Thiel Happenings

Thiel College among western Pennsylvania’s top transfer-friendly colleges for 3rd straight year

Thiel College is included on Phi Theta Kappa’s 2025 Transfer Honor Roll, a national distinction recognizing four-year colleges and universities that demonstrate excellence in supporting community college transfer students through clear, effective, and student-centered pathways.

+ Read the full story in the newsroom

Denu, Hering named Thiel College student of the month honorees for December

Thiel College announces Komlan S. Denu ’26, of Gaithersburg, Md., and Natalie Hering ’26, of Middlefield, Ohio, as its Student of the Month honorees for December.

+ Read the full story in the newsroom

Thiel College names Cooper Riley ’28 November Thiel Team Member of the Month

The Thiel College Office of Admission has recognized Cooper Riley ’28 as its Thiel Team Member of the Month for November.

+ Read the full story in the newsroom

Holiday-grams will support local veterans

• Place an order.

Staff luncheon set for Dec. 11

President Susan Traverso, Ph.D. invites you to join her for the Faculty and Staff Christmas Luncheon at noon Thursday, Dec. 11, 2025 in the Lutheran Heritage Room. Please RSVP so that AVI has an accurate count for the luncheon.

• RSVP online.

Attendees are asked to bring a non-perishable food item to be donated to The Good Shepherd.

For more information, contact Amy Taczanowsky at ext. 2155.

Nominate a Thiel community member for an MLK Day service award

In honor of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s legacy in January, Thiel College will recognize a group of students, faculty, and staff members of distinction. We are inviting nominations for our community members who have demonstrated a commitment to service and interest in bettering the experience of others.

• Submit an online nomination.

For more information, contact Coordinator for Faith, Spirituality & Service Ian Slippy at ext. 2130 or Assistant Dean for Student Engagement Than Oo at ext. 2192.

Thiel faculty and staff invited to support Salvation Army Red Kettle Campaign

The Salvation Army’s annual Red Kettle Campaign is underway, supporting families and individuals in need throughout the local community. Thiel College faculty and staff are invited to volunteer as bell ringers at the Greenville Walmart on Tuesday, Dec. 16.

To staff both main entrances, the College aims to fill 16 one-hour time slots between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. Volunteers will receive Thiel-themed Santa hats to wear during their shifts, though blue-and-gold spirit wear is also welcome.

Those interested in volunteering should check their email for the sign-up link.

For more information, contact Administrative Assistant to the Vice President of Enrollment, Student Life and Athletics Melissa Michael at ext. 2198.

Celebrate the season in Greenville

A wide array of festive activities is planned throughout Greenville this month, offering opportunities for families, friends, and neighbors to come together and enjoy the holiday spirit. From parades and free community meals to musical performances and creative gift-giving ideas, there are plenty of ways to celebrate and support local organizations. Highlights include:

Saturday, Dec. 6 – Greenville Chamber of Commerce Christmas Parade (5 p.m., Main Street)
School-aged children can receive an early Christmas present—Greenville Kiwanians will hand out free books along the parade route.

Saturday, Dec. 13 – Free Breakfast with Santa (9–11 a.m., Senior Center at Riverside Park)
Offered by the Heritage Days Committee for children under 12 and their parent(s)/guardian(s). Volunteers willing to help serve food that morning are welcome.
Children may also drop off letters to Santa in the red mailbox in Central Park (S. Penn Ave. and Main St.). Letters received by Dec. 17 will receive a handwritten response.

Dec. 18–19 – Greenville High School Band Boosters Carol-grams
For a $25 donation, the GHS Brass Carolers will perform a mini-concert at the Greenville-area address of your choice. Proceeds support meals, supplies, and travel expenses for the GHS band—including their spring performance trip to Disney World.

Download the order form.

Order forms can be given to Greg Butcher, Ph.D.

Saturday, Dec. 20 – Greenville Symphony Orchestra “Home Alone and Holiday Hits” Concert (3 p.m., Passavant Center)
Tickets are $25 at the door or $20 for adults/$10 for children if purchased in advance.

Purchase tickes online.

Tickets can also be purchased by contacting Greg Butcher, Ph.D.

Student News

Walker highlights her career path from Thiel to newsroom leadership

Thiel alumna Samantha Walker ’21 delivered the keynote address at the Nov. 19 Ruthanne Beighley Senior Seminar speaker series. Walker graduated from Thiel in 2021 as an English and history double major, went on to earn her Master of Information and Library Science from the University of Pittsburgh, and now serves as the design and copy editor for The Record-Argus, where she has spent the past two years shaping the stories that inform and connect our region. Her work blends research, narrative awareness, and a sharp editorial eye—skills rooted in her liberal-arts training and strengthened through professional practice.

“It was an honor to get to speak to and hear from Sam Walker. She is someone who has already accomplished and achieved so much, even in the midst of what is still a transitionary period after undergraduate and graduate education. She really showed us that, regardless of our degrees, we can still succeed no matter what life throws at us, because it is not about the major or classes but the skills learned and applied.” —Colin Schroyer ’25

“Ms. Walker discussed the idea that although your plans may not always play out perfectly, they can lead to something better than you ever imagined. She emphasizes that taking risks and embracing opportunities can open the door for many other paths. She also advised to step outside of your comfort zone and take risks even when it is not something you are used to.” —Maddy Triskett ’26

“I took away that we should know what we want in life and if we look back after so many years are we going to be happy with what we have done?” —Neira Laird ’26

“Sometimes not having all the ducks in a row can lead to adventure and opportunity.” —Rex Dugan ’26

“Ms. Walker gave great insight on what to do when life does not go as planned. I enjoyed hearing about her career journey and hope to apply her tips on working with what you have to get where you need to be in my own professional journey. Thank you, Sam Walker!” —Muncie Canon ’26

“Ms. Walker demonstrated to me the many opportunities and the determination that those at Thiel can experience and enjoy. Her use of credentials from The Thielensian to obtain a job she enjoys, while also pushing through tough times, including her job being cut, shows me the strength every student here at Thiel has inside them.” —Michael King ’26

“One big takeaway that I had was that life will not always take you in the direction that you plan. Being able to persevere with the way life takes you and use connections in order to get opportunities for jobs. Don’t let anything stop you from getting a job, and if you have a goal, don’t give up on that goal, even if you are doing other jobs in your life.” —Savanna Welch ’25

“Ms. Walker emphasized the importance of choosing a job that will not only progress your career, but that you also truly enjoy. She told us about her time at Thiel and her early career changes before landing at the Record Argus and underscores the significance of perseverance in your career.” —Kaleb Proudfoot ’26

“Sam Walker’s determination throughout her first few years post-grad was inspiring. In her keynote speech, she explained how even after her life plans changed within months, she got back on her feet and kept moving forward. Her passion and love for humanities studies in refreshing as a soon-to-be professional in the field of humanities and education.” —Katie Wagner ’26