Thiel College will welcome alumni, families, friends and members of the Greenville community to campus Sept. 24–27 for Homecoming 2026, a four-day celebration featuring fireworks, a downtown parade, athletic events, reunions and activities connecting generations of Tomcats.
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Two Thiel College nursing faculty members extended their commitment to service and community engagement beyond the classroom by volunteering with youth organizations in the region.
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Thiel College will host a guest speaker from The Asservo Project on Friday, Sept. 25 for a discussion about the role social media can play in human trafficking and child exploitation.
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Faculty and staff gathered Sept. 22 for the first Thiel News Time (TNT) of the fall semester, where President Susan Traverso, Ph.D., shared updates on enrollment, new academic programs and expanding athletics opportunities.
Among the updates was a 15 percent increase in new students, including first-year, transfer and international students. The discussion also highlighted the addition of STUNT and women’s flag football, along with new majors in secondary education, sports management and nutrition.
Academic updates included Thiel’s agreement with the Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine (LECOM) that provides an accelerated pathway consisting of two years at Thiel followed by four years of medical school, as well as the College’s online Speech-Language Pathology offering and plans for an additional online master’s degree.
TNT provides faculty and staff with opportunities to gather during Community Hour, hear College updates and share questions, comments and announcements. The remaining fall sessions are Oct. 13, Nov. 10 and Dec. 8 at 11:30 a.m. in the Sawhill Georgian Room of the Howard Miller Student Center.
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.
For more information, contact David Hummel ’83 at ext. 2027.
Homecoming weekend gets into full swing Friday night with a soccer doubleheader at Stoeber Field at Alumni Stadium. The Thiel women host Bethany College at 5 p.m., followed by the men’s match against the Bison at 7:30 p.m.
Stick around after the matches as the Homecoming celebration continues with the pep rally and fireworks at Alumni Stadium. Faculty and staff are encouraged to come out, wear their blue and gold, cheer on the Tomcats and join students and alumni for a full evening of Homecoming spirit.
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.
The Sept. 16 speaker for the entrepreneurship class was Katie Swain, founder of a nonprofit called Brown Horse Projects. Swain spoke about her organization’s work providing underserved communities in Haiti and the Dominican Republic with medical care. She also touched on the importance of avoiding "toxic charity" and how to build genuine relationships with communities you aim to serve.
Key Student Takeaways
... another lesson Katie talked about was how to never walk past an open door. She talked about how she almost turned down an internship offer and she was very glad she didn’t. This really stood out for me because you never want to waste the opportunity you are given. Andrew Yocum ’27
A central philosophy is avoiding “toxic charity,” the practice of short-term, one-off visits solely to make volunteers feel good. Instead, they commit to yearly check-ins and sustainable support. Bri Whaley ’27
Show up with something to say. Brady Wear ’28
I was impressed that her 30 years in marketing are still useful in a medical nonprofit. I am a senior now, but I still have not decided on my future career. So her words, “nothing is wasted,” were a comfort to me. Even if I do not have a clear plan right now, what I am doing now may help me someday. Mikyung Kong ’27
Considering the vast responsibilities Katie has, she was able to offer perspective into all sides of a nonprofit and the realities of running one. She talked about things that you may not even have considered until you were actually in the field. Spencer Cleary ’28
Do the right thing / give what you can. Organization and details matter. Family first always. Aden Sasala ’27
The most memorable lesson for me was that 'nothing is wasted.' Learning that even experiences that seem completely unrelated to one's current career can become valuable assets in the future really ignited my passion. Seoyeon Moon ’27
Dinner Dishing
For more information, contact head cheer and STUNT coach Randall Burnett M.A.’22 at ext. 2247.
HR Notes
Thiel College welcomes
and says farewell to:
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.
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, Howard Miller Student Center
Brewed Theology brings together members of the campus community for conversation about the intersection of faith and everyday life.
OBC Meeting
Sept. 23 at 8 p.m.
Stamm Hall, James Pedas Communication Center
The Organization of Black Collegiates holds its general meeting.
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.
TCTV General Interest Meeting
Sept. 24 at 4 p.m.
TV Studio, James Pedas Communication Center
Students interested in broadcasting, livestreaming, video editing, television, social media and other aspects of video production are invited to learn about getting involved with TCTV.
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.
Interview Mastery Workshop
Sept. 25 at 3 p.m.
The Bistro, Howard Miller Student Center
The Tomcat Career Academy hosts an interactive 30-minute workshop covering common interview questions, employer expectations and strategies for making a strong first impression.
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.
Creative Writing Club
Sept. 25 at 6 p.m.
Greenville Hall, Room 101
Students are invited to join the Creative Writing Club for an opportunity to explore and share their creativity.
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.
OBC Meeting
Sept. 30 at 8 p.m.
Stamm Hall, James Pedas Communication Center
The Organization of Black Collegiates holds its general meeting.
Mercer County Guidance Counselors College and Career Fair
Oct. 1 at 9 a.m.
Thiel College
High school juniors and seniors and members of the public are invited to meet representatives and learn about college and career opportunities.
SGA Meeting
Oct. 1 at 2 p.m.
Sawhill Georgian Room, Howard Miller Student Center
Students are invited to attend a Student Government Association meeting.
DHI (Honors) Visit Day
Oct. 2 at 9 a.m.
Thiel College
Prospective students can explore the Dietrich Honors Institute through admissions information, a campus tour, a DHI class and activity, lunch with current students and optional honors interviews.
WVB vs. Saint Vincent College
Oct. 3 at noon
Maenpa Court, Beeghly Gymnasium
The Thiel College women’s volleyball team hosts the Saint Vincent College Bearcats in its 2026 home opener.
Fall Open House
Oct. 3 at 3:30 p.m.
Thiel College
Prospective students and their families can explore academics, athletics and campus life during Fall Open House, with tours, presentations, dinner and an opportunity to attend the evening football game.
45th Athletics Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony
Oct. 3 at 5:30 p.m.
Lutheran Heritage Room, Howard Miller Student Center
Thiel Athletics will recognize its newest Hall of Fame inductees during the 45th Athletics Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony; attendance is by invitation only.
Football vs. Allegheny College
Oct. 3 at 7 p.m.
Stoeber Field at Alumni Stadium
The Thiel College football team hosts the Allegheny College Gators under the lights.
WTEN vs. Franciscan University
Oct. 5 at 4 p.m.
Thiel Tennis Courts
The Thiel College women’s tennis team hosts the Franciscan University Barons.
WTEN vs. Grove City
Oct. 7 at 4 p.m.
Thiel Tennis Courts
The Thiel College women’s tennis team hosts the Grove City College Wolverines.
WSOC vs. Hiram College
Oct. 7 at 5 p.m.
Stoeber Field at Alumni Stadium
The Thiel College women’s soccer team hosts the Hiram College Terriers as part of a three-event evening of Tomcat athletics.
Brewed Theology
Oct. 7 at 6:30 p.m.
Weyers Lounge, Howard Miller Student Center
Brewed Theology brings together members of the campus community for conversation about the intersection of faith and everyday life.
WVB vs. Hiram College
Oct. 7 at 7 p.m.
Maenpa Court, Beeghly Gymnasium
The Thiel College women’s volleyball team hosts the Hiram College Terriers.
MSOC vs. Hiram College
Oct. 7 at 7:30 p.m.
Stoeber Field at Alumni Stadium
The Thiel College men’s soccer team hosts the Hiram College Terriers to close out a three-event evening of Tomcat athletics.
OBC Meeting
Oct. 7 at 8 p.m.
Stamm Hall, James Pedas Communication Center
The Organization of Black Collegiates holds its general meeting.
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
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: Lisa Blaney
Nominator: Nalini Downing
Comment: “I don’t know what we’d do without Lisa! She works hard behind the scenes to make sure faculty, staff, and students get their mail and packages. No matter how busy things get, she’s always there to help. We’re so grateful for all she does and for always going the extra mile.”
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. 28, 2026 to be published in that week’s edition. The next edition will be published Wednesday, Sept. 30, 2026.
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