reality, what I choose to focus on will determine my success. A clear and determined mindset leads to meaningful results.” Sam Denu ’26

“Your focus will determine your reality.” Lexi Brown ’26

“Damen explained how his family had a huge part in his life. His mom grounding him led him to becoming an accountant and who he is today. Family will always be there for you through the tough and distracting times.” Jacob Castona ’25

“Damen faced a lot of hardship while at Thiel, as he lost a few loved ones during his college career. He spoke to us about how Thiel is a family. He “found his world” at Thiel, and that Thiel saved his life, as it pulled him out of a bad spot and gave him a purpose, passion, and a family.” Cora Post ’25

“He then talked about how his faith — in God, in himself, and in others — has been pivotal in his success. Sometimes you need someone to believe in you so you can believe in yourself.” Anna Kavulla ’27

“Having a faith is an essential foundation to your life (not always religion either).” Kaitlynn Wolffe ’25

“Lastly, Mr. Taylor emphasized the importance of finishing what we start. He acknowledged that challenges would arise, but he urged us to remain committed to our endeavors, no matter how difficult they may seem. He emphasized the significance of following through on our commitments, even in the face of setbacks.” Natalie Pape ’26

“Many jobs seek bachelor’s degrees when hiring candidates. This is not necessarily to prove experience or show that you got a “B” in macroeconomics, but it shows employers that you are able to finish what you started, regardless of the constantly moving world and changing elements. If you have a degree, you are capable of persevering in the workplace.” Kaitlyn Herrmann

“Think of finish as how it gives the shine to furniture.” Zach Johns ’25

“Later, he did an exercise where he called up three classmates who held up signs with the description words: cheap, fast, and good. This exercise was utilized in the late Professor Miller’s marketing class. It taught the class that in the span of our career we need to work our way to becoming fast and good, not cheap.” Ava Kavulla ’25

“He attributed the success of his college career to Prof. David Miller. David Miller was not only his professor and advisor, but he also believed in Damen and his success and had become a mentor to him. Damen said, “(He) gave him the tools to forever feed his kids.” Damen said that he is forever indebted to David Miller and continues to speak at the Senior Seminar in his memory.” Kaitlyn Herrmann ’26

“DT expressed deep respect for Professor Miller, even stating that Miller gave him the skills to provide for his children.” Lexi Brown ’26

“His experiences navigating multiple jobs and career shifts also reinforced the idea that setbacks are not failures but stepping-stones to new opportunities.” Seungyeon Hong ’25

““Damen learned the importance of resilience when he lost his loved ones in school, and he also learned that it is vital to know who will be there to support, regardless of success or failure; Damen told us that we need to surround ourselves with these people and never let them go.” Ethan Tabaka ’26

“As I listened to the lecture, I was reminded of the long journey and effort he took to get to this place. Although he seemed humorous and cheerful on the outside, he had strong will and determination hidden inside. His appearance was truly impressive, and I felt respect for him in many ways.” Ji Hyeon Moon ’25

“I also appreciated how Mr. Taylor was not afraid to talk about failure. He repeatedly told us stories about his failures and personal struggles, which was a testament to how transformation is always possible. Without those failures, he would not be the same person he is today and would not have accomplished everything he has.” Kelly Oros ’26

“DT ended his presentation by stating, “This is just the beginning. Greatness starts here.” Encouraged by these words, I look forward to what the future holds for myself and my fellow Tomcats.” Anna Kavulla ’27

“One of my favorite parts of his talk was how highly he spoke about accounting majors. He jokingly referred to us as ‘ninjas’ and ‘Navy SEALs,’ highlighting the precision, skill, and discipline required in the field. While I wouldn’t go quite that far, it was motivating to hear someone speak so passionately about my chosen major.” Josie Gadsby ’26

“I found his presentation insightful and highly informative, offering valuable lessons that can help shape my career. Overall, it was a wonderful and enriching experience to learn from Mr. Taylor.” Sam Denu ’26

“There were many lessons I learned from this unique presentation. If I wrote them all out this paper would be way too many pages long. Overall, Damen Taylor’s presentation, The DT Show’, was highly impactful in my eyes, and one of the best classes yet. On top of his humor, there were many lessons encoded, and those lessons I can carry with me.” Derrik Zappa ’26

“Throughout this night I both laughed a lot and learned a lot, and I will never forget Damen and his story. He led an inspiring life, and if any one of us students were half as successful as him, we would be incredibly lucky. Thank you, Damen!” Ethan Tabaka ’26

“I truly enjoyed his speech and his presence during the night, and I hope to catch him at next year’s Homecoming!” Natalie Pape ’26

Lessons Learned

• “Life is full of distractions and hardships; it will not be easy.” Ethan Tabaka ’26
• “Life is like algebra: you might know one thing, but not the other, and you have to solve for x.” Kelly Oros ’26
• “He demonstrated that setbacks—whether personal, academic, or financial—are opportunities to learn and grow.” Josie Gadsby ’26
• “If you are going to make a mistake, make different ones, don’t make the same mistake twice.” Cora Post ’25
• “Resilience and adaptability are key to success.” Seungyeon Hong ’25
• “Trust what you know and believe in it.” Derrik Zappa ’26
• “Learn to believe in the people who believe in you.” Lexi Brown ’26
• “Enjoy what you do.” Jacob Castona ’25
• “Learn how to lose gracefully, but party like a rockstar when you win.” Kelly Oros ’26
• “Fortune favors the bold.” Bryce Stubert ’26
• “Believe in the people who believe in you.” Ethan Tabaka ’26
• “Building teamwork is important.” Shinyoung Kim ’25
• “Strive to be good and fast but not cheap.” Anna Kavulla ’27
• “Network with your Thiel Family.” Jacob Castona ’25
• “Do not sell your Apple Stock in 1998.” Bryce Stubert ’26
• “Don’t challenge Dr. Moinet to play basketball.” Jordan Castona ’25
• “Leave a legacy for your alma mater, family, and friends. Invest in the next generation.” Ava Kavulla ‘25
• “Thiel is your second family and never forget that!” Natalie Pape ’26

Dinner “Dishing”

• “I was very grateful to have the opportunity to be the dinner concierge along with my sister, Anna. We made a bold decision to plan an Americana menu in celebration of President’s Day. Our etiquette skills were put to the test for this challenging meal of double-smash burgers, cut fries, coleslaw, and skillet apple pies. I was happy to receive a verbal stamp of approval from Professor Witosky despite our unique menu choice!” Ava Kavulla ’25
• “Ava and I had the opportunity to plan the dinner menu and were thoroughly impressed by the entire AVI catering team’s diligence and effort in creating an all-American meal in honor of President’s Day. The meal consisted of many delightful elements, but most notably a burger on a brioche bun — typically, a big ‘no’ in business dinner etiquette.” Anna Kavulla ’27
• “The meal itself was interesting, as I wasn't sure how to approach eating a cheeseburger and fries in a professional setting, and I ended up watching my peers and Damen to determine the best way to do so. I really enjoyed the theme they chose as well.” Cora Post ’25
• “The dinner was great, with a fantastic menu put together by Ava and Anna Kavulla. I sat with Mr. Taylor, who shared wonderful memories of his time at Thiel College, talking about friendships, lessons, and memorable experiences. His love for the college made our conversation inspiring.” Sam Denu ’26
• “The dinner itself was interesting! When I was told the menu would be American-themed due to Presidents' Day, I was genuinely curious about what that meant. I quickly learned why you should never order a cheeseburger at a business dinner—it was messy and difficult to eat! That said, it was incredibly delicious.” Lexi Brown ’26
• “No dinner experience for me tonight however, from the other room it smelled like America, and I love America so it must have been good!” Bryce Stubert ’26

Student housing reminder for spring break

An email was sent to students regarding upcoming housing arrangements for spring break.

Campus housing will close at 7 p.m. Friday, March 7 and will re-open at noon Sunday, March 16.

Students who need to stay on campus during break, should please complete the online form before March 7.

• Campus Housing Request Form Spring Break

Applicants who are not approved will be charged $50 per night for staying on campus.  Approved applicants are not charged for staying on campus.