Campus News
Update on the Pedas Communication Center
Recently, the philosophy of the Dr. James Pedas Communication Center project has grown from a single-use building aimed at the communication studies program at Thiel to a dynamic, integrated and technologically sophisticated building that inspires individual and collaborative learning in a creative and open space. While still home to the Communication Department, Dr. James Pedas ’50 and his brother, Ted, wish the building to benefit all Thiel students by serving as a place where their presentational and communication skills can be honed and developed in an atmosphere of critical and creative thinking. “We see this building as having the potential to transform the center of campus and become the heart of learning at Thiel College,” said Dr. Troy VanAken, president of Thiel College. “We are hard at work finalizing what that philosophy will look like in reality with architects, project managers and faculty members as well as the Pedas brothers.” Fundraising for this project is wrapping up this year, as Thiel works to reach a final $1-million match to the generous gifts by Jim Pedas. The groundbreaking for the project is anticipated for 2013 with completion in 2014. During Homecoming in September, the Class of 2012 dedicated their senior class gift at its future site (where the Financial Services Building currently sits)—a brick sidewalk that will be incorporated into the final design of the building and its grounds.
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The Bell • Fall 2012
R.W. Larson Associates presented a design charette, a collaborative consulting session, in June to key stakeholders in the Pedas Communication Center, including Jim Pedas ’50 (pictured above).
Are you interested in being a part of this exciting new project that will help shape the future of Thiel College? Contact Sam Siple, vice president for college advancement, at 724-589-2160 or ssiple@thiel.edu to learn how!