One-day fundraising drive for The Thiel Fund produces historic results

Posted March 2, 2016Communications and Marketing Department

GREENVILLE, Pa.—A record number of Thiel College donors contributed more than $200,000 during Monday’s one-day fundraising campaign for The Thiel Fund. The 330 donors in one day, including 196 Greek organization alumni, and the $208,481 given were both single-day records for The Thiel Fund.

“We set out with what we thought were high, but achievable, goals,” interim Vice President for College Advancement Roberta Leonard said. “Our generous alumni and friends exceeded all our expectations.”

The fundraising campaign’s goal was for 150 donors in recognition of the College’s sesquicentennial. The celebration of the school’s 150th anniversary began Feb. 4 and continues throughout the year.

“This generosity is inspiring. It reflects the pride and passion people feel about Thiel College,” Leonard said. “This is evidence our alumni and friends are eager to support a College committed to ensuring a private, liberal arts education is an option for students of all income levels.”

The campaign reached its initial donor goal at noon, but the one-day drive’s momentum lasted throughout the day. The number of gifts and amounts given activated match bonuses and inspired another match bonus. The final total is expected to grow. Along with online and telephone donations, donors could mail donations and have them count toward the campaign as long as the donations were postmarked on Feb. 29.

“The 2016 match day results were clearly impressive by the amount of dollars raised from a record number of very kind and generous alumni who love their college,” Thiel College Board of Trustees member and Chair of the Advancement Committee John Barr ’70 said. “What is equally impressive is that Thiel College is continuing to rapidly develop a growing culture of philanthropy that is assured to benefit generations of future students.”

Participation from Greek organization alumni was also a key factor in the one-day campaign’s success. Sorority or fraternity members made up 59 percent of Monday’s donors.

“There was an incredible sense of Greek pride during match day. The number of alumni from fraternities and sororities truly drove our day of giving toward success,” Director of Alumni Relations Kelly Sanzari, M.A. ’13 said. “Greeks already have a commitment to philanthropic service, and this was confirmed by their dedication to The Thiel Fund.”

About The Thiel Fund

The Thiel Fund is the College’s largest source of unrestricted funds. It funds need-based scholarships, academic programming, athletics and campus improvements. It also provides for unforeseen expenses, student needs and special opportunities.


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