The following message was shared with the Thiel College community by Michael McKinney '02, Vice President for Student Life and Athletics, following the tragic passing of Toby Atwood (Kittanning, Pa./Armstrong), a distinguished student and member of the Women's Tennis team:
 
Dear Thiel Community,
 
It is with profound sadness I write to share the news of the passing of Toby Atwood (Kittanning, Pa./Armstrong) '26, who died yesterday morning after collapsing during a half marathon race in Erie, PA. Toby was entering her senior year at Thiel College and was an accomplished student, athlete, and leader throughout her time at the College.  Her presence touched the lives of so many, and she will be deeply missed.  During this heartbreaking time, we mourn for Toby and extend our heartfelt sympathy to her family, friends, classmates, teammates, coach, instructors, and all who knew her. 
 
In this time of great sorrow, please know that there are services and staff available to support you.  Our counseling staff will be available to meet or speak with students and employees today from 11:30am – 4pm and Wednesday from 8am – 4pm. Students are encouraged to stop into the counseling center during those times or contact the Director of the Counseling Center, Melanie Broadwater '98, at 724-589-2754 or at mbroadwater@thiel.edu.  Pastor Brenda Martin is also available by phone at 814-881-8959 to offer pastoral care. 
 
For support outside of regular business hours, students can also contact Public Safety at 724-589-2222. Public Safety is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and they can help you get the support you need.
 
Please know we are here for you during this very sad and difficult time. 
 
Sincerely,
Dean McKinney
 
Atwood was a distinguished 4.0 GPA student who impacted not just her teammates, but the Thiel community as a whole. She served as the Presidents' Athletic Conference (PAC) Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) president in 2024 as well as the Thiel SAAC president.
 
Atwood served as the president of Zeta Tau Alpha and was recently inducted into Chi Eta Sigma, the National Commerce Honorary Society. A member of Alpha Chi (National College Honor Scholarship Society), she was awarded the Thiel College Presidential Scholarship.
 
Atwood was named an Intercollegiate Tennis Association (ITA) Scholar-Athlete in 2024 and will garner the same laurel this year. She was also named to the College Sports Communicators (CSC) Academic All-District team in 2024.
 
In addition to excelling in the classroom, Atwood was a team co-captain in 2024 and was the Tomcats' No. 1 singles player.

Viewing hours are 2-4 p.m. and 6-8 p.m. Thursday, July 24 and Friday, July 25 at Center Hill Covenant Brethren Church, 2039 Freeport Road, Kittanning, Pa. The funeral service is at 11 a.m. Saturday, July 26 at Center Hill Covenant Brethern Church.