The sentiments of these and other speakers who offered welcomes to Thiel’s new president and his family were echoed by the many hundreds of people—including faculty, staff, students, alumni, friends and family, and more than 20 delegates from other institutions of higher education—who were on hand to officially welcome Dr. Troy D. VanAken into the Thiel College community on Saturday, April 17 as he accepted the presidential medallion and was inaugurated as the College’s 19th president. The ceremony, held in the William A. Passavant Center that afternoon, was designed to include the talents of as many of Thiel’s students as possible—and therefore included performances by the Thiel Choir and Handbell Ringers and the Thiel Players; a procession of student delegates representing many of Thiel’s clubs, organizations, honoraries, student government and athletic teams; and a variety of student speakers. Special guest musicians, the Tower Brass Quintet, who were on campus for a Con Spirito Chamber Music Concert Series performance on April 18, performed a fanfare and an instrumental piece, “Die Bankelsangerlieder.” Dr. Mark Nordenberg ’70, H’97, chancellor and C.E.O. of the University of Pittsburgh, offered remarks as the event’s keynote speaker following the welcomes to President VanAken and his family from Thiel’s students, alumni, staff, faculty and the Greenville community. “For generations, Thiel graduates have been a force for good in wide-ranging fields and in far-flung places,” said Nordenberg. His speech focused on a small sampling of the accomplishments of Thiel graduates, specifically those who attended Thiel with him during the late 1960s, including his wife, Dr. Nikki (Pirillo) Nordenberg ’71. What these notable Thiel alumni found at Thiel is what has helped generations of Thiel graduates to become successful and contributing members of society—namely each other and unusually talented and dedicated professors as well as an atmosphere that expands knowledge while it nurtures values.
Pictured clockwise from top left are Hubert McCarthy ’12, Dr. Cynthia Sutton, Dr. Mark Nordenberg ’70, Senator Bob Robbins, Ray Hanlon ’74 and Gary Witosky ’79.
Nordenberg hailed VanAken for his commitment to student success and emphasized that Thiel has come through many storms in the past and will do so again, especially with a leader like VanAken at the helm. Later in the ceremony, VanAken received the presidential medallion. The transfer of the medallion was especially meaningful as Dr. Robert C. Olson ’60, H’09, the 18th president of the College, was on hand to pass the symbol of office to VanAken. President VanAken delivered his inaugural response, “Imagining Thiel,” following the presentation of the presidential medallion and the official installation of the president by Board of Trustees Chair Dr. Roy Strausbaugh. “I am humbled to be given the privilege of leading Thiel College. Thank you for the confidence you have Continued on page 18
The Bell • Spring 2010
15