Thyreen Retreat Center

Timothy R. Thyreen was a life-long educator, a teacher and coach, a mentor, a visionary and transformational leader.

At the time of his death on May 17, 2022, he had completed 39 years of service to Waynesburg University, serving as President for 23 years and Chancellor for 9 years. During his presidency, he was nationally recognized for his leadership in bringing about an unprecedented renaissance to the University. Every building bares his fingerprints. He considered his most significant accomplishment as President to be in the successful effort in restoring the University to its founding Christian mission. At the very core of that mission was helping students to develop a purposeful life. Central to their experience was the belief that service to God would be demonstrated through one’s service to others, within the community and throughout the world. He always challenged students to use their education to make a difference with their lives in the name of Christ and to the Glory of God; to bring hope and change to a broken world. His legacy will be seen in the lives of the graduates who responded to this challenge.

“Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord and who has made the LORD his hope and confidence.”

Jeremiah 17:7

Timothy was the beloved husband of 56 years to Carolyn (Johnson) Thyreen, who served alongside him, and was always thankful for the mission that God had given to both of them to share. He loved being “Dad” to his beautiful daughters, Jennifer Lynn, Heather Christine, and Jeannine Nicole. And he was so deeply grateful and blessed to be “Bapa” to his 8 grandchildren, Amy, Alexie, Tiffany, Stefen, Luke, Autumn, Joshua and Joy.

Chancellor Thyreen spent his final weeks in the home that he loved so much with his loving family around him. He loved “the farm,” as he always called it. The rolling hills and wildlife would be his refuge to the end.

In accordance with the wishes of Chancellor Thyreen and his family, the family farm in Greene County will be donated to Waynesburg University for the purpose of providing a retreat center. The family is setting up an endowment for the maintenance of that facility. Memorial contributions can be made to Waynesburg University in honor of Chancellor Thyreen for that purpose. Click here to make a memorial gift.

According to Mrs. Carolyn Thyreen, “Our home and property have always been a place of blessing to those who needed a space in which to be renewed in spirit, mind, and body. There are so many memories of times shared with family and friends, lots of laughter as well as tears. We are so pleased that what had been our personal mission in its use, will now continue when we are gone; to be a blessing for generations to come.”