2025 Commencement Program

Page 1


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,

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