Three students earn distinguished Heinz scholarships for international travel

Posted January 22, 2016Communications and Marketing Department

GREENVILLE, Pa.—Thiel College students Madison Mele ’17, of McMurray, Pa., Jennifer Shelley ’16, of Port Allegany, Pa., and Jaime Whitaker ’18, of Kersey, Pa., will spend a summer abroad after earning Vira I. Heinz Scholarships for Women in Global Leadership.

“Thiel College is fortunate to be part of a select group of Pennsylvania institutions that receive funding from the Heinz Endowment to support the Vira I. Heinz Program for Women in Global Leadership,” Thiel College Campus Coordinator for the program and Professor of Sociology Cynthia Sutton, Ph.D., said.

While the international study experience—which must last for at least 28 days—is often considered the cornerstone of the program, recipients also participate in two intensive retreat weekends, plan and implement a community engagement project to share the knowledge gained during their international experience, and write detailed reports to process the travel and community engagement experience, Sutton said. 

Funded by the Heinz Endowments, the Vira I. Heinz Program for Women in Global Leadership prepares women for tomorrow’s global challenges by offering a unique opportunity for international experiences, leadership development and community service. Each year, Thiel College is awarded three scholarships of at least $5,000 a piece to support student participation in this program. Three women of sophomore or junior status are selected from each of 14 regional colleges and universities and admitted to the two-year leadership program.


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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