Thursday, August 31, 2017
Staff report
greenville, pa.
Thiel College welcomed one of its most diverse new student classes in its 151-year history Friday.
Welcome Weekend started with first-year student move-in and continued through the weekend with activities focused on enhancing the first-year student experience. The remainder of the students moved in Sunday and began classes Monday.
The college’s first-year class includes 243 students who came from 16 states; 24 percent of the incoming students are from ethnically and racially diverse backgrounds. About 10 percent of the first-year class includes international students from Australia, Bangladesh, Germany, Japan, Pakistan, Poland, South Korea, Sweden and Vietnam.
“The Thiel College community is excited to welcome new and returning students to campus,” Thiel College President Dr. Susan Traverso said. “Each fall, we get a burst of energy and enthusiasm with their arrival. This year’s group brings a wide array of talents and perspectives to our campus to create a vibrant, welcoming and inclusive learning environment.”
Thiel will recognize 1966 alumnus Fred Kiser as its game-day honoree during tonight’s season-opening home game against Allegheny College.
Kiser will be the honorary captain for the game. Kickoff is at 7 p.m. at Alumni Stadium.
Kiser is the president of the nonprofit Mercer County Trails Association Inc. It was formed to develop and maintain multipurpose trails in Mercer County for public use. Kiser is also an active member of the Thiel College Cycling Club, leading students on bike trips to Washington, D.C., and Maine in the last two years.
“Kiser works tirelessly on behalf of the college and the region and has been instrumental in raising awareness of the Mercer County Trails Association,” Thiel College Vice President of Advancement Roberta Leonard said. “We are happy to celebrate Kiser and the Mercer County Trails Association and thank them for all they do for the college and the region.”