Thiel College holds its annual Founders' Day celebration on the first Thursday of February. The first official Founders' Day was held on February 2, 1876 – the birthday of Mrs. Barbara Thiel.
** Watch the 2024 Founder's Day Celebration on Boxcast at : https://boxcast.tv/view/thiel-college-founders-day-wahxx5q75yvsle2i372n
The broadcast will begin on Thursday, February 1st around 10:30am and the ceremony will start at 11:00am.
The Louis and Barbara Thiel Distinguished Service Award is presented annually to community members who demonstrate exemplary character, continuity of leadership and long-term service to Greenville and its environs. The recipients must demonstrate a commitment to the common good above private interests.
The award is named after Louis and Barbara Thiel, whose generosity made possible the founding of Thiel College in 1866. The Thiels dedicated themselves to the welfare of others. The German couple immigrated to western Pennsylvania in the 1840s, and as their work was blessed with success, they faithfully served family, community and church.
Distinguished faculty and staff awards are also presented during the annual celebration.
2024 | Linda (Dean) ’75 and Barry Oman ’74 |
2023 | Rod E. Wilt ’86 |
2022 | Mary Reames |
2021 | Brenda Wallace |
2020 | The Pittsburgh Promise |
2019 | Sen. Michele Brooks and Rep. Mark Longietti, J.D. |
2018 | Tom Roberts and Michael Walton |
2017 | John ’71 and Nancy (Gibson) Hauser ’75 |
2016 | The Dietrich Foundation |
2015 | Dr. Robert Olson ’60, H’09, Thiel College’s 18th President |
2014 | Mark A. Nordenberg ’70, H’97 |
2013 | Harvey and Uta Childs |
2012 | John M. Hudson |
2011 | The Frangakis Family Foundation |
2010 | Fred ’65 and Jill (Shackett) ’66 Haer |
2009 | Luther John Kuder ’59 |
2008 | James D. Bittel Jr. ’60 |
2007 | Senator Robert D. Robbins (R-50) and Cynthia A. Robbins |
2006 | Paul E. O’Brien |
2005 | The Rev. Martin M. ’66, H’06 and Sarah “Sally” (Fox) ’65 Roth |
2003 | Archie O. Wallace, Esq., Jeff A. Wallace, Daniel P. Wallace, Esq. |
2002 | Dr. Robert Baker H’12, Dr. John Scullin |
2000 | Peter Mortensen H’05 |
1999 | James Weller Jr. Family |
1998 | Joseph A. George |
1997 | James E. Feeney |
1996 | F. W. Knecht III |
1995 | Dorotha E. Anderson |
1994 | Joseph M. Walton, D. Michael Walton, Joseph P. Walton |
1993 | Donna C. Winner, James E. Winner |
1992 | Richard L. Werner, H’87 |
1991 | The Hon. Roy W. Wilt ’59, H’87 |
1990 | Paul J. Miller ’69 |