Emmy Award-winning Youngstown television journalist Lindsey Watson and veteran Erie broadcaster Mike Ruzzi spoke to students in Thiel College’s Department of Media Communications on Friday, Nov. 7.
+ Read the full story in the newsroom
Thiel College has introduced a new bachelor’s degree in sports management, which combines business, leadership, and communication to prepare students for careers in the rapidly expanding sports industry. The program is accepting applications for Fall 2026.
+ Read the full story in the newsroom
Thiel College Women’s Basketball coach Jessica Vormelker ’19 has been selected for the 55th class of the NCAA Women Coaches Academy, hosted by WeCOACH. The program will take place November 16–18 in Indianapolis.
+ Read the full story in the newsroom
Michael Mason, Thiel College’s Assistant Director of IT Operations and Veterans Liaison, was recently featured in two regional publications for his leadership in supporting veterans and military-connected students.
+ Read the full story in the newsroom
Thiel College Director of Athletics Isaac Collins announced the hiring of Michael Kernan as the College’s head softball coach Thursday.
+ Read the full story in the newsroom
The gym parking lot will be closed Thursday and Friday, Nov. 13–14, as the Facilities Department stages materials for Rissell-Schreyer Dome assembly. The lot will reopen once daily preparations are complete or by 3 p.m. for evening events.
Students should park at the Passavant Center. Faculty and staff may use the Greenville Hall lot, the staff lot behind the football offices, or the Passavant Center lot.
Questions can be directed to Kim Braden at ext. 2167 or Chief Bish at ext. 2186
Tickets for the Thiel tennis team fundraiser are available. The drawings begin Dec. 8
Thiel College will host a celebration of Lessons & Carols during Common Hour at 11:30 a.m. Thursday, Nov. 20, in the Langenheim Memorial Library. Choral ensembles, under the direction of Director of the Thiel Choir Brianne Samson, will perform holiday music, and students, staff and faculty will read literary selections that reflect the season. All are invited to help usher in the festive time of year with music and literature.
Each semester, Thiel News Time (TNT) gatherings offer faculty and staff an opportunity to come together, share updates, and discuss initiatives that advance the College. The first fall TNT was held Tuesday, Nov. 11, and featured a branding session led by Vice President for Communications and Marketing Richard Orr.
All TNT sessions are held in person during community hours, when no classes are scheduled, allowing broad campus participation.
The remaining fall TNTs will take place at 11:30 a.m. in the Sawhill Georgian Room of the Howard Miller Student Center on November 25 and December 9.
Employees are encouraged to bring questions, comments, and announcements to contribute to the good of the campus community.
Pictured front row (left to right): Monica Adametz, Deb Schreiber, President Susan Traverso, Ph.D.; second row, Anna Reinsel, Ph.D. ’06; Amy Taczanowsky; third row, Chair of the Board of Trustees Robert Burns, M.D. ’74 H’22; Dominick DiRienzo, M.A. ’22; Mike Mason; fourth row, Jared Johnson, Ph.D.; Chris Casanta; Paul Coatsworth.
Members of the Thiel College Commencement Committee were recognized with an Above and Beyond Award during the College’s Annual Board of Trustees lunch on Oct. 31. The committee coordinates planning and logistics for the undergraduate and MBA Commencement Exercises in May.
Molly Carter ’08 was the featured speaker at the Nov. 5 Ruthanne Beighley Senior Seminar dinner speaker series. Carter has worked in the juvenile justice system and in local government; she ran a home care agency; and, for over a decade, she built a successful freelance writing business. Carter lives in Greenville, Pa. and serves as an enrollment specialist at LIFE-NWPA, a Managed Care Organization Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly—work that sits at the intersection of compassion, problem-solving, and real-world impact.
“It was delightful to hear Carter’s story of her non-linear career path, especially against the common narrative of ‘go to college, get a degree, get a job, do that until you retire, and then you die.’ In both her variety of career positions throughout her life and the application of her degrees in wholly unrelated fields was inspiring. As she shared, the liberal arts education she received was more than just her degrees; it was problem solving, thinking outside of the box, and adapting to new situations to thrive. Hearing from her made these upcoming stages of life a little less daunting.” Colin Schroyer ’26
“Ms. Carter’s speech was enlightening in more ways than one. Being a versatile individual, she expressed that the three degrees that she earned through Thiel were immensely beneficial for her future career, although not directly correlated. She also revealed that communication and accountability are key characteristics crucial to success in the workforce, regardless of one's job. Her speech made me realize that the opportunities are limitless and that knowledge is power.” Maddy Triskett ’26
“Former Thiel Student, Molly Carter ’08 was our guest speaker for our senior seminar dinner. She told us about her non-linear college experience and career to explained to us how our majors can be applicable to us in many ways and can even apply to careers outside our majors, which has taught us to not let our majors confine us to one job field. I would like to thank Molly Carter for joining us for dinner and being very friendly and inspiring.” Muncie Canon ’26
“One of the important things that I took away from her speech was when she talked about how with our degrees and how we use them in everyday life not just within the career we are going to be working in. I also took that with her psychology degree and how it helped her more in life and how it could help me in my day-to-day life.” Neira Laird ’26
“I think one of the most helpful insights was that you can still succeed without going on a straight path in life. Ms. Carter found success and happiness, but never stayed in one place for too long, and didn't finish college until later in life, proving that you can take your time and have things happen yet still enjoy life.” Michael King ’26
“I truly appreciated how down-to-earth and honest Molly Carter was during her address to the class. She emphasized how everyone has a different timeline for their life, including a higher education. It was inspiring how she maintained being a mother, daughter, and student all at once. It was refreshing to know a healthy home and work life can coexist.” Katie Wagner ’26
“One practical takeaway from MS. Carter’s keynotes was when she discussed all the different aspects that made her so valuable to a company. Having leadership and communication skills and being able to communicate effectively with different areas within a person’s job. This helps with our professional development because it allows us to see what kinds of things jobs look for when we start going into the workplace.” Savanna Welch ’25
“Ms. Carter emphasized the importance of understanding how people think and operate. Of her multiple degrees in higher education, she says that her psychology degree has been the most helpful in the field of business.” Kaleb Proudfoot ’26
“Ms. Carter’s career journey is nothing short of inspiring. Throughout her diverse professional journey, she has embraced a wide range of roles, each presenting its own challenges. Yet, in every position, she demonstrated resilience, overcame hurdles, and ultimately became a leader. Her perseverance and success should be an example for undergraduate students looking to find their own path in their career journey.” Makenna Oswalt ’26
“Sometimes changing career fields is a positive move! She illustrated a multitude of professions I hadn’t thought of previously.” Rex Dugan ’26
Langenheim Memorial Library now offers one-click access to popular research databases EBSCOhost and CQ Researcher.
Campus Store hours
Outside of its regular hours, the Campus Store will also be open during the following times:
HR Notes
Information Sessions for 2026 Benefits Enrollment Set for Nov. 18
Thiel College employees can choose from two information sessions on Tuesday, Nov. 18, at 11:30 a.m. and 3 p.m. Representatives from Thiel’s medical, vision, dental, life, disability, and retirement plans will review plan updates and answer questions about 2026 benefits. Employees should check their email for session access information.
Presenters include Jennifer Clark, Thiel College director of human resources; Anthony Benevento, of Reschini (medical); Adam Seger, of Davevic (vision, dental, health savings, flexible savings, accident, and illness coverage); Jack Ryan and Sierra Christian, of Henderson Brothers (retirement); and Paula Barnett, of CBIZ/EIIA (life and disability).
All benefit-eligible employees should attend one session—spouses are welcome—and complete 2026 open enrollment in Paycom between Nov. 18 and Dec. 1, 2025. Although 2026 is a passive enrollment year, employees are encouraged to review current coverages, dependents, and savings account contributions.
For more information, contact
Employees Encouraged to Use Cost-Saving Virtual Care Options During Cold and Flu Season
As cold and flu season begins, employees are reminded of the cost-saving options available through Thiel College’s health coverage. Using the My Highmark app, members can access Well360 Virtual Health, which offers 24/7 telemedicine appointments at significant savings—typically about 50 percent less than a general office visit and far less than urgent care or emergency room visits.
Virtual visits provide the convenience of seeing a provider from home for common issues such as colds, flu, earaches, sinus infections, or minor injuries. Behavioral health services are also available through Well360 for talk therapy and medication management.
Annual Endowed Scholarship Recognition
Nov. 12 at 5 p.m.
Lutheran Heritage Room, Howard Miller Student Center
An invitation-only event that brings together recipients of endowed scholarships and the donors who have made the scholarships possible.
Zumba Class
Nov. 12 at 6 p.m.
73 Clinton Street, Greenville
A free Zumba class for Thiel students and staff, presented by Deanna Loreno.
Men’s Basketball vs. Penn State DuBois
Nov. 12 at 7 p.m.
Beeghly Gymnasium / Maenpa Court
The Tomcats host Penn State DuBois in a non-conference matchup.
Career Development Workshop
Nov. 13 at 11:30 a.m.
Stamm Hall, James Pedas Communication Center
Career Development will offer tips on job seeking, networking, and résumé building.
Dracula: A Comedy of Terrors
Nov. 14-15 at 7 p.m.
William A. Robinson Theater
The Thiel Players perform Dracula: A Comedy of Terrors, a witty, fast-paced adaptation of Bram Stoker’s classic.
Photography Club Bingo
Nov. 14 at 8 p.m.
Stamm Hall, James Pedas Communication Center
The Photography Club will host a bingo night.
FCA Huddle
Nov. 16 at 6:30 p.m.
Room 120, James Pedas Communication Center
The Fellowship of Christian Athletes will hold its weekly huddle with games and a devotional. All are welcome.
Line Dancing
Nov. 17 at 6 p.m.
73 Clinton Street, Greenville
A free line dancing session for Thiel students and staff, presented by Loreno Line Dancing.
Career Fair
Nov. 18 at 10 a.m.
Lutheran Heritage Room, Howard Miller Student Center
Students can connect with prospective employers and explore career opportunities.
Kiwanis Club/Rotary Club Joint Meeting
Nov. 18 at noon
Sawhill Georgian Room, Howard Miller Student Center
Members of the Kiwanis and Rotary Clubs will gather for a joint meeting. Members only.
Senior Social
Nov. 18 at 5 p.m.
Sawhill Georgian Room, Howard Miller Student Center
A networking event for December graduating seniors.
Zumba Class
Nov. 19 at 6 p.m.
73 Clinton Street, Greenville
A free Zumba class for Thiel students and staff, presented by Deanna Loreno.
Lessons & Carols
Nov. 20 at 11:30 a.m.
Langenheim Memorial Library
Celebrate the season with holiday music from Thiel Choir members and literary readings highlighting the spirit of Christmas.
MBA Information Session
Nov. 20 at 5 p.m.
Online
Learn more about Thiel’s MBA program from faculty and staff, including details on coursework, admissions, and financial aid.
For more information, contact the Office of Admission at ext. 2345.
Split P – Closing Reception
Nov. 21 at 2 p.m.
Weyers-Sampson Gallery, Howard Miller Student Center
Aaron Pickens’ solo exhibition Split P concludes with a gallery talk and closing reception.
Ski Club Bingo
Nov. 21 at 8 p.m.
Bly Hall, Daniel & Dorothy Spence Academic Center
The Ski Club will host a bingo night.
Academic Scholarship Competition
Nov. 22 at 8 a.m.
Various Campus Locations
Accepted students compete for full-tuition scholarships during Thiel’s annual Academic Scholarship Competition. Guests are invited to attend sessions and a luncheon.
For more information, contact the Office of Admission at ext. 2345.
FCA Huddle
Nov. 23 at 6:30 p.m.
Room 120, Pedas Communication Center
The Fellowship of Christian Athletes hosts games and a devotional. Open to all students.
Line Dancing
Nov. 24 at 6 p.m.
73 Clinton Street, Greenville
A free line dancing class for students and staff, presented by Loreno Line Dancing.
Men’s Basketball vs. Penn State Beaver
Nov. 24 at 7 p.m.
Beeghly Gymnasium/Maenpa Court
The Tomcats take on Penn State Beaver in a non-conference game.
Passion Driven Stats Poster Gallery and Presentations
Nov. 25 at 11:30 a.m.
Science Connector, Nathan Harter Atrium
Students in the Passion Driven Statistics course taught by Associate Professor of Psychology Kristel Gallagher, Ph.D. will present their research posters.
SGA Meeting
Nov. 25 at 11:45 a.m.
Bly Hall, Daniel & Dorothy Spence Academic Center
The Student Government Association will hold its biweekly meeting.
Thanksgiving Break
Nov. 26
Thiel College
Thanksgiving Break begins.
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: Stacy Butera
Nominator: Sheila Gross, Ph.D. ’10
Comment: “The Zombie Experiment video was the best Thiel promo! Thank you to Stacy and her marvelous marketing team for going the extra miles to produce this video highlighting Thiel’s inclusivity!”
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, Nov. 17, 2025 to be published in that week’s edition. The next edition will be published Wednesday, Nov. 19, 2025.
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