One Hundred Fifty-first Commencement Exercises
William A. Passavant Memorial Center 2025
Eleven O’Clock Saturday, May Tenth
The Order of the Exercises
May 10, 2025
Prelude ...................................................................................
Ralph Holtzhauser, Organist
*Processional
Faculty Marshal, Candidates for Degrees, Faculty, Platform Party Pomp and Circumstance March No. 1 in D Edward Elgar
*Placing of the College Mace ....................................................................... Jared Johnson, Ph.D. Associate Professor of English, Faculty Marshal
*Invocation ....................................................................................................
Rev. Audra Franley ’17 Coordinator for Campus Ministries Visiting Assistant Professor of Religion
Welcome ...................................................................................................................... Rod E. Wilt ’86 Chair, Board of Trustees
Introductory Remarks .................................................................................Susan Traverso, Ph.D. President
Presentation of Honorary Degree Recipient ............................. Robert Burns, M.D. ’74 H’22 Board of Trustees
Conferring of the Honorary Degree Chairperson Wilt
Honorary Degree Remarks ...........................................................G. Leah (Glessner) Dever ’74
Presentation of Honorary Degree Recipient ............................................ Rev. Brian Evans ’03 Board of Trustees
Conferring of the Honorary Degree .................................................................Chairperson Wilt
Commencement Address Rev. Bishop Kurt F. Kusserow ’85
“The Puzzle of Being Human: Still Becoming Who We Are”
Special Music (by members of the Thiel Choir)
Indodana (The Son)...................................................................................... Michael Barrett & Ralf Schmitt Traditional isiXhosa
Baba Yetu (Our Father) ............................................................................................................... Christopher Tin
Recognition of Faculty Emeritus ..................................................................... Sheila Nowinski, Ph.D. Vice President for Academic Affairs Dean of the College
Introduction of Senior Class Representatives .......................................... Eugene T. Torigoe, Ph.D. Associate Professor of Physics Chair of the Faculty
Class of 2025 Greetings and Class Gift Presentation............................................................................................ Jacara Green ’25 Senior Class President
Senior Address .............................................................................................. Sydney Linhart ’25
“Failure: The Unseen Architect of Your Legacy”
Special Recognition of Valedictorians and Salutatorian Dr. Torigoe
Presentation of the Class Dr. Nowinski
Conferring of Degrees....................................................................................................President Traverso
Distribution of Alumni Flowers ............................................................................................ Jim Frank ’88 President of the Alumni Association Board of Directors
Special Announcements Dr. Johnson
*Hail, Alma Mater ...................................................................................................... Friedrich F. Flemming lyrics by E. Grace Hunton 1900
Hail, Alma Mater, on thy hill enthroned, Firm as a mountain, may’st thou stand enduring Fair as the valley of thine own Shenango.
Hail, Alma Mater!
Hail, Alma Mater, may thy torch forever Shed light resplendent for thy God and Country; Send the flame onward to all generations.
Hail, Alma Mater!
Hail, Alma Mater, we thy children pledge thee Here our devotion, loyal, true, and tender; Thee will we cherish, praise thy name forever.
Hail, Alma Mater!
*Closing Prayer ....................................................................................................................... Rev. Franley
*Recessional ................................................................................. Ralph Holtzhauser, Organist
*The audience is invited to rise.
Honorary Degree CanDiDate
Bishop Kurt F. Kusserow ’85
Keynote Speaker
A lifelong advocate for faith, education, and service, the Rev. Kurt F. Kusserow ’85 has remained deeply connected to Thiel College since graduating with a degree in English. He served on the College’s Board of Trustees from 2008 to 2010, contributing to efforts focused on student enrollment and student and religious life. In 2024, he returned to campus for the 70th Anniversary Choir Reunion, reflecting his enduring bond with the Thiel community.
In recognition of his leadership and service, Kusserow is being awarded an honorary degree and is the 2025 Commencement speaker. His address is titled “The Puzzle of Being Human: Still Becoming Who We Are.”
Kusserow has served as bishop of the Southwestern Pennsylvania Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America since 2007 and was re-elected to a third six-year term in 2019. In 2018, he was honored with the Excellence is Ageless Award by Lutheran Senior Life.
His call to ministry began early. Born to missionary parents—Rev. Ralph ’58 and Carol (Zigler) Kusserow ’59 who are also Thiel graduates—Kusserow spent his youth in Malaysia and Singapore. He earned a Master of Divinity from Trinity Lutheran Seminary in 1989 and was ordained that same year at Mt. Lebanon United Lutheran Church in Pittsburgh.
Kusserow lives in Hampton Township in Pittsburgh’s North Hills with his wife, Pam (Royce) ’85. They are the parents of Abby ’13 and Ben
emeritae reCipients
Fatimata Palé, Ph.D.
Professor Emerita of Biology
Professor of Biology Fatimata Palé, Ph.D. began at Thiel in 1998 and is retiring this year. She was named an outstanding runner-up in Talk Magazine’s Professor of the Year competition in 2018.
Palé was involved in an Evangelical Lutheran Church in America funded project to empower faculty in science. She investigated propagules of wetland plants in northwestern Pennsylvania. She also contributed to the survey of wild fruits of Africa with an emphasis on wild fruits of Burkina Faso and investigated bioenergies in Burkina Faso with a focus on non-food crops.
Palé was a Fulbright Scholar at the University of Ouagadougou from 201112. She received an M.S. in ecology and geography from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville in 1994 and a Ph.D. in ecology and resource management from the University of Bordeaux III in 1986. She earned a Diplôme d’Études
Approfondies (DEA) in Plant Physiology in 1982 through the University of Paris Jussieu, with research conducted in collaboration with institutions in Gif-surYvette and the Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique et Technologique (CNRST) in France and an M.S. in botany from the University of Orléans, France in 1979. She completed studies in chemistry, biology, and general biology (CBBG) at the University of Dakar, Sénégal, in 1974. Palé received her B.S. in 1972 from Collège de La Salle, Ouagadougou.
Nancy Antonino, Ph.D.
Lecturer Emerita of Communication Sciences and Disorders
Nancy Antonino, Ph.D., retired from Thiel College in 2024 after 35 years of service. During Antonino’s tenure, she saw the creation of the Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders in 1991, served as its chair and was a key member in the development of the master’s degree program in Speech-Language Pathology.
Antonino holds degrees from Clarion University and a Ph.D. from Walden University. A licensed and certified Speech-Language Pathologist, she has practiced across clinical, academic, and healthcare settings. Each year during the Speech-Language Pathology commencement ceremony, the Dr. Nancy Antonino Outstanding Clinician Award is given to a graduate. Her career spans a wide range of experiences, including private speech therapy practice and affiliations with area hospitals and nursing homes.
Mary Reames Lecturer Emerita of Education
Mary Reames taught at the College in the Department of Education from 2006-19 and was awarded as a Lecturer of Education by the National Society of Leadership and Success in 2018.
In 2022, she was recognized as a recipient of the Louis and Barbara Thiel Distinguished Service Award for her service to the College and community. She has volunteered in her community; including her current service on the Greenville Area School District Board of Directors, participation on numerous civic committees and volunteer leadership on the Greenville Relay For Life, which also included walks hosted on at Thiel, and His Work His Way. She earned a bachelor’s degree and a master’s degree from Westminster College. As an education professional, she held jobs in Texas, New York, Virginia and Jamestown, Pa. She was an elementary school principal for 14 years at Jamestown Elementary School and an assistant to the superintendent for student services, curriculum and instruction at Jamestown for the last six years of her tenure.
CanDiDates for Degrees
Associate of Arts Degrees
Vincent J. Laribee
Business Administration
Rome, N.Y.
Bachelor of Science
Degrees
Tessa Allison *
Exercise Science
Kent, Ohio
Alex Anderson
Exercise Science Warren, Pa.
Giana Arnese ✩ Exercise Science Carbondale, Pa.
Kaleigh Ann Atkins
Exercise Science
Parma, Ohio
Danielle Marie Aulet ✝
Exercise Science
Austintown, Ohio
Breanna L. Bach
Conservation Biology
Centerville, Pa.
Ethan M. Bintrim ✩ Biochemistry
New Castle, Pa.
Katabella Marie Byers
Communication Sciences & Disorders
Franklin, Pa.
Evan L. Cessna
Neuroscience
Kittanning, Pa.
Meghan Marie Columbus Biology
McDonald, Pa.
Cameron Craig Cygan
Data Analytics Butler, Pa.
Jakob S. Dies
Neuroscience
Cambridge Springs, Pa.
Luke Samuel Faber
Exercise Science Greenville, Pa.
Heather Lynn Farr ✩ Exercise Science North Kingsville, Ohio
David N. Fourman
Exercise Science Etna, Ohio
Lane Daniel Fry * Biology
Greenville, Pa.
Che Fuqua
Exercise Science
Clairton, Pa.
Breana Rae Gerst Exercise Science
Imperial, Pa.
Olivia Kay Giardina Communication Sciences & Disorders Greenville, Pa.
Christian Michael Good Conservation Biology Carlisle, Pa.
Mackenzie A. House Chemistry
Environmental Chemistry Greenville, Pa.
Nicholas A. Jacobs Information Systems New Castle, Pa.
Blake A. Joseph
Exercise Science Canonsburg, Pa.
Alexa Rose Kantner ✩ Biology Hadley, Pa.
Dakota Alan King ✝
Environmental Safety Management
Bruin, Pa.
Joseph D. King Biology
Cooperstown, Pa.
Nicholas T. Kobielus
Exercise Science West Middlesex, Pa.
Evan LaClair Kosenina ✩ Biochemistry Clinton, Pa.
Rebecca Lynn Landis
Exercise Science Kinsman, Ohio
Conner Thomas Lewis * Exercise Science
Salineville, Ohio
Sarahy Del Carmen Lopez ✩ Neuroscience Cranberry Township, Pa.
Caden S. Loutzenhiser
Environmental Safety Management
Greenville, Pa.
Nathaniel J. Lucas
Exercise Science Pittsburgh, Pa.
Emily Kay Martin
Environmental Science Greenville, Pa.
Justin A. Mason
Biochemistry
Environmental Chemistry Alden, N.Y.
Alexis Raine McFadden
Exercise Science Franklin, Pa.
Nathan Thomas Musser *# Environmental Safety Management Hadley, Pa.
Aidan Joseph Ochs
Environmental Safety Management Belle Vernon, Pa.
Amya Danay Oliver ✩ Biology Pittsburgh, Pa.
Alyssa Rose Olshanski Biochemistry
Neuroscience Slippery Rock, Pa.
Katlyn Marie Phillips ✩
Exercise Science Canfield, Ohio
Seth M. Phillips
Teagan Marie Pierce * Biology
Cortland, Ohio
Keith Rager
Exercise Science Derry, Pa.
Logan Scott Ross Conservation Biology Titusville, Pa.
Madalyn Ann Russell ✩ Environmental Safety Management Mercer, Pa.
Lillian Rachelle Sitzer Communication Sciences & Disorders Pine City, N.Y.
Abigail Lee Smagala ✩ Communication Sciences & Disorders Russellton, Pa.
Maria Nicole Torres
Exercise Science Boardman, Ohio
Owen Andrew Trumbull
Environmental Science
Lottsville, Pa.
Nathaniel M. Udell
Kyle Joshua Magdich ✝ Exercise Science
Bridgeville, Pa.
Environmental Science Hubbard, Ohio
Exercise Science Abington, Pa.
Jessica Ann Wagner Exercise Science Tionesta, Pa.
Madeleine Grace White ✩ Neuroscience Pittsburgh, Pa.
Faith Anne Zagotti ✩ Neuroscience Farrell, Pa.
Bachelor of Science in Nursing Degrees
Lauren A. Bonner * Nursing Hermitage, Pa.
Luke E. Campbell * Nursing Newton Falls, Ohio
Nisubire Charlotte ✝ Nursing Pittsburgh, Pa.
Alyssa Lynn DeMarco † Nursing West Middlesex, Pa.
Annie Alexus Gool * Nursing Union City, Pa.
Mackenzie Paige Herman ✝ Nursing Greenville, Pa.
Joshua J. Ickes ✩ Nursing Greenville, Pa.
Jennifer Olivia Kalp ✝ Nursing West Middlesex, Pa.
Emily Lynn Reese ✝
Nursing Kittanning, Pa.
Maddie Kay Shirey ✝ Nursing Jamestown, Pa.
Kaitlyn Marie Sprague ✝ Nursing Kinsman, Ohio
Kaitlyn Elizabeth Stamp ✝ Nursing Boardman, Ohio
Abby Lynn Stewart ✝ Nursing Petrolia, Pa.
Cassandra Elizabeth Thuranira ✝ Nursing Greenville, Pa.
Lexy Wagner * Nursing Pittsburgh, Pa.
Jacara Lynn Green ✩ Accounting Business Administration Farrell, Pa.
Erica Kathleen Gregory Criminal Justice Studies Sociology Clinton Township, Mich.
Damion Monroe Grinnell Accounting Greenville, Pa.
Ryan Andrew Philip Harcourt Health Systems Hermitage, Pa.
Emma Jeanne Hatfield * Accounting Business Administration Irwin, Pa.
Shamod Neko Hatton * Business Administration Marbury, Md.
Mackenzie Jo Hause
Early Childhood Education/ Special Education Greenville, Pa.
Peyton Hearn * Early Childhood Education/ Special Education Conneaut Lake, Pa.
Alexa Horton
Early Childhood Education/ Special Education Kane, Pa.
Nikolas Rädde Hunchuk Early Childhood Education/ Special Education Sharon, Pa.
Jason MacLeod Jewett Media & Journalism Kinsman, Ohio
Zachary Robert Johns Business Administration Political Science West Mifflin, Pa.
Grace Kathryn Jones Health Systems Clarks Mills, Pa.
Samantha Dianne Jones * Psychology Beaver Falls, Pa.
Ava Annaliese Kavulla ✩ Early Childhood Education/ Special Education Sharpsville, Pa.
Alexis King Psychology Salem, Ohio
Donna Joanne Kocher
Early Childhood Education/ Special Education Sheakleyville, Pa.
Riley Nichole Ladd ✝ Individualized Major of Environmental Studies
Mineral Ridge, Ohio
Rebecca Lynn Landis Psychology Kinsman, Ohio
Jordan T. Lang * History Chardon, Ohio
Chase J. Lawler ✝ Business Administration Etters, Pa.
Jonah Yates Lentz * Neuroscience Psychology Greenville, Pa.
Madison Michelle Liggett Early Childhood Education/ Special Education Baltimore, Md.
Sydney Paige Linhart Criminal Justice Studies Plum, Pa.
Cynthia Grace Honeycutt ✩ English Edinboro, Pa.
Jeffrey Marc Knox Jr. Early Childhood Education/ Special Education Franklin, Pa.
Melina Olivia Liszka Early Childhood Education/ Special Education Greenville, Pa.
Mark David Littke * ✩
Religion
Theology & Youth Ministry Pittsburgh, Pa.
Sarahy Del Carmen Lopez ✩ Health Systems
Cranberry Township, Pa.
Charles Maddox Luedtke Business Administration Mars, Pa.
Mitchell Holt Mason Health Systems Transfer, Pa.
Connor McInnis Health Systems Southington, Conn.
Andrea Elizabeth Meals ✩ Early Childhood Education/ Special Education Foxburg, Pa.
Zachary J. Melin
Business Administration Chardon, Ohio
Brianna Miller Early Childhood Education/ Special Education New Castle, Pa.
Chad Robert Grant
Morningstar ∆ History Saxton, Pa.
Matthew Kyle Nale Early Childhood Education/ Special Education
Saegertown, Pa.
Christina Marie Newman
Media & Journalism Corry, Pa.
Ioannis Pete Panagiotopoulos *
Public Relations, Advertising and Integrated Marketing Communication
Rockville, Md.
Sylvia Cate Patterson English Greenville, Pa.
Anna Paul
Health Systems Zelienople, Pa.
Emily Elizabeth Peters
Psychology Ravenna, Ohio
Cora Grace Post
Business Administration
Daniel Vincent Rennie
Business Administration
Cape Coral, Fla.
Tanner W. Rennie
Business Administration Cape Coral, Fla.
Tyler Xavier Roddy Criminal Justice Studies
Philosophy
Troy, N.Y.
Gavin R. Sankey ✩ History Jamestown, Pa.
Kaitlyn Anne Schmidt ∆ ✩ Math Monroeville, Pa.
Abigail Jane Sefton Accounting
Business Administration Sandy Lake, Pa.
Fiona Faith Shaffer ✩ Health Systems New Bethlehem, Pa.
Christopher Fredrick Slaven
Business Administration
Bridgeville, Pa.
Randall D. Miller Jr. Health Systems
Mineral Ridge, Ohio
Elizabethton, Tenn.
Emily Lynn Reed ✩ Biology Livonia, Mich.
Julianna Lynn Sloan # Health Systems
Kingsville, Ohio
Katherine Marie Smith
Business Administration Erie, Pa.
Sha’Nia Reign Stiers-Royal Psychology Youngstown, Ohio
Bailey George Stilts ✩ Computer Science Elkland, Pa.
Hannah Stoughton ✩ English Apollo, Pa.
Bryce Erik Stubert Business Administration Greenville, Pa.
Taylor Lynne Susany Early Childhood Education/ Special Education Struthers, Ohio
Vance Charles Turesson Media & Journalism Lexington, Ohio
Jacob Michael Walsh ✩ Criminal Justice Studies Political Science Monongahela, Pa.
Jason M. Walsh II ✩ Criminal Justice Studies Political Science Monongahela, Pa.
Madeleine Grace White ✩ Health Systems Pittsburgh, Pa.
Ashlyn Wightman
Business Administration Glenshaw, Pa.
LaShawn Lorraine Williams Psychology Farrell, Pa.
Mya Rae Winkle Accounting
Business Administration Greenville, Pa.
Mason J. Wolfe Neuroscience Psychology Kittanning, Pa.
Kaitlynn Elizabeth Wolffe ✩ Business Administration English Greenville, Pa.
Casey Elizabeth Yacos Business Administration Weirton, W. Va.
Faith Anne Zagotti ✩ Health Systems Farrell, Pa.
Master of Business Administration
Ryan Nathaniel Acosta Olivas El Paso, Texas
Thaddeus A. Bell ’24 Erie, Pa.
Marlon B. Ellerbee ’24 Temple Hills, Md.
Kyiam Mar’Keith Exum ’24 ✝ Temple Hills, Md.
Jacob Keverline Frantz ’23 Greenville, Pa.
Alec Mitchel Katon ’24 Ashtabula, Ohio
Chase Scott Morrison ’24 Monaca, Pa.
McKenzie Faith Morrison ’24 Uhrichsville, Ohio
Jackson J. Pletcher ’24 DuBois, Pa.
Master of Science
Donelle Thomas Miami, Fla.
Mezekiah Jaden Jaron Tobias ’24 Akron, Ohio
Jacob R. Traupman ’24 Baden, Pa.
Anthony John Trobek ’23 Hubbard, Ohio
Speech-Language Pathology
Ceremony in July
Master of Science
Physician Assistant Studies
Ceremony in September
✩ Dietrich Honors Institute
∆ Candidate for Pennsylvania Department of Education Teacher Certification
S Degree awarded Summer/December 2024
✝ Early participant; degree to be awarded when requirements are met.
# U.S. Veteran
Special legacy photographs will be taken for those graduates whose immediate family members are Thiel College alumni. Please meet near the terrace in front of Greenville Hall (rain site will be the Bistro Rotunda in the HMSC) immediately following the Commencement ceremonies.
GRADUATION HONORS
Summa Cum Laude
Tessa Allison R
Giana Arnese R
Lauren A. Bonner
Katabella Marie Byers R
Grace Elizabeth Carrizo R
Cameron Craig Cygan R
Laci Leanne Dezern R
Luke Samuel Faber
Lane Daniel Fry R
Breana Rae Gerst R
Olivia Kay Giardina
Ryan Andrew Philip Harcourt
Emma Jeanne Hatfield R
Mackenzie Jo Hause R
Cynthia Grace Honeycutt
Alexa Horton R
Nikolas Rädde Hunchuk R
Grace Kathryn Jones R
Ava Annaliese Kavulla R
Donna Joanne Kocher R
Rebecca Lynn Landis R
Jonah Yates Lentz R
Melina Olivia Liszka R
Mark David Littke R
Mitchell Holt Mason R
Andrea Elizabeth Meals R
Chad Robert Grant Morningstar
Aidan Joseph Ochs R
Gavin R. Sankey R
Julianna Lynn Sloan R
Abigail Lee Smagala R
Bailey George Stilts R
Hannah Stoughton R
Owen Andrew Trumbull R
Madeleine Grace White R
Ashlyn Wightman R
Mya Rae Winkle R
Kaitlynn Elizabeth Wolffe R
Magna Cum Laude
Ethan M. Bintrim
Jacob D. Castona
Jordan Castona R
Jakob S. Dies
Christian Michael Good
Erica Kathleen Gregory
Damion Monroe Grinnell
Jason MacLeod Jewett
Alexa Rose Kantner
Nicholas T. Kobielus
Sydney Paige Linhart
Connor McInnis
Matthew Kyle Nale
Alyssa Rose Olshanski
Kaitlyn Anne Schmidt R
Fiona Faith Shaffer
Lillian Rachelle Sitzer
Bryce Erik Stubert R
Taylor Lynne Susany
Jessica Ann Wagner
Cum Laude
Patrick Broe
Evan L. Cessna
Samantha Dianne Jones
Alexis King
Evan LaClair Kosenina
Conner Thomas Lewis
Madison Michelle Liggett
Sarahy Del Carmen Lopez
Brianna Miller
Randall D. Miller Jr.
Amya Danay Oliver
Anna Paul
Kaitlyn Marie Phillips
Madalyn Ann Russell
Abigail Jane Sefton
Casey Elizabeth Yacos
Graduation Honors: Seniors who have completed at least 60 credit hours in residence at Thiel are eligible for graduation honors. Those who have a grade point average of 3.80 or higher are graduated summa cum laude, and are wearing a blue and white cord. Those who have attained a grade point average of 3.60 to 3.79 are graduated magna cum laude, and are wearing two blue cords. Those who have a grade point average of 3.40 to 3.59 are awarded cum laude, and are wearing two white cords.
R The Dean’s Key is awarded to those students who made the Dean’s List during all eight semesters at Thiel. Transfer students who attended Thiel for at least one year, were on the Dean’s List every semester at Thiel and were on the Dean’s List every term at his/her former college(s) also receive the Dean’s Key.
Senior Class Officers & Senior Class Gift Committee
Jacara Green - President
Madeleine White - Vice President
Giana Arnese - Secretary
Amya Oliver - Treasurer
Graduates wearing honor cords and tassels are members of designated honorary societies.
Emerald Green & Sapphire Blue Cords ..... Alpha Chi, national college honor scholarship society
Teal Cords ............................................
Alpha Kappa Delta, sociology/criminal justice honor society
Gold Cords with Gold Tassels.................... Alpha Mu Gamma, national language honorary society
Antique Gold & Light Blue Cords .......... Alpha Psi Omega, national honorary dramatic fraternity
Blood Red & Leaf Green Cords ......................... Beta Beta Beta, national biology honorary society
Sapphire Blue & White Cords .. Chi Alpha Epsilon, national honorary for academic achievement
Black & Gold Cords .................................... Chi Alpha Sigma, national college athlete honor society
Drab Cords .......................................................... Chi Eta Sigma, national commerce honorary society
Gold, Purple & Mint Cords .................. Kappa Delta Pi, international honor society for educators
Rose Pink & Silver Cords .................................. Kappa Mu Epsilon, national mathematics honorary
Gold Cords with Tassels ....................Lambda Pi Eta, national honorary in speech communication
Royal Blue & Gold Cords Lambda Sigma, national sophomore honor society
Scarlet & White Cords .. Les Lauriers, senior honorary society for scholarship, service & leadership
Gold & Black Cords Nu Rho Psi, national neuroscience honorary
Dark Blue & Platinum Cords ............................................Psi Chi, international psychology honorary
Red & Light Blue Cords Phi Alpha Theta, international history honorary society
Purple & White Cords................................................... Phi Sigma Tau, national philosophy honorary
Gold & Silver Cords
Pi Nu Epsilon, national music fraternity honorary
Black, White & Scarlet Cords ........................... Pi Sigma Alpha, national political science honorary
Scarlet & Black Cords
Sigma Tau Delta, international English honorary
Scarlet Cords. .........Theta Alpha Kappa, national religious studies and theology honorary society
Black, White and Blue Cords
Veritas Ars Quaero, humanities research honors society
Red, White and Blue Cords............................................................................................................... Military
ACADEMIC REGALIA
The gowns, hoods and caps worn in the academic ceremonies today are relics of clothing worn in medieval times by students and professors. In the early universities—Bologna, Paris, Oxford—professors wore more colorful academic regalia than do their modern-day descendants. The gowns and hoods were probably worn for warmth in the unheated halls where lectures were delivered.
Since 1895, in the United States, the colors and types of caps and gowns have been largely standardized. In 1932, the code was revised to some extent, and in 1960, it was revised once more. A few American universities have adopted gowns other than black in color, and in European universities there is more diversity in cut and in the cap than prevails in the United States.
TASSELS
The tassels worn on the caps may or may not be of the same types. In some institutions, all master’s degree and bachelor’s degree tassels are black; in others, the tassels, which are the same as the colors on the facing of the hoods, reflect the degree received. The tassels worn by doctors may be black or gold thread.
GOWNS
The gown for the bachelor’s degree has pointed sleeves. The gown for the master’s degree has an oblong sleeve, open at the wrist. The gown for the doctor’s degree has bell-shaped sleeves, and is designed to be worn open or closed.
TRIMMINGS
None for the bachelor’s or master’s degrees. For the doctor’s degree, the gown is faced down the front with black velvet with three bars of the same across the sleeves; or these facings and crossbars may be of velvet of the color distinctive of the subject to which the degree pertains.
HOODS
The length of the hood worn for the master’s degree is three and one-half feet; and for the doctor’s degree, it is four feet; that worn for the doctor’s degree shall have panels at the sides.
The hoods are lined with the official color or colors of the college or university conferring the degree; more than one color is shown by division of the field color in a variety of ways, such as chevron or chevrons, equal divisions, etc.
The binding or edging of the hood is of velvet or velveteen, two, three and five inches in width for the bachelor’s, master’s and doctor’s degrees, respectively, while the color is distinctive of the subject to which the degree pertains.
COLORS
For all academic purposes, including trimming of doctors’ gowns, edging of hoods and tassels of caps, the colors associated with the different subjects are as follows:
Agriculture ............................................................... Maize Arts, Letters, Humanities White Commerce, Accountancy, Business Drab
Dentistry...................................................................... Lilac
Economics ............................................................. Copper
Education ......................................................... Light Blue
Engineering Orange
Fine Arts, Architecture ......................................... Brown
Forestry, Environmental Studies, Sustainability ........................................................ Russet
Journalism Crimson
Law ........................................................................... Purple
Library Science, Information Management.......... Lemon
Medicine ................................................................... Green
Music Pink
Nursing Apricot
Oratory, Speech, Communications ............Silver Gray
Pharmacy ....................................................... Olive Green
Philosophy Dark Blue
Physical Education, Manual Therapy, Physical Therapy ......................................... Sage Green
Public Administration, Public Policy, Foreign Service Peacock Blue
Public Health Salmon Pink
Science (both “Social” & “Natural”)...........Golden Yellow
Social Work ............................................................. Citron
Theology, Divinity Scarlet
Veterinary Science Grey
From American Colleges and Universities, 11th Edition
Susan Traverso, Ph.D.
FACULTY
President & Professor of History
Sheila Nowinski, Ph.D. Vice President for Academic Affairs, Dean of the College, Professor of History
Jared Hanneman, Ph.D.
Associate Academic Dean, Professor of Sociology & Criminal Justice Studies
Alysandra Andrusky, MS, PA-C Assistant Professor of Physician Assistant Program
Michael T. Balas, Ph.D. Department Chair, Professor of Biology
George Branch-Trevathan, MDiv, Ph.D. Department Chair, Associate Professor of Religion
Jennifer Broderick, Ph.D. Assistant Professor of Biology
Kristina Brzoza-Lewis, Ph.D. Assistant Profesor of Biology
David R. Buck, Ph.D. Department Chair, Professor of History, Political Science Interim Department Chair
Greg Q. Butcher, Ph.D. Professor of Neuroscience
Kristin M. Carlson, Ph.D. Director of Core Curriculum and Student Success, Department Chair, Professor of Languages & Director of ESOL Program
Daniel Dankovich, D.C. Clinical Associate Professor of the Physician Assistant Program
Shannon Len Deets, Ph.D. Associate Professor of Psychology
Brenda K. DelMaramo, M.A. Lecturer of English
Scott DiTullio, Ed.D. Lecturer & Director of Bands
Jay Donis, Ph.D. Assistant Professor of History
Hope Dropp, M.S. Assistant Professor of Environmental Safety Management
Thomas Dulaney, Ph.D. Associate Professor of Computer Science
Emily Erb, Ph.D. Assistant Professor of Exercise Science
Audra Franley, M.Div ’17 Lecturer of Religion
Kristel M. Gallagher, Ph.D. Associate Professor of Psychology
Angelo A. Giannini, MBA Professor of Business Administration & Accounting
Brittany Gladysz, MS, PA-C Clinical Assistant Professor of the Physician Assistant Program
John E. Gomolchak, Esq. Associate Professor of Business Administration & Accounting
Sheila M. Gross, Ph.D. ’10 DHI Director, Assistant Professor of English
Mary Theresa Hall, Ph.D. Dr. James Pedas '50 H’89 Chair of Communications, Professor of English
Greg Hellier, D.O. Lecturer, Physician Assistant Program
Natalie Homa, Ph.D. Associate Professor of Psychology
Mary Honard, MS, PA-C Clinical Assistant Professor of the Physician Assistant Program
Matthew R. Humphrey, MFA/MS Department Chair, Assistant Professor of Communications Media
Allan M. Hunchuk, Ph.D. Professor of Sociology & Criminal Justice Studies
Jared Johnson, Ph.D. Department Chair, Professor of English
Steven Kandray, MBA
Norman P. Mortensen H’81 Chair of Economics, Assistant Professor of Business Administration & Accounting
Dionna Kassalen, MBA, CPA Assistant Professor of Business Administration & Accounting
PRESIDENT’S CABINET
Susan Traverso, Ph.D. President
Amy Arbogast
Vice President for Finance and Administration
Roberta Leonard
Vice President for College Advancement
Michael McKinney, Ed. D. ’02
Vice President for Student Life and Athletics
Sheila Nowinski, Ph.D.
Vice President for Academic Affairs and Dean of the College & Professor of History
Richard Orr
Vice President for Communications and Marketing
Ashley Josay Zullo
Vice President for Enrollment Management and Financial Aid
BOARD OF TRUSTEES
Officers
Rod E. Wilt ’86
Robert D. Burns, M.D. ’74 H’22
Dominic Dionisio ’72
Mark Benninghoff ’82
Trustees
Edward A. Bartko ’72 H’16
Beverly Cigler, Ph.D. ’68
Ricardo Daley ’96
G. Leah Dever ’74
Rev. Brian Evans ’03
David J. Fauth, Ph.D. ’73
John R. Frangakis H’19
Fredrick C. Haer ’65
Bruce Hartman, Ph.D.
Alex Hudson MBA’21
Rick Huether ’74
Matt Hughes ’92
Diann M. Kuder
Frank Maenpa, Ph.D. ’69 H’21
Virginia M. Moszkowicz ’74
Catherine V. Mott
Nathan P. Neely ’94
Margaret “Maggie” (Boose) Norris ’78
Brian Nowak ’89
Mary Odem, J.D.
Antonio Quarterman, Ed.D. ’08
Robert Rogalski, J.D.
Nicholas M. Romano ’18
Lee Tilghman
Michael Walton
Joel Yuhas
Michael G. Zawoysky ’79
Trustees Emeriti
Frank Baker, Ph.D.
Ruthanne Beighley, Esq. ’73 H’20
Alan F. Fager, Ed.D. ’69
Carl A. Hoffman Jr., D.O. ’69 H’10
Dr. James McHugh ’62 H’02
Dr. Peter Mortensen H’05
Barbara Nakles
Mark A. Nordenberg, J.D. ’70 H’97
Dr. James Pedas ’50 H’89
Edward Redman ’60
Barry Stamm, M.D. ’70
Roy Strausbaugh, Ph.D. H’14
BOARD OF ASSOCIATES
Officers
Joseph Nairn D.Mgt. ’79, President
Patrick Findle ’79, Vice President
Vicki Poe, Vice President
Associates
Hunter Baxter M.S.’23
James Bittel Jr. ’60
Dr. Alan Childs
James Cunningham III ’77
Dr. Karen Ely ’84
Matthew Fiore ’14
Curtis Jones Jr. ’98
Michael Kuder
Cris Loutzenhiser
Chelsea C. Maukonen, Esq. ’14
Dr. Brittany Mears ’07
James Miale ’85
Eric Newman ’99
Ellen Pardee
Rev. Scott Schul
Nick Travaglianti ’11
Jeffrey A. Wallace
Honorable Roy W. Wilt ’59 H’85
ALUMNI ASSOCIATION
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Officers
James Frank ’88, President
Damen Taylor ’95, Vice President
Jessica (Peters) Burkley ’21, Secretary
Directors
Renee Bair ’99
Elliott Beach ’12
Lindsey Bona ’07
Gary Bonner ’80
Angela Campbell ’20
Austin Hall ’17
Joshua Koncar ’06
Hannah (Uschock)Lichtenwalter ’22
John Marrs ’83
Sara Matczak ’17
Frank Newnam ’71
Amy (Myers) Noble ’83
Sean Oros ’15
Sandy (Trasferini) Peace ’87
Michelle (Stahl) Reefer ’90
Chris Shinkman ’62
Kayla (Steiner) Smith ’23
Zachary Smith ’23
Gregory Stringer ’87/’18
Judy (Knestrick) Taylor ’73
Allie Walsh ’24
Directors-at-Large
Michael Allen ’90
Laura (Lord) Broome ’92
Nikki (Colpo) Galbo ’06
Angela (Lago) Hughes ’97
Michael Miller ’92
James McRoberts ’58
Jessica (Somerville) Phillips ’08
Dawn Salter ’95
Allen Schreiber ’99
David Schreiber ’00
Marion (Norris) Shoemaker ’63
John Wotus ’74
Dear Class of 2025,
Welcome to a community of more than 14,000 active Thiel College alumni.
We celebrate your academic accomplishments! We—the alumni and members of Thiel College’s faculty, staff, and trustees—will follow your future endeavors with great excitement. We hope you remain connected to the Thiel community and the friends you have made at the College.
We encourage you to continue to use the resources we have for you on campus, especially Alumni Affairs and the Career Development Center. Stay in touch with the faculty and staff who have taught and encouraged you. They will be happy to support you in the next phase of your life.
Before you know it, you can take your first trip back as an alumnus to Homecoming Sept. 26-28, 2025. We look forward to having you back on campus for that exciting alumni gathering.
Sincerely,
Susan Traverso, Ph.D. President President, Alumni Association Board of Directors
