Thiel College will celebrate the graduates of its Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology program during commencement exercises at 4 p.m. Thursday, July 30, in the Lutheran Heritage Room of the Howard Miller Student Center.
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Thiel College Athletics announced Wednesday morning that Corey Brown ’12, Matt Elko ’20, Jill Harry ’10, Dante McCoy ’14, Kelly Muffley ’13, Nick Rossmiller ’13, Tinnesia (Blood) Snyder ’95 and Danielle (Massengill) VanAtta ’15 will be inducted into the Thiel Athletics Hall of Fame as the Class of 2026.
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Thiel College has received a $300,000 state grant through Pennsylvania’s Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program to support construction of the Olympus Athletic and Recreation Center, a planned 40,000-square-foot recreation and wellness facility serving students, employees and the surrounding community.
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About 40 students in Thiel College’s Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies program strengthened their personal safety skills during a hands-on self-defense workshop held on campus in late June.
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DaVaughn Vincent-Bryant is the new Dean of Students. Below he offers some insights into his first weeks on campus.
Over the past several weeks, I've had the privilege of beginning my role as Dean of Students. While the title carries many responsibilities, at its core, the Dean of Students serves as an advocate for students and a partner in creating an environment where every student has the opportunity to thrive academically, socially, and personally. Much of that work begins with a simple but powerful idea: every person deserves to know they belong.
As we prepare to welcome a new class of Tomcats this fall, I've been reflecting on what it means to create a true sense of belonging. Belonging isn't something that happens by chance. It is created through countless intentional moments. A warm greeting, an open door, an invitation to join a conversation, a willingness to answer questions, or simply taking the time to learn someone's name and hear their story. These small acts often become the foundation for meaningful relationships and lasting connections. My dissertation focused on a sense of belonging, with a focus on staff in higher education spaces, so I know a thing or two. What has impressed me most during my transition to Thiel is that I haven't simply been welcomed into a new position. I've been welcomed into a community.
From the thoughtful onboarding process coordinated by Human Resources to the welcome emails, handshakes, hallway conversations, and offers to help, I've experienced a community that genuinely cares about people. Colleagues have been eager not only to explain my role and help me navigate campus, but also to learn about me as a person. Those conversations have reminded me that belonging is built through authentic relationships, not just orientation schedules or organizational charts.
As someone whose work centers on student success, that experience has been incredibly affirming. If the warmth, generosity, and genuine interest I've experienced are representative of the Thiel community, then I have every confidence that our newest students will receive the same powerful welcome. They will be greeted not simply as students enrolling at a college, but as individuals being invited into a community where they are known, valued, and encouraged to contribute.
Thank you to everyone who has made my first weeks at Thiel so meaningful. Your kindness has reinforced something I already suspected about this community: belonging is not just something we hope our student's experience. It is something we intentionally create, together. I look forward to meeting many more members of the Thiel community in the weeks ahead and to welcoming the Class of 2030 to campus this fall.
Thanks,
Dr. DVB
Dean of Students
The second annual Tomcat Tennis Tournament sponsored in partnership with First National Bank was held this past weekend at Tomcat Tennis Courts on the campus of Thiel College. The event brought together a competitive field of junior players from across the region and beyond, delivering high-quality tennis and strong community support throughout the weekend.
The Girls 16U singles division final pitted Clara Drahnak (Glenshaw, Pa.) against Carly Weber (Carnegie, Pa.) in a matchup of the top two seeds. In an enthralling battle, Weber came away with the crown, winning 6-4, 4-6, 10-8.
The Girls 18U Tournament will take place July 25-26.
Several members of the Thiel community gathered together at the Presque Isle Half Marathon to remember Toby Atwood ’26 who passed away last year while participating in the event.
Left to right are Dominick DiRienzo M.A.’22, Lyndzee Amory ’28, former tennis coach Anthony Kobak, Allie (Walsh) Sankey ’25, Kaleb and Bella Good ’26, Melissa Oakes ’03, Spencer Cleary ’27, and Bill and Sheila Porterfield.
The photo on the right includes women’s basketball coach Jess Vormelker ’19 before the race.
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: Randall Burnett M.A.’22
Comment: “Thank you, Randall, for the outstanding work you do leading your team and bringing energy to campus each summer. Your dedication to highlighting your athletes, celebrating their accomplishments, and promoting Thiel reflects your commitment to their success and our community.”
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.
The updates can include 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 every-other Wednesday during the summer break. Send your event or news to tnotes@thiel.edu by noon Aug. 3, 2026 to be published in that week’s edition. The next edition will be published Wednesday, Aug. 5, 2026.
HR Notes
Thiel College welcomes:
Sierra Christian, an independent retirement plan adviser with Henderson Brothers Financial Partners, is available to assist employees with retirement planning through conference calls and virtual meetings. Virtual appointments are available throughout the month.
Employees can reserve a 15- or 30-minute time slot by selecting an available appointment at the provided scheduling link.
Christian can assist with market updates and analysis, investment selection within the plan, retirement income planning, outside investment reviews, insurance needs analysis and policy reviews, and comprehensive financial planning. Henderson Brothers Financial Partners encourages employees to schedule a session for personalized support.
Bistro summer hours
The Bistro is open for lunch 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Made-to-order hot food items, cold selections, grab-n-go items and an assortment of bottle and canned beverages will be available. There will be daily specials and combo meals.
Buhl Summer Concert Series
July 22 at 6 p.m.
Buhl Park Performing Arts Center, Hermitage, Pa.
Enjoy live music as part of the Buhl Summer Concert Series.
Last Day to Withdraw with a "W" – Summer 3
July 23
Registrar
Final day to withdraw from Summer Session 3 (July online) classes with a "W."
Music in the Park: Gary Burk III
July 23 at 7 p.m.
Graul Amphitheater, Riverside Park, Greenville, Pa.
Enjoy a free concert featuring Gary Burk III as part of Growing Greenville's Music in the Park series.
Tomcat Tailgate 2026
July 24 at 9 a.m.
Thiel College
Prospective students and families are invited to campus for tours, faculty and coach meetings, scholarship information, and a tailgate-style lunch. Registration is required.
Tomcat Tennis Tournament – Level 5
July 25–26 at 8 a.m.
Tomcat Tennis Courts
USTA-sanctioned high school tournament.
Football Prospect Camp
July 25 at 11 a.m.
Thiel College
Prospective student-athletes can learn more about the Tomcat football program.
For more information, email coach Sam Bauman.
Brush High School Band Camp
July 26
Thiel College
Thiel welcomes the Brush High School Arcs Band for its annual band camp.
Buhl Summer Concert Series
July 26 at 6 p.m.
Buhl Park Performing Arts Center, Hermitage, Pa.
Enjoy live music as part of the Buhl Summer Concert Series.
CSD Professional Development Day
July 29 at 8 a.m.
Stamm Hall, James Pedas Communication Center
The Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology Program hosts its fourth annual Professional Development Day.
Buhl Summer Concert Series
July 29 at 6 p.m.
Buhl Park Performing Arts Center, Hermitage, Pa.
Enjoy live music as part of the Buhl Summer Concert Series.
SLP Commencement Exercises
July 30 at 4 p.m.
Lutheran Heritage Room, Howard Miller Student Center
Celebrate the 2026 Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology graduates.
GACT: Slain at the Speakeasy
July 30–Aug. 1 at 5:30 p.m.
Knights of Columbus, Greenville
Greenville Area Community Theatre presents a murder mystery dinner theater production.
Genesis Drum & Bugle Corps
Aug. 1
Thiel College
Thiel hosts the Genesis Drum & Bugle Corps as it prepares for Drum Corps International competition.
Buhl Summer Concert Series
Aug. 2 at 6 p.m.
Buhl Park Performing Arts Center, Hermitage, Pa.
Enjoy live music as part of the Buhl Summer Concert Series.
YEIP Summer Camp
Aug. 3-5
Thiel College
The Youngstown Early Identification Program hosts its annual summer camp on campus..
Buhl Summer Concert Series
Aug. 5 at 6 p.m.
Buhl Park Performing Arts Center, Hermitage, Pa.
Enjoy live music as part of the Buhl Summer Concert Series.
Thiel College welcomed school-aged students to campus Monday for a weeklong summer history leadership day camp that combines classroom instruction, hands-on research, podcast production and historical experiences in partnership with Gibson House Manor Museum in Jamestown.
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A Thiel College student-athlete’s journey through injury, resilience and preparation for her final collegiate cheer season is the focus of a recent feature by ExploreClarion as registration remains open for the College’s annual Lil’ Scratchers youth cheer camp where she will be a participant.
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Thiel College will welcome prospective students and their families to campus July 24 for a Tomcat Tailgate, the College’s signature summer admission visit event, featuring academic and student life sessions, meetings with faculty and coaches, campus tours and a tailgate-style cookout.
+ Read the full story in the newsroom
Thiel College communications media major Robert Doyle ’28 recently completed the Ed Bradley Journalism Fellowship at New York University, a competitive weeklong journalism program that brought together 20 student journalists from across the United States for intensive professional training, newsroom visits and mentorship.
+ Read the full story in the newsroom
Bachelor of Science in Nursing major Gabrielle Klepeis ’27 is the first Thiel College student to participate in a prestigious nursing fellowship through The Susan Flynn Oncology Nursing Fellowship at The Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania.
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President Susan Traverso, Ph.D. recently shared a summer campus update with employees via email. Faculty and staff are encouraged to check their Thiel email for important information and updates about campus activities and operations throughout the summer.
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Thiel nursing students practiced their IV skills as part of their end of semester Med Surg I lab in late June.
First row (left to right): Program Director Melissa Oakes ’03, Blessing Tete ’26 MBA’27, Alexis Brown ’26 MBA’27, Aidan Ochs ’25 MBA’26; second row: David Hummel ’83 MBA’28; Tristan Kloss ’26 MBA’27; Johnathan Martin ’26 MBA’27 and William McCready ’23 MBA’26; not pictured Garrison Martin ’26 MBA’27.
HR Notes
Thiel College says farewell to:
Sierra Christian, an independent retirement plan adviser with Henderson Brothers Financial Partners, is available to assist employees with retirement planning through conference calls and virtual meetings. Virtual appointments are available throughout the month.
Employees can reserve a 15- or 30-minute time slot by selecting an available appointment at the provided scheduling link.
Christian can assist with market updates and analysis, investment selection within the plan, retirement income planning, outside investment reviews, insurance needs analysis and policy reviews, and comprehensive financial planning. Henderson Brothers Financial Partners encourages employees to schedule a session for personalized support.
Bistro summer hours
The Bistro is open for lunch 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Made-to-order hot food items, cold selections, grab-n-go items and an assortment of bottle and canned beverages will be available. There will be daily specials and combo meals.
Last Day to Drop - Summer 3
July 8 at 8 a.m.
Registrar
Last day to drop a Summer Session 3 (July Session) course.
Buhl Summer Concert Series
July 8 at 6 p.m.
Buhl Park Performing Arts Center, Hermitage, Pa.
Enjoy live music as part of the Buhl Summer Concert Series.
Lil Scratchers Cheer Camp
July 9-10 at 10:30 a.m.
Maenpa Court/Beeghly Gymnasium
The Lil Scratchers Cheer Camp returns this summer. Full details and registration information are available in the Newsroom.
Heritage Days
July 11 at 12:01 a.m.
Riverside Park, Greenville, Pa.
Greenville's Heritage Days festival returns for its 18th year.
Tomcat Tennis Tournament - Level 6
July 11 at 8 a.m.
Thiel Tennis Courts
USTA-sanctioned tournament for high school-aged players.
Track and Field Athletic Clinic
July 11 at 10 a.m.
Stamm Track and Field Complex
This clinic will focus on developing the athletic skills that are essential for success in track & field and/or flag football. However, everything at this clinic is transferrable to other sports like football, volleyball, soccer, basketball, softball, baseball, etc. We highly encourage ANY athlete searching to improve their overall speed and agility to attend this high energy clinic!
Tomcat Tennis Tournament - Level 6
July 12 at 8 a.m.
Thiel Tennis Courts
USTA-sanctioned tournament for high school-aged players.
Buhl Summer Concert Series
July 12 at 6 p.m.
Buhl Park Performing Arts Center, Hermitage, Pa.
Enjoy live music as part of the Buhl Summer Concert Series.
Buhl Summer Concert Series
July 15 at 6 p.m.
Buhl Park Performing Arts Center, Hermitage, Pa.
Enjoy live music as part of the Buhl Summer Concert Series.
Hurdles Clinic
July 18 at 10 a.m.
Stamm Track and Field Complex
Receive the basic fundamentals of sprinting along with a specific understanding of how to accomplish postural integrity with hurdle mobility, proper acceleration and speed between the hurdles, and an ability to integrate complex hurdle drills and exercises into weekly training sessions. Attendees will walk away with a deeper understanding of what it takes to hurdle at a high level. Clinic is not for first-time hurdlers.
Basketball Skills Camp (Grades 1-4)
July 18 at 10 a.m.
Maenpa Court/Beeghly Gymnasium
The Thiel College Women's Basketball Skills Camp is designed to help young players improve their fundamentals, confidence, basketball IQ, and love for the game. Boys and girls are welcome. Campers will receive instruction in ball handling, shooting, passing, defense, rebounding, footwork, and team concepts through competitive drills, small-sided games, and live play. The camp will be led by the Thiel College women’s basketball staff and will give campers a fun, competitive, and positive college basketball experience.
Basketball Skills Camp (Grades 5-8)
July 18 at 1 p.m.
Maenpa Court/Beeghly Gymnasium
The Thiel College Women's Basketball Skills Camp is designed to help young players improve their fundamentals, confidence, basketball IQ, and love for the game. Boys and girls are welcome. Campers will receive instruction in ball handling, shooting, passing, defense, rebounding, footwork, and team concepts through competitive drills, small-sided games, and live play. The camp will be led by the Thiel College women’s basketball staff and will give campers a fun, competitive, and positive college basketball experience.
High Jump Clinic
July 18 at 2 p.m.
Stamm Track and Field Complex
Receive the basic fundamentals of high jump along with a specific understanding of how to accomplish postural integrity with high jump mobility, proper acceleration and speed in your approach to the bar, and an ability to integrate complex high jump drills and exercises into weekly training sessions. Attendees will walk away with a deeper understanding of what it takes to high jump at a high level. Clinic is not for first-time high jumpers.
Buhl Summer Concert Series
July 19 at 6 p.m.
Buhl Park Performing Arts Center, Hermitage, Pa.
Enjoy live music as part of the Buhl Summer Concert Series.
Mid-term Grades Due - Summer 3
July 21 at noon
Online
Midterm grades for Summer Session 3 (July Session) are due.
Buhl Summer Concert Series
July 22 at 6 p.m.
Buhl Park Performing Arts Center, Hermitage, Pa.
Enjoy live music as part of the Buhl Summer Concert Series.
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.
The updates can include 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 every-other Wednesday during the summer break. Send your event or news to tnotes@thiel.edu by noon July 20, 2026 to be published in that week’s edition. The next edition will be published Wednesday, July 22, 2026.
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