Thiel College to honor Pa. elected officials Brooks and Longietti at annual Founders' Day ceremony

GREENVILLE, Pa. - Feb. 6, 2019 - PRLog -- In recognition of dedicated support and advocacy on behalf of Thiel College, state Senator Michele Brooks and state Representative Mark Longietti, J.D., will each be presented with one of the institution's highest honors - The Louis and Barbara Thiel Distinguished Service Award.

The presentation is part of the College's annual Founders' Day celebration on February 7. Thiel (https://www.thiel.edu/) is a leading liberal arts college in northwest Pennsylvania.

Brooks and Longietti, of Farrell, Pa., have both supported the College for many years through advocating for government grants, speaking at the College's events, and networking with Thiel students in numerous capacities. Thiel College is in both lawmakers' legislative districts.

"We are so fortunate to have two lawmakers from different political parties willing to work together for the benefit of the region and our institution," Thiel College President Susan Traverso, Ph.D., said. "It is fitting to recognize these legislators with the College's highest service award. They are a symbol of the College community collaboration that strengthens both Thiel and our region."

In addition to the Barbara and Louis Thiel recognitions, the Founders' Day ceremony will highlight the contributions of several Thiel College employees.

Five staff members will be honored with a Distinguished Service Award.

• Cindy McClelland, of Greenville, Pa., administrative assistant, college advancement
• Than Oo, of Greenville, Pa., director of student activities and involvement
• Dennis Bish, of Jamestown, Pa., chief of police and director of public safety
• Andrew Houpt '85, of Greenville, Pa., interim director of facilities
• Tressa Snyder, of Hadley, Pa., reference librarian for instruction

Five faculty members also will be honored with awards.

• Distinguished Professor: Daniel Eppley, Ph.D., of Greenville, Pa., Professor of Religion and Faculty Chair
• Distinguished Scholar: Michael Balas, Ph.D., of Jamestown, Pa., Professor of Biology
• Distinguished Teacher: Anna Reinsel, Ph.D. '06, of Brookfield, Ohio, Associate Professor of Environmental Science and Chemistry and Department Chair
• Distinguished Service: Laura Pickens, Ph.D. '06, of West Middlesex, Pa., Associate Professor of Psychology and Department Chair
• Distinguished Adjunct: Nancy Katz, of Greenville, Pa., Adjunct Professor of English and academic coach

The Louis and Barbara Thiel Distinguished Service Award is given annually to individuals who demonstrate exemplary character, continuity of leadership, and long-term service to Greenville and the surrounding community. The recipients must show a commitment to the common good above private interests. The award is named after Louis and Barbara Thiel, whose generosity made possible the founding of Thiel College in 1866.

About Thiel College

Thiel College (https://www.thiel.edu/) is a private liberal arts institution founded in the Lutheran tradition. Located in Greenville, Pa., the College offers 60 majors and minors, 25 varsity sports, and an 11:1 student-faculty ratio to more than 900 students. A dedicated faculty paired with dynamic research and internship opportunities produce numerous graduate school and job placements. Coeducational from its beginnings, the College celebrated its 150th anniversary in 2016 and remains committed to combining tradition with innovation.