Thiel in Time: 160 Years by Sheila Nowinski

1866: Thiel is founded

snowinski1 — 2026-08-03 11:18:24 UTC

1874: Brother Martin's Walk is Planted

snowinski1 — 2026-08-03 11:19:44 UTC

1934: Amelia Earhart awarded honorary Doctor of Science degree

mmckinney63 — 2026-08-14 20:18:52 UTC

1940: Women's Leadership group started and meets with Eleanor Roosevelt.

mmckinney63 — 2026-08-14 20:37:44 UTC

1959: VP Richard Nixon receives honorary degree.

mmckinney63 — 2026-08-14 20:38:31 UTC

1969: Fred Rogers received honorary degree (Thiel is the first institution to honor him)

mmckinney63 — 2026-08-14 20:39:23 UTC

2010: Tomcat Marching Pride and the football team embrace after final home game

mmckinney63 — 2026-08-14 20:45:39 UTC

Trip to APS-2022

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Loved taking students to a national psychology conference

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2013 meeting Bill Dietrich and discussing the DHI. Roberta Leonard. His commitment to philanthropy was humbling

2020 - Steve Kandray

2026-08-18 13:15:10 UTC

Favorite memory - getting to teach without a mask for the first time after the pandemic.

2026-08-18 13:15:12 UTC

Started at Thiel in 2007

President Traverso, 2016

2026-08-18 13:15:12 UTC

Favorite memory is meeting Thiel students my first week on campus. I knew I was at the right place. I was home.

2018 - Heather Detko

2026-08-18 13:15:13 UTC

Seeing students I build friendships with make it to graduation.

Campus is beautiful

2026-08-18 13:15:18 UTC

Nalini Downing started at Thiel March 2023 as a Campus store Manager.

2026-08-18 13:15:22 UTC

Favorite Thiel memory

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Getting married at the Johnson Chapel.

Libbi Brown

2026-08-18 13:15:27 UTC

Started at Thiel in 2022 and my favorite memory was graduating with my MBA in May 2026!

Wrestling Coach Hire

2026-08-18 13:15:37 UTC

Going through the process to successfully hire a permanent wrestling coach in 2003 which is still at the helm 22 years later, Coach Thurber.

2026-08-18 13:15:41 UTC

Started at Thiel 2017

May 2025

2026-08-18 13:15:44 UTC

I started at Thiel and the housekeeping staff has been awesome in every step of the way the laughs and fun times we have had

2010: Eugene Torigoe

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I was hired as Assistant Professor of Physics.

Jon Bevier 2025

2026-08-18 13:15:46 UTC

My favorite memory was watching the Men’s Volleyball team compete in the 2026 NCAA National Tournament!

July 6th 2026 Dr. DVB join Thiel

2026-08-18 13:15:52 UTC

The first All Hands of the Student Life team. The opportunity to meet all staff across the division and engage in discussion, reflection and vision casting

Jordan Poling

2026-08-18 13:16:04 UTC

In november 2024 the great and powerful Kim Scobbie Byler changed my life when she hired me. In January 2025 I met Briney Moore in the stadium bathroom who quickly became a very important friend.

Cassie Shearer

2026-08-18 13:16:05 UTC

2022: AAC movie night with our cohort 5 students “Out of My Mind” it was fun getting to share one of my favorite subjects in a way that also created community with our grad students!

The Tomcat’s 100th Anniversary 2024

2026-08-18 13:16:12 UTC

Richard Orr 2017

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August 18, 2026 - Epic Campus Retreat

Aaron- 2024

2026-08-18 13:16:27 UTC

The return of Greek Week in 2025 Spring and watching students thrive, have fun, and learn while building life long relationships.

2005 David Buck

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Taking students to the Phi Alpha Theta Conference at WVU 2010

1999 Mary Theresa Hall

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I came to Thiel in 1999 and have proudly been here since! I’m thrilled that quite a few faculty and staff are now employed here. I love being reacquainted with them on a professional level.

Angelo. Giannini, 2002, working with Dave Miller.

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2004

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I came in as a freshman at Thiel. During my time on campus from 2004-2008 the theater and chapel were built. In 2007 I was inspired by by education professor to pursue my doctorate degree to one day become a college professor.

Marina Adelizzio 2023

2026-08-18 13:16:34 UTC

My favorite memory is going to lunch with some of the other coaches in between graduation and the ground breaking. I had a lot of laughs and got to know them more.

2021 Commencement-two classes, two ceremonies, joy in the midst of the pandemic.

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2023:Angel Morse

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Welcomed to Thiel Community!

August 2019 - Schreckenghost

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Kara Schreckenghost was hired as an Assistant Professor in the Education Department. My favorite memory was when one of my first group of students wrote a pamphlet about all of the reasons they appreciate/love me. It reassured me that this is what I am supposed to be doing and this is truly where I am meant to be.

October 1 2022: Thiel Football breaks the streak

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I started working in 2025 but my favorite memory was being a player on the 2022 team that broke the losing streak @ Bethany on their homecoming 27-26.

2025-Jamie Eckhardt

2026-08-18 13:17:15 UTC

Seeing students I met the year before come back.

2025

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I became an adjunct member of the Math and Computer Science Department. Shortly after, I also joined the Business Department. Both of these departments welcomed me to the faculty and supported me as I found my way at Thiel.

1985

2026-08-18 13:17:37 UTC

There have many experiences over the years but my favorites have been the outdoor concerts that we used to host for students.

Sonya Lapikas - 1996

2026-08-18 13:17:43 UTC

I had the opportunity to be the honorary captain for the TC football team.

Letting My Son Spread His Wings

2026-08-18 13:17:44 UTC

August 2026 I moved my oldest son into College. It is amazing and hard to watch my son spread his wings at a college that I am teaching at.

2026-08-18 13:17:44 UTC

My favorite memories surround commence. Each year I witness students cross the stage and receive their diploma. Many of these students have overcome tremendous challenges and obstacles. I am in awe each year as I reflect upon the strength and determination it took for students to persevere and see their degree to completion.

2026: Eating at Compadre’s for dinner with future colleagues following my on-campus interview for faculty position.

2026-08-18 13:18:02 UTC

2026

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Favorite Memory so far here was move in day for my Daughter Sierra . Getting Family photos at the TomCat . Everyone was so welcoming, that was the day I met Decwin and began my journey to get a job here!

Butera

2026-08-18 13:18:12 UTC

Started in 2022.

Favorite memory is working across three departments to produce a collaborative production to increase retention and recruitment.

Receiving Staff Award 2026

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Chris Stanisky, Fall 2010

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So many great conversations with colleagues and students over the years

2015

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Co-Teaching Excel with Kara Screckenghost (2021)

2026 - Henry Gorton MVB Championship

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2014: Jared Hanneman

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Kayaking with students at Ohiopyle down the Youghiogheny River

1998-enrolled as a student

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Studied abroad for almost a month in Mexico with classmates and Professor Hassel.

Lana Kulik 2016

2026-08-18 13:18:42 UTC

Favorite memories - taking students to 2024 Eradicate Hate Conference and working with international students.

Kim Peters

2026-08-18 13:18:43 UTC

Started at Thiel in June 2021. I was here 1 month and I walked out of the financial aid office to go home and a bat was flying through the first floor of Roth Hall. I just kept walking only a little quicker!

Chris Morgan, 2022

2026-08-18 13:18:47 UTC

Great colleagues and community

2016: Michelle Lentz

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Favorite memory: Fall 2018- Watching a student from Florida appreciate the beauty of leaves falling for the first time.

2025

2026-08-18 13:18:52 UTC

Women’s Basketball broke their dreaded losing streak with a win at Penn State Shenango!!! They went on to win six games in the 25-26 season.

9-28-2023: Tommy-palooza

2026-08-18 13:18:52 UTC

Saturday tailgate at homecoming. I took awesome pictures to go along with an awesome concept and design. And the Sigs made delicious delicious chicken.

Returning to Thiel

2026-08-18 13:18:54 UTC

In September 2025, had the privilege of returning to campus for Homecoming as a staff member!

2021 - Mary O'Donnell

2026-08-18 13:19:00 UTC

My favorite memory is working with my first cohort of research students

Feb. 2026

theironqueen24 — 2026-08-18 13:19:11 UTC

Being welcomed in with open arms to a wonderful team.

2010: Melissa Oakes

2026-08-18 13:19:13 UTC

August 2025 Spence Center renovation complete of The Frangakis Business Commons. Beautiful addition to campus!

August 2023

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Hired and been working in athletics since then

2022-2023

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Competing at Nationals with the cheer team and bringing home Tomcat Cheerleading’s first National Title.

First Gen Student comes to Thiel

dhagentatlarge — 2026-08-18 13:19:28 UTC

During the Spring of 1979, I visited Thiel College for the first time. I felt at home and the faculty and staff were caring and interested in my well being. As my undergrad studies progressed, I experienced life and was launched into a career of my choice. I was active on the alumni board and returned to campus in 2018 to serve as the alumni director. Go Tomcats!

Military Friendly Gold #1 College

2026-08-18 13:19:30 UTC

Newsroom

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Thiel College named top college in the country for veterans by Military Friendly®

Posted March 07, 2023 Print

GREENVILLE, Pa.-- Thiel College was named the top Military Friendly® institution in the nation in its category today.

“This is a profound honor,” Thiel College Veteran Liaison Mike Mason said. “This is a team effort that reflects the dedication of the entire community to value, recognize and appreciate our students who have served their country in the armed forces. It makes the transition from military to civilian life so much easier when the school understands the unique challenges faced by veterans. A military-friendly college not only provides the resources needed to succeed academically, but also fosters a sense of camaraderie among fellow veterans. It truly makes a difference in the lives of those who have served our country.”

Thiel was ranked as the top “private college not offering (a) doctorate” and was awarded a gold medal along with it’s No. 1-ranking. Institutions earning the Military Friendly® Schools Awards designation were evaluated using public data sources and responses from a proprietary survey. More than 1,800 schools participated in the 2023-2024 survey, 530 schools earned awards level designations in gold, silver, and bronze. 250 were selected for “Gold” award status for their leading practices, outcomes, and effective programs. The 2023-2024 Military Friendly® Schools list will be published in G.I. Jobs magazine’s May issue.

2026-Amy Vaughn

2026-08-18 13:19:38 UTC

First fall retreat!

2025-2026 - Mystery Sculpture

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An older gentleman stopped by the Solution Center for help in locating a sculpture of a praying woman his father had carved 50 years ago. The last record he had of it mentioned it being given to Thiel College. While we weren't sure where it was, the man came back later that day and told us that he had found it in the kitchen in the Chapel! He had gotten a bunch of pictures of it, and showed them to me; it still looked like new!

2026-08-18 13:19:49 UTC

SLP program hosting Bleacher Buddies with St. Paul’s Senior Community/Joining Generations at football game.

1967 - Sept 10 - move-in day as an entering Freshman. The start of a life-long love for Thiel College -I met my best friends for life and, most importantly, eventually married my wife, who was a member of the Thiel Class of 1975.

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Annette Lowers 2020

When I got to join the Academic Affairs Family.

Hiring a previously recruited alumni

2026-08-18 13:20:14 UTC

One of my favorite prospective students chose Thiel to be home. She graduated from TC in 2026 and then I had the honor of hiring her as an alumni to continue her time as a Tomcat!

Fall 2025

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I taught a section of SEMS 110 and had a great time meeting and building a relationship with my students!

2021- Dionna Kassalen

2026-08-18 13:20:23 UTC

Seeing a student who struggled academically succeed when they didn’t think they could

2007: Sheila Gross commits to Thiel

2026-08-18 13:20:24 UTC

I started my undergraduate career at Thiel in Fall 2006, and I really didn’t want to be here. I wanted to go to Penn State Main, but my parents had the sense to see that a full-tuition scholarship at Thiel would be worthwhile in the long run. So I found myself sitting in a lecture room in the science connector with Jim Koshan and Jay Ward, lecturing in Western Humanities and on the first floor of Greenville Hall in Intro to Lit with Mary Theresa Hall, chalk flying on the board with notes on what we were reading. They saw something in me and knew that I belonged at Thiel, even though I told them I planned to transfer after 2 years. They recommended to work in the Writing Lab and become a peer tutor; they got me involved in honors societies and made me feel valued. When I returned for the Spring 2007 semester, I was hooked on Thiel. Not only did I know that I would stay, I also knew what I wanted to do with my life: I wanted to do what Jim and Mary Theresa were doing. I wanted to become a professor and teach at a college like Thiel. Fast forward to 2020, I started my career at Thiel as an Assistant Professor in the English department alongside of those very same mentors from my undergrad. After all these years, I am still committed to Thiel’s mission and keeping it alive for our students.

Bob Phillips

2026-08-18 13:20:25 UTC

Started at Thiel in 2008. Watching our Men's VB team win back to back PAC titles

Bumping into Wes you better figure 20 minutes shot

2026-08-18 13:20:27 UTC

Favorite Memory

2026-08-18 13:20:37 UTC

Started 2026, favorite memory is taking my daughters to Thiel College cheer camp

Kappa Sigma started at Thiel

2026-08-18 13:20:44 UTC

30 March 1996

Sachi Somachandra

2026-08-18 13:20:46 UTC

2026 - Meeting all the amazing people who works at Thiel and wonderful students who are preparing to do incredible things with their lives.

2011: Sean Oros starts at Thiel

2026-08-18 13:21:23 UTC

I grew up around Thiel faculty in the community. Curt Thompson, Matt Morgan, Bob Olson, and many others. Bob Olson in particular sold me on the Thiel community--and I found out for myself. When I started in 2011, late to college at age 22 and still figuring my way into the world, I had countless Thiel staff stop and help above and beyond. Bob himself was a support; Cindy Farrell in financial aid helped make it possible for me to start; the AVI staff, like Barb and many others who have since retired, made me feel welcome. The professors changed my life, like Mary Theresa Hall, Jim Koshan, David Buck, and many others. Jared Johnson started teaching here when I was student and he would become a lifelong friend. Thiel is community, and my life was dramatically changed for the better because of it.

2026-08-18 13:22:14 UTC

The birth of the first of my five children in 1986. 😳

Mark Batt ‘87

2012-Jared Johnson

2026-08-18 13:22:18 UTC

My Shakespeare students presented papers at the Ohio Valley Shakespeare Conference at Ohio State University in October of 2014.

2026-08-18 13:22:30 UTC

Welcome Day is my favorite time of the year at Thiel 😊

Study Abroad Programming 2014

2026-08-18 13:22:35 UTC

Thiel supports study abroad with scholarships! First Thiel trip to Greece.

2026-08-18 13:22:48 UTC

I began working at Thiel College in 2019. My favorite part is attending sporting events &

getting to know the students!

Time at Thiel 2016-2026

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All the Homecomings- meeting all the alumni’s and enjoying talking with them.

The student workers that became like family

Seasonal changes on campus every year!

2026-08-18 13:24:57 UTC

Seeing how well the campus stays maintained throughout the year and looking nice!

2026-08-18 13:26:14 UTC

I started at Thiel as an adjunct nursing instructor and now a full time faculty! I’m so excited to join the Thiel community!!

July 1997-2002

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Spending 10 hours a day in the month of July (1997-2002) in the Thiel gymnasium practicing for nationals with the Centurions baton and drum corp.

Sept 2025

2026-08-18 13:30:19 UTC

Homecoming Kick-Off Rally

Isaac Collins Director of Athletics Hired at Thiel College January 2025: Favorite Memories to date is the Ground Breaking of the Olympus Athletic and Recreation and the Back to Back Men’s Volleyball Championship Run 2025 and 2026 Season

2026-08-18 13:32:05 UTC

As a new Athletic Director, having the opportunity to watch a new athletic building become a reality for our campus community while also seeing two different head coaches lead our Men’s Volleyball program to back-to-back PAC Championships has been incredibly meaningful. Those experiences have shown me what is possible for every Thiel College athletic program.

The tremendous support of our alumni and College community in making the new athletic building possible demonstrates what can happen when people believe in Thiel and invest in its future. At the same time, Men’s Volleyball winning back-to-back PAC Championships has set a competitive standard for our department.

Together, these accomplishments set the bar for all of Thiel Athletics: serve at a high level, compete at a high level, and continue building something that leaves Thiel Better Than We Found It.

August 2024

2026-08-18 13:32:12 UTC

Cianci Memorial Scholarship Golf Outing

Global Heritage Program

2026-08-18 13:32:19 UTC

I was one of the culprits who started the Science and Global Heritage Program. We began in 1992 and received a grant to implement the program and it began in 1995 and continued until the next integrated core that introduced the SEMS courses. I co-wrote the textbooks first the course and even travelled to India with colleagues during Christmas Break in 1995-1996.

2004

2026-08-27 13:06:31 UTC

Started at Thiel as a student!

2019

2026-08-27 13:06:55 UTC

Started at Thiel as an employee

2006

2026-08-27 13:08:36 UTC

Met my husband in Health class on the 2nd floor of the AC.