Thiel Happenings

Thiel College will host both 2020 and 2021 graduates in two in-person commencement ceremonies on May 9.

Thiel College received provisional accreditation status recently to open the Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies program with its first class of 40 students beginning in July.

Campus gets enrollment, commencement updates

President Susan Traverso, Ph.D., briefed campus with a Thiel News Time Wednesday. She gave an enrollment update and information about spring events including plans for Commencement. 

The campus also took a moment to congratulate Associate Dean for Diversity and Inclusion Anthony E. Jones, Ed.D., for completing his doctoral work. Jones got his doctorate in educational leadership and policy studies from Eastern Kentucky University.

• Watch tonight’s concert. 

Student News

Maukonen shares her insights on life and the legal profession

Chelsea Maukonen ’14 was the featured speaker at the March 24 Ruth A. Miller Senior Business Seminar. Maukonen is an associate attorney Cole, Scott & Kissane, P.A. in Bonita Springs, Fla., where she specializes in insurance defense litigation. During her talk, she reflected on how her Thiel experience prepared her for the rigors of law school and a career in the fast-paced and challenging legal profession.

• Read about past presenters.

“When I thought I could not learn anything more from Chelsea, I was wrong. Towards the end of her talk with the class she gave us lessons to be learned, but they did not apply just to the workforce. They applied to our everyday lives as well. A few of the lessons that stuck out the most to me were to never stop learning, to trust your boss, and to believe in yourself.” Madison Acor ’22

“After starting as a pre-pharmacy major, she quickly realized that she needed a change, leading her to degrees in business and accounting. During her senior year, she discovered her interest in business law. Therefore, instead of sitting for the CPA exam, Maukonen attended the Ave Maria School of Law in Florida, passed the bar examination, and began working as an attorney for CSK. The speaker even shared some advice with the students, such as the importance of manners, internet etiquette, and networking.”  Emily Baker ’22

“I asked Chelsea how she coped with the stresses of school and studying for the bar exam and she said her friends were the biggest influence. She also mentioned getting enough sleep and exercising. I think she gave valuable advice and was informative about her experience and how she made it through school.”  Jocelyn Bracken ’21

“For me, this really exemplifies one specific statement Chelsea made where she stated to ‘never settle’ and Chelsea never settled always pushing herself for more even when others said that it was not a smart option, or she couldn’t do it.”  William Brandsema ’21

“I find it incredible how Chelsea was able to stay strong while she was in law school because that was a big challenge in her life. Law school is very intense and is not for everybody, but Chelsea managed to persevere through it and passed the bar exam.”  Eligah Flynn ’22

“Chelsea likes to thank Thiel for a lot of her success. She named a couple of different reasons and the first one I think is important is the professors. The relationships you build with them will go a long way in your social life and for your career. They want to see you succeed maybe even more than you want to succeed. They will help you network, they will help you with recommendations. Another thing she brought up was the small community aspect of Thiel and how that will help you build relationships in the future.”  Jeffery Karnoff ’21

“Chelsea is now an insurance defense attorney with a lot of great advice including: adulting is hard, be ready to absorb as much information as you can and always have a desire to learn, emails are permanent, and be able to laugh at yourself.” Delaney Merideth ’21

“Chelsea also talked to us about some management tips. She touched on always staying professional and having manners. Another thing that is important is to always ensure that you never send a nasty email. It is best to calm down, catch a breather and then type the email. The last thing was to understand that you will make mistakes but to learn from your mistakes.” Anthony Sebastian ’21

“She has made a career at the largest law firm in Florida for litigation and insurance and her talk with us was inspiring in that she is only a few years older than me and my fellow classmates.  It gave me a lot of hope to hear how successful she has become in such a short amount of time. I would continue to invite her every year because she is such a high caliber student and young professional.” Hannah Uschock ’22 

“As we enjoyed our Thai cuisine, my classmates and I discussed graduation and post-graduation plans. However, most of our conversation surrounded the evening’s intricate meal. The dinner allowed us to experience a variety of new tastes and textures, including the ‘spicy peanut butter.’ Overall, I enjoyed the opportunity to dine with my fellow classmates as we ‘expanded our horizons’ with regard to food.” Emily Baker ’22

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Welch attends SI, wins Padrone’s gift card

Supplemental Instruction leader Amber Hoskins ’21 for BIO 145 presents Cheyenne Welch ’22 with a $15 Padrone’s gift certificate. Welch won the random drawing from students who have attended any collaborative learning sessions through midterm. Welch said she goes to SI because it “gives me a deeper understanding of what is going on. Amber is chill and doesn’t stress me out!”

At midterm, the average grade for students who participated in these sessions was almost half a grade higher than those who did not attend any sessions. The Thiel Learning Commons strongly recommends students whose courses offer SI or PAL to attend as many sessions as possible.