New Thiel College president makes $100,000 pledge

GREENVILLE, Pa. — When someone starts a new job, they generally come in awaiting their first payday.

It’s a bit unusual when the new hire comes in bringing a check.

But that’s what Troy VanAken, the 19th president of Thiel College has done.

VanAken, who doesn’t actually begin his duties until July, was in town Friday for a reception in Thiel’s Howard Miller Student Center., and he and his wife, Annette, came bearing a large gift — a $100,000 pledge over the next five years.

The new president and his wife said the gift will be directed toward three purposes: First and foremost, an endowment to provide student scholarships; second, an endowment to fund faculty and staff professional development activities; and third, the Thiel Annual Fund, which is the college’s single largest source of funding after student-generated revenues.

“I am so honored that I was chosen as the next leader of this great Lutheran college,” said VanAken. “Annette and I are very moved by the commitment that everyone at Thiel has for its mission and this gift is a way for us to show that we also are committed to the success of our students and the success of the institution as a whole.”

VanAken was chosen as the college’s president by the board of trustees in February after a nationwide search. He will take office in July after the current president, Dr. Robert C. Olson ’60, retires.