Thiel Happenings

Thiel Choir gets in the Christmas spirit by planning concerts for the campus and community

The Thiel Choir launches its holiday performance schedule Nov. 20, with events continuing through early December and culminating in the College’s 72nd annual Christmas Festival.

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Thiel College brings together donors and recipients at annual Endowed Scholarship Recognition event

Thiel College honored student scholarship recipients and the donors who support their education during its annual Endowed Scholarship Recognition event on Wednesday, Nov. 12, in the Lutheran Heritage Room of the Howard Miller Student Center.

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Thiel College Environmental Safety Management students gain industry insight at conference

Several Thiel College Environmental Safety Management students expanded their professional skills and career readiness by attending the Mid-Atlantic Safety and Health Alliance Conference on Oct. 30 in Cranberry, Pa.

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Dome Day is Nov. 20; Volunteers still needed

Due to scheduling adjustments with the Farley Group, Dome Day has been rescheduled for Thursday, Nov. 20. The College is working closely with Facilities and the Farley Group to ensure a safe and efficient installation of the Rissell-Schreyer Dome at Alumni Stadium.

Work will begin at 8 a.m. and continue until the Dome is fully installed, which may extend into the evening. Volunteers are encouraged to dress for the weather, including gloves, sturdy shoes, warm clothing and layers.

Volunteers are still needed. Dome Day remains one of Thiel’s most distinctive community traditions and provides an opportunity for students, faculty, staff, clubs, Greek Life and campus organizations to contribute to an important campus project. Participants may join for any amount of time throughout the day.

Food and snacks will be available, and raffles and giveaways will be offered for volunteers. No experience is required; Farley Group staff will provide guidance on all tasks.

Anyone interested in assisting should check in at the volunteer table at Alumni Stadium between 8 a.m. and 9 p.m. No sign-up is required for general volunteers.

Look back at this past year’s Rissell-Schreyer Dome Day events.

• Spring Rissell-Schreyer Dome Day.
• Fall 2024 Rissell-Schreyer Dome Day.

Presidential staff award nominations due soon

Staff members should check their email for information on nominating a colleague for a Presidential Staff Awards. In addition to the Distinguished Staff Award winners, this past year, a special award was added to recognize staff who mentor students (undergrad or graduate) through academic advising, honorary societies, clubs, organizations, sports, Greek Life or student employment.

Nomination forms are due Dec. 2.

Nomination forms for the mentorship award should have the box checked at the top of the nomination form.

Winners will be recognized for their accomplishments and service on Founders’ Day at 11 a.m. Thursday, Feb. 6 in the Lutheran Heritage Room of the Howard Miller Student Center.

Fall/Winter Issue of The Bell Now Available

The latest issue of The Bell, Thiel College’s alumni magazine, is now available and highlights several major campus milestones and upcoming initiatives. This edition features coverage of Homecoming 2025, the 20th-anniversary celebration of the 2005 Presidents’ Athletic Conference-champion football team and the 20th anniversary of the College’s Joining Generations intergenerational learning program. 

Readers will also find stories on the Thiel Choir’s upcoming performance tour of Austria and Switzerland in March and the student travel-learning trip to Scandinavia planned for May. The issue includes the popular Class Notes section and closes with a “Final Word” from Director of Planned Giving Mario Marini ’91, who retired in September after decades of service to the College and diverse roles as a student, alumnus, parent and employee.

Tickets for the Thiel tennis team fundraiser are available. The drawings begin Dec. 8 

• Buy a ticket online.

Library adjusts hours prior to Thanksgiving break

The Langenheim Memorial Library has altered its hours on Tuesday, Nov. 25. The Library is closing at 4 p.m. to allow student-workers to spend more time with their families.

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.

New Pedas view

The Office of Communications and Marketing continues to invite faculty and staff to contribute photo essays for T-Notes. Community submissions have captured unique moments across campus—from vibrant 🍁 fall colors to 🎃 Halloween celebrations, which included a Tomcat-themed pumpkin from Assistant Professor of Business Administration & Accounting, Norman P. Mortensen H'81 Chair of Economics Steven Kandray on Oct. 29 and the Organization of Black Collegiates’ trunk-or-treat event.

This week, the featured photo comes from Professor of Environmental Science, Department Chair, Associate Director of the Dietrich Honors Institute Anna Reinsel, Ph.D. ’06, who snapped a striking view of the James Pedas Communication Center from the DHI offices. 

Faculty and staff are encouraged to continue sharing images that reflect academic life, student engagement and seasonal campus moments. Photos and brief descriptions can be emailed to tnotes@thiel.edu for consideration in future issues.

Student News

Reino highlights her career experiences since leaving Thiel

Thiel College alumna Laura (Hardesty) Reino ’07 was the featured speaker at the November 14 Ruthanne Beighley Senior Seminar dinner speaker series. Reino has built a career at the intersection of business strategy, media, and the evolving landscape of artificial intelligence. She serves as an executive with The Information, leading enterprise growth, data strategy, and new product adoption across the tech, consulting, and financial services sectors. Under her leadership, her team has achieved record-setting growth and reshaped how enterprises use and engage with content.

“A lesson that Ms. Reino learned here at Thiel College from Dr. Hall has become something that she has been able to now pass onto us: be audacious. We have to be able and willing to go above and beyond the minimum; doing the minimum denies us the opportunity to see and do what we are capable of. Her speech also made me realize how much I need to work on networking, so I really appreciate that.” Colin Schroyer ’25

“Ms. Reino described the importance of betting on yourself and doing what you think is best for you. She explained how she was always willing to flip careers, even if it was something she was exceptionally good at, for something else that she would consider worth her while.” Kaleb Proudfoot ’26

“Mrs. Reino was a delight to hear from and talk to. She revealed that hard work and perseverance can lead one to success in multiple areas of their life. Her confidence and insightful tips allowed us to gain a better understanding of how we can use skills from college to accompany us in our careers.” Maddy Triskett ’26

“I took away that, in the world of business, you should be punctual and audacious. She said not to be afraid because you don’t know what you’re doing. She did jobs she didn't know what she was doing and still did amazing. As long as we are audacious and strive to be our best and do any opportunity we're given, we should be okay. As long as I am audacious in the Counseling field, I think I'll be alright.” Neira Laird ’26

“Thiel graduate Laura Reino taught us about working hard, having audacity, and establishing good networking relations. I hope to apply her messages about constantly striving to improve rather than doing the bare minimum to my own college career and professional career. Thank you, Laura Reino!” Muncie Canon ’26

“Ms. Reino emphasized that changing career fields is not something to fear, but rather an opportunity that is both beneficial and rewarding. She highlighted the importance of continuous learning and encouraged us to always seek growth, no matter what field we pursue.” Makenna Oswalt ’26.

“Laura Reino was extremely insightful and encouraging in her keynote address to the class. While discussing the ups and downs she has faced in her career, she exemplified resilience and hard work. I was joyed to hear how Ms. Reino built up her own confidence and determination while establishing herself professionally.” Katie Wagner ’26

“‘Be a lifelong learner’ is the main takeaway that I got from Ms. Reino’s presentation. This is something that will always stick with me because you have to be willing to learn in order to work. You have to always be able to adapt and learn different things in order to expand at a job.” Savanna Welch ’25