Thiel College honors Sen. Robbins, wife

Robbins helped Thiel secure more than 1 million in program funding this year.
GREENVILLE, Pa. -- Pa. State Sen. Robert D. Robbins of Greenville, R-50th, and his wife, Cynthia, have been awarded the A. Louis and Barbara Thiel Distinguished Service Award by Thiel College.
The presentation came during Thiel's annual Founders' Day Convocation during which 10 faculty and staff members were also recognized for outstanding service.
The senator and his wife have been regarded as champions for Thiel and the local community for many years. This past year, Robbins worked to secure a 916,000 grant from the Pennsylvania Department of Education for use toward the college's new neuroscience academic program. He also assisted the college in acquiring a 150,000 state grant for the construction of Alumni Stadium.
The Distinguished Service Award is presented annually to community members who demonstrate exemplary character, continuity of leadership and long-term service to Greenville and its environs. The recipients must have demonstrated a commitment to the common good above private interests.
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The award is named after A. Louis and Barbara Thiel, whose generosity made possible the founding of Thiel College in 1866. The Thiels immigrated to western Pennsylvania from Germany in the 1840s and were noted for their dedication to family, community and church.
Dr. William A. Robinson, professor of performing arts, received this year's Professor of the Year Award.
Robinson joined the Thiel faculty in 1974 as an adjunct of theater arts. His fall and spring theater productions have entertained the campus and the community for many years. Since 1980, Robinson and his Thiel Players have welcomed incoming first-year students with their performance of Charlie Brown Goes to College. In the summer months, Robinson directs the Greenville Area Community Theatre's summer production.
He has served as chairman of the Communication and Performing Arts departments and has been a member of Thiel's Faculty Council, the Promotion and Tenure Committee and the Artists and Lecturers Committee.
Robinson holds a bachelor's degree from Duquesne University, a master's from the University of Pittsburgh, and a doctorate from Bowling Green State University.
Additional awards
Other faculty members earning recognition were:
Dr. Mary Theresa Hall, professor of English: Distinguished Service Award.
Dr. Arthur A. White, Jr., professor of philosophy: Distinguished Teacher Award.
Dr. Mervin E. Newton, interim dean of faculty and professor of mathematics: Distinguished Scholar Award.
Helen M. Nichols, adjunct professor of education, Distinguished Adjunct Award.
Five staff awards were also presented during the ceremony. Receiving honors were:
Ed Schutte, bookstore manager: Distinguished Innovator Award.
Jeri L. Reed, student financial services coordinator: Distinguished Newcomer Award.
Clyde J. Morgan, head track and field coach: Distinguished Extra Effort Award.
Betsy F. Hildebrand, director of public relations, Distinguished Outreach Award.
Vicki W. Poe, senior admissions counselor, Distinguished Service Staff Award.