Internationally recognized water researcher Shane Snyder, Ph.D. ’94 will deliver the commencement address and receive an Honorary Doctor of Science degree during Thiel College’s 2026 Commencement ceremony on Saturday, May 9.
+ Read the full story in the newsroom
Thiel College senior Brooke Griffith ’26 is spending the spring semester in Washington, D.C., gaining hands-on experience in public safety policy through the Lutheran College Washington Semester program.
+ Read the full story in the newsroom
Thiel College announced four students as recipients of its competitive Dean’s Scholarship, each earning a $12,000 award. The scholarship recognizes high-achieving students for their academic excellence, leadership, and involvement in their school and community.
The recipients represent a diverse group of future Tomcats with interests spanning academics, service, and extracurricular engagement. Thiel awards a limited number of Dean’s Scholarships annually as part of its commitment to making a high-quality, personalized education accessible—reinforcing that nearly all students receive some form of financial aid.
Read the announcements:

Director of Advancement Mark Batt ’87; Vice President for Student Life, Enrollment and Athletics and Dean of Students Mike McKinney, Ed.D. ’02; Assistant Director of IT Operations and Veterans Liaison Mike Mason; and President Susan Traverso, Ph.D. provided campus updates during Thiel News Time (TNT).
Leaders shared progress on strategic planning initiatives, highlighted final results from Match Day, and expressed gratitude for the campus community’s strong participation in the annual giving event. Additional updates included enrollment trends, the spring academic schedule, and upcoming plans for the Olympus Recreation and Wellness Center.
Mail Service Assistant Sara Cascio was announced as the winner of IT’s contest for completing her IT training.



Thiel Cheer is bringing back its tote bag fundraiser! 👜☀️
Just in time for summer! Grab a stylish tote and support our program at the same time.
📅 Totes are available until April 2. 📅
🎨 Available Colors:• Grey• White• Navy
Thiel College has been approved to offer two study away/abroad opportunities for Summer 2027, providing students with hands-on academic and cultural experiences.
One program features a paleontology field expedition in Montana and Wyoming, where students will work alongside professional researchers, conduct fossil excavation, and study geology in the Bighorn Basin.
The second program is a Peru: Incan Adventure, a multi-city international experience that includes visits to Lima, Cusco, Machu Picchu, and Lake Titicaca, with guided tours of historic and cultural sites.
An initial information session will be held at noon Tuesday, March 31, in Stamm Hall.
For more information, contact Professor of Neuroscience Greg Butcher, Ph.D.

Faculty and staff members can recommend the resources available in The Learning Commons to students.
Faculty and staff can download, print and post the schedule to help make students aware of the resources available in The Learning Commons.
Below is a link that can be shared with students so they can schedule an appointment at the TLC.



Important note for seniors
Students graduating in May 2026 should visit the Campus Store to purchase their commencement regalia.
Stoles for bachelor’s degree regalia will be discontinued. Students can purchase stoles (eg: Student-Athlete, First Generation, OBC, etc.) on their own or from Jostens’ website.

HR Notes
Retirement plan advisors available for individual consultations
Independent retirement plan advisors Sierra Christian and Jack Ryan of Henderson Brothers Financial Partners are available to meet with Thiel College employees for individual consultations to support retirement and financial planning needs.
Christian is available for online and phone appointments throughout the month.
Ryan is available online and phone appointments throughout the month.
Advisors can provide guidance on:
Henderson Brothers Financial Partners supports Thiel employees in meeting their retirement planning goals and looks forward to assisting plan participants.
Thiel College welcomes
Call for Farewell Festival activities
Farewell Festival is from 4-7 p.m. Friday, May 1 in front of Greenville Hall.
All College departments and offices are invited to sponsor an activity during the festival, such as games or crafts. Funding is available for your ideas. If you would like to participate, please complete and submit this form by Friday, April 17.
A call for volunteers during the Festival will be emailed at a later date.
For more information, contact Than Oo at ext. 2192.
MLAX vs. Heidelberg
March 18 at 7 p.m.
Rissell-Schreyer Dome
Thiel hosts Heidelberg in men’s lacrosse.
Army Recruitment Table
March 19 at 11 a.m.
Bistro, Howard Miller Student Center
U.S. Army recruiters will be available to provide information about military service opportunities.
WLAX vs. Saint Vincent
March 19 at 7 p.m.
Rissell-Schreyer Dome
Thiel hosts Saint Vincent in women’s lacrosse.
Countdown to Commencement Celebration
March 19 at 7 p.m.
Lutheran Heritage Room, Howard Miller Student Center
Graduating seniors are invited to celebrate Countdown to Commencement with networking, hors d’oeuvres, a champagne toast and professional headshots.
WLAX vs. Saint Vincent
March 19 at 7 p.m.
Rissell-Schreyer Dome
Thiel hosts Saint Vincent in women’s lacrosse.
Spring Equinox
March 20
Earth
The spring equinox marks the beginning of astronomical spring with nearly equal hours of day and night.
Speech-Language Pathology Program Information Session
March 20 at noon
Online
Prospective students can learn about the Speech-Language Pathology program, including coursework, clinical rotations, admissions and financial aid.
Stress Less WINGO!
Mar. 20 at 8 p.m.
Stamm Hall, James Pedas Communication Center
Women Inspiring the Next Generation hosts WINGO featuring stress-relief themed prizes.
Spring Open House 2026
March 21 at 9 a.m.
Thiel College campus
Prospective students and families are invited to Spring Open House to meet faculty, tour campus, attend panels and learn about the admissions process.
SOFT vs. Grove City
Mar. 21 at 12 p.m.
Tomcat Park
Thiel hosts Grove City in softball.
An Evening of Mystery
March 21 at 6 p.m.
Gibson House – Jamestown, Pa.
Students are invited to attend a candlelight ghost tour and dinner event.
3v3 Basketball Tournament
Mar. 22 at 12 p.m.
Maenpa Court / Beeghly Gymnasium
Students can participate in a 3-on-3 basketball tournament.
DHI Students – Pre-Registration for Fall
March 23
Pre-registration for Fall 2026 opens for Dietrich Honors Institute students.
Last Day to Withdraw with a W
March 23
Last day to withdraw from Spring 2026 courses with a “W” grade.
Accepted Students Day
March 23 at 9 a.m.
Thiel College campus
Accepted students will visit campus for presentations, academic sessions and opportunities to connect with future classmates.
OBC General Meeting
March 23 at 8 p.m.
Bly Hall, Daniel & Dorothy Spence Academic Center
General meeting for Organization of Black Collegiates members.
Bible Study
March 24 at 7 p.m.
Fresh Grounds Coffee House, Greenville
A weekly Bible study will be held at Fresh Grounds Coffee House.
For more information, contact Anna Kavulla ’27.
Seniors – Pre-Registration for Fall
March 24 at 7 a.m.
Pre-registration for Fall 2026 opens for seniors.
Trash Art Showcase
March 24 at 11:30 a.m.
Lutheran Heritage Room, Howard Miller Student Center
Students and faculty will create artwork from recycled materials while exploring the environmental and mental health benefits of trash art.
Celebrating Women Authors
March 24 at 11:30 a.m.
Langenheim Memorial Library
Students will read and discuss selections from literature by women authors.
BASE vs. Washington & Jefferson
March 24 at 1 p.m.
Tomcat Park
Thiel hosts Washington & Jefferson in baseball.
MTEN vs. Waynesburg University
March 24 at 4 p.m.
Thiel Tennis Courts
Thiel hosts Waynesburg in men’s tennis.
Bible Study
March 24 at 7 p.m.
Fresh Grounds Coffee House, Greenville
A weekly Bible study will be held at Fresh Grounds Coffee House.
For more information, contact Anna Kavulla ’27.
WLAX vs. Washington and Jefferson
March 25 at 4 p.m.
Rissell-Schreyer Dome
Thiel hosts Washington & Jefferson in women’s lacrosse.
MVB vs. Chatham University
March 25 at 7 p.m.
Maenpa Court/Beeghly Gymnasium
Thiel hosts Chatham in men’s volleyball.
Juniors – Pre-Registration for Fall
Mar. 26 at 7 a.m.
Registrar
Pre-registration for Fall 2026 opens for juniors.
Easter Bingo
March 26 at 11:30 a.m.
Lutheran Heritage Room, Howard Miller Student Center
Students are invited to participate in bingo during Common Hour with holiday-themed prizes.
Express to Destress
March 26 at 11:30 a.m.
Lutheran Heritage Room, Howard Miller Student Center
Students can participate in a service-learning event focused on relaxation through creative activities.
BASE vs. La Roche
March 26 at 3 p.m.
Tomcat Park
Thiel hosts La Roche in baseball.
MTEN vs. Grove City College
March 27 at 4 p.m.
Thiel Tennis Courts
Thiel hosts Grove City in men’s tennis.
WTEN vs. Penn State Altoona
March 28 at 1 p.m.
Thiel Tennis Courts
Thiel hosts Penn State Altoona in women’s tennis.
SOFT vs. Geneva College
March 28 at 1 p.m.
Tomcat Park – near Greenville Borough’s Riverside Park
Thiel hosts Geneva in softball.
BASE vs. Mount Union
March 29 at 1 p.m.
Tomcat Park – near Greenville Borough’s Riverside Park
Thiel hosts Mount Union in baseball.
Sophomores – Pre-Registration for Fall
March 30 at 7 a.m.
Registrar
Pre-registration for Fall 2026 opens for sophomores.
MBA Information Session
March 30 at Noon
Online
Prospective students can learn about the MBA program, including coursework, admissions and financial aid.
Haller Enterprise Institute Scholarship Dinner & Competition
March 30 at 6 p.m.
Sawhill Georgian Room, Howard Miller Student Center
Invitation-only event featuring dinner and scholarship interviews for students interested in entrepreneurship.
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, March 23, 2026 to be published in that week’s edition. The next edition will be published Wednesday, March 25, 2026.