Graduates, faculty and friends of the College honored during 142nd Commencement

Posted May 8, 2016Communications and Marketing Department

GREENVILLE, Pa.—Thiel College honored 216 graduates, three faculty members and three dedicated friends of the College during its 142nd Commencement exercises Sunday.

More than 2,000 friends and family members attended the Commencement exercises in the William A. Passavant Memorial Center. Professor of Economics and Business Administration and Norman P. Mortensen Chair of Economics David Miller, a 1961 Thiel graduate and the longest-serving professor in the College’s history, dedicated his Commencement address to the students.

“This is your day. Let’s celebrate it,” Miller said before recognizing students and their contributions to the College and Greenville-area communities. Miller has been a faculty member since 1963.

Former Board of Trustees Chair Edward A. Bartko ’72, former Board of Trustees member Rev. Dr. David P. Gleason and generous friend of the College LaVonne C. Johnson were all awarded honorary doctorates.

Professor of Mathematics and Computer Science and Department Chair Andrew Grover; Lecturer of Mathematics Max E. Shellenbarger; and Professor of Political Science Robert Wells, Ph.D., were granted emeriti faculty status during the exercises.

“Commencement is a celebration of the hard work of the students, but also of the institution,” President Troy D. VanAken, Ph.D., said. “It’s been rewarding for me personally to see these students reach their potential. A degree is a foundation our students can build their future on.”


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
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