The 10 most viewed stories of 2016

Posted December 21, 2016Communications and Marketing Department

GREENVILLE, Pa.—Presidential announcements, historic fundraising and campus facility upgrades made up the news items at Thiel College that received the most attention this year. Looking back on the year, the following are the top 10 stories based on the number of views in the Thiel College newsroom, media attention and social media impact.

10. Thiel College raises $61 million to exceed largest fundraising goal in its history

            Feb. 6/ Thiel College surpassed the largest fundraising goal in its history in early February. The Thiel 2016 Campaign has since farther exceeded its goal by raising more than $65 million.

9. Thiel College vice president recognized as one of Mercer County’s top young leaders

            March 29/ Thiel College Vice President of Student Life Michael McKinney ’02 was recognized as an influential young leader during this year’s Mercer County chambers of commerce “40 under Forty” awards ceremony.

8. Thiel wins national recognition as a College of Distinction

            July 20/ Thiel College’s innovative application of high-impact educational practices earned it honors as a 2016-2017 College of Distinction. The designation recognizes select schools for excellence in student-focused higher education.

7. College signs articulation agreement with recognized Pittsburgh law school

            Dec. 7/ Students enrolled at Thiel College can now earn their undergraduate and law degrees in just six years through a new agreement between Thiel College and Duquesne University School of Law signed recently.

6. College investing more than $1.4 million in campus improvements this summer

            June 22/ Thiel College invested more than $1.4 million in campus improvements this summer. Projects included facilities maintenance and campus beautification work, as well as purchases of new campus technology and scientific equipment.

5. New and traditional events highlight weeklong Homecoming 2016 celebration

            Sept. 14/ In its sesquicentennial year, Thiel College celebrated Homecoming 2016 with both new and traditional events for students, alumni, friends of the College and community members from Sept. 25 to Oct. 2.

4. College breaks ground for $4.5 million science connector building expansion

Sept. 9/In early September, Thiel College announced President Susan Traverso, Ph.D., members of the Board of Trustees and faculty members would break ground on a new science connector facility at 10 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 1. The event was part of the College’s sesquicentennial Homecoming 2016 celebration. The structure has been fully funded through the Thiel 2016 Campaign.

3. College announces Dean’s List honorees for fall 2015

            Jan. 29/ Thiel College announced that 322 students were named to the Dean’s List for the fall 2015 semester. Students from 16 states and six countries earned recognition for their academic achievements.

2. President Troy D. VanAken announces departure

            Feb. 16/ Troy D. VanAken, Ph.D., the 19th President of Thiel College, announced he had accepted the presidency of a liberal arts college in Illinois and consequently submitted his resignation to the Thiel College Board of Trustees, effective August 2016.

The top story of 2016 was …

1. Thiel College selects Dr. Susan Traverso as its 20th president

            May 17/ Susan Traverso, Ph.D., was named the 20th president of Thiel College at a press conference on Thiel’s campus. Traverso served as the provost and senior vice president at Elizabethtown College from 2007 to 2016. She took office Aug. 1.

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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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