Challenge Magazine by Tiffin University

Challenge SPRING / SUMMER 2006

TIFFIN UNIVERSITY

CHALLENGE SPRING/SUMMER 2006: 2

On the front cover Main Classroom Building

A spring day on the campus of Tiffin University

Editor’s Note Dear Alumni and Friends: Welcome to Challenge Magazine! Commencement 2006 was not mundane to say the least. As a media person, this year was gripping to the point of exhaustion. Porter Goss, former Director of the CIA, announced his retirement less than 24 hours prior to visiting Tiffin to deliver our undergraduate commencement address. When I received a call from a colleague late afternoon May 5 announcing that all news networks were covering Porter Goss’ resignation announcement…I simultaneously struggled with thoughts of awesome possibility and crisis. When I finally believed what couldn’t possibly seem true, my mind journeyed to clutching the moment of what was one of the largest national and international news days in the history of Tiffin University. It was and still remains phenomenal. In any situation such as this, the media messenger of any institution must prepare a statement and stick to it! It is the responsibility of my office to take and return all calls and emails. In this particular instance, the calls were continuous – right up until Porter Goss spoke. Yes, Porter Goss kept his promise, he delivered an inspiring speech, and spent time with our students. Your stories are delightful. Continue to send your news and stories of marriage, birth, new employment or journey. Go to www.tiffin.edu and “Tell Us About Yourself!”

Credits: Photography: Lisa Williams Contributing Writers: Geoff Schutt Graphic Designer: Mary Ann Stearns

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Undergraduate Tabitha Summers

Table of Contents 4 Undergraduate Commencement 8 CAMPUSSCENE 18 CJ Senior Named Ohio’s Outstanding Student 19 TU is Doing Something Right 20 TU’s Chinese Community 21 “I Have A Dream” Award 22 CIA - Seeking Plenty of Good People 23 Beef Jerky 24 Graduate Commencement 26 Nate Washington Day 27 ALUMNISCENE 33 CLASSSCENE 39 In Memoriam 41 SPORTSSCENE

... If this issue of Challenge Magazine is addressed to someone in your household who has established a separate, permanent address, please notify our alumni office by calling 419.448.3323 or email KoehlerS@tiffin.edu WRONG ADDRESS

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Send news, old or new, to CHALLENGE MAGAZINE: Mail: Lisa Williams, 155 Miami Street, Tiffin, Ohio 44883 Call for Interview Appointment or Story Idea: 419.448.3444 Email: lwilliam@tiffin.edu Website: www.tiffin.edu (Alumni-Tell Us About Yourself)

SPRING / SUMMER 2006 The Magazine of Tiffin University

CHALLENGE SPRING/SUMMER 2006:

Lisa Williams Editor, Photographer Executive Director of Media Relations & Publications

Challenge

UNDERGRADUATE Commencement Don’t let others define success for you! CIA Director speaks at Undergraduate Commencement Porter J. Goss, Director of the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA), delivered the keynote address during Tiffin University’s 118th Undergraduate Commencement offering graduating seniors a blend of congratulations, advice, and a direct challenge.

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“You are the keystone of our democracy, and you are asked to live up to that level of responsibility as educated Americans,” Goss said. “The stakes just went up a lot for all of you. What you do with your education--how you interpret the issues of the day, and that you vote – really does matter.”

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Porter J. Goss

Faculty Marshall Timothy Schultz leads Undergraduate procession

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Goss told the Class of 2006 that the days of student passes are over. “Full fare from here on until you hit senior discounts – many years ahead. Each of you has earned a college degree, and now, you are officially a member of our nation’s informed electorate,” he said. “Americans are united not by a common ethnicity, a royal family, or an ancient culture, but by an idea: the idea of self-government. We invented it; we are living it, and we’ve been quite successful at it.” The CIA Director began his career as an Army Intelligence officer in 1960. He served during his first tenure with the CIA from 1962 to 1972, completing assignments in Latin America, the Caribbean, and Europe.

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Undergraduate Jordan Monnier

Goss eventually left the agency to begin a new life in the private sector, settling with his wife and family in Sanibel, Florida. However, service to community brought him to a career in politics – first locally, and then on the national level, representing the 14th Congressional District of Florida for almost 16 years. He became chairman of the House Permanent Select

Committee on Intelligence in 1997 and co-chaired the joint congressional inquiry into the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001. In August of 2004, President Bush brought Goss back to the CIA, nominating him to be the 19th Director of Central Intelligence – the second Director of Central Intelligence to have also served in Congress. He became Director of the CIA in 2005 during a time of dramatic transition within the agency. As he stood at the podium before the graduating seniors in the Gillmor Student Center, Director Goss commented on a personal connection to Tiffin University, and to Ohio. “It was my pleasure to serve in Congress with Paul Gillmor, whose family has done a lot of good things

more than he misses Washington.” Prior to his Commencement address, Director Goss met privately with students in TU’s Criminal Justice and Security Studies programs. He spoke about American values, and the balance between privacy and security.

for Tiffin and northwestern Ohio. This center stands as a fitting tribute to the legacy of Paul’s father, Dr. Paul M. Gillmor, and I’m honored to be here.” He also praised Tiffin University for its establishment of undergraduate majors of Homeland Security and Terrorism, along with Intelligence and International Studies. “Tiffin is helping to prepare young Americans for dealing with the challenges that define our times,” he said. “Tiffin is responding to our most vital needs at this critical moment in history.”

Reflecting this sentiment, he stated to the Class of 2006, “We need to reach out and tap into our nation’s deep diversity so we don’t have “cookie-cutter” officers who act, look, speak, and think alike. ‘Groupthink’ is a dangerous trap in any profession, but especially so in the intelligence business. When Ben Franklin emerged from the Constitutional Convention of 1787, a woman asked him whether we had a republic or a monarchy. ‘A republic,’ said Franklin, ‘if you can keep it.’” He added, “After all, our government is a reflection of who we are. To paraphrase ‘The Man of Montpelier,’

Tiffin University’s 118th Undergraduate Commencement An apology ... not all graduates could be named in a timely fashion to meet the Challenge deadline. RIGHT

In fact, the CIA Director’s appearance at TU was a direct result of his former working relationship and ongoing friendship with Dr. Thomas Newcomb, Assistant Professor of Criminal Justice and Security Studies. “Tom knows our profession inside out, and I’m glad he chose to come to Tiffin to impart his wisdom to a new generation. As is true of many people, Washington misses him

Undergraduate Mary Unger BELOW LEFT

President Marion presents Honorary Doctorate to Porter Goss BELOW CENTER

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Porter Goss takes time to speak to Tiffin CJ Majors

CHALLENGE SPRING/SUMMER 2006:

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Porter Goss applaudes graduates

COMMENCEMENT

He continued, “That’s why I think you’ll see a world in which America’s founding Principles – free speech, free markets, rule of law, and democratic Governance – are embraced across an even wider swath of the globe, even if their progress is fitful. They will increasingly be viewed as universal values, rather than specifically American or Western.” Director Goss advised the Class of 2006 not to worry about having a grand plan for their lives, but instead to know themselves and to be ready when opportunity approached them.

Undergraduate Commencement

TU Undergraduate Kristina Schweikert

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the Father of our Constitution, James Madison, and government is ‘the greatest of all reflections on human nature.’ It reflects the good and the bad, just as surely as the moon has a light side and a dark side. But it’s because of outstanding young men and women such as yourselves that the good unfailingly outshines the bad. That is America’s legacy. That is America’s future.”

He also commented on Tiffin University’s growing national reputation. “Tiffin is a relatively small school, BOTTOM LEFT President but you punch well above your weight. That goes certainly for contributions to government and national Paul Marion greets graduate with diploma security – a matter of highest interest in the post-9/11 world.” TOP RIGHT

To the graduating seniors, he said, “Each of you should be cognizant of the rare and wonderful situation in which you find yourself this day. You’re young. You’re receiving a degree from a fine university and you stand on history’s pinnacle – citizens of a great republic, with BOTTOM RIGHT the prospect of pure opportunity ahead of you. The Board of Trustees great challenges awaiting the Class of 2006 – at least Chairman of the Board Gary Heminger the ones we already know about – are different and perhaps more complex than those of the Cold War. But your generation has far better reason to be confident about the future than mine did. Even more clearly than Communism before it, the Islamic extremism we face today carries the seeds of its own destruction. Its underlying ideology is doomed, just as surely as no freedom-loving man or woman would want to live under a brutal regime that dictates every aspect of life through intimidation and unspeakable violence.”

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Board of Trustees Vice Chairman John Stock

“The trajectory of most careers is determined by a handful of meetings, chance encounters, or other wild cards,” he said. “Understand what brings you joy in your work. I realize that’s something you might not know until you’ve been working for a while. But if you find that your first job isn’t everything it was banged up to be, try to understand what you ’re missing and don’t be afraid to move on.” Before leaving the podium, Director Goss made a final, lasting comment to the new graduates. “Don’t let others define success for you,” he said. “Follow your own definition of what makes life rewarding. Take full advantage of the freedom you have as a citizen of this great country. You live in a world whose promise greatly outweighs its dangers.”

Undergraduate Commencement

CHALLENGE SPRING/SUMMER 2006:

An apology ... not all graduates could be named in a timely fashion to meet the Challenge deadline.

COMMENCEMENT

CAMPUSSCENE What’s happening at Tiffin University

Three New Trustees Elected The Tiffin University Board of Trustees elected Joe Harris, Mike Klepper, and John Schultz as new members. According to President Paul Marion, “Tiffin University is very fortunate that these three individuals have agreed to serve as trustees. Each is a community leader who has been successful in his career and will be a great addition to our board.”

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Joseph Harris recently retired after serving for ten years as Auditor General for the City of Detroit. His career included more than 30 years in financial management positions in the public and private sectors, and he earned a bachelor’s degree from the University of Detroit and an M.B.A. from the University of Michigan. He and his wife, Justine, live in Ann Arbor, Michigan.

Michael Klepper is Chairman of the Board and CFO of Superior Distributing Company, Inc. He is a graduate of Arizona State University and has served on the boards of Meshech-Frost Foundation, Calvert High School Foundation, NM Group Global (National Machinery), Tiffin YMCA, and Alpha Capital Venture Partners. He and his wife, Karen, live in Tiffin. John Schultz works for Merrill Lynch in Findlay, Ohio as a Financial Advisor. He is a graduate of Kent State University and has served on the boards of Mercy Hospital of Tiffin, Mercy Healthcare Partners – Toledo, Tiffin Calvert Education Foundation, Tiffin Charitable Foundation, and Betty Jane Rehabilitation Center. He and his wife, Sandy, live in Tiffin.

“Joe Harris, Mike Klepper and John Schultz are ideal choices for the Tiffin University Board of Trustees,” says Gary Heminger, Board Chair. “The University is very fortunate to have people of this caliber willing to join us in our efforts to move TU forward."

TU Names James White as V.P for Business and Finance Tiffin University has appointed James White as Vice President for Business and Finance. “Tiffin University is exactly the kind of institution I was looking for,” says White, “an institution with a president that has a clear vision surrounded by dedicated people.” White, an executive with a proven track record of fiscal and strategic leadership, earned his bachelor's degree and MBA from John Carroll University and has more than 30 years of management and finance experience in education and the private sector. For the past seven years, he served as Vice President for Administration/Chief Financial Officer at Lake Erie College in the Cleveland area. He and his wife, Bonnie, have two children.

Retirement TU’s Vice President for Business Retires after 16 Years of Service David J. Boyd retired in May after 16 years of service as Vice President for Business. “As Tiffin University's Vice President for Business for the past 16 years, Dave Boyd provided dedicated and effective service,” says President Paul Marion. “He was instrumental in helping the university take advantages of opportunities and overcome challenges, and he will be missed.”

Academic Honors Banquet

Boyd served in his position during a period of tremendous growth and evolution at Tiffin University – a time in which the university expanded its academic programs, added regional campuses, created an international presence along with online learning, in addition to more than doubling its number of students. Boyd, a CPA, earned his bachelor’s degree in business administration from the University of Notre Dame, and a master of business administration degree from the University of Detroit Mercy. As a nationally recognized expert on university accounting, finance and capital expenditures, Boyd was appointed in 1999 to serve as a consultant-evaluator for the Commission on Institutions of Higher Education of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools, which accredits educational institutions in nearly two dozen states, including Ohio.

What’s happening at Tiffin University

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President Paul Marion & Dave and Maureen Boyd RIGHT

Students were presented certificates at the Academic Honors Banquet.

CHALLENGE SPRING/SUMMER 2006: CAMPUSSCENE

During his career at Tiffin University, the school’s budget grew from $4.5 million to more than $25 million. Boyd was a key member of TU’s strategic planning process and helped to implement new construction, land acquisition, and improving technology on campus. Prior to joining Tiffin University, Boyd was Vice President, Finance, for Olivet College in Michigan and Assistant Professor of Accountancy for Western Michigan University. He also worked in the private sector, as Controller for Houseman’s Clothing Company and in various administrative positions for the Bissell Corporation, both located in Grand Rapids, Michigan, as Senior Internal Auditor for the Whirlpool Corporation in Benton Harbor, Michigan, and Staff Accountant for WaterhouseCoopers in Detroit.

TU hosted its annual Academic Honors Banquet in April. Thirteen students were presented certificates for Outstanding Freshman. Two hundred and forty-three students were presented certificates for Academic Achievement. Academic Distinction Certificates and Medals were presented to seventy-nine baccalaureate graduates with a cumulative GPA of 3.5 or more. Thirteen students were presented with Excellence in Field of Study awards. Jody Boyles, New Waterford, Ohio was given the F. H. “Cap” Wilkinson award. The Daisy and Frederick Stone Scholarship was awarded to junior Faith Greenawalt from Huron, Ohio, and senior Teka Fitzgibbons from Tiffin, Ohio.

Dr. Janet Hanna Retires

What’s happening at Tiffin University

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Jim Wildman, white shirt, of Catawba Island Club discussed the CIC’s internship program, summer, and permanent employment. (Photo courtesy of The Advertiser-Tribune)

Dr. Janet Hanna retired from Tiffin University in May. Before joining TU as Associate Professor of English and Communications in 1999, Dr. Hanna was Professor II and Chair of the English Department at the American College of Greece, where she developed and initiated a Linguistics degree program into the undergraduate curriculum. She earned a Bachelor and Master of Arts in English from Ohio University, the M. Phil. from the University of Kansas, and a Ph.D. from the University of Athens in Greece. Her professional field of expertise is in the literature of the English Renaissance, and her doctoral dissertation researched the tragic vision of a 16th century English playwright, Thomas Middleton. She taught a wide range of courses, including Shakespeare, Chaucer, Renaissance Studies, Milton, poetry, and ancient and modern drama, as well as composition courses.

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A writer as well as teacher, Hanna is the author of a textbook, “Classroom TOEFL,” published by Barrons, Inc., New York, 1994. Her classical play, “Jocasta,” performed at T.U. in fall 2001 as the first theatrical performance in the newly-built Osceola Theatre, is pending publication in “Arion,” a journal for the classics and humanities, Boston College. Her poem, “Walking in the Woods,” earned honorable mention in a competition sponsored last year by the Seneca County Chapter of BOTTOM RIGHT the Ohio Poetry Association, and her play, “The Mercy Hospital Birthday Gift,” earned a certificate of merit from the educates TU employees American Screenwriter’s international competition. on proper nutrition.

“Dr. Hanna has done an excellent job for Tiffin University as Professor of English and Dean of the School of Arts and Sciences,” says TU President Paul Marion. “We wish her well in her retirement.”

TU/BERG Job Fair The Tiffin University and Heidelberg College Job Fair took place in February on Tiffin University’s campus. The Job Fair is designed to provide information about full-time, part-time, summer, and internship employ-

ment opportunities for students in addition to gaining valuable information through networking with recruiting professionals. Gillmor Student Center gymnasium was a busy place where students talked to representatives from many different fields.

Employee Benefits & Health Fair Tiffin University hosted an Employee Benefits and Health Fair for its employees in March. Sponsored by the Department of Human Resources and Health Care Advisory Committee, raffle drawings and prizes were included. Approximately 25 exhibitors participated.

Support Staff Conference Tiffin University hosted a Support Staff Conference in March. Colleges represented were Bluffton University, Defiance College, Heidelberg College, Ohio Northern University, Tiffin University and The University of Findlay. The day was filled with guest speakers, lunch, and breakout sessions (Dream Analysis, Peak Performance through Goal Setting and Unleash your Greatness).

Adjunct Faculty Star in Crime Analysis Program It is not uncommon for adjunct faculty members to teach in degree programs, while research and publications are normally left to the full-time professors. At Tiffin University, adjunct faculty members defy the stereotype. In the unique and successful graduate program in Crime Analysis where TU graduates receive a Master of Science in Criminal Justice (MSCJ), adjunct faculty are steadily contributing to the new and rapidly expanding body of knowledge in crime analysis – the quintessential process credited with reducing and preventing crime over the last decade. Today, America is experiencing some of the lowest crime rates seen in a half century.

Stallo teaches Theories of Crime Analysis online as well as Geographic Information Systems, Criminal Intelligence, and Computer Applications in Crime Analysis, Community Policing, and Investigations. He has been a Dallas, Texas Police Officer for 25 years and has headed the crime analysis team for more than 15 years. He has taught crime analysis training and university courses throughout the United States, Argentina, and Romania.

Deborah Osborne is currently a crime analyst with the Buffalo, New York Police Department. She teaches Theories of Crime Analysis for Tiffin University online. She has been a Research Fellow for the Center for Strategic Intelligence Research at the Joint Military Intelligence College, Defense Intelligence Agency. Professor Osborne has taught crime analysis courses for Empire State College, SUNY, and Mercyhurst College. She has also been an independent consultant to the police service of Northern Ireland’s Analysis Center. She has published articles in refereed journals and is the co-author of the book Introduction to Crime Analysis with Susan Wernicke. Professor Osborne has also been the co-chair of the certification committee of the International Association of Crime Analysts.

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Mark Stallo Haley says that Tiffin University was forward thinking in its start of the crime analysis concentration in TU’s MSCJ program. Employment opportunities are plentiful. “Tiffin’s online students are indeed fortunate to be taught by some of the nation’s most recognized crime analysts and authors in the field of crime analysis,” says Haley. The crime analysis major is offered online and has students from all over the United States enrolled in the program. A seated version of the crime analysis major is offered at the Kettering, Ohio police department just south of Dayton, Ohio. The seated program meets on Saturdays only. Crime analysis jobs abound throughout the United States at all levels of government and private enterprise. In fact, one of the TU crime analysis students who have not yet completed his degree was just employed by the crime analysis unit of the Dayton, Ohio, Police Department. Other students who already have a master’s degree from Tiffin University have returned to complete the crime analysis concentration. One of those students is Lt. Tom Hirschey of the Dublin, Ohio Police Department who has authored an article on Geographic Information Systems in Stallo’s and Osborne’s new book. Those interested in the crime analysis degree should contact Dr. Charles Christensen, Dean of the School of Criminal Justice and Social Sciences at Tiffin University, 419.448.3268, 1.800.968.6446 or ChristiansenC@tiffin.edu .

CHALLENGE SPRING/SUMMER 2006: CAMPUSSCENE

Mark Stallo and Deborah Osborne, adjunct faculty in TU’s graduate program in Crime Analysis, are the authors of the new second edition of Contemporary Issues, Applications, and Techniques in Crime Analysis released by Copley Publishing in Acton, MA. Keith Haley, Professor and Chair of Tiffin’s Department of Criminal Justice, joined them as the third editor of the book.

He is also the author of the books Using Microsoft Office to Improve Law Enforcement Operations and Using Geographic Information Systems to Improve Law Enforcement. Stallo is co-author of the book Crime and Punishment in the Lone Star State and Texas Crime, Texas Justice.

What’s happening at Tiffin University

Five Faculty Promoted Tiffin University promoted five of its faculty members, according to Diane Krumsee, Academic Policies Committee Chair for the TU Board of Trustees. Dr. Nabarun Ghose and Dr. Zhaolu Lu were promoted to the rank of Professor. Dr. Charles Christensen, and Dr. Vinnie Gajjala were promoted to the rank of Associate Professor, and Teresa Miller was promoted to the rank of Assistant Professor effective fall semester 2006. Dr. Nabarun Ghose, Professor of Marketing and Global Business earned a BA from Madras University, India, an MIJ from Baylor University, Texas, and a DBA from Southern Illinois University. Dr. Zhaolu Lu, Professor of Philosophy earned a BA and MA from Beijing Normal University, China, and a Ph.D. from the University of Western Ontaria, Canada. Dr. Charles Christensen, Associate Professor of Political Science and Security Studies earned a B.S. from Eastern Michigan University, an MS from West Chester University of Pennsylvania, and a Ph.D. from The Ohio State University.

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Dr. Vinnie Gajjala, Associate Professor of Economics and Finance, earned a BA from the University of Madras, India, an MA from Jawaharlal Nehru University, India, an MA and Ph.D. from the University of Pittsburgh.

Teresa Miller, Assistant Professor of Hospitality and Tourism Management, earned a BS from Bowling Green State University, an MBA from Tiffin University, and an MS from Florida International University.

Dean of the School of Arts and Sciences Named Miriam K. Fankhauser has replaced Dr. Janet Hanna as Dean of the School of Arts and Sciences. “Ms. Fankhauser has a long history of contributions to the development of the School and many of its programs,” says John Millar, Vice President for Academic Affairs. “She has served as the Chair of the Humanities Department and the Director of the Freshman Honors Program. Tiffin University is delighted at her willingness to accept this new assignment and we look forward to the continued growth of the School of Arts and Sciences.” Concerning her new role as Dean, Fankhauser says, “Our job is to ensure that the School of Arts and Sciences is not only a warm, friendly, and caring

Community Easter Egg Hunt Tiffin University’s Student Government held their annual Community Easter Egg Hunt in April. All Tiffin area children and families were invited to hunt for over 1,500 brightly colored hidden, plastic, surprise-filled eggs. More than 300 Tiffin-area children participated and they were delighted by a special appearance of the TU Dragon and Easter Bunny.

educational opportunity, but is one that is continually promoting professional excellence in our everexpanding majors. Our mission is to recruit students into our Arts and Science programs and produce responsible, professional, contributing graduates for tomorrow's ever increasingly challenging world.” Fankhauser joined the Tiffin University faculty as a part-time instructor in 1982. In 1984, she joined the faculty full-time, and in 1986, was named Department Chair for English/Communication Arts – a position she held until 1999 when she became Humanities Department Chair. In 1988, she was promoted to Assistant Professor of English and to Associate Professor of English in 1995. “When I began my career at TU, English as a subject was a support system for the schools of Criminal Justice and of Business,” Fankhauser says, recalling her first years of teaching at the university. “I hoped that some day we might have an English major. In addition, I have always wanted to have a part in teaching others how to teach. Two decades later, not only do we have an English Major but, in conjunction with Lourdes College, we have an English Education major.” During her tenure at TU, Tiffin University’s Student Government has twice named Fankhauser as Faculty Member of the Year. The new dean’s life and career has been a varied one. From 1972 to 1981, she was assistant manager of a 350-acre farming operation in rural Green Springs, Ohio. During that time, she also successfully ran her own crafts business. Her teaching background includes time as a junior and senior high school librarian and English teacher.

While at Tiffin University, she has been extremely active in working with freshmen as both an advisor and faculty member of the school’s Freshman Institute. In 1996, she was recognized for her “commitment and service to Tiffin University’s Co-Curricular Requirement Program” at the Northwest Ohio Philanthropy luncheon. “I believe that just as TU has grown in so many ways, not only have I been a small part of that growth, but I also have grown in so many ways personally and professionally,” Fankhauser says. Among her other interests is dream analysis and interpretation, and since 1991, she has coordinated a dream workshop/interpretation group and led workshops for

She has a strong interest in Native American studies and research, in particular the “Trail of Tears” and the North American mound builder cultures, and has both presented lectures and conducted interactive discussions on the subjects, as well as having written several articles for regional and national publications. She was a member of the former Blanchard Indian Pow Wow Club and joined two delegations to the Pine Ridge Lakota Indian Reservation in South Dakota, helping to deliver food and clothing to reservation schools.

What’s happening at Tiffin University

Mother of two daughters and four grandchildren, Fankhauser is a published author with both scholarly and creative genealogical collections to her credit. She has also focused special interest on women writers, including Kate Chopin and Charlotte Perkins Gilman.

Harvard Student Visits TU In February, Chaz Beasley, a student at Harvard University spoke to students about the Students Taking on Poverty Campaign (STOP). The STOP campaign is a united effort of numerous student organizations, colleges and business and civic groups dedicated to fight against poverty. The campaign is founded upon three avenues: information, motivation, and action. During his speech, Beasley stressed the importance of doing small things. He also pointed out that “Poverty is not a line in the sand; it’s where we come from, our background, the amount of money we make.” He pointed out that if we can help those in poverty, we create opportunities that multiply. Beasley ended his speech by giving words of inspiration: “you can do great things if you set your mind to it.”

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Harvard student Chaz Beasley chats with President Marion

CHALLENGE SPRING/SUMMER 2006: CAMPUSSCENE

Fankhauser earned her bachelor’s degree in Secondary Education from Heidelberg College, and has two master’s degrees from The University of Toledo with majors in Library Science and English.

students, faculty and the general public. She conducts an ongoing dream support group for adult women.

Women in National Security Vicki Divoll, a national security lawyer and policy advisor in Congress, in the intelligence community, and in academia, spoke about “Women in National Security” at Tiffin University in April.

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National Security Lawyer Vicki Divoll

"Vicki Divoll has played an important role in counterintelligence and counterterrorism prosecutions in our courts and advised the CIA's Counterterrorism Center in the conduct of its operations against Al Qaida and other such groups," said Tom Newcomb, Assistant Professor of Criminal Justice and Security Studies. "I know of no other government person who knows more than Vicki about the full use of our intelligence and law enforcement tools against terrorists." From 1995 to 2000, Divoll was Assistant General Counsel for the Central Intelligence Agency. During her time at the CIA, she served as deputy legal advisor to the Counterterrorist Center in the agency's Directorate of Operations. Her guidance included issues related to overseas covert operations, criminal law, human rights, and interaction among US intelligence agencies and law enforcement. Divoll also worked closely with federal prosecutors on terrorism prosecutions involving al Qaeda and Usama bin Laden.

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International Dinner

TU held its annual International Dinner in March. “The event featured food, fashion, and entertainment from around the world. Tiffin University strives to promote cultural awareness and appreciation and the International Dinner provides excellent opportunities for International students to share their talents and their culture. More than twenty countries were represented at this year’s dinner. Guests experienced varied acts from featured countries, special organizations, and the Tiffin University Choir. Entertainment also included traditional dances from TU and Heidelberg students, international music arrangements conducted by TU’s vocal music staff, and a dance finale.

The Arts Artists Create Books “Artists Create Books,” was exhibited at the Diane Kidd Gallery in January. The exhibition challenged visitors to reexamine how books are viewed through the work of a diverse group of artists. The display showcased the works of Terry Braunstein, Linda Ekstrom, Mary Heebner, Sue Ann Robinson, and Genie Shenk. With national and international exhibitions to their credit,

the featured artists and educators presented the viewer with contemporary interpretations of images and text from the Middle Ages to the present. Trained in a variety of media, from painting and paper making to video and photography, these artists created works that ask us to examine the concept of “book” as sculpture, object, printmaking, or inspirational text.

“The Star Spangled Girl” Tiffin University students presented The Star Spangled Girl, a comedy by Neil Simon in February. The Star Spangled Girl is a boys-meet-girl romantic romp that

tosses a bouquet of one-liners at the flower power era. The girl was played by TU student Amanda Miller (center) and the boys were TU students Drews Schlegel (left) and Matthew Feck (right). The play was directed by Jody Strong and TU student Melissa Brodzenski (stage manager).

M. M. Dupay’s ‘Show Me What You Don’t Have’ Artist M. M. Dupay was featured in an exhibition at the Diane Kidd Gallery entitled “Show Me What You Don’t Have,” in March. From the biting social and political critiques created by artists such as the Dadaist Hanna Höch, to mysterious and disturbing images reminiscent of Max Ernst’s Surrealist works, Dupay gently, and sometimes humorously, brings viewers into conflict with their own experiences of beauty and youth, adulthood and reality, truth, and the media-generated concept of personal value.

“Contrasting Perspectives” As part of an innovative collaboration, new works of art by Columbian High School students were on display in

April during a special exhibition entitled “Contrasting Perspectives” at Tiffin University’s Diane Kidd Gallery.

Annual Student Show Featured ‘Best of the Best’ Tiffin University’s Student Exhibition 2006 featured the “very best of the best” of student artworks. The show opened in April at The Diane Kidd Gallery. One artistic project that stood out during this year’s student show was a collaborative effort between design students and TU’s Communication Program. The Communication Program, coordinated by Dr. Scott Britten, developed an “imaginary company” to serve as a client for the TU art students. The students then utilized their design and artistic expertise to create a specific identity and ad campaign for the company. The collaborative effort was a benefit for both the design and communication students.

This academic year, Tiffin University’s Arts & Angles lecture series commemorated the end of World War II. Each program featured a member of the TU School of Arts & Sciences faculty. Presentations focused on aspects of World War II from its historical perspective, its journalistic heroes, and its implications for modern literature.

“The Atomic Café and the Optimistic Postmodern” was the topic of the January Arts & Angles program. Dr. Vincent Moore, Assistant Professor of English and Chair of the Department of English and Communication gave the presentation. “Immediately after the end of World War II, the mood of the nation was optimistic and hopeful. This attitude influenced many aspects of life,” Dr. Moore explained. “The documentary, The Atomic Café, as well as much of the entertainment and literature of the time, shows a country that believed that through technology, anything was possible. This period was the beginning of the Golden Age of Science Fiction, the beginning of Postmodernism, and the Baby Boom.” During his presentation, Dr. Moore analyzed this national optimism and how it turned so quickly towards technophobia.

What’s happening at Tiffin University

Nazi Figures in Literature In February, “Nazi Figures in Literature” was the topic of the Arts & Angles program. Assistant Professor of English Dr. Sherry Truffin gave the presentation which examined the portrayal of Nazis in representative works of Western literature from different genres, including political thrillers, postmodern novels, Gothic tales, and cartoons. She explored the use of Nazi characters both as convenient plot devices and as conduits for serious social commentary - and considered the role that Nazism has come to play in the modern literary imagination.

World War II Propaganda In March, faculty members Dr. Scott Britten and Dr. Ray Laakaniemi shared the stage with observations on the media and use of propaganda during World War II. Dr. Britten, Associate Professor of Communication, focused on the significant role of propaganda during the war and the genesis of the social-psychological study of the media, persuasion, and propaganda that was believed to figure significantly in the rise of fascist regimes in Europe. Dr. Laakaniemi, Professor of Communication, examined the work of Ernie Pyle, along with the publication Stars and Stripes, and their collective effect on American consciousness during World War II. According to Laakaniemi, Ernie Pyle was America’s favorite correspondent, and the Stars and Stripes was the GI’s favorite – and only – newspaper.

LEFT

Columbian High School senior portfolio art students.

CHALLENGE SPRING/SUMMER 2006: CAMPUSSCENE

Arts & Angles

The Atomic Café & the Optimistic Postmodern

Operation LUSTY

What’s happening at Tiffin University

TOP LEFT

Dr. Chuck Christensen BOTTOM LEFT

Bert Holman

In April, Dr. Chuck Christensen, Dean of the School of Criminal Justice and Social Sciences, discussed the collection and use of German aviation technology at the end of World War II. He discussed the exploits of the airmen and scientists who collected German aircraft, aviation equipment, and scientific documents during the closing days of World War II. Additionally, he discussed the contributions that German scientists and engineers made to the development of US air power during the late 1940’s and early 1950’s, as well as the development of technical intelligence in the Air Force during the immediate postwar period, and its contributions to US national security during the Cold War.

Politicians & Special Interest Groups Joe Harris, retired Auditor General for the City of Detroit, presented “Politicians and Special Interest Groups” in March. According to Harris, citizens are affected by the results of the actions of politicians, but are often unaware of the reasons many decisions are made. Moreover, most citizens are often unaware of the long-term consequences of those decisions.

Brennan Doesn't Male It In Christine Brennan presented “There's a Woman in the Locker Room: How a Toledo Girl Grew up to Travel the World Covering Sports” during TU’s Good Morning World breakfast lecture in April.

Good Morning World

RIGHT

Christine Brennan

Tiffin University has sponsored the Good Morning World Breakfast Lecture Series for more than 20 years, providing informational lectures to the business and opinion leaders of the Tiffin area.

CHALLENGE SPRING/SUMMER 2006: CAMPUSSCENE

Managing a Legendary Rock Band

Bert Holman, presented “Managing a Legendary Rock Band” in February. For the past 15 years, he has managed The Allman Brothers Band. His introduction to the band began during his college days as a concert chair which led him to a successful career path in the entertainment field. During his presentation, Holman shared his experiences in finding his career path, the intertwining of the business, entertainment and art worlds, and his views on what the challenges are for these areas in the future.

When boys were away playing organized sports, Christine Brennan played catch with herself off a wall at her home in Toledo. When she worked on her homework, she kept track of the score of every Mud Hens game as she listened to the radio. She received a baseball mitt when she turned 8 years old. Brennan said she never saw a woman's byline on a sports story when reading newspapers in the Toledo and Detroit area. She worked her entire life breaking the rules. After growing up watching a male-dominated world of sports journalism, Brennan, now nearly 48 years old, is a sports columnist for USA Today, an ABC News and ESPN analyst, and the author of five books. “I guess I was destined to be a sports journalist,” she said. After receiving her undergraduate and master's degrees in journalism from Northwestern, Brennan worked to become the most widely read female sports columnist in the United States.

She said she's asked whether she goes in locker rooms and what she sees. “The answers are 'yes' and 'not a whole lot,'” she said. Eye contact, Brennan said, is important when interviewing in locker rooms, and she strategically positions her notebooks. Brennan - who said she's been in 600-700 locker rooms over the course of her career - was locked out of a locker room in the 1980s, mistaken for an autograph-seeker because of her notebook and gender. “How things have changed,” she said. Brennan said Title IX gave women chances people had given men for years. “It's not just about a girl becoming a professional athlete,” she said. “It's giving confidence to a young lady.” She said those who disagree with the by-products of Title IX - which include cutting male sports to allow for more female teams - should not blame the law, but the schools' administrators who enforce it. Brennan said nothing is more important in professional sports than athletes serving as role models for children. She told the attendees to compare picture of Barry Bonds at different points in his life. “This does not happen without chemical enhancement,” she said. She said Bonds didn't fail a drug test because there weren't such tests for professional baseball players. Also, she said just because athletes don't pass the tests doesn't mean they're not ingesting drugs. They are able to quit taking steroids in time to pass the tests. “Basically, the steroids test is just an intelligence test,” Brennan said. “At the end of the day, this is about our children.” More information can be obtained at www.christinebrennan.com. This article appeared, in part, in The Advertiser-Tribune Editor’s note: Christine Brennan will deliver the keynote address at the 2007 undergraduate ceremony.

Four Serve in Washington Four TU students were selected by The Washington Center for Internships and Academic Seminars to work in prestigious internships last fall. Andrea Garber, Nura Jaber, Jaqueline Martin and Leah Myers were among a group of 407 students representing 137 colleges and universities in the United States and abroad to take part in the highly regarded academic program. In its 30th year, The Washington Center for Internships and Academic Seminars has helped more than 34,000 students from more than 1,000 colleges and universities extend their studies, acquire work experience, and develop their skills as leaders. Participating students spend a semester immersed in the culture of our nation’s capital. They explore possible career directions through a substantive internship tailored to match their interests, a high quality academic course, and the Washington Forum, a series of lectures by national and international speakers.

Hard Work Paid Off After receiving an invitation to the Las Vegas International Hotel and Restaurant Show in Las Vegas, the Hospitality and Tourism Management students raised more than $3,200 for the trip with their many fundraisers, such as cookie sales, working at Norwalk Raceway, selling candles and raffles.

CHALLENGE SPRING/SUMMER 2006: CAMPUSSCENE

The students took a Gaming Entertainment class in the spring, according to Teresa Miller, Assistant Professor of Hospitality and Tourism Management. Miller taught the class, and chaperoned the trip. She said, “The class educated the students on the early history of Las Vegas in the late 1800’s and its development starting in the 1900’s. They learned the importance of the Hoover Dam (Boulder Dam) Project in the growth of Las Vegas. They discovered how Howard Hughes, Bugsy Segal and the Rat Pack impacted the creation of the “old” Las Vegas.”

RIGHT

Adrienne Fitz, Candice Bauer and Emily Fox.

Most of the students spent their first day walking the three mile “Strip” in awe of the mega-resorts. The next two days were devoted to the Las Vegas International Hotel and Restaurant Show sponsored by the Nevada Hotel and Lodging Association, Nevada Restaurant Association, and the California Hotel Lodging Association. The student Career Fair featured a number of resorts, and the students attended the Las Vegas Uniform Fashion show and the Las Vegas Culinary Challenge and the Hospitality Competitions.

Step Afrika

CHALLENGE SPRING/SUMMER 2006:

CHINESE COMMUNITY CONTINUES TO GROW

The Campus Activities Board at TU and Heidelberg College co-hosted a show on Valentine’s Day at the Ritz Theater. The entertainment was by a professional step group called Step Afrika. Stepping is a unique dance tradition created by African-American college students. In stepping, the body is used as an instrument to create intricate rhythms and sounds through a combination of footsteps, claps and spoken word. The tradition grew out of the song and dance rituals practiced by historically African-American fraternities and sororities in the early 1900’s. Stepping comes from a long and rich tradition in African-based communities that use movement, words and sounds to communicate allegiance to a group.

CJ Senior Named Ohio’s “OUTSTANDING STUDENT” The Ohio Council of Criminal Justice Education (OCCJE) has named Tiffin University student Lacy K.Cherry as Ohio’s baccalaureate “Outstanding Student of the Year” for 2006. Dr. Steven D. Hurwitz, Professor of Psychology and Criminal Justice, nominated Cherry for the award after the TU senior was the unanimous choice among faculty from the School of Criminal Justice and Social Sciences. “As a faculty member at a small school like Tiffin University, I work closely with all of our students,” Hurwitz says. “But I can honestly say that of all the students I have worked with over the past 12 years, Lacy is one of the very brightest and best – a cut above the rest. One of Lacy’s best traits is that as talented as she is, she is always willing to learn.” According to OCCJE guidelines, all nominees for the student award “should have demonstrated outstanding academic ability and involvement and leadership in professional, community, and/or campus related activities.”

ABOVE

Member of Step Afrika

“My award would not have been possible without the criminal justice professors at Tiffin University, who go out of their way to help me everyday. They truly make the students’ success their main goal,” says Cherry, a native of West Salem, Ohio. Lacy graduated this year with a double major in forensic psychology and corrections. Throughout her TU career, she has received many honors and recognitions, including the Ohio Regency Scholarship, the Tiffin University Presidential Scholarship, and the Tiffin University Leadership for Life Scholarship. She has been named to TU’s Dean’s List since 2002, and has annually been recognized for her academic excellence.

TU Is Doing SOMETHING RIGHT When Steven A. Cash returned to Washington, D.C. after his visit to Tiffin, he said he planned to tell his boss – Senator Dianne Feinstein (DCal.), “Tiffin University is doing something right.” Cash, who spoke at TU’s Chisholm Auditorium in March, has been Senator Feinstein’s chief minority counsel since 2005. He also currently serves as staff director on the Subcommittee on Terrorism, Technology & Homeland Security in the Senate’s Committee on the Judiciary.

According to Cash, the Homeland Security Agency’s role is more important than ever as a result of the increasing tension existing between the President and Congress in regard to hot-button issues like the National Security Agency’s Terrorist Surveillance Program and the ports controversy. However, tension between the executive and legislative branches of government is nothing new. Cash said it dates back to the founding of our country. He added, “Healthy tension is a good thing.”

“Before World War II, we didn’t have much of an intelligence community,” Cash said. “Pearl Harbor happened and we missed it because of a lack of intelligence. After WWII we built the American Intelligence Services. The idea was we were going to have full-time spies who were going to go out and steal secrets about our adversaries. We then have people analyze that information and come out with decisions to present to our policy makers.” Giving Tiffin University students an insight into the world of the U.S. Intelligence Agencies is important, according to Dr. Charles Christensen, Dean of TU’s School of Criminal Justice and Social Sciences. “Our program is designed to give students an opportunity to experience some of the unique things that go on in the area of national security – whether it’s Congressional, executive, intelligence or Homeland Security,” he said. “Part of our job is to give students the opportunity to learn about some of the things you can do when you graduate from Tiffin University.” Steve Cash added he is impressed with TU’s program. “It’s quite fascinating coming from Washington and seeing this in Ohio. It’s what we hoped for,” he explained. “I’m going to report back to my boss, Senator Feinstein, something is going right.”

CENTER

Steven A. Cash

TU IS DOING SOMETHING RIGHT

“You don’t want to live in a country where there isn’t a tension between the two branches of government. You would be unsafe and have no civil liberties,” he explained. “You need to focus on the historical value of that relationship between the Congress and the executive branch, and understand that the tension – which is sometimes unpleasant – is what drives the process. In the end, it’s why it works.”

He explained intelligence agencies like the CIA are responsible for helping harness those varying perspectives into workable solutions, particularly in regard to issues dealing with such things as terrorism and homeland security.

CHALLENGE SPRING/SUMMER 2006:

“Tiffin University has put together a program that I’m not seeing in many places in the rest of the country,” he told TU students. “You are being trained to think in a way that nobody has before. You are going to be the first people coming into the U.S. government when you graduate who have an academic background in Homeland Security.”

“We have a rough and tumble political system,” Cash continued. “The push back and forth between the perspective of the executive branch and the perspective of the legislative branch is always there. It’s good that different people have different views of the world.”

TU’s Chinese Community CONTINUES TO GROW By: Abigail Kanellakis

CHALLENGE SPRING/SUMMER 2006:

CIA IS SEEKING PLENTY OF GOOD PEOPLE

With the arrival of many new Chinese students on campus, this year was a year of growth for the international community at Tiffin University. “This program has grown tremendously in the last year,” says Pavlos Kanellakis, Assistant Coordinator of the English Language and American Culture (ELAC) Program. “We believed the program would be successful, we just didn’t know how successful. We are expecting about 19 new students for the 2006 fall semester.”

While the program continues to expand, a new Coordinator, Anthony King has been hired. King intends to use the experience he gained overseas to help the incoming students. King is fluent in German, Turkish, French, and English and has played professional soccer in Germany. After retiring from soccer, he returned to the U.S. to work on his Master’s in Teaching English as a Second Language (TESOL). “Mr. King is exactly what our program needs,” says Kanellakis. “His experience in the field and his multicultural background will help guide this program to an even brighter and more successful future.” King also has ambitions of expanding the ELAC program to recruit students from additional European countries. ABOVE

Rui Zhang RIGHT

Chinese students gather in Legacy Courtyard

Tiffin’s ELAC program includes preliminary testing to determine levels of oral/aural and written English language skills, post-testing to determine qualification for entering credit courses, a minimum of 25 hours of inclass instruction of Listening and Conversational English, Vocabulary and Reading Comprehension, Grammar and Writing Skills, and American Culture. After completing this program, the students are able to take classes that are offered for TU’s undergraduate degree programs.

“I HAVE A DREAM” Award Danielle Foster, Director of Tiffin University’s Lima Academic Center, was honored with the annual Martin Luther King, Jr., “I Have a Dream” award by the AM Chapter of Iota Phi Theta for her work as one of the founders and co-chair of the Allen County-based Points of Pride coalition.

help community members get into contact with agencies that will help to refurbish their home if they are in need of assistance. It has shown that a small group of people can make a huge difference through dedication and collaboration.”

“The Points of Pride coalition, along with the Allen County Community, have successfully done what many said could never happen,” Foster says of the group’s efforts to tear down condemned homes that have become eyesores in their neighborhoods and locations of criminal activity. The award is given for community involvement and in keeping with the dream that Martin Luther King had envisioned for this nation’s communities. Foster explains that the Points of Pride coalition is designed to be a conduit between thought and action. “We serve as a non-partisan, action oriented, community changing group of citizens. Our group of 10 decided that the main issue that we would focus on would be the abandoned and condemned housing issue affecting Allen County.”

“It is an unfortunate issue that is currently affecting many cities and counties,” Foster says. “It took our nonpartisan group almost two years of research and planning, and then we began the most exciting phase of our project. We came together with the idea of rebuilding together and we raised enough funds to take down our first home.”

ABOVE Danielle Foster (far right) participates in the ribbon cutting for the demolition of the very first house, located on Kibby Street in Lima. The land was donated to the Lima City Schools.

BEEF JERKY

The group of dedicated volunteers saw this initial accomplishment as reaping huge benefits, Foster adds. “From that day on, our core group has stayed committed to the collaboration process; we currently try to take down one home every one to two months. We also

More information about the Points of Pride Coalition is available by contacting Danielle Foster at Tiffin University at Lima, 419.222.7400 or 866.729.2933, or via email at FosterDC@tiffin.edu.

CHALLENGE SPRING/SUMMER 2006:

The housing issue had been embroiled with political debates and no real solutions, Foster says. Neither the county nor the city could afford to take down all of the condemned homes in our area. The houses serve as a hotbed of criminal activity, are not visually appealing to the neighborhoods and county, and tend to bring down property values for surrounding homes.

The CIA Is Seeking PLENTY OF GOOD PEOPLE The message was clear. The CIA is seeking plenty of good people. “The president has directed an increase of officers in the Director of Operations by 50 percent. That’s why I’m here,” Greg Masters, a recruiter for the Central Intelligence Agency told a group of Tiffin University students in March. “We’ve been doing just that. It’s a tremendous task. If everyone in this auditorium were qualified, we could hire all of you.”

CHALLENGE SPRING/SUMMER 2006:

BEEF JERKY

‘‘

The role of the CIA is to provide non-partisan information to the President, policy makers and the intelligence community. While most individuals do not enter college with the intention of becoming a spy,” Masters said, “the CIA offers a variety of unique careers. Of course there are the traditional covert Operations Officers – agents work overseas under a shroud of anonymity, collecting foreign intelligence. According to Masters, they are highly trained in the art of manipulation, and often deal with unsavory characters, pretentious people and people with problems. But acquiring foreign intelligence is only the first step in the CIA information-gathering process.

The role of the CIA is to provide non-partisan information to the President.

’’

Masters told the students about several other types of CIA opportunities. According to him, the Collection Management Officers are the bridge between the policy makers and the people in the field who collect information. “If you work in this department, you have to get the information and succinctly write it up and make sure the information is consistent with the source,” he explained. “It takes good writing and good briefing skills. In this job you need to be able to focus on a variety of topics.” An individual with strong research and analysis skills might consider becoming a Specialized Skill Officer. “In this job, you’re going to do a lot of legwork trying

to find out what needs to be done on certain intelligence priorities,” Masters said. “These officers then present it to the policy makers in a usable way while protecting their sources.” Persons fluent in such languages as Chinese, Russian, Japanese, Indonesian, Korean, Arabic and Croatian, among others, might consider a career as a CIA Language Officer. Those agents work at headquarters in Washington, D.C., translating a variety of documents and information. According to Masters, the CIA seeks people with integrity, motivation, strong interpersonal assessment and diversity. “You have to be able to take constructive criticism,” he added. “And you have to have an interest in national security and foreign affairs. I can’t stress that enough.” “When I wake up every morning, I try to recruit a spy of purpose – not someone who will just go through the motions – because they’re the people who have some sort of information that’s going to protect U.S. lives and property.” In return, he said the CIA offers its agents a sense of purpose, along with a sense of pride in protecting the nation. Becoming an officer for the CIA can be an arduous task. A prospective employee must be able to handle several lengthy interviews. He/she also must pass a polygraph test, as well as an extensive security check. “Be careful about things that will stop you in the security area,” Masters warned. “Don’t be downloading stuff from the internet that is illegal. Stay away from drugs and alcohol. You obviously can’t be intoxicated if you go to an agent meeting. Those people depend on you for their lives, literally. You can’t have cobwebs in your head.” Masters has been with the CIA for more than 20 years. According to him, working for the agency is a challenging and rewarding experience. “There is surely a lot for you to do in our organization, and if you want to do it, you can do it,” he stressed. “We’re looking for people with a positive attitude – the attitude that there’s nothing that will stop you from working to protect your country.”

Beef JERKY By: TU Student Lindsey Jesnek It has been my worldly experience of nineteen years that few specimens of the human race truly exhibit the characteristics of these three powerful words: courage, sincerity, and care. I have long considered myself an excellent judge of character, priding myself on my ability to sense falsity even in favor. I thrive on intense interpersonal relations, so it is always a triumph when a true friend comes along--a rare and beautiful occurrence. I was walking outside of my dormitory, a hot August evening, when I stopped to chat with my fellow soccer teammates--the weight of pre-season on our backs. It looked to be a regular conversation exchange on the porch of the Jackson house--an International house for students prepared to begin their education. All of a sudden, a whirlwind of chatter burst from the doorway. Seated on the stairs, I turned to see its source. A Vietnamese teen walked to the steps where we were seated and offered each of us a slice of the beef jerky, chattering all the while. I giggled happily at her jovial demeanor, glad for the jerky--it was delicious! She explained that she had brought it from home and we started to talk.

I always see Bling when she works in the Tiffin dining hall. I feel a little guilty watching her serve my food day in and day out, when it is I that should be finding ways to serve her--but that is just what Bling is – a true servant of mankind. She is humble beyond her years, brings joy to all who are weary, and displays incalculable inner strength. She may be my peer, but I find myself looking to her as a moral role model. Bling and I have had many a conversation on her work breaks in the dining hall; I am never bored. She makes every meal a journey of inspiration, enlightenment, and knowledge. I sit as a ready pupil, unknowing of what she will speak about next! She weaves her stories with humor and intertwines the end with a hint of comfort – the comfort of a true friend. As I walk out of those dining hall doors, I can’t calculate just exactly how beef jerky brought me the joy of Bling Bling’s courage, sincerity, and caring just a year ago.

I HAVE A DREAM AWARD

How do we define courage? Do we have to run on steaming coals and jump through burning tires to be considered courageous? I think that Bling Bling had done that and more – simply in her decision to come to the United States. I often ponder how courageous one must be to jump into a situation – blind. Bling Bling went in head first and it was obvious that she was advanced in using English as her second language. She could write and speak fluently. (Comically, the only miscommunication we experienced happened to

Ever since that first conversation on the steps of the Jackson house over beef jerky, every time Bling Bling sees me, she’ll give a friendly, “Hello! How are you doing?” She is never without her bag of cheery smiles and a warm pat on the back and she offers them generously. When I work as a lab consultant, Bling is a regular on Tiffin’s computers, emailing her family and conscientiously working on assignments – I can’t imagine how much harder writing a paper in a second language must be!

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After several tries at her name, she flung up her arms playfully and said, “Just call me ‘Bling Bling’!” I was delighted with our conversation--and a perfect stranger she was! She spoke of her home in Vietnam and unbelievable trip to Ohio. All the while, I could not imagine how hard it must have been for her to pack her things, wave good-bye to the family that she loves, make an incredibly long journey to a foreign land, and to converse here with me in such an out-going, positive manner! Bling Bling had completely captivated me.

be about her name, which I only recently learned is Linh Lahn--but I still prefer our playful nickname ‘Bling Bling’!) For Bling Bling to overcome the barriers of language, food, and culture with such thriving vitality, one could consider her courage insurmountable.

GRADUATE Commencement Start Paying Forward TU Alumnus Christopher English offered Career Focus to Graduate Students A look to the past of business theories and practices was used to focus Tiffin University’s MBA and MSCJ graduates on their futures as business and community leaders.

CHALLENGE SPRING/SUMMER 2006:

COMMENCEMENT

Alumnus Christopher English, ‘77, gave the keynote speech during the graduate commencement ceremony. English is the Vice President of Finance for Webster Industries, Inc. in Tiffin, and has served the community as a member of the Tiffin City Schools Board of Education for 12 years, six of those as the board president.

“This university has a long history of producing careerfocused graduates,” English began. “Many of this year’s LEFT Christopher graduates,” he continued, “will face great opportunities English, Class of 1977 and challenges.” “Thirty years ago, we had the latest technology,” English said. “We had computer systems that would fill an entire room; and printers, almost the same size, that

would spew out reams and reams of green bar paper. The room, next door, was filled, wall to wall, with keypunch operators, electronic card readers, sorters, and printers. And a third room was filled, floor to ceiling, with boxes of punched cards, computer printouts and disc racks that resembled the old LP record. Processing and Memory capacity of computer systems of that day were measured in kilobytes. Today we measure the power of our lap tops in megabytes; and a future generation will be measured in yottabytes.” “Ask your boss, how am I doing?” he advised them. “Don’t be afraid to make a decision, you are part of the team, and there is always going to be someone on top of the organizational chart.” “Small businesses are the strength and hope of the nation,” he continued, “and the world of business needs creative and innovative role models more than ever before.” He advised the new graduates to look forward, and be involved in their local schools and communities. “We need to start paying forward; and not look for the payback. We need to be involved in our local and state governments, our community organizations and our churches, and send the message to our elected officials that we are willing to invest in the future, to ensure the same quality of life that past generations have enjoyed.” “Class of 2006,” English concluded. “You have the tools; you have the skills and the talent. Whether you work in the private sector or spend your career in public service, I have no doubt that you will be successful. But also use your talents in your local communities. You can make a difference. It is an opportunity to make a difference in yourself, your families and others.”

This university has a long history of producing career-focused graduates ...

Graduate Commencement 2006

An apology ... not all graduates could be named in a timely fashion to meet the Challenge deadline.

CHALLENGE SPRING/SUMMER 2006: COMMENCEMENT

Six of TU’s Romanian MBA Graduates proudly display the Romanian flag at the conclusion of graduation ceremonies. The group was overwhelmed by the ceremony itself, the “kindness and friendliness of the people,” and their U.S. experience as a whole. Taking full advantage of their trip to the U.S., they visited New York City, Niagara Falls and Washington, D.C. One of them, Radu Niculescu, an employee of 3M in Romania delivered a presentation to executives at 3M headquarters in St. Paul, Minnesota where he thanked 3M for providing him the scholarship money for “the best professional experience of my life - my Tiffin University MBA.” Left to Right: Petru Vasilache, Marion Preda, Anca Crahmaliuc, Radu Niculescu, Eusebiu Cusnir, Valentin Dudau

Nate Washington Day TU Alum Nate Washington

TU Alumni Director, Celinda Scherger, welcomed over 500 fans and Mayor Bernard Hohman read a proclamation and presented a key to the City of Tiffin to Nate. Seneca County Commissioner and TU alumnus, Ben Nutter ’91 joined TU football coach Nate Cole ’99 with added accolades as well. To conclude the ceremony, Michael Grandillo, VP for Development and Public Affairs, presented Nate with an award recognizing his accomplishments and proclaimed March 5, 2006 as “Nate Washington Day”. To the delight of the crowd, Nate remained on campus for the rest of the afternoon signing an assortment of Tiffin University and Pittsburgh Steelers memorabilia.

NATE WASHINGTON DAY

CHALLENGE SPRING/SUMMER 2006: 26

TU Alum Nate Washington was honored by Tiffin University and city officials during a ceremony in March. Nate holds all the Dragons receiving records and was fourth in NCAA Division II in receiving yards per game while playing for TU. After TU, Nate was signed by the Pittsburgh Steelers, and was a member of the Steelers 2006 NFL Super Bowl championship squad.

LEFT

Nate Washington signs autographs for a long line of fans.

TOP RIGHT

Nate Washington greets fans.

MIDDLE RIGHT

Tiffin WTTF Frank Barber interviews Nate.

BOTTOM RIGHT

Fox TV “Takes 5” with Nate.

ALUMNISCENE Holiday Event Sparkling punch and holiday treats greeted alumni in December as they gathered for a holiday reception in the Alumni & Development Office on the Tiffin University Campus. After the reception, guests were shuttled to St. Mary’s Church to enjoy the sounds of the season with the Tiffin University Choir and Band.

their stuff on the court and piled up the numbers on the scoreboard to win the game. Following the game, the light-hearted joking continued as the players enjoyed lunch in the Faculty/Staff Room of Cole Dining Hall.

TU Day with the Cleveland Cavaliers In March, 350 TU Alumni & Friends gathered at the Quicken Loans Arena for lunch in the private TU hospitality suite. After lunch, the crowd took their seats for a fast paced, thriller of a game as the Cleveland Cavaliers beat the LA Lakers by a score of 96-95. What an afternoon!!!

Delta Sigma Kappa 70-Year Anniversary Submitted by Ruth Gosche, Director of Adult Student Services and Assistant Registrar

Alumni Basketball Game & Luncheon

Delta Sigma Kappa recently completed its 70th year on Tiffin University’s campus. DSK was organized in 1935 as a secret co-ed honorary fraternity. The requirements for membership are: scholarship, leadership, personality and the ability to serve secretly. Its members take an active part in many of the school organizations and activities, helping to promote better cooperation.

Mark Your CALENDARS Ninth Annual Tiffin University Day at Cedar Point

Friday, August 4, 2006.

LEFT

Jeff Durbin ’97, Phil Westfall ’02, Josh Martin ’01 (back row); Jamie Young ’01; Mike Mazur ’98; Kipp Huntsberger ’02; Andre’as James ’99; JC Lenk ’03 (middle row); Jemal Harris ’00 and son, Jackson; and Travis Stith ’98 (front row).

CHALLENGE SPRING/SUMMER 2006: ALUMNISCENE

In February, alumni and friends gathered to watch TU alumni basketball players take on future alumni players in a rousing game of basketball. The alumni team proved they still “got what it takes” as they strutted

Making memories

Special TU admission price is $28.00 for adults and $9.95 for juniors and seniors. Contact the TU Alumni & Development Office at 419.448.3282 for details! 27

Former students and DSK members may remember one of the fraternity’s first projects….preparing the Student Handbook. The first handbooks were prepared on the mimeograph. Later editions were printed. DSK sponsored a student loan fund for many years, which enabled students to finish their college education. This was discontinued after other means of financing education became available.

Making memories

Alumni Director Celinda Scherger is joined by those affectionately referred to as our “Golden Grads,” Gary Godfred, Robert Hensel, Jean Grady Hertzer, and Wayne Wilkinson, who represented the Class of 1956 at the commencement ceremony.

CHALLENGE SPRING/SUMMER 2006: ALUMNISCENE

RIGHT

Class of 1956 Celebrates at Commencement To celebrate the 50th anniversary of their graduation from TU, members of the Class of 1956 were invited to be guests at the commencement luncheon and join the graduation procession with the Class of 2006.

Over the years, projects and activities have changed but one remains the same. The annual Christmas “tree decorating” in the main classroom building has continued for 70 years. With the addition of Franks Hall in 1994, another tree was added and decorated with hundreds of candy canes, a welcome treat for students between classes. As Tiffin University grew, so did the membership in DSK. When I was a member in 1968, we had a membership of 400 past and current members. At the end of our 70th year, 640 members have been initiated into Delta Sigma Kappa. As some of you may remember, the president, known as “El Toro” and the graduating seniors were revealed at the annual graduation ceremony in May. Each member was presented an official DSK key. The tradition has changed slightly with the announcement now being made at the Student Government Spring Awards program held in April of each year. Currently, I am the advisor for the Delta Sigma Kappa fraternity. If any former members have a great story or fond memory of your DSK years that you would like to share, please feel free to email me at rgosche@tiffin.edu. Our goal is to keep the traditions alive. New and exciting ideas are planned for the 2006-07 academic year.

Friedman Village Lecture Series Tiffin University continued its lecture series at Friedman Village through the 2005-06 year including presentations by Dr. Dan Bell, Assistant Professor of Mathematics, (It Fits; It Just Fits Renaissance); Dr. Bruce Bowlus, Associate Professor of History, (Shipwreck Diving in the Great Lakes); Dr. Chuck Christensen, Dean of the School of Criminal Justice and Social Sciences, (Globalization); Richard Oliver, Director of Graduate Marketing, (Pondering History: Little known aspects of historical facts); and Lisa Kirchner, Dean of Students and Director of Resident Life, (Tales from Ireland). According to Michael Grandillo, VP for Development and Public Affairs, “This lecture series is designed to provide the residents of Friedman Village academic interaction with the professors of the University.”

Rook Memorial Podium Dedicated Family, friends, colleagues, former students, and community members gathered in Chisholm Auditorium on the TU campus in May to dedicate a podium in memory of Dr. Timothy Rook. TU Alumni Director Celinda

2007 CRUISE

Making memories, planning for new!

Experience the Gems of the Baltic with Tiffin University in 2007! President and Mrs. Marion will be your hosts, and Tiffin University will sponsor other special events and private parties along with ports of call in Copenhagen and Arhus, Denmark; Tallinn, Estonia; St. Petersburg, Russia; Helsinki, Finland; Stockholm and Visby, Sweden; and Warnemunde, Berlin. The ship will depart from the port of Copenhagen, Denmark on July 3, 2007.

HOLLAND AMERICA LINE Premium Cruising. Classic Style. ■

The hand-crafted podium was adorned with the Tiffin University seal along with an inscribed bronze plate which reads: Dedicated in Memory of TIMOTHY E. ROOK, Ph.D. November 26, 1949 – January 19, 2004 “Distinguished public servant, professor and orator” Professor of Communications at Tiffin University 1982-2000.

■

Following the dedication, guests shared stories of Dr. Rook during a reception in the atrium of Franks Hall.

Ships are spacious, classically designed and elegantly appointed Service is intuitive and gracious, but never intrusive Each memorable meal is an event to be celebrated Onboard programs and activities inspire and delight Itineraries and shore excursions take you deep into each destination

BOTTOM LEFT

Dr. Rook’s daughter, Heather, expresses her appreciation to the audience.

CHALLENGE SPRING/SUMMER 2006: ALUMNISCENE

Scherger welcomed the group and Vice President for Development and Public Affairs Michael Grandillo acknowledged the donors and the faculty members in attendance. Dr. John Millar, Vice President of Academic Affairs and Dean of the Faculty, hosted the ceremony and Dr. Jeffry Stockner, Professor of Business Law and Criminal Justice joined former Seneca County Commissioner, Janet Dell Freeman in paying tribute to Dr. Rook’s personal and professional accomplishments.

For our 2007 cruise, we have selected the Holland America cruise line because they offer a spacious experience and five-star amenities. Complete travel packages are available. For more details or to make your reservation, call Kelly at Ships ‘N Trips at (419) 448-7490 or email her at kellystocker@sbcglobal.net

TU’s Dr. Jeffrey Stockner speaks fondly in memory of Dr. Tim Rook

TOP LEFT

TU Alumni & Friends CRUISE Making memories

In February, 40 alumni and friends of Tiffin University set sail for ten days of relaxation and excitement. While on board Holland America’s m/s Zaandam, Tiffin University guests were treated to two private parties hosted by President and Mrs. Marion. Their sea-faring journey took them to ports of call in Aruba, Curacao, the Bahamas, and Costa Rica, as well as a partial transit of the Panama Canal.

1 Joe and Eloise Granata 2 Gene Schalk, Mick Pfefferle and Claire Johansen ’92

CHALLENGE SPRING/SUMMER 2006: ALUMNISCENE

3 Susan Marion and President Paul Marion

4 John Eichhorn, Wayne ’76 and Sara Wax, Vera Sifford, Marilyn Mangano, Mary Eichhorn, Ernest and Martha Hammel 5 Wanda ’99 and Chris Peterson, and Dave Mitchell ’65

6 Fritz ’66 and Sue Smith and Chuck and Nancy Christensen

5 30

Mark Your Calendar!

HOMECOMING WEEKEND Sept. 29th - Oct. 1st Join us for all the fun!

Lost Alumni The following alumni will be celebrating a reunion year in 2006 and we need your help to track them down so they can join in the festivities. The following is a list of alumni who are not receiving invitations to events or Challenge Magazine. If you have an address for any of the alumni listed, please contact Celinda Scherger, Director of Alumni Relations at 419-448-3313 or schergercm@tiffin.edu. Class of 1916 Leonard Spitler Joseph Stephens Class of 1926 Kenneth Shilling Class of 1931 Clifton Barto Lillian Gerig John Grubel Doris Troutman

Class of 1941 Charles Clements Thomas Conrad Walter Denzer Carmen Fletcher Lawrence Haley Herm Herbst Cora Hosler Ralph Korb Mary Laimon John Lloyd

Class of 1951 Ronald Gibson Betty Stull Marie Ward Class of 1956 Gerald Henschen Lawrence Newton Nancy Siddall Robert Zibert Class of 1961 Thomas Downey Alfred Hathaway Kenneth Lovelady Class of 1966 Peggy Earnshaw William Foster Joseph Morgan Richard Russell Kenneth Ryder Sheryl Saul Marilyn Shock Class of 1971 Jon Brandeberry Brett Brown DeBorah Buckley Ronald Hoffman Sukunya Kanokvichitra Alice Kelso Kathleen Laws Debra Milefchik Regina Ohl Charles O'Neill Robert Parker Terry Reiter Gerald Ring Patrick Ryan Mark Sample David Swartz Sandra Taylor Marcia Wargo Class of 1976 Robert Bainard Clarence Cramer Larry Damon Patricia Elsaesser

Show your TU PRIDE! How many of you have your diploma hanging in your office? Do you wear Tiffin University apparel when you are traveling or on vacation? Do you have a TU license plate on your car? Does a TU Alumni plate holder display your license plate? Participating in small activities like these helps promote your alma mater. Who knows when the next prospective student (or parent) will notice that you graduated from Tiffin University?

CHALLENGE SPRING/SUMMER 2006: ALUMNISCENE

Class of 1936 Thecla Crawford Cloyce Crocker Dorothy Ellis Maxine Milroy James Newman Ruth Pellow Esther Riley Martha Schnelker Juanita Scott Annabel Swaisgood Margery Welsh

Virginia Mendlein Edward Moomaw Evelyn Pelz Charles Schluttenhofer Charles Stout Carl Weisenberger Archie Welch

Making memories

Dale Felske Harold Foor Joe Frisch Russell Hairston George Harants Bette Hartschuh Edward Kimmet Steven Kindinger Charles Lamberjack Bernard Leduc Ken Lindsey William Ludban Nancy McDonald Cherie Michaels Mary Newlove James Rochester Steven Smith Cletus Stewart Evelyn Suter William Taylor Lynda Woodfall

CHALLENGE SPRING/SUMMER 2006: ALUMNISCENE

Class of 1981 Wilbert Brunn Sheryl Buzzard Janet Clark Tami Cook Darlene Dunbar-Starling Terri Duskey James Elsea Margaret Farber Opie Fisher Holly Fristoe Jeanne Hoover John Lane

Carol Levans Michelle Mentzer Gary Miller Amy Perry Belinda Schuster Carl Steinberger Richard Stevenson Kelley Tyree Mary Underwood Ronald Warf Christine Weaver Jody Weininger Joyce Work Donald Wright Class of 1986 Thomas Corner Robert Eaton Bonnie Knepper James Sherwood Class of 1991 Eric Anderson Aras Bolayir Mark Boyer Craig DeAndrea Steven Fisher Sherri Jordan Mariagoret Koilparampil Scarlett Lauth Melissa Lucas Lisa Masella Jesus Nettel Kelly Phillips Sophon Rittimat

Susan Sours Willie Stewart Elizabeth Wilker Jane Williams Joanna Williams Josette Windau Class of 1996 Ashley Allen Kent Alspaugh Barry Anderson Steven Benroth Dennis Boehler Kristen Callis Eddie Dozier Susan Frye Linda Garlic Lori Hampshire Don Hampton II Jennifer Harvey Masyitah Husen Joseph Kalhorn Deni Kamarudden Hyunjoo Lee Linda Masterson Rhonda Montgomery Leonard Morawa Billy Mullins Patricia Nicely Nihat Parvez Michael Pitney Ijuana Rolle Dan Seitz Todd Sulek

Class of 2001 Joseph Binns Biing Bong Victoria BoragginaRobertson Gilbert Brosky Ronette Burkes Tamica Carlisle Michael Collier Christi Crowder Suzanne Daberkow Hollie Dellisanti Linda Dovala-Milchen Carson Duncan Christopher Foster Carey Frederick Staci Freeman Akimasa Fueda Kevin Grimes Reginald Hensley Lori Hess Linda Masterson Mark Moore Robert Ngumire Jaheung Park Carole Pendleton April Root Michelle Schroeder Daniel Seurer Michelle Slark Ronald Taylor Joseph Tellier Elaine Wallace

Take TIFFIN UNIVERSITY on the ROAD with you! TU LICENSE PLATES If you are an Ohio resident, you can show pride in Tiffin University through the Collegiate License Plate Program sponsored by the State of Ohio. The RIGHT

cost to participate in the program (in addition to any normal renewal fees) is $35 annually. Of this $35 annual fee, $25 is directed Elaine Wilkins Copeland to Tiffin University in the form of a charitable donation to the General Scholarship Fund in your name. If you have questions regarding the Collegiate Plate Program, please contact TUâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Alumni Relations Office at 419.448.3282 or your local Bureau of Motor Vehicles.

CLASSSCENE 1960s William Crohen, Class of 1966, Delaware, Ohio, has retired from Constellation Brands. Bruce Mann, Class of 1966, Whitelake, Michigan, writes, “I lived in Europe for three years after graduation and I am currently a Senior Vice President for Magna. I am looking forward to retirement. I have kept in touch with Gary Emery and Mark Scagnetti.”

Dean Johnston, Class of 1969, Santa Barbara, California, was appointed to the California Student Aid Commission by California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger. He is currently the president of Santa Barbara Business College. A native of Shelby, Ohio, Johnston serves on the Board of Trustees of Coleman College in San Diego and Southwest Florida College in Ft. Myers, Florida, and on several national and state boards, most notably the Accrediting Commission of Independent Colleges and Schools, the Career College Association, the Board of Directors of the California Association of Private Postsecondary Schools, the California Student Aid Commission's Loan Advisory Council, and the Santa Barbara County Board of Supervisors Workforce Investment Board.

1990s

Tell Us About Yourself

Laura Hohman, Class of 1990, Tiffin, Ohio, and Matthew Clay, were married in September. Laura is a customer service representative and Matthew is employed as a certified nurse aide. Dar Nevergall, Class of 1990, Findlay, Ohio, writes “I read the story in the last Challenge about Hurricane Katrina and thought I'd share some personal experience as a volunteer. My family and I traveled to Louisiana last September to help in the cleanup effort. We did not go as part of any organization, but rather on our own to help with the animal rescue operation at the Lamar Dixon Expo Center in Gonzales, Louisiana and also with cleanup efforts in Slidell, Louisiana. At Lamar Dixon, we helped reunite owners with their pets. The center housed an average of 1,500 dogs and cats daily, 300-plus horses, and other pets such as birds, reptiles (and yes that means snakes), etc. Every night, rescue squads would come back from New Orleans with 300-400 animals and every day, pets were being relocated to humane society shelters throughout the country.

RIGHT Photos submitted by Dar Nevergall, Class of 1990

CHALLENGE SPRING/SUMMER 2006: CLASSsCENE

Roger Scherger, Class of 1968, Bakersfield, California, writes, “In 2005, we moved to California from Sidney, Ohio, where we had lived and worked for 26 years.” Roger retired from Edison Community College in 2001 after 30 years as Professor of Accounting and his wife, Ruth, continued teaching science at Christian Academy in Sidney. She was offered a teaching position at Bakersfield Christian High School in 2005. This year, Ruth is busy teaching and Roger is enjoying the outdoors of Southern California walking at least three miles a day.

He and his wife, Jane, have two sons, Matthew and Jason.

After spending a few days at Lamar Dixon, we traveled to Slidell to assist with cleanup. We approached a local church and asked if they knew of anyone needing assistance and they directed us across the street to a single mom whose house had been damage by a falling tree. We spent the day cleaning up the yard and removing all of the debris.

Tell Us About Yourself

We also had the opportunity to drive through New Orleans – a rare occasion when travel through the city was permitted. Very few cars (maybe a half dozen including ours) were on I-10 as we drove through the city. It was an eerie feeling to see a large city that resembled a ghost town. The devastation was everywhere and the smell was horrendous. We drove past the Superdome and the downtown area. We left the Louisiana area just before the second hurricane came through.”

CHALLENGE SPRING/SUMMER 2006: CLASSSCEME

Don Williams, Jr., Class of 1991, Henderson, Nevada, accepted the position of General Sales Manager, National Sales., responsible for managing a team of National Sales Managers. Ultimately, Don will be responsible for growing national revenues and the number of national advertisers on the site.

Ray Black, Class of 1992, Grand Rapids, Michigan, is a Production Supervisor for TrimQuest LLC in Walker, Michigan. “After earning my BA in ’92, I returned to Grand Rapids to take care of my newborn daughter. I ran into many dead-end job opportunities until I finally got the break I was looking for. I got my foot in the door at General Motors and within a year, became Area Manager. I can truly say that I used these four principals: manhood, scholarship, perseverance and uplift to get me through TU and life in general. The experience and education I obtained at TU was just what I needed to get me to the stepping stone of corporate America. I had a lot of fun and great memories at TU. Such guys as Richard “Woody” Allen, Aaron Smith, Craig LaVinge, Thad Patrick, Dorsey Birdsall, Rick Johnson, Paul Walker, Johnathan Moore, Miked Dowdy and many, many more that I will never forget. I am married to a lovely, beautiful, intelligent woman, Latasha and we have two children, Latasia and Tyler.”

Rodney Kreinbrink, Class of 1993, Albany, Georgia, was named plant manager for the Albany manufacturing facility of Cooper Tire & Rubber Company. A 17-year Cooper veteran, Rodney has been serving as Albany’s production manager since last June. Kathleen Morman Schaefer, Class of 1994, Canton, Ohio, is an Account/Office Manager for Peoples Services, Inc. Jennifer Webster, Class of 1993, Fremont, Ohio, and William Young married in October. Jennifer is employed as a Finance Manager with the Wirelesss Store in Fremont and William is employed as a Nextel Authorized Dealer in Amherst. Rudi O’Brien Noschang, Class of 1995, Batavia, Ohio, is a Business Account Administrator for Advantage Sales and Marketing in Cincinnati. She married Jim Noschang in 2005 and they have a daughter, Rachel. Jim is an Assistant Superintendent for Cincinnati Golf Management. Rudi was recently inducted into Tiffin University’s Athletic Hall of Fame. Brian Bower, Class of 1996, Tiffin, Ohio, was promoted to Mortgage Regional Sales Manager at Fifth Third Bank. In his new position, he oversees the residential mortgage business for the Tiffin, Fremont, Bowling Green and Sandusky markets. Craig Davis, Class of 1997, Clyde, Ohio, joined The Croghan Colonial Bank in Clyde with five years of community banking experience as a commercial lender. Derek Thomas, Class of 1997, Lebanon, Ohio, writes, “I work for Penske Truck Leasing as a sales representative. My wife, Amanda and I, just built a new home in Lebanon, just north of Cincinnati. My favorite memory of TU is the great time we had on the football team, being in playoffs two years in a row. Something that no TU Football team has done, yet.” Jason Yerkes, Class of 1997, Fremont, Ohio, and Michelle Kemer were married in October.

Dorothy Richie, Class of 1998, Clyde, Ohio, is a social caseworker for the Sandusky County DJFS/Children Services. Jason West, Class of 1999, Cleveland, Ohio, is employed by the City of Cleveland as a Police Officer.

2000s Sarah Boettner, MCJ 2000, Bellbrook, Ohio, continued to work for the Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Corrections as a Parole Officer after graduation from TU. She was recently appointed as the Program Director of the Volunteers of America Halfway House in Dayton. The VOA offers offenders treatment services, employment services and a residence while under parole/probation supervision. She is enthusiastic and enjoys her new career track. Scott Nye, Class of 2000, Tiffin, Ohio, and Stephanie Decker were married in November. Scott works as a mason for Duane Nye Masonry and Stephanie, an OSU graduate, works in sales at Decker’s Furniture in Tiffin. Amy Terry, Class of 2000, Tiffin, Ohio, and her husband, Dustin, welcomed their son, Grant Richard in October.

Heidi Laird, MBA 2001 and Kurt Lease, Class of 2001, Tiffin, Ohio, were married in August. Heidi is Controller of Seneca Medical and Kurt is a Foreman at the Seneca County Engineer’s Office.

Tell Us About Yourself

Wendell Fellows, Class of 2003, Bedford Heights, Ohio, writes “I completed my degree in 2003 and accepted a Manager Training position at Walgreens Pharmacy. My career began with the help of Tiffin University and the knowledge I obtained.” Tricia Komora, Class of 2003, and Ron Nickler, Jr., Class of 2003, North Royalton, Ohio, married in October. Tricia is employed at WW Grainger in Macedonia, Ohio, and Ron works for U.S. Food Service.

Chris Stuckey, Class of 2003, Bucyrus, Ohio, and Ashleigh Burkhart were married in 2005. Chris is an Accountant at American Balers in Bucyrus and Ashleigh is a Physical Therapist assistant at P.T. Services in Bucyrus. Matthew Wolph, Class of 2003, Clyde, Ohio, and Erin Tea, were married in November. Matt and Erin are employed as Social Workers for the Seneca County Children Services. Christi Hammer Guhn, Class of 2004, Clyde, Ohio married Dustin Guhn in 2004. They have a son, Drake, born in January. Christi is an Accountant for Wendy’s SGroup in Sandusky, Ohio. Dustin works for Miller Pipeline. Brett Myers, Class of 2004, Evansville, Indiana, is employed by the Evansville Otters as Assistant and Bench Coach.

CHALLENGE SPRING/SUMMER 2006: CLASSSCEME

Gilbert Brosky, Class of 2001, Cleveland, Ohio, was one of 27 associates who joined the national law firm of Baker & Hostetler LLP. Representing many of the country’s top law schools, this year’s class includes former editors of law school publications and members of numerous academic organizations. Gilbert earned his law degree from the University of Michigan. Baker & Hostetler LLP is a fullservice law firm with more than 600 attorneys serving clients throughout the world.

Amy Bumb, Class of 2003 and Aaron Wood, Class of 2003, Carey, Ohio, married in September. Tiffin University employs Amy as a Financial Aid Counselor and Aaron is a Supervisor at Lowes Distribution Center.

Tell Us About Yourself

Nicki Kalina Padgett, Class of 2004 and Garrett Padgett, Class of 2004, North Ridgeville, Ohio, is a Mutual Fund Trading Adjuster for McDonald Investments. She and her husband Garrett met at TU and now have a “wonderful child, new home and great jobs.” Garrett is also employed with McDonald Investments as an Investment Operations Specialist. Jaime Wells, MCJ 2004, Mingo Junction, Ohio, and Eric Wilson married in October. Jaime is employed with the Jefferson County Prosecutor’s Office and Jefferson Community College as an Adjunct Professor. McKesson Corporation employs Eric.

CHALLENGE SPRING/SUMMER 2006: CLASSSCEME

Tarien Wolf, Class of 2004, Upper Sandusky, Ohio, and Ryan Williamson were married in October. Tarien is an Investor-Reporting Specialist for National City Mortgage and Matthew is a Mortgage Loan Originator for Countrywide Home Loans.

Eric Lehnhart, MBA 2005, Lexington, Ohio, and his wife, Christin, welcomed their daughter, Jenna, in January. Eric is a special agent with the Ohio Attorney

General’s Office. He writes, “My MBA assisted me in advancing my career in law enforcement – time and money well spent!” Ryan Rammel, Class of 2005, Englewood, Ohio, and Melissa Simons married in September. Ryan is a Retail Development Associate for National City Bank in Dayton and Melissa is a Physician’s Assistant for the Orthopedic Institute of Dayton. Jessica Rump, MBA 2005, Tiffin, Ohio, and Joseph Hammer were married in October. Jessica is an Adjunct Professor at Tiffin University and Joe works as a Sales Associate for Lee’s Floor Covering in Tiffin.

Terrence Cisco, Class of 2005, Perrysburg, Ohio, and Molly Gocke married in October. Terrence works for Emdeon Business Services of Toledo, and Molly works as an Employee Relation’s Representative of North Star BlueScope Steel.

Saunjula Degraffinried Staton, MBA 2005, Sheffield Lake, Ohio, is Assistant Director of Leadership at Oberlin College.

Heidi Deitzel, Class of 2005, Fremont, Ohio, and Christian Tooman were married in October. Heidi is employed by Cooper Standard Automotive as a Scheduler and Christian is a Manufacturing Engineer with Toledo Molding & Die.

Rachel Szablewski, Class of 2005, Fremont, Ohio, and Aaron Taylor, were married in May. Rachel is employed with Wynn-Reeth as a Residential Training Specialist and Aaron is employed as Credit Control Manager with Beck Supplies in Attica.

Kara Jackson, Class of 2005, joined Walthall, Drake & Wallace LLP as a Staff Accountant in January.

Jennifer Wagner, Class of 2005, Tiffin, Ohio, and Patrick Owens were married in October. Jennifer is in sales at Staples and Patrick works at Burger King.

Derek Weisenauer, Class of 2005, Bucyrus, Ohio, joined MizickMiller & Company, Inc., a local accounting firm, in January. Neda Sobhi, Class of 2006, Chicago, Illinois, is a Marketing Representative for General Motors Retail Marketing Service in Chicago. She writes, “Our service is to provide direct marketing promotions to GM dealerships around the nation. We set up campaigns that assist dealerships in sales through self-mailers featuring vehicles, free gifts, and coupons. We provide excellent customer service and present quality work to both dealers and prospects.” “In a nut shell,” says Neda, “My degree in marketing earned me my job. Today, we live in a world where marketing is all around us; from the clothes we wear to the food we eat. I literally had to market myself to my employers to get my job by “selling” my achievements, experience, knowledge and understanding of the marketplace. The knowledge I attained through my marketing classes at TU helped me to develop professionally. It gave me the basic knowledge I needed in order to get my foot in the door of a very successful marketing firm.” “Everyday, I work with a team. The experience of working with a team on projects at Tiffin University prepared me for the workplace by knowing what to expect and how to be a team player. This has given me the advantage that I believe will help me move up to bigger and better things.”

TU Grad Named Police Chief Brian L. Quinn, MSCJ 2005, Lewis Center, Ohio, was named Police Chief for the City of Upper Arlington, Ohio in December. He has been with the city since 1988 in various roles in the Police Division, and had served as a Lieutenant since November 1998. During this time, he was in charge of the Investigative Bureau, Operations Bureau, and Support Services Bureau. He worked his way up from patrol officer to sergeant before being named a lieutenant.

Tell Us About Yourself

“I am looking forward to making my own changes at the agency and to bring it in line with current trends that are emerging with many agencies that incorporate best practices in the field,” Quinn says about his current position. “The curriculum and education at TU,” said Brian, “helped me keep up-to-date with everything that was happening in the Criminal Justice field at the time. It also brought students and faculty who had all different kinds of experience in the field as well as many differing opinions of best practices together.” “The defining factors that led me to choose TU for my education was not only the credentials of the faculty, but the convenience of classes on Saturdays,” he adds. Brian is also a graduate of the Federal Bureau of Investigation National Academy, the Executive Institute of the Law Enforcement Foundation Police Executive Leadership College, and the Ohio State Highway Patrol Academy Basic Police Academy program. Committed to volunteer service and giving back to his community, Quinn serves on the Advisory Board and the primary program Board of Directors for the Upper Arlington Youth Leadership Program.

CHALLENGE SPRING/SUMMER 2006: CLASSsCENEE

“My education at Tiffin University helped me become aware of buyer behavior and the importance of communication between both customer and prospect to the customer. I use my marketing knowledge everyday. We are a direct marketing service – our customers see and touch our product constantly. Therefore, it is important that I understand our product and represent the company to the best of my ability. Through the use of my marketing knowledge, I am able to provide phenomenal service to my company and its customers.” Before attending Tiffin University, I had no desire to be competitive in the workplace. However, now that I am a graduate, I have found myself more competitive than ever. I desire to be the best and use the information I attained at TU to my advantage. Overall, the business world is a competitive environment in which I plan to thrive successfully.”

Alumni Features

TELL US About Yourself!

Just drop me a note and I will include your information in the next issue.

CHALLENGE SPRING/SUMMER 2006: CLASSsCENE

To drop a note: Lisa W. Williams Tiffin University 155 Miami Street Tiffin, OH 44883

Email: lwilliam @tiffin.edu (digital photos are encouraged) Submit your news through the online Tell Us About Yourself Form at www.tiffin.edu

Tiffin University is interested in stories and quotes from you that we can include in ClassScene. Why not take the time to tell your classmates and friends what you are up to? ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■

New jobs or promotions Awards or recognitions Marriages and births Vacations Hobbies Change of address Search for lost classmates by writing a note through ClassScene

In Memoriam Patricia M. Noble Faculty, Dean, Friend Patricia M. Noble passed away in January. She was a faculty member and administrator at Tiffin University from 1970 until her retirement in 2000. Over the years, she held a variety of jobs, including Dean of Women, Dean of Students, Director of Testing, and Counselor/Director of Advising. She also ran a foreign student program at one time. Mrs. Noble, a native of Cleveland with a bachelor's degree in psychology from John Carroll University and a master's degree in counseling from Miami University, also taught at Bloomville Elementary in Bloomville, Ohio, and at St. Joseph Catholic Elementary School in Tiffin.

The family suggests tributes to the American Diabetes Association or the Tiffin University student scholarship fund.

Before she retired in 2000, she spent 24 years helping to build Tiffin University and serving our students well in her roles as Dean of Women, Dean of Students, Director of Advising, and Campus Counselor. The impact she had on the Tiffin University community was enormous and far-reaching. Pat had a true gift for making people comfortable, not only in her office, but in their transitional phase as new students, in a strange culture as international students, and in their own skin as people who were simply trying to figure it all out and find some meaning. She believed greatly in Hug Therapy and practiced it religiously. Over the years, she had some amazing successful converts to this brand of therapy, and they and the world are better for it. For Pat, it was a way to begin a conversation and a way to leave off a conversation; the

IN MEMORIAM

If you would like to share a memory of Pat, please email lwilliam@tiffin.edu. In the subject line, write Mrs. Noble Memory ... or mail to Lisa Williams, 155 Miami Street, Tiffin, Ohio 44883

When I think of my dear late friend, Pat Noble, I have two mental pictures that generally come to mind. One is of a sassy older lady, movie-star sunglasses on, fuchsia-colored scarf tied under her chin to keep her silver hair from blowing in the wind, sitting behind the wheel of a 1960s white Cougar convertible. The other is of a kind and compassionate friend who could be overtaken by a fit of laughter that shook her whole body as she mischievously put one hand up to her mouthâ&#x20AC;Śas if she could even try to contain her mirth. For you see, Pat didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t do anything by half. That was not her style, and she had a lot of style. Whether it was having a dinner party for her friends, or being a friend, Pat was THERE for people. Whether it was a student who needed someone to listen, or an employee who needed a kind word or a smile, Pat was PRESENT.

Tiffin University extends its deepest sympathies

CHALLENGE SPRING/SUMMER 2006:

"She was a great leader. She led by example. She always focused on optimism and passionate belief in what you loved," her son, Christopher, said. In her free time, Mrs. Noble enjoyed jigsaw and crossword puzzles, reading, traveling, knitting, and crocheting, Mr. Noble said.

My Memory of Pat By Lisa Kirchner, Dean of Students and Director of Residence Life

ABOVE John Noble presents President Marion with a check as a memorial to his late wife, Patricia Noble, longtime friend and counselor to students of Tiffin University. This memorial contribution will be placed in the General Scholarship Fund of Tiffin University and will provide tuition assistance to college students at Tiffin University.

CHALLENGE SPRING/SUMMER 2006:

IN MEMORIAM

In Honor of Pat Noble

Alumni and friends are invited to send contributions to the General Scholarship Fund of Tiffin University to honor Pat's legacy. A plaque, dedicated in Pat's memory and honoring her commitment to students, will be placed in the Gillmor Student Center. Mail check to Tiffin University, Office of Development, 155 Miami Street, Tiffin, Ohio 44833

hug was simply a good bridge to the next discussion.When I first started at Tiffin University as the Director of Student Activities, Pat was the recognized nucleus of the staff. She was always there to listen, offer counsel, help one consider options, or share a joke. We hit it off immediately. When I became Assistant Dean of Students and Director of Residence Life, our relationship had grown to the point where I could call her at any time of the day or night to help a student who needed her help. I simply only had to say, “Pat, I need you,” and she was there. The most important lesson she taught me regarding working with students was a simple one, but one that I have found to be astoundingly effective: Choose Mercy, especially when you do not want to choose it or when it is difficult to be merciful. Over the years, this lesson has guided me very well through my interactions with students. When dealing with students, especially those who are in a crisis of some kind, it is important to distinguish the underlying issues from the behaviors being exhibited, for they are often in contrast with each other. Pat effortlessly made those distinctions, and it was ALWAYS about the person for her…not the behavior. It was not just about listening…it was about hearing what was truly being conveyed. She gave me insight into that concept as a new Student Affairs professional when I shared my frustration with her about students who complained there was “nothing to do” here, when I knew how many hours we were working to make things happen. As usual, she simply shifted my perspective to see outside of the verbal box and indicated that when students complained there was nothing to do, they were actually often trying to reach out and indicate the real issue: students, especially new students who feel isolated, are actually saying they feel they have no one with whom they can do things. It was another key insight for someone new in the field. Much of Tiffin University’s growth happened over the past quarter century…we have added a number of buildings and we have seen a lot of people come and go. Pat Noble loved Tiffin University. She aided a lot of students through their transition, she helped a lot of international students learn to manage their homesickness, and she lent her ear to anyone who needed someone to listen. Her collection of friends she met along the way is a testimony to her inclusiveness and

her profound interest in people. Quirks and eccentricities were something to be celebrated, not judged; embraced, not rejected. Despite the physical pain she was often in during her final years, she always had time for a chat, a hug, or a laugh. Above the sink in her kitchen was one of her favorite motivational phrases for managing her personal challenges: “Two prisoners looked out from behind their bars; one saw dirt and the other saw stars.” Pat refused to look at the dirt…instead; she chose to see the stars…in all of us.

My Memory of Pat By Gene Chintala, Dean of Advising and Freshman Year Experience Pat Noble was one of the first people I met when I came to Tiffin University, and to me it felt as if we already knew each other. Pat said the same, and later, we figured out when we first met, which was at an academic advising conference several years before. I remember both moments of meeting Pat, because she made you feel instantly comfortable and able to carry on a conversation on almost any topic. In my first days at TU, we realized how many similarities we shared, and how many people we knew. We both spent time at Miami University in Oxford, Ohio, and although we were there at different times, we understood the impact that institution had on our lives. It was at Miami where we both began to develop our professional skills in counseling and academic advising, and a place where we would return to in person or in thought, as there was a strong connection. More importantly, it was the same connection to a college that we tried to make with the students at TU, because it is the connection that was important to feeling as though you belonged. Pat had a special talent for making students feel as though they belonged and that they did matter. When someone found out I worked at TU, they usually told a story about Pat Noble and what she did for them as a student. Every Freshman Orientation there is always one parent, who is also a graduate, who escorts his or her child to my office for advising. They tell their Pat Noble story and are proud of their legacy and connection to TU, all because of Pat. Pat was always available for a consultation and often I ask myself, when faced with a problem, “What would Pat Noble do?” When you talked with Pat, she was an educator first and a friend second. She gave you the tools to work with and the ability to solve anything, and she was always honest.

It was always an adventure when you talked with Pat, because she lived her life as an adventure, even when her declining health kept her home more often than she wished. Pat had a host of hobbies and interests unlike any person I ever met. She was an amateur bartender, with a talent of mixing a drink to perfection and did it better than any professional bartender. She attempted to solve complex logic problems that would scare any normal person, and did so with ease, most of the time. Pat’s collection of books was as varied as any collegiate or public library and she read these books like a scholar, which she was. She kept records of everything, writing in notebooks all kinds of information, just like Thomas Jefferson. The difference between Pat and Jefferson is that she would perform statistical analysis on her data. Pat has a strong sense of spirituality that was evident in her daily life. Just like St. Francis, she was kind to any animal, and even cleaned her bird feeder every day because, “Birds deserve a clean place to drink from too.” Pat also treated people based on her spiritual guidance. All you had to do was take her somewhere and she could make a friend out of anyone. Pat was not without her faults, but she recognized them and reflected on how to improve herself. I believe the most important lesson I learned from her, is that no matter how you feel about someone or something, what is best for the situation, or the student, and do the right thing.

1930s Adela Perrin Landin, Class of 1936, Toledo, Ohio, passed away in December. Adela worked in Washington, D.C. for 32 years in the Chief of Ordinance Office in the Pentagon. After WWII, she transferred to the Agriculture Department in Federal Crop Insurance Corporation and worked there until her retirement in 1973.

1940s Milford Barrick, Class of 1940, Sandusky, Ohio, passed away in December. He was employed in the limestone quarry industry for 36 years, including the France Stone Company in Toledo, Wyandot Dolomite, Inc., in Carey and came to Sandusky in 1953 to work for Wagner Quarries Company, where he retired in 1978 after serving as president for 18 years. Rosemary Seifert Dariano, Class of 1943, Tiffin, Ohio, passed away in February. Rosemary retired in 1987 after 18 years with the Tiffin Public School System.

1950s Mary Ellen Hoerig Derr, Class of 1951, Tiffin, Ohio, passed away in January. Mary Ellen was initiated into the Alpha Iota Sorority of TU in 1950. In 1951, she became a member of the Tiffin Alumni Chapter and served as treasurer, secretary, chaplain, historian, vice president and adviser. She did secretarial work at several offices including Mercy Hospital of Tiffin and Tiffin Glass House.

Tiffin University extends its deepest sympathies

John Sangregory, Class of 1957, Findlay, Ohio, passed away in March. John retired in 1983 from General Dynamics in Lima; he then worked for nine years at Dow Chemical and most recently worked for 12 years at BP gas station and convenience store. Daniel Paradiso, Class of 1959, Mentor, Ohio, (formerly of Fremont), passed away in December. Mr. Paradiso was Vice President/Controller for Brush-Welman where he worked for 32 years, retiring in 1991. He was a U.S. Navy veteran of the Korean conflict and loved his family, church, golf, wine, hockey and woodworking.

1960s Charles Brandt, Class of 1967, Tiffin, Ohio, passed away in January. He served the U.S. Army after graduation from Tiffin University and was employed at GE in Tiffin, co-owner of Fort Ball True Value Hardware, former owner of Uncle Dick’s Dairy Bar, and was a dealer of air and water purifiers.

1970s Randall “Randy” Hollman, Class of 1972, Northwood, Ohio, passed away in March. Randy was a CPA and partner of Wexler and White of Toledo.

1980s Kay Lyn Beck Petrosino, Class of 1988, Tiffin, Ohio, passed away in November. Kay Lyn worked for Heritage Insurance for several years. After the birth of her children, she remained at home.

2000 Michael Yurmanovich, Jr., Class of 2003, Avon Lake, Ohio, passed away in May. He was employed as Quality Manager at Parker Hannifin Hydraulic Valve Corporation, Elyria, where he had worked for 22 years.

CHALLENGE SPRING/SUMMER 2006: IN MEMORIAM

Jane Gilliland Rosenberger, Class of 1938, Fremont, Ohio, passed away in December. She was a bookkeeper and secretary at Ohio Power and Erie Proving Grounds and retired from the Sandusky County Auditor’s Office.

Mary Haubert, Class of 1944, Fremont, Ohio, passed away in January. Mary worked at several area employers, including The News Messenger in Fremont, Erie Proving Grounds at Camp Perry, Fremont Employment Office and Atlas Industries until her retirement. Following her retirement, Mary used her professional experience and personal skills by assisting independent adults handling their business affairs.

SPORTSSCENE Dragon Women Tops in League Tiffin University captured the women’s American Mideast Conference all-sports award for 2005-06, their first-ever such championship. The Dragons won AMC titles in soccer, golf and softball enroute to tallying 57 points in the standings. Tiffin finished eighth overall last year. Brian Moore finished his Dragons career earning First Team All-Region and All-AMC honors, as the Dragons won 26 games in 2006.

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Kristina Schweikert finished her Dragons softball career as the AMC North Player of the Year in addition to leading the Dragons to their first NAIA National Tournament since 1993.

CHALLENGE SPRING/SUMMER 2006: SPORTsCENE

RIGHT

It’s a great honor to win the AMC all-sports award,” TU Athletic Director Ian Day said. “We have invested a lot of time and energy in our women’s programs, and this is the result. It’s something that the entire university can be proud of.”

Spring Review Baseball Three Dragons earn First Team All-AMC honors Tiffin's baseball team landed three First Team players in the voting by AMC coaches for the All-AMC South team. Outfielder Brian Moore earned selection to the AMC team and the Region IX team by leading all outfielders with a .408 average with 32 RBI, while infielder Paul Robbins led all First Team honorees with a .450 average. Pitcher David Morehouse also got a First Team spot by finishing a perfect 8-0 from the mound, the best record among all pitchers. Second baseman Rhett Adams was a Second Team selection after hitting .385 in 2006, while reliever Eric Ludrowsky led all pitchers with 5 saves in garnering a Second Team spot. Earning Honorable Mention honors were third baseman Matt Jennings, outfielder

Brad Stelzer, and pitcher Mark Verkest. Tiffin finished 26-25 overall, just missing the Region IX playoffs with a 12-12 conference record.

Softball Walk-off grand slam sends Dragons to National Tournament For the second time in its history, the Tiffin softball team advanced to the NAIA National Tournament. The team did it in dramatic fashion, winning four consecutive games in a weather-affected Region IX tourney. The 13th-ranked Dragons (55-9) trailed 4-3 with two outs in the seventh inning against Rio Grande before Tracy Lehman's double tied the score at 4-4. After Rio Grande loaded the bases, Lauren Williams ripped a two-out, two-strike, grand slam to send the Dragons to an 8-4 victory and their first trip to the National Tournament since 1993. TU joined 19 other teams at the tournament in Decatur, Alabama. Kristina Schweikert was named AMC North Player of the Year, while Head Coach Brian Campbell earned both Region IX and AMC North Coach of the Year honors. Six Dragons earned First Team selection in both Region IX and the AMC, as Tracy Lehman (1B), Lauren Williams (3B), Cyla Hawkins (SS), Kristina Schweikert (CF), Stephanie Orr (RF), and April Nietrzeba (P) all earned top honors. Krista Sowers (P) was also selected to the AMC North All Freshmen team. The honors capped a brilliant season by the Dragons, who shattered nearly every individual and team record with their greatest season ever.

Track and Field TU Men’s Track Three-Peat AMC Championship, Women Place Second The Tiffin University 2006 men’s track team won the AMC Championship for the third consecutive season. The TU women’s team finished second to Malone College. Thomas Nims was one of many AMC champions for the TU squad garnering first place finishes in the Long Jump and the 200 meters, where he also set a school record with his time of 21.96. Also in the Triple Jump, Ryan Speakes won with a jump of 46-03.5. In the throwing events, Jason Werling won the discus throw with a school record throw of 155-04. In the 110 hurdles, John Greathouse led a TU domination with a winning time of 15.17. Pat Manders and Marc Small combined with Ballistrea and Jesse Smith to win the 4x400 meter relay.

Grincewicz earns third All-AMC honor Tiffin University's Dan Grincewicz finished his TU golf career by earning his third All-AMC honor with selection to the 2006 All-American Mideast Conference team. A.J. Borisa also earned his second All-AMC honor, as both golfers were among the top finishers at the Region IX Championships. Tiffin University's golf squad finished third of 14 teams at the AMC/Region IX Championship. A.J. Borisa led the Dragons with a 224, followed closely by Dan Grincewicz's 227. Danny Sorgini also fired a 234.

Sports at TU

Women’s Golf Dragons ranked 18th in the nation, earn second National berth in four years Tiffin University's women's golf team dominated the regional field in the NAIA Region IV championships to advance to nationals. The event also served as the American Mideast Conference Championships. Tiffin University's women's golf team was ranked 18th in the nation. Tiffin held a 67-17 head-to-head record with their opponents. The Dragons took the top four spots, claiming four of five spots on the first team AMC list. Jen Trow was the medalist in the round after shooting an 80. Old Fort graduate Jessica Garcia was second place overall shooting an 81. Kelly Rethman was third place with an 83, while Amber Wetherill was fourth with an 84. Ashley Carr also competed and shot a 94 for the Dragons. The victory is the Dragons' second trip to nationals in the last four years.

Heather Miller was named the AMC Field Events Athlete of the Year at the AMC Championships. She helped lead the Dragons to their highest finish ever while winning the shot put title. Dragons women's golf program to their second NAIA National Tournament berth in four seasons. She also earned AllRegion honors as the Dragons won the Region IX Championship.

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RIGHT Jen Trow helped lead the Dragons women's golf program to their second NAIA National Tournament berth in four seasons. She also earned AllRegion honors as the Dragons won the Region IX Championship.

CHALLENGE SPRING/SUMMER 2006: SPORTsCENE

In the women’s championship, Chelsea Shelnick seemed to have her hand in nearly every race on the track. Shelnick won the 100 meter hurdles in a school record time of 14.93 and also won the 400 meter hurdles. She also placed second in the 400 meters with a school record time of 57.51 and these performances helped to garner a share of the AMC Athlete of the Meet award. Shelnick was also part of the 4x400 meter relay that set a meet and school record with a time of 3:56.85. Andrea Bader gained a gold medal in the long jump with a jump of 17-06.75. In the 4x100 meter relay, she chased down the anchor from Rio Grande University to help TU win in that event. She was joined by Jessica Duncan, Chanelle Satterwhite, and Katrina Schumacker. They set a school record and meet record with their time of 49.39. In the field events, Heather Miller was the AMC Field Event Athlete of the Meet, winning the shot put with a throw of 39-02.25.

Men’s Golf

Women’s Tennis Dragons win Region IX Championship, advance to National Tournament Tiffin University's women's tennis team played one of its strongest matches of the season at just the right time, beating Cedarville 5-2 to win their first Region IX Championship and advance to the NAIA National Tournament in Mobile, Alabama. Strong doubles play followed by quick singles victories secured the title for Tiffin. Tiffin ultimately fell to 9th-seeded Shorter College (GA) 6-3 at Nationals, finishing 15-9 overall.

The Dragons were led by first singles player Julia Grove, who earned her fourth consecutive All-AMC honor at singles and doubles. She was TOP LEFT Julia Grove joined by singles player and doubles partner Kristen finished her Dragons Gibson in garnering All-AMC honors. Grove, meantennis career with 57 while, finished with the most wins in school history, victories, four All-AMC posting a 57-31 career record. honors, and a trip to the NAIA National Championships. Philip Conley was an AllAMC and All-Region performer for the men's tennis squad, finishing 15-2 in singles play.

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Hernandez Skiver led the Dragons men's basketball team in scoring with 15 points per game while also earning AllConference honors.

CHALLENGE SPRING/SUMMER 2006: SSPORTsCENE

TOP RIGHT

Men’s Basketball Dragons Receive Recognition Tiffin's Hernandez Skiver and Ryan Pessell were named Second Team All-Independent Collegiate Athletic Association, an association of all the NCAA Division II independent basketball institutions in the nation. Tiffin's Justin Butler also earned Third Team selection. Tiffin's Hernandez Skiver was selected Second Team AllAMC by vote of the conference coaches. Ryan Pessell also earned an Honorable Mention nod, while freshman Deonte Murphy was named to the AMC AllFreshman team. TU finished their season with a 15-12 record, 6th place in the AMC South. Skiver led the Dragons with 15 points per game, while Ryan Pessell had 14 points per contest. Martin Selected as Men’s Basketball Coach Rodney Martin has been named Head Coach of the Tiffin University Men’s Basketball program.

Head Men’s Basketball Coach, Rodney Martin Men’s Team Finishes Third in AMC The men’s tennis team fell to Malone in the opening round of the Region IX Tournament, losing 5-4. Philip Conley and Tyler Webb won singles matches, while the doubles teams of Webb/Ryan Hodges and Andy Mortek/Josh Grondin also won close matches. Conley earned his second straight All-AMC honor, posting an impressive 15-2 record at singles. The Dragons finished 7-10 overall, third in the AMC.

BOTTOM RIGHT

Winter Review

Men’s Tennis

Martin, a 1993 Tiffin University graduate with a degree in Business Management, has spent the last three seasons serving as Assistant Coach at Norfolk State University in

Virginia. While at Norfolk State, Martin served as Recruiting Coordinator and Academic Coordinator among other duties. Before joining the Norfolk State staff, Martin assisted at Hampton University in Virginia, helping lead Hampton to a 19-11 record. He also spent nine seasons coaching at Libbey High School in Toledo, Ohio, helping to lead Libbey to a 25-1 record in 2000. That team earned a national ranking of 25th by USA Today. "I am very excited to return to Tiffin,” Martin said. “This is a great opportunity for me. The university has changed quite a bit from when I played. I look forward to continuing the improvement that Coach James brought to the program during his time at Tiffin. We have three All-AMC players coming back along with some other great players. I’m excited to get started.” “We’re excited to have Rodney as our new coach,” TU Athletic Director Ian Day said. “He is a great fit for the program. He has a wide range of experience at a variety of levels. I am confident that Rodney will guide the program successfully.”

Women’s Basketball

Also, Brienne Beaschler earned her fourth All-AMC honor, as she was named Second Team All-AMC by vote of the conference coaches. Beaschler averaged 13.2 points and 8.3 rebounds for the season. Ashley Lane was an Honorable Mention pick. Kylene Spiegel was also selected to the All-

Volleyball Shouse Named Head Coach Thomas Shouse has been named Head Coach of the Tiffin University Volleyball program. Shouse has spent the last eight seasons serving as Assistant Coach at Slippery Rock University in Pennsylvania. While at Slippery Rock, Shouse served as Recruiting Coordinator and top assistant coach. Shouse helped lead the Slippery Rock squad to its best season since 1994 with a 24-10 overall record and the program’s first NCAA playoff appearance since 2000. He helped Slippery Rock volleyball players garner 17 Scholar Athlete honors over the last three years, while maintaining a team GPA of 3.00 or higher over the same span. Shouse has a Bachelor’s degree in English-Creative Writing and a Master of Arts in English from Slippery Rock. LEFT

“Coming to Tiffin is a terrific opportunity,” Shouse said. “I believe the University and the players are committed to excellence, and that I can help make some great strides with the program. Meeting with various staff and students revealed a strong sense of pride and community in Tiffin, and I hope to carry on that tradition and make Tiffin volleyball as successful as possible. The upcoming season will be a great chance for the players to push themselves and see just how much they can achieve on the court. With strong senior leadership and a solid core of younger players, we should have a winning record, but hard work in practice and real dedication by each and every player will determine how successful we are.” “We’re excited to bring Thomas to the athletic department,” TU Athletic Director Ian Day said. “He is a great fit for the program. He has excellent experience from his days at Slippery Rock. The players are excited about bringing a coach like Thomas to the program. We feel that Thomas is more than ready for his first head coaching position.”

Brienne Beaschler finished her Dragons career in style, placing third in career points while earning ICAA Player of the Year honors. She also earned her fourth All-Conference honor.

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Head Coach of Women’s Volleyball, Thomas Shouse

CHALLENGE SPRING/SUMMER 2006: SPORTsCENE

Dragons Recognized Tiffin's Brienne Beaschler was named co-Player of the Year with Florida Gulf Coast's Katie Schrader by the Independents Collegiate Athletic Association, an association of all the NCAA Division II independent basketball institutions in the country. She was a First Team selection, her second AllICAA selection overall. Tiffin's Kylene Spiegel was a Third Team pick, while also landing on the All-ICAA Freshman squad along with teammate Leanne Lucius.

Freshman team, as she averaged 8.1 points and 3.9 rebounds during her freshman season. Overall, the Dragons finished 13-15, 10-8 in the AMC South (4th place). In their first season under Head Coach Shannon Potee, the Dragons more than doubled their win total from the previous year.

Mark Your Calendar!

Hall of Fame – September 29, 2006

12th Annual Athletic Hall of Fame Inductions

The 2006 class of the Tiffin University Hall of Fame was recently announced. They will be honored on September 29 in conjunction with Homecoming weekend in the Gillmor Center at the Hall of Fame Inductions and Grand Auction. Kara McDonald – Four-time All-District and All-Conference softball player for TU (1993-96) who was 10th in the nation in triples and 15th in strikeouts during her senior season. McDonald, who played shortstop and pitched, established numerous softball records over her career, and is still the career leader in batting average and doubles. She also played for the 1993 TU Bi-District Championship team that earned a NAIA National Tournament berth.

CHALLENGE SPRING/SUMMER 2006: SPORTsCENE

James Walker – Two-time NAIA All-American who also earned three All-Great Lakes Region, District 22, and MOC honors with the men’s soccer program from 1992-95. Walker helped lead the team to the MOC Championships in 1992 and 1995 and was named MOC Player of the Year in 1994. Walker, seventh in career scoring, also coached the women’s soccer team after his graduation, leading the team to two NAIA National Tournament appearances, two Region IX Championships, and four American Mideast Conference Championships in his seven years as Head Coach.

Assisted Living.

Susan Miller – Three-time All-District and AllConference women’s basketball player from 1990-93 who holds the TU record for season field goal percentage and is second in career points scored with 1448. Joe Graboski – First Team All-District 22 and All-MOC post player from 1977-81; scored 1113 points and is third in rebounds (811); is second in rebounds in a season (382) and second in rebounding average (11.5). Shane Sand – Two-time All-District football player from 1989-92; holds career record for tackles with 444; also holds single game record with 27 tackles. Congratulations to the 2006 Tiffin University Hall of Fame Class! Look for more information on the Hall of Fame Inductions in the next issue of Challenge. Information? – Call Shane O’Donnell at 419.448.3288.

A Small Home, A Big Heart.

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You can EARN INCOME and help future Tiffin University students at the same time. As a nation of generous people and friends of Tiffin University, we all understand the importance of charitable endeavors in our society. As a result, many people support our goals and our academic programs. However, our natural instincts also tell us that we must first be concerned with our personal and family security before we consider being of financial assistance to Tiffin University.

With CD rates as low as they are today ... this would be a most opportune time to investigate this great program.

The Charitable Gift Annuity makes it possible for you to satisfy this dual objective of personal and family security and financial support of Tiffin University. Our Charitable Gift Annuity allows you to make an immediate gift to us without loss of income. In many instances, the gift annuity can actually increase your spendable income.

Please call Michael A. Grandillo, Vice President for Development and Public Affairs at 419.448.3282 or email mgrandil@tiffin.edu.

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A Tiffin University Charitable Gift Annuity can: ■ Increase your spendable income Provide joint and survivor annuities and deferred gift annuities ■ Ease capital gain taxes

CHALLENGE SPRING/SUMMER 2006

In exchange for your gift of money, real property or securities, Tiffin University will pay you a certain specified annuity for life. The annual amount of annuity is fixed at the time of the gift, usually more than typical dividends or interest and remains stable throughout your life. It will not fluctuate with the economy, so you will know exactly how much income you will receive. What’s more, you have no investment worries because the annuity payments are guaranteed until your death. Many TU alumni and friends are using this attractive program because it allows you to make a significant gift to the University and still get the equivalent of the income from the money as long as you or your spouse survive. The Charitable Gift Annuity at Tiffin University is highly flexible and very personalized to your needs.

Inspiring Professional Excellence 155 Miami Street, Tiffin, Ohio 44883-2161

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