Thiel Happenings

Thiel College first-year DHI students organize book drive to support community ‘Little Libraries’

The first-year class of the Dietrich Honors Institute at Thiel College is hosting a book drive through April 4 to support the creation of “Little Libraries” on campus and at Riverside Park.

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Thiel College Music Department to present spring choral concert, ‘To Life!’

The Thiel College Music Department will present its annual spring choral concert, To Life!, at 7 p.m. Wednesday, April 9, in the David Johnson Memorial Chapel on the College’s campus. The event is free and open to the public.

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Thiel College English Lecturer’s literary analysis worksheets published on Writing Spaces

Thiel College First Year Curriculum Coordinator and Lecturer of English Sean Oros ’15 has designed an engaging assignment and worksheet series that was accepted for publication in “Writing Spaces.”

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Kavulla, Logan named Thiel College Student of the Month honorees for April

Thiel College announces Ava Kavulla ’25, of Sharpsville, Pa., and Justin Logan ’25, of North Chesterfield, Va., as its Student of the Month honorees for April.

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Thiel Players Present comedy murder mystery dinner theater ‘Murder Me Always’

The Thiel Players, Thiel College’s long-standing theater troupe with a history spanning more than five decades, will present the comedic whodunit “Murder Me Always” as a dinner theater event on April 4, 5, 11, and 12 at 7 p.m. in the Lutheran Heritage Room of the Howard Miller Student Center.

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Campus Wellness & Benefit Fair is April 10

The Human Resources team and the campus Wellness Center are organizing the annual Wellness & Benefit Fair for April 10 in the Lutheran Heritage Room of the Howard Miller Student Center.

The fair is open to faculty and staff members and students, and includes vendors, benefit providers and campus groups.

Anyone interested in hosting a table should contact should contact Diana Mazur at ext. 2004.

In the past, departments have generously donated some incredible baskets, and organizers are hoping the campus community will again contribute gift baskets. 

At the end of the fair, names will be drawn to see who wins the baskets and prizes provided by vendors, providers and groups. 

Any group/department interested in providing a prize basket, should contact Mazur by March 17.

Baskets should be delivered to the Human Resources Office before 4 p.m. Tuesday, April 8.

The department voted by employees to have had the best basket will win a special prize.

QPR Suicide Prevention Training

On Monday, April 7, from 3-5 p.m. in Stamm Hall of the James Pedas Communication Center, Amanda Milliren, the Regional Service Coordinator for White Deer Run Rehabilitation, will present a Question-Persuade-Refer (QPR) information session. This program aims to educate members of the campus community about the warning signs of suicide and how to intervene if you are concerned someone may be at risk.

Anyone with specific questions about the QPR program, can contact Director of the Counseling Center Melanie Broadwater ’98 at ext. 2754.

Anyone interested in participating should go to http://www.redcrossblood.org/And then zip code Thiel or 16125 to find the Thiel College blood drive.

Employees can download W-2s from Paycom

Employees’ W-2s are available in Paycom.

For more information, contact a member of the Human Resources team.

Director of Human Resources, Title IX Coordinator Jennifer Clark at ext. 2858; Assistant Director of Human Resources, Payroll Coordinator Kate Hans at ext. 2150 or Human Resources Assistant Diana Mazur at ext. 2004.

TLC seeks nominations for Fall 2025 PLL staff

The TLC is looking to recruit strong student employees for our Fall 2025 PLL staff! We depend upon the Thiel community to recommend the students who will be our next peer tutors, SI/PASS leaders, and Writing Lab consultants. The TLC is seeking candidates who are model students, have earned an A or B in the courses they will support, and who work well with their peers. 

The nomination form is quick and easy (about 30 seconds).

• Fill out an online recommendation form.

Thiel Choir flower fundraiser

Help support the Thiel Choir's fundraising efforts as they prepare for their Austria/Switzerland tour in March 2026. Click the link to check out the catalogue. At check out, you will have the option to specify a "seller" who will get credit for the sale. If none specified, the funds raised will go into the general choir trip fund. If you provide your home address, the products will be shipped directly to you; otherwise, they will be delivered to the college.

• Browse the online catalog.

Ally to Accomplice program begins April 14

To ensure that there is no conflict with the QPR Suicide Prevention Training scheduled for 3 p.m. Monday, April 7, the first session of the Ally to Accomplice micro-credentialing program will be held on Monday, April 14 from 3:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Both the QPR Suicide Prevention program and the Ally to Accomplice program are excellent opportunities for faculty and staff to learn from and collaborate with presenters and participants on important student well-being and engagement topics.

Student News

Regalia available for May graduates

The Campus Store has caps, gowns and regalia available for purchase. Students can stop by weekdays between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.

• Bachelor's degree Gown, cap and year-dated tassel: $38/set
• MBA Gown, cap, year-dated tassel: $43 plus hood $35: total $78/set

The Learning Commons is partnering with the Physician Assistant Studies program to build a tutoring program for PA students.

Interested PA students are encouraged to apply.

• Apply online.
  

• Schedule an appointment now.

Student reminder to fill out the FAFSA

St. Paul’s top officer talks with Miller Seminar students

Chris Wright ’99 was the featured speaker at the March 26 Ruth A. Miller Senior Business Seminar. Wright is the President & CEO of St. Paul’s Senior Living Community in Greenville, Pa. The seminar’s namesake, Ruth Miller H’20 was also in attendance.

“Chris Wright, who graduated from Reynolds High School, initially had no intention of pursuing college. However, he eventually attended Thiel College during his senior year of high school and earned a degree in business and accounting.” Vincent Laribee ’25

“Mr. Wright told us a story of how he ended up at Thiel. He went to Reynolds high school and started at Thiel his senior year of high school so he could work more. He never knew he wanted to go to college until the end of that summer when he said he panicked because he didn’t want to go into the work force so he enrolled at Thiel.” Zach Johns ’25

“Wright has built an impressive career in senior living management, beginning with his early experience at Deloitte in Pittsburgh before returning to the Greenville area. In 2012, he joined St. Paul's Senior Living Community as Chief Financial Officer, later serving as Chief Operations Officer from 2014 to 2016. By July 2016, he became President and CEO, leading the organization with a strong vision for growth and quality care.” Sam Denu ’26

“Chris obtained a job at Deloitte, one of the four largest accounting and auditing firms in the world, and was one of the thirty newly graduated hires. He was initially intimidated by these colleagues who had come from prominent schools with widely recognized programs. However, he soon realized that his skillset and outlook in the workplace far exceeded those of the others. He cited Thiel College as the launchpad for his success and reminded us to never underestimate our abilities or education.” Anna Kavulla ’27

“Wright also highlighted the advantages of a Thiel education, noting that when he joined Deloitte, he was one of only three hires from smaller schools, while most came from larger institutions like Penn State and Pitt. He emphasized that Thiel’s smaller class sizes provided a more rigorous and personalized learning experience, better preparing students for the workforce. Additionally, he noted that students from smaller schools often exhibit humility and a strong team-oriented mindset—qualities essential for professional success. His philosophy is simple: ‘If my team needs me and I’m capable, I’m going to do it.” Josie Gadsby ’26

“Chris spoke about his time at Thiel; he had nothing but praise! He emphasized the impact Thiel had on his preparation for the real world, and how he was much better off than people who had gone to big schools. He explained that Thiel did a wonderful job of giving its students a taste of the real world and taught lessons that were easily applicable to situations students would soon encounter.” Ethan Tabaka ’26

“I thought it was important when he was talking about being a team player. He proved through his story how important it can be to be a team player. It is important to do the things others don’t want to do.” Derrik Zappa ’26

“Thiel fosters an attitude of service and teamwork, and this helped Chris be successful in his career. While he encouraged us to embrace this attitude, his stories showed how his actions reflect his words. Even now as a CEO, he is willing to do whatever is necessary to help his team out. When the snow got really bad over the winter, he helped the groundskeepers plow the snow when they were shorthanded.” Kelly Oros ’26

“During Mr. Wright’s speech he shared with us three different lessons, control, change, and conflict.” Natalie Pape ’26

“He shared that we can only lead by influence and cannot become overburdened by the things that are outside of our control. Influence doesn’t only include one’s actions but also their demeanor and mindset. I look forward to recognizing this principle in my own life and putting it into practice.” Anna Kavulla ’27

“He also spoke about the inevitability of change, acknowledging that as people age, adapting becomes more challenging. Wright stressed that while change often invokes fear, individuals have control over their reactions and can strive to influence others, even if outcomes are uncertain. One of his most impactful statements was, ‘We don’t know what we don’t know,’ reminding listeners to remain open to continuous learning.” Vincent Laribee ’25

“First, he emphasized that conflict drives humanity forward and makes life exciting. This resonated with me—if we view conflicts as opportunities for growth rather than obstacles, we can better understand different perspectives and even learn from them.” Bryce Stubert ’25

“He shared that conflict will always exist—use it as an opportunity to reflect and grow.” Ava Kavulla ’25

“Wright highlighted that success is not a straight path, it requires patience, openness to learning, and a willingness to take on any task. He encouraged students to embrace change, remain honest, and build long-term professional relationships.” Seungyeon Hong ’25

“One of the most impactful takeaways from his presentation was the Pause, Validate, and Respond (PVR) method—a strategy for active listening and thoughtful communication. Wright stressed the importance of listening to understand rather than simply responding.” Josie Gadby ’26

“He ended his presentation on a significant note saying to value, cherish, and create relationships. Nobody can survive on an island.” Ava Kavulla ’25

““Wright also reflected on his struggles preparing for the CPA exam while working full-time and advised students to obtain professional licenses like CPA or CFP early.” Seungyeon Hong ’25

“Chris Wright's story serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of perseverance, humility, and lifelong learning. His experiences demonstrate how dedication and a strong educational foundation can lead to significant personal and professional growth. His speech left a lasting impression, encouraging students to embrace opportunities, face challenges head-on, and remain committed to their goals.” Vincent Laribee ’25

“Overall, Chris’s speech was incredibly insightful and gave us a better understanding of what we should learn and strive for before entering the workforce.” Bryce Stubert ’25

“I found his presentation both enlightening and motivational, as his journey demonstrated the power of perseverance, dedication, and community impact. His words left a lasting impression, reinforcing the value of continuous learning and strong leadership in any profession.” Sam Denu ’26

“I truly appreciate Mr. Wright taking the time to educate us on his several years of professional experience. He was an excellent speaker and an amazing person to have as a connection!” Natalie Pape ’26

“Thank you, Chris, for all your insights and pieces of wisdom! I will keep your advice in my mind and take to heart each of the lessons you learned and subsequently shared with us. I will remember that change is one of the few constants in this world, I will listen to understand rather than listen to respond, and above all I will be sure build and maintain my relationships.” Ethan Tabaka ’26

Lessons Learned

• “Get the credentials now!” Josie Gadsby ’26
• “If you’re not actively looking for opportunities, you are planning your demise.” Anna Kavulla ’27
• “We do not know, what we do not know.” Natalie Pape ’26
• “Don’t feel the pressure to need to know everything.” Zach Johns ’25
• “Be honest. You don’t have to know everything even if you are deemed ‘the expert.” Anna Kavulla ’27
• “Building a strong network is essential in life.” Shinyoung Kim ’25
• “No one can survive on an island: you need to foster and cherish relationships.” Kelly Oros ’26
• “Don’t have a chip on your shoulder.” Bryce Stubert ’25
• “The only thing we have control over is our own reactions.” Ethan Tabaka ’26
• “If you think someone made a mistake, ask them to walk you through it. Let them tell you it is wrong.” Derrik Zappa ’26
• “Humility and teamwork are foundational to leadership, no task is too small, and every contribution matters.” Seungyeon Hong ’25
• “Be a team player—small contributions can make a big difference.” Shinyoung Kim ’25
• “Value, cherish, and relate to your relationships. Relationships drive everything in life.” Kaitlyn Herrmann ’25
• “Change is one of the few constants in life, shaping our growth and pushing us beyond our comfort zones.” Sam Denu ’26
• “PVR (Pause, Validate, Respond)” Anna Kavulla ’27
• “Listen to understand, don’t just listen to respond.” Zach Johns ’25

Dinner “Dishing

• “I had the honor of being Dinner Concierge tonight along with Natalie Pape. I can’t speak for her, but I thoroughly enjoyed the experience and had a lot of fun planning what we were going to have. It all worked out because Chris Wright, Dr. Ruth Miller, (Both sat at the table I was at) and many others said the meal was a very good choice. I was happy to share with Natalie that we made the right choice in selecting the meal.” Bryce Stubert ’25
• “Tonight, Bryce and I were the concierges, and it was slightly nerve racking to stand-up and share the menu, but we had so much fun planning! The chefs did an amazing job at executing our menu!” Natalie Pape ’26
• “The meal was delicious, and my table was full of great company. I got to eat with both the speaker for the night and the legend herself, Dr. Ruth Miller! They were both very pleasant individuals, and I appreciate the opportunity to enjoy a tasty meal with them, not to mention the conversation about ornithology! Ethan Tabaka ’26
• “During dinner, I sat next to Chris Wright, a few of my peers, and Mrs. Ruth Miller. Ruth Miller talked to all of us about our majors and any jobs that we may have aside from school. She commended us multiple times for our drive and being able to juggle school alongside our full-time or part-time jobs. This meant so much coming from such a highly regarded woman. I feel that sometimes, as students, in which many of us at Thiel pay for our schooling, working alongside school is never given a second thought, it is usually just done. It was quite refreshing to be applauded for doing something that we as students never give ourselves credit for.” Kaitlyn Herrmann ’25

Sigma Tau Delta inducts six members, installs officers

The Alpha Iota Kappa chapter of International English honor society Sigma Tau Delta initiated six new members and installed four officers during its annual induction ceremony on March 22, 2025

Sigma Tau Delta is an elite honor society open to students from all disciplines who have completed a minimum of two college courses in English beyond the first-year English requirements. Membership candidates must have completed at least three semesters of college coursework earning a 3.0 grade point average in both English courses and general scholarship.

Victoria Broshears ’26, Ashlei Brown ’27, Brooke Griffith ’26, Madalyn Triskett ’26, Katie Wagner ’25, and Madaleine White ’25 were honored at the ceremony, becoming the chapter’s newest members.

In addition to inducting new members, the local chapter also installed its 2025-2026 chapter leaders. Officers for next year’s term include Alexis Brown ’25 (President), Makenna Oswalt ’25 (Vice President), Triskett (Secretary), and Wagner (Treasurer and SGA Representative)

Ashley Johnson ’17, a former Sigma Tau Delta chapter Vice President, gave the keynote address on the importance of perseverance in the face of challenges. In her keynote, she drew from her experiences as a teacher of at-risk adolescents at Keystone Charter School.

Sigma Tau Delta was founded in 1924 at Dakota Wesleyan University and now has over 850 chapters, the largest in English studies. The Alpha Iota Kappa was established in 2000 and recently celebrated its 25-year anniversary at Thiel College. The chapter is co-advised by Sheila Gross, Ph.D. ’10 and Jared Johnson, Ph.D.