Gary J. Witosky ’79 H’24, a longtime faculty member, alumnus, administrator and supporter of Thiel College, will take on a new role as a member of the Board of Trustees in November.
+ Read the full story in the newsroom
The U.S. Department of Education has opened a preliminary filing period for the 2026–27 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®) form, giving students and families an early opportunity to complete and submit applications before the official launch by Oct. 1, 2025.
+ Read the full story in the newsroom
Each member of the 2025 Greenville High School Distinguished Hall of Fame class shares a connection to Thiel College as an alumnus, employee, or supporter. The inductees will be recognized during a ceremony Saturday, Sept. 20.
+ Read the full story in the newsroom
G. Leah (Glessner) Dever ’74 H’25, an enduring supporter and abiding asset to Thiel College, has been reappointed to the Board of Trustees and is set to begin her new term in November.
+ Read the full story in the newsroom

“There is No Place Like Homecoming” runs Sept. 25–28—four days of Tomcat spirit and alumni reunions.
Highlights include
For more information, contact David Hummel ’83 at ext. 2027.

The campus community is invited to celebrate the retirement of Director of Planned Giving Mario Marini ’91, who is concluding more than two decades of dedicated service to Thiel College. Throughout his career, Marini has made lasting contributions that have strengthened the institution and supported student success. Pictured above with his daughters, Shaina’17 and Nicolette ’14.
The celebration will take place from 2–4 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 25 in the Friends of Art area of the Howard Miller Student Center.
The Gym parking lot will be closed from Friday, Sept. 26, 2025, through Sunday, Sept. 28, 2025, for Homecoming preparations and events. The lot will remain closed for the duration of the weekend.
Students are asked to park at the Passavant Center. Faculty and staff may utilize the parking lots at Greenville Hall, the staff lot behind the football offices, or the Passavant Center.
Questions or concerns may be directed to Chief Dennis Bish at ext. 2222.


Spots remain for the May 2026 trip to Scandinavia, led by Anna Reinsel, Ph.D. ’06, Professor of Environmental Science, Department Chair, and Associate Director of the Dietrich Honors Institute.
The itinerary includes Oslo, Copenhagen, and Stockholm—a unique opportunity to travel and learn alongside fellow Tomcats.



The Counseling Center is hosting “Fresh Check Day” on Oct. 2.
The College hosted this event in 2019 and members of the Counseling Center are “very excited to bring it back to campus again this year!”
For more information, contact the Director of the Counseling Center Melanie Broadwater ’98 ext. 2754.


The Learning Commons and the Accessibility Resource Center provide a variety of academic support services designed to enhance student success. Faculty and staff members play an important role in connecting students with these resources and are encouraged to share the following information with students.
Download a PowerPoint slide that can be dropped in to lecture slides, and/or post to the course Moodle or print and hang in offices and departments spaces. The slide provides information about how students can schedule an appointment in the Learning Commons and the Accessibility Resource Center using the scheduling platform Accudemia.
The campus community is advised to save the date for the Learning Center and Accessibility Resource Center Open House at 11:30 a.m. Oct. 16.
For more information, contact Robin Sakonyi at ext. 2072.

There is NO PLACE like HOMECOMING, especially when the theme is “The Wizard of Oz!”
It's not where you go but it's who you meet along the way. T-shirts also available at the Campus Store in the Howard Miller Student Center.
Limited quantity from sizes S-4XL.
Please like or follow the Campus Store on Facebook.
Graduate regalia announcement
The Office of the Registrar has notified anticipated December 2025 graduates by email with a request for their height and weight in order to place gown orders. The deadline to respond is October 1, 2025.
Regalia Information
Undergraduate and graduate students will provide their height and weight during graduation registration for the Campus Store to complete the order.
The Campus Store will notify students by email when regalia is available for purchase, either before Winter Break in December or by late March to mid-April.
Bachelor’s degree regalia includes a cap, gown, and year-dated tassel for $40.50. The hood for bachelor’s degree graduates has been discontinued.
Students may purchase stoles independently or through Jostens for $38: Jostens Website.
Master’s degree regalia includes a cap, gown, year-dated tassel, and hood for $83.
Campus Store hours
Outside of its regular hours, the Campus Store will also be open during the following times:

HR Notes
Thiel College welcomes
And says farewell to
Monthly Payroll
Any changes or updates must be submitted before the 20th of the month for the change to process in the current month's payroll.
Bi-weekly Payroll
Any changes or updates must be submitted by Wednesday, the week before payroll week.
Retirement Plan Meetings
Independent Retirement Plan Advisors, Sierra Christian and Jack Ryan from Henderson Brothers Financial Partners, will be on campus (in the Human Resources office) for private in-person consultations on Tuesday, Oct. 7. Both representatives are also available to support employee retirement planning needs through conference calls and virtual meetings as well. Their office hours can be selected below.
In-Person: Christian and Ryan are on campus on Tuesday, Oct. 7.
Virtual: Christian is available throughout September
Virtual: Ryan is available throughout September
Christian and Ryan can assist you with questions regarding:
Password Reset Information
Employees were emailed instructions on the new password reset instructions.
For more information or questions, contact the Solution Center. Employees can call 724-589-4000 (ext. 4000 from a campus phone), email or fill out an online support ticket.
Campus alert: DocuCenter service delays likely for print projects
The DocuCenter is experiencing significant delays due to equipment malfunctions. The primary cutter is out of service pushing jobs to smaller equipment that cannot handle the same workload or paper size. This impacts how the DocuCenter processes certain jobs and greatly reduces efficiency.
With Homecoming projects already in production, current turnaround times are expected to be three to four times longer than usual. At this time, the DocuCenter is fully booked with existing orders and must extend timelines for new requests until further notice.
The DocuCenter appreciates the patience and cooperation of the campus community as it works through these challenges. Updates will be shared as they become available.
For more information, contact the DocuCenter by email or at ext. 2267.
Organization of Black Collegiates Meeting
Sep. 24 at 7 p.m.
Weyers Lounge, Howard Miller Student Center
General meeting for OBC members.
WVB vs. Geneva College
Sep. 24 at 7 p.m.
Maenpa Court/Beeghly Gymnasium
Women’s volleyball hosts the Geneva Golden Tornadoes.
‘No Place Like Homecoming’
Sept. 25
Thiel College
The campus community will gather at 11:30 a.m. on Thursday, Sept. 25 in front of Greenville Hall for a photo to help celebrate National Thiel Spirit Day and take part in the Kick Off Rally. Also on Thursday, the campus community will gather at 8 p.m. in Bly Hall of the Daniel & Dorothy Spence Academic Center to watch the “Wizard of Oz.”
For more information, contact David Hummel ’83 at ext. 2027.
Lambda Sigma Bake Sale
Sep. 25 at 11 a.m.
Post Office Entrance, Howard Miller Student Center
Lambda Sigma will be making chocolate chip cookies, chocolate brownies, and gluten-free chocolate brownies. Proceeds will go towards Lambda Sigma's yearly service products and future fundraisers.
WTEN vs. Saint Vincent
Sep. 25 at 4 p.m.
Thiel Tennis Courts
Women’s tennis hosts the St. Vincent Bearcats.
Graduate School 101 - Signup
Sep. 25 at 5 p.m.
Lutheran Heritage Room, Howard Miller Student Center
* Last Day to Signup for Graduate School 101 * The event takes place at 6 p.m. Oct. 2.
Thiel College students can learn more about the ins and outs of applying for graduate school. Any student interested in graduate school should attend to learn how to prepare?
Hosted by Dietrich Honors Institute. All students are welcome but should register before the event.
PA Gratitude Ceremony
Sep. 26 at 11:30 a.m.
Science Building - Greenhouse area
The Thiel College Physician Assistant Studies Program will host a program of reflection and gratitude that includes an invocation, opening remarks, student reflections, a tree dedication, a moment of silence, and closing remarks.
Body donation is considered a perpetual gift, as the knowledge gained by students in the Physician Assistant Studies Program will be carried into their professional lives and shared with others throughout the world. Since 2021, students in the program have benefited from this unique and invaluable educational opportunity made possible through the generosity of donors, the Humanity Gifts Registry Program, and the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine.
Family Day
Sep. 27
Thiel College
Family Day is set for Saturday, Sept. 27, with a full slate of activities for students, families, and alumni—including the parade, football game, bingo, and more.
For more information, contact Than Oo at ext. 2192.
Ribbon Cutting: Spence Academic Center
Sep. 27 at 10 a.m.
Daniel & Dorothy Spence Academic Center
A ribbon-cutting ceremony will be held on the patio outside of the James Pedas Communication Center to celebrate the Frangakis Business Hub in the Daniel and Dorothy Spence Academic Center.
Saturday Football Player Visit - Sept. 27, 2025
Sep. 27
Thiel College
Thiel College Tomcat Game Day Visit
Prospective student-athletes and their families are invited to experience a special Game Day visit at Thiel College. The program includes an opportunity to meet the Tomcat football coaching staff, learn about next steps in the admissions process, explore scholarship opportunities, and tour key campus hot spots. Guests will also enjoy tailgate snacks in the stadium end zone before cheering on the Tomcats at kickoff.
Saturday Visit Agenda
Participants must register in advance to attend this Tomcat Game Day Visit. All high school seniors who register and attend the 12:30–3 p.m. portion of the visit will receive a $500 Visit Grant toward Thiel College.
Saturday Visit Day- Sept. 27, 2025
Sep. 27 at 12 p.m.
Thiel College
Thiel College invites prospective students and their families to experience campus and learn more about becoming a Thiel Tomcat. The day will include opportunities to explore admissions, financial aid, and scholarships, as well as a guided campus tour. Guests are also invited to enjoy the excitement of Tomcat football to conclude their visit.
Saturday Visit Agenda
*Optional activities. Students and guests are welcome to depart early if they have other obligations.
For more information, email the Office of Admission.
FOOT vs. Waynesburg
Sep. 27 at 3 p.m.
Alumni Stadium
The Tomcats host the Waynesburg Yellow Jackets in a Homecoming matchp.
Campfire Fellowship
Sep. 27 at 7:30 p.m.
Quad Fire Pit
Following the Homecoming football game, Thiel Bible Study will host an evening of food, games, and fellowship. The event will provide a welcoming space for students and guests to relax, connect, and celebrate together. All are invited to attend.
FCA Huddle
Sep. 28 at 6:30 p.m.
Jame Pedas Communication Center - Room 120
The Fellowship of Christian Athletes invites students to gather for its “huddles,” which focus on glorifying God through sports and activities. Each meeting includes games and a brief message or devotional. Participation is open to all students, and attendees do not need to be athletes to take part.
SGA Meeting
Sep. 30 at 11:45 a.m.
Bly Hall, Howard Miller Student Center
Biweekly Student Government Association meeting.
WTEN vs. Waynesburg
Sep. 30 at 4 p.m.
Thiel Tennis Courts
The Tomcats host the Waynesburg Yellow Jackets in women’s tennis.
WSOC vs. Chatham
Oct. 1 at 5 p.m.
Alumni Stadium at Stoeber Field
The Tomcats host the Chatham Cougars in women’s soccer.
MSOC vs. Chatham
Oct. 1 at 7 p.m.
Alumni Stadium at Stoeber Field
The Tomcats host the Chatham Cougars in men’s soccer.
WVB vs. Hiram
Oct. 1 at 7 p.m.
Maenpa Court at Beeghly Gymnasium
The Tomcats host the Hiram Terriers in women’s volleyball.
Organization of Black Collegiates Meeting
Oct. 1 at 7 p.m.
Weyers Lounge, Howard Miller Student Center
General meeting for OBC members.
Mercer County Guidance Counselors College and Career Fair
Oct. 2 at 9 a.m.
Mercer County High Schools are invited to bring their junior and senior students to the fair, which is also free and open to the public. Representatives will distribute materials and talk with students and other interested members of the community about colleges and career choices.
Common Hour: Fresh Check Day
Oct. 2 at 11:30 a.m.
Lutheran Heritage Room, Howard Miller Student Center
A fun and uplifting event that focuses on the promotion of mental health. Engage with interactive booths, enjoy free food, and enter to win exciting prizes.
WTEN vs. Geneva
Oct. 3 at 3 p.m.
Thiel Tennis Courts
The Tomcats host the Geneva Golden Tornadoes in women’s tennis.
Women’s Lacrosse Prospect Camp
Oct. 4 at 10 a.m.
Alumni Stadium
Prospective student-athletes interested in Thiel College’s lacrosse program are invited to attend the Fall Prospect Camp on Saturday, October 4.
For more information, contact head coach Bill Wightman.
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).
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.
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.
Publishing Schedule
T-Notes is published Wednesdays during the academic year. Send your event or news to tnotes@thiel.edu by noon Monday, September 29, 2025 to be published in that week’s edition. The next edition will be published Wednesday, Oct. 1, 2025.