Institute for Pastoral Initiatives News

Mike Thieman ‘93,  didn’t have to go very far to be a Flyer.  He grew up about ten minutes south of campus in Kettering, where he attended Saint Charles Elementary and Archbishop Alter High School. 

“Most of my grade school teachers were nuns and were very strict in regards to discipline, work ethic and religion,” said Thieman. “It was challenging at times but it solidified who I would become in the future.”

Just like his mom (Margie Hoying '63, Minster, OH) did nearly three decades before him, Mike was off to UD,  where his first flyer days started on the ground floor of Stuart Hall. 

“This is where I met some of the my best friends and current closet friends in my life,” recalls Thieman. 

“All of my close friends would go to mass on Sunday nights at 10 p.m. This really helped us maintain our faith, while bonding with each other."

As reunion weekend nears, Mike remains just a few miles from campus.  He remembers back when then president Bro. Ray Fitz emphasized the importance of community and campus culture during his tenure. 25 years later, Mike says there's a good reason for the phrase "Flyer Faithful." His faith was tested and his faith was his saving grace during business struggles throughout the years. 

“I relied on my background and the lessons that I had learned during my Catholic education journey  to get me through,” he said. "And a lot of prayer."

“It is amazing to look back after 25 years and witness the success that my friends and I have achieved through our UD Catholic education." (See gallery photo: Men of 218 Kiefaber)

Meanwhile, while Mike didn't know it at the time, his future wife was also on campus – Jeannine Pipoly, '91.   

"The Catholic education I received from UD helped me deepen and enrich my faith," Pipoly said. "The Marianist brothers, the sisters and all the professors helped me in shaping the faith I have today."   

As luck would have it, Jeannine and Mike met years later while working at NCR.

Now, as President Spina reiterates a call to lead in service to the Common Good, the Thiemans want to live out that vision as well.

"I can say the special bond and devotion I feel towards Mary, the rosary, and helping in service to the community was developed at UD," said Jeannine. 

“Being Catholic means many things, including being one with God, and giving back to your community," Mike said.

And today,  Mike Thieman proclaims he has finally learned the most valuable lesson in life.  There is nothing better than Faith, Family and Flyers!

Mike and Jeannine (Pipoly) have two children, Marie, age 15 and John, 12.  Mike is Owner/President of THT Presses, Inc., a global leader in capital equipment for the Electric Motor Industry.  Currently 75% of THT's business is international, with machinery in 27 countries worldwide.

The Institute for Pastoral Initiatives oversees many university and global projects, including the Virtual Learning Community for Faith Formation, a distance learning program serving 70 dioceses worldwide, for adults who want to enrich their faith, for religious educators, catechists, youth ministers or those interested in faith formation.