Faculty and staff to be recognized, sesquicentennial to kick off at Founders’ Day

Posted January 26, 2016Communications and Marketing Department

GREENVILLE, Pa.—Thiel College officials will recognize the contributions of 15 faculty and staff members as part of their annual Founders’ Day celebration at 11 a.m. Thursday, Feb. 4.

President Troy D. VanAken, Ph.D., will celebrate the contributions of the faculty and staff members in the Lutheran Heritage Room of the Howard Miller Student Center. Founders’ Day has been celebrated annually since 1876.

Founders’ Day is also serving as the official kickoff for the yearlong celebration of the College’s 150th anniversary.

Faculty members to be recognized:

Ten staff members will be recognized with special staff awards:

The Pittsburgh-based charitable trust The Dietrich Foundation will be given the A. Louis and Barbara Thiel Distinguished Service Award as part of the ceremony. The Distinguished Service Award is presented annually to individuals who demonstrate exemplary character, continuity of leadership, and long-term service to Greenville and the surrounding area. The recipients must demonstrate a commitment to the common good above private interests. The award is named after A. Louis and Barbara Thiel, whose generosity made the founding of Thiel College possible in 1866.


About Thiel College

Thiel College is an independent college founded in the Lutheran tradition. Located in Greenville, Pa., the College offers 60 majors and minors, 24 varsity sports, and an 11:1 student-faculty ratio. The College is also home to a new Master of Science in speech-language pathology and 2Master of Business Administration. Both master’s degree programs offer innovative and accelerated five-year paths which allow students to earn a bachelor’s and master’s degree in five years. The speech-language pathology program also has an accelerated 15-month graduate-level program. The M.B.A. program also has a 12-month post-graduate program.A dedicated faculty paired with dynamic research and internship opportunities produce numerous graduate school and job placements. Coeducational from its beginnings, the College remains committed to combining tradition with innovation as it celebrates 150 years.



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