September 16, 2026

t-notes archive

Next Issue: September 23, 2026

Thiel Happenings

Thiel College Constitution Day program to feature retired judge, Greenville attorney

Thiel College will mark Constitution Day with a public town hall featuring retired Mercer County President Judge Daniel P. Wallace, J.D. and Greenville attorney Jason R. Dibble, J.D. at 11:30 a.m. Thursday, Sept. 17 in Stamm Hall of the James Pedas Communication Center.

+ Read the full story in the newsroom

Thiel College opens new career pathway into operations, logistics and compliance

From moving products efficiently to keeping workplaces safe and navigating complex regulations, some of the most important jobs in business happen behind the scenes, and Thiel College is giving students a new pathway into those careers with an industrial operations and compliance concentration in its Bachelor of Arts in business administration program.

+ Read the full story in the newsroom

Environmental Services team gets a wall of appreciation

Thiel’s Environmental Services team received some well-deserved recognition during Environmental Services Week. Members of the campus community recognized the employees who help keep the College clean, safe and welcoming. 

The gratitude was shared with the entire community as shoutout cards were posted on the wall in the Howard Miller Student Center.

Environmental Services Week recognizes the often behind-the-scenes work of professionals responsible for maintaining clean, healthy and comfortable environments. At Thiel, their impact extends well beyond sparkling floors and well-kept spaces—the team’s daily work helps create a campus where students, employees and visitors can feel at home.

The cards displayed in the HMSC shared personal notes of appreciation and offered a visible reminder that the team’s hard work does not go unnoticed.

Thank you to every member of Thiel’s Environmental Services team for everything you do for the campus community!

The Homecoming countdown is on...

Homecoming is almost here, and faculty and staff are encouraged to help launch **Homecoming 2026: Thiel In Time 1866–2026**, Sept. 24–27, by showing their Tomcat spirit on Thursday, Sept. 24.

Thiel National Spirit Day invites members of the Thiel community around the world to wear their Thiel gear and share photos on social media. Here on campus, faculty, staff and students are encouraged to wear their blue and gold and gather on the lawn in front of Greenville Hall for the Homecoming Kickoff Rally and campus community photo.

The celebration continues throughout the weekend with Friday night soccer, a pep rally and fireworks at Alumni Stadium, followed by Saturday’s Homecoming parade, tailgating and the 3 p.m. football game against Hiram College.

Homecoming is an opportunity to welcome alumni back to the place they once called home and celebrate the spirit and sense of community that connect generations of Tomcats. Whether you attend one event or spend the weekend celebrating, wear your Thiel gear, join the kickoff and be part of Homecoming 2026.

For more information, contact David Hummel ’83 at ext. 2027.

First Fall TNT is Sept. 22; remaining schedule set 

Thiel News Time (TNT) returns this fall, providing faculty and staff with opportunities to gather as a campus community, hear College updates and share questions, comments and announcements.

Hosted by President Susan Traverso, Ph.D., TNT sessions are held during Community Hour so faculty and staff can participate together. All fall sessions begin at 11:30 a.m. in the Sawhill Georgian Room of the Howard Miller Student Center.

Mark your calendars for Sept. 22, Oct. 13, Nov. 10 and Dec. 8, and plan to join your colleagues for conversation and updates from across the College.

Student Life Emergency Pantry seeks donations

The Student Life Emergency Pantry is seeking donations of nonperishable food items and monetary contributions to support students experiencing financial hardship, including students who remain on campus during breaks and commuter students.

Suggested donations include microwavable macaroni and cheese, mashed potatoes, rice, soup and Chef Boyardee products, as well as breakfast and snack items such as granola bars, Pop-Tarts, crackers, peanut butter and microwavable popcorn.

Donations may be dropped off at the Wellness Center or Student Life Office. Faculty and staff who are aware of a student in need of food or personal care products should contact Melanie Broadwater ’98, Jodie Witherite or Keri McElhaney.

Free coffee in the library

Free coffee in the Langenheim Memorial Library is returning from 8 a.m. to noon Thursday, September 17.

Please stop by and enjoy a cup on us in the new Library Coffee Corner and read the newspaper or grab your favorite book from the stacks.

Student News

Boundless Books and advice

Last week’s guest speakers were Chelsea and Steven Erb, the owners of Boundless Books in Greenville. They spoke about what it takes to launch a new business, the importance of connecting with your customers, and the role of authenticity and community in today's bookselling environment.

Key Student Takeaways:

Dinner Dishing

“Dinner was good, we had a good salad with a good salad dressing I believe they said its poppyseed. The entree was chicken with either cheesy potatoes or risotto which was good with some string beans.” - James Kliner ’27

"I truly thought dinner was great and loved getting to know the speakers before the lecture." - Khamari Accursio-Harris ’27

“We talked about the classes and also about why I came to Thiel. We also talked about different cities in the United States. It was a good opportunity to have a conversation with them and learn more about each other.” – Yunjeong Ryu ’27

Sorority recruitment underway this week

Sorority recruitment is underway, with current members meeting students from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. this week outside the TC Café to answer questions and share information about sorority life at Thiel.


Special Notes

HR Notes

Thiel College welcomes

Reminder: Complete required Vector Solutions training

Thiel College employees who have not yet completed their assigned Vector Solutions training are reminded to log in and complete their required courses by their assigned deadlines.

Training requirements and due dates may vary by employee. Faculty and staff should check their email for messages from Vector Solutions for information about assigned courses, deadlines and instructions for accessing the training site.

Employees who still have outstanding training are encouraged to complete it as soon as possible and before the deadlines listed in their individual accounts.

Retirement Planning Appointments Available

Thiel College's independent retirement plan advisor, Sierra Christian of Henderson Brothers Financial Partners, is available for virtual meetings throughout the month. Employees can schedule a 15- or 30-minute appointment to discuss retirement planning, investment options, retirement income strategies, market updates, outside investment reviews, insurance needs, or comprehensive financial planning.

Events

Campus & Community Events

Constitution Day
Sept. 17 at 11:30 a.m.
Stamm Lecture Hall, James Pedas Communication Center

Retired Mercer County President Judge Daniel P. Wallace, J.D. and attorney Jason R. Dibble, J.D. will discuss the American legal system and contemporary legal matters in a town hall-style program followed by questions from the audience.

SGA Meeting
Sept. 17 at 2 p.m.
Sawhill Georgian Room, Howard Miller Student Center

Students are invited to attend a Student Government Association meeting.

“Death Becomes Her”
Sept. 17 at 4 p.m.
KeyBank State Theatre, Cleveland, Ohio

Thiel students are invited on a free trip to Cleveland to attend a performance of the Broadway musical “Death Becomes Her.”

Sorority 101/Fraternity 101
Sept. 17 at 8 p.m.
Stamm Hall/Pedas 120, James Pedas Communication Center

Students are invited to learn about fraternity and sorority life at Thiel and ask questions about getting involved.

WTEN vs. Saint Francis
Sept. 18 at 4 p.m.
Thiel Tennis Courts

The Thiel College women’s tennis team hosts Saint Francis University.

Gordo’s Authentic Street Tacos
Sept. 19 at 9 p.m.
Howard Miller Student Center Parking Lot

Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month with Gordo’s Authentic Street Tacos, available free to Thiel students with a student ID.

Cheer Clinic
Sept. 20 at 11 a.m.
Maenpa Court, Beeghly Gymnasium

Thiel College will host a cheer clinic at Maenpa Court in Beeghly Gymnasium.

IUP College of Osteopathic Medicine Information Table
Sept. 21 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Howard Miller Student Center Rotunda

Representatives from Indiana University of Pennsylvania’s College of Osteopathic Medicine will meet with students to discuss the developing program and graduate and professional school pathways.

TNT (Thiel News Time)
Sept. 22 at 11:30 a.m.
Sawhill Georgian Room, Howard Miller Student Center

President Susan Traverso, Ph.D., will host Thiel News Time, providing updates and information for the campus community.

WSOC vs. Grove City
Sept. 22 at 5 p.m.
Stoeber Field at Alumni Stadium

The Thiel College women’s soccer team hosts the Grove City College Wolverines in the first match of a soccer doubleheader.

MSOC vs. Grove City
Sept. 22 at 7:30 p.m.
Stoeber Field at Alumni Stadium

The Thiel College men’s soccer team hosts the Grove City College Wolverines in the second match of a soccer doubleheader.

MTEN vs. Penn State Altoona
Sept. 23 at 4:30 p.m.
Thiel Tennis Courts

The Thiel College men’s tennis team hosts the Penn State Altoona Lions.

Brewed Theology
Sept. 23 at 6:30 p.m.
Weyers Lounge

Brewed Theology brings together members of the campus community for conversation about the intersection of faith and everyday life.

Homecoming 2026
Sept. 24–27
Thiel College and Greenville area

Homecoming 2026: Thiel In Time 1866–2026 celebrates Thiel’s 160-year journey with four days of activities for alumni, students, employees and friends of the College.

SGA Meeting
Sept. 24 at 2 p.m.
Sawhill Georgian Room, Howard Miller Student Center

Students are invited to attend a Student Government Association meeting.

WTEN vs. Westminster
Sept. 24 at 4:30 p.m.
Thiel Tennis Courts

The Thiel College women’s tennis team hosts the Westminster College Titans.

Speech-Language Pathology Program Information Session
Sept. 24 at 6 p.m.
Online

Prospective students are invited to learn about Thiel’s Speech-Language Pathology program, including coursework, clinical rotations, admissions and financial aid.

WSOC vs. Bethany College
Sept. 25 at 5 p.m.
Stoeber Field at Alumni Stadium

The Thiel College women’s soccer team hosts the Bethany College Bison in the first match of a Friday night doubleheader.

MSOC vs. Bethany College
Sept. 25 at 7:30 p.m.
Stoeber Field at Alumni Stadium

The Thiel College men’s soccer team hosts the Bethany College Bison in the second match of a Friday night doubleheader.

Football vs. Hiram College
Sept. 26 at 3 p.m.
Stoeber Field at Alumni Stadium

The Thiel College football team hosts longtime rival Hiram College in the Tomcats’ Homecoming game.

Fall Flavor Fest
Oct. 17 from 3–7 p.m.
Downtown Greenville

The Greenville Area Chamber of Commerce’s Fall Flavor Fest features tastings from local wineries, breweries and distilleries, a chili cook-off, craft vendors, food trucks and live entertainment throughout downtown Greenville.

Ticket Options:

🌶️ Tasting & Chili Cook-Off Combo – $30
🍷 Tasting Ticket – $25
🔥 Chili Cook-Off Ticket – $10

Tasting tickets are available to guests 21 and older only.

Tickets are available online through the Greenville Area Chamber of Commerce website or in person at the Chamber Office, weekdays 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

🍷 Tasting Vendors
Enjoy tastings from local wineries, breweries and distilleries, with vendors lining the middle of Main Street. To be a vendor register HERE

🎶 Live Entertainment
Two bands will keep the event going throughout the afternoon: 6 String Blvd from 3–4 p.m. near the Mural, followed by Elements Rock Trio from 4:30–7 p.m. by Fox’s Pizza.

🌶️ Chili Cook-Off
New this year! Community members, businesses, organizations and restaurants will compete for the title of Fall Flavor Fest Chili Cook-Off Champion. Attendees will sample the entries and vote for their favorite using a QR code. To enter, register HERE

🎨 Vendors & Food Trucks
The event will also feature unique craft vendors and food trucks throughout Main Street.

Etc.

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: Elizabeth Zoccole, Ed.D.
Nominator:
Diana Mazur
Comment:
“Elizabeth is doing an outstanding job in reaching our students and assuring they are aware and engaged in student employment on campus. We've had a significant uptick in applications this year due to her exemplary work.”

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 Wednesdays during the academic year. Send your event or news to tnotes@thiel.edu by noon Sept. 21, 2026 to be published in that week’s edition. The next edition will be published Wednesday, Sept. 23, 2026.

Thiel College Shield

Thiel College
75 College Ave
Greenville, PA 16125
1-800-248-4435