Challenge Magazine Volume 38, Issue 1

CHALLENGE MAGAZINE VOLUME 38, ISSUE 1

ALUMNI & FRIENDS MAGAZINE OF TIFFIN UNIVERSITY

CHALLENGE MAGAZINE TIFFIN UNIVERSITY IS A PLACE WHERE WE CHALLENGE OUR STUDENTS TO BECOME ALL THEY ARE CAPABLE OF BECOMING. TABLE OF CONTENTS 4 5 6 12 14 16 17 18 19 20 22 24

Letter from the President Guiding Principles Center for Science & Technology Student Spotlight: Daniela Carey Unsung Heroes of Healthcare Change Begins at Home Dragon Descendants Share Your Dragon Pride TU Alumna: Taylor Lewis Testimony: Tony Serluco TU Fraternity has National Convention Alumni Scene

26 Specialty License Plate Program Dragons for Life: Dragon Legacy Program 28 Exploring New Worlds: Bane Adkins 29 Class Scene 31 Gift is "Brick" in Bridge of Student Opportunity 32 Alumni Spotlight: Bridget Odell 33 Stronger Together 34 Sports Scene

PUBLISHED BY The Office of Institutional Advancement Mitchell P. Blonde, CFRE Vice President for Institutional Advancement & Public Affairs / Chief Advancement Officer WRITER + EDITOR Matthew Early, Public Relations Writer PHOTOGRAPHER Rebecca Kielbasa, Web Content Editor Ben Sandrock, Social Media Specialist

DESIGN Judy Reynolds, Graphic Designer CONTRIBUTORS Shane O’Donnell, Sports Information Director Debby Roszman, Executive Director of Public Relations, Marketing and Communications Vickie Wilkins, Director of Alumni Relations Send news to: tiffin.edu/tellus Change of address: Office of Alumni Relations 419.448.3595 or wilkinsvm@tiffin.edu

Challenge Magazine welcomes comments and suggestions. Please email earlymw@tiffin.edu.

PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE With 2021 having reached its end, so too has the fall semester for Tiffin University. The semester proved itself anything but ordinary as our Dragon Family continued navigating the many obstacles presented by COVID-19’s presence throughout the world. Though these hurdles have been significant, I am amazed by the collective tenacity of this community and immensely proud of what we have accomplished in spite of these hurdles.

Such sentiments in mind, I am pleased that this issue of Challenge Magazine will focus on all that TU has achieved during this academic year, including the opening of a campus space that will produce leaders in the science and healthcare fields with a plethora of new resources at our disposal. I am referring, of course, to TU’s Center for Science and Technology. With construction completed on the Center for Science and Technology, the 18,100 square foot facility is able to host classes for the disciplines of science, technology, arts and mathematics. Many of our students have already nicknamed it the “STEAM building,” to use the popular acronym. The importance of this achievement is noteworthy, as the Center is home to several academic majors within these important fields throughout the world.

TU’s faculty and staff are nothing short of honored to help prepare these future generations of professionals for their critical work. In the coming pages, you will read more about the many facets of this new Center, the prestigious STEAM programs that call it home as well as the talented students and alumni making the most of their education in these areas.

It also fills me with pride to announce the opening of TU’s Center for InterculTUral Excellence. The Center is dedicated to the implementation of inclusivity practices on our campus, as well as fostering an appreciation for varying cultural identities not only for our own circles, but for outside organizations seeking similar guidance. This commitment began with the training of all TU employees, the creation of a core curriculum for undergraduate students that results in global diversity competences for all TU graduates, the training of TU Board of Trustee members, and has now moved to the training of external businesses, schools and other higher education institutions. I am confident in my belief that because of this significant educational component, our graduates will enter the workforce with a robust set of skills for working with individuals of all cultural backgrounds; and this achievement will give our students a unique advantage over other college graduates. At TU, we challenge conventional wisdom and proudly stand out as trailblazers in the fight for diversity, equity and inclusion in today’s world. Finally, I express my sincerest gratitude to our students, staff and faculty as well as our alumni and donors. Your significant efforts have made the above endeavors a reality, and I am humbled by your commitment and inspired by what we have achieved together. Here’s to a successful 2021 academic year in our rearview mirror, and to the beginning of an even better 2022.

Dr. Lillian B. Schumacher President of Tiffin University

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Guiding Principles PURPOSE

VALUES

What we are about: Transforming lives through education.

How we behave – ICARE

MISSION What we do: Educate students by linking knowledge to professional practice.

VISION What we want to be: A premier university for challenging students to enhance their global competencies and 21st century skills, for success in a diverse world.

STRATEGIC PRIORITIES Where we will focus: • Create an environment focused on student success.

(Students) • Grow innovative academic programs. (Academics) • Optimize our organizational capacity. (People) • Strengthen and increase institutional financial sustainability. (Finances) • Enhance our critical infrastructure. (Facilities and Technology)

Interdependence We are an inclusive and caring community that emphasizes service as a foundation of success.

Communication We engage in authentic dialogue, timely exchanges of information, and fact-driven discussion, civil debate, and decision-making.

Accountability We make ethical, responsible decisions that have a high degree of integrity, are data-informed, and are results-oriented.

Respect As a portal of equal access to education and information, we model civility and compassion; we embrace diversity as an essential component of creating a rich university experience for everyone.

Entrepreneurship We prize innovation and creative thinking as hallmarks of successful participation in the global marketplace.

BLOW OFF STEAM & STUDY HARD IN TU’S NEW

CENTER FOR SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY

Tiffin University is excited to welcome its newest building to campus, TU’s Center for Science and Technology. In addition to housing the offices of faculty members in its namesake fields, this 18,100 square-foot facility is able to host many classes for arts and mathematics majors. Many members of the community are already affectionately using the acronym STEAM when referring to the Center.

The STEAM building was designed to connect the pre-existing Hertzer Technology Center and TU’s laboratory classrooms to allow students in these disciplines to access all resources needed for their success in one place. It was the hope of those closely involved with the Center’s construction that its efficient design and great size will provide students with ample space to pursue their studies. The Center was built with room to grow, boasting plenty of space to accommodate the very uptick in student enrollment its presence is sure to prompt. According to Michael Herdlick, Associate Vice President for Institutional Advancement and one of the people at the forefront of the initial project, the Center will advance TU’s newer academic disciplines.

“TU is already known to have outstanding business and criminal justice programs, which is great, but this new building will help elevate several other fields to that same level of prestige, attracting both students and faculty with an affinity for science and mathematics. This new demographic of Dragons will do a lot to further Tiffin’s reputation as a well-rounded institution, committed to excellence no matter the major.”

The first floor of the new building sports the Jeanne and Larry Adelsperger Exercise Science Lab, a state-of-the-art facility with the capability of splitting into three separate examination rooms via curtain dividers. The Lab is also equipped with soundproofing technology and kinesiology equipment. In addition, the first floor also sports two multi-purpose classrooms, the Meshech Frost Charitable Foundation outdoor patio area as well as the stunning Mercy Health Atrium, an extensive student lounge.

Faculty offices are split between the first and second floors, with fourteen in total. Each space will feature ample glass paneling to allow natural light to penetrate the spaces. This open concept, where students can see directly inside each office is intended to make them feel invited in rather than shut out, fostering an environment of comfort and accessibility.

The second floor features three spacious chemistry labs, each with adjoining storage facilities and cutting-edge equipment, such as a brand new autoclave for sterilizing medical instruments and a new glovebox for the safe handling of hazardous materials. Each laboratory can accommodate twentyfour students at once and each lab table comes equipped with charging ports, outlets and compressed air and gas valves.

Each space also has a chemical shower, eye washing station, an icemaker and dishwasher. One of these labs also sports two

fume hoods, or ventilated safety enclosures wherein noxious fumes can be safely contained. A whole-building vacuum system runs throughout, safely dispersing any additional fumes created by these labs. Students enrolled in our STEAM programs also have access to several pieces of cutting-edge technology in the building, such as the gas chromatography – mass spectrometry machine, the same device used in airport security to detect dangerous items or substances. The Center also has a DNA sequential analyzer and a bod pod, to analyze the impact of physical activity on the human body, at its disposal.

TU is particularly proud of one piece of scientific equipment in the Center. The anatomage table, also known as a virtual autopsy machine, lets students learn digitally about the inner workings of the human body. TU is one of the few schools in the nation to have access to such a machine and is the only academic institution that allows its undergraduate students full, supervised access to it, a privilege normally reserved for graduate students and faculty. The device looks much like a traditional autopsy table, featuring a six-foot slab atop a stand. The main difference is that its surface is actually a touchscreen computer with pre-downloaded images of real human bodies. Students are able to interact with the onscreen depictions and perform all imaginable surgical tasks. They can also examine each corpse down to the cellular level, and choose from several predownloaded likenesses of real people who donated their bodies to post-mortem scientific study. The table gets much use from our students, as it is handy to those studying criminal justice, chemistry, exercise science, health and wellness, neuroscience, biology, forensics, and several other areas. This is especially important to note, says Joyce Hall-Yates, J.D., TU’s Vice Provost and Dean of the School of Arts & Science. “No two bodies are alike. One corpse I know we will have access to passed from a headshot wound. This means the device will not only be useful to students studying Biology and related fields, but to those in our criminal justice department, studying ballistics. The possibilities for this technology are endless” she said.

Since its conception, the Center was envisioned to be a place where essential academic practices could be carried out in a comfortable place. To Michael, this is one thing that differentiates the new Center from other buildings of its kind. He said, “Not many universities have ‘pretty’ science buildings. You don’t expect these places to have brick exteriors or floor-to-ceiling windows. You walk into any university lab building, and it’s all sterile, white-walled and uninspired. We wanted to change that.

We wanted students to feel at home.”

“Pretty” is certainly an appropriate way to describe the new building - From the exposed brick paneling throughout the first story to Edison-inspired light fixtures adorning the Atrium, it is definitely something to behold. The TU community is immensely proud to now offer its students these many new, enriching resources within such a picturesque setting.

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CAMPUS SCENE TU Football Team Hosts Third Annual Victory Day Tiffin University’s football team hosted their third annual Victory Day on Saturday, August 14. Victory Day provides 30 cognitively and physically impaired children the opportunity to play football or cheer and have their moment in the sun on the football field. Children were partnered with a football player or cheerleader who served as their mentor. Participants wore TU game jerseys and participated in a number of simulated game-day activities, giving each child a moment to shine. After the game, each child was presented with a medal to commemorate the day.

Seneca Regional Chamber of Commerce Recognizes Educators The Seneca Regional Chamber of Commerce gathered with more than 185 guests to celebrate and recognize educators in Seneca County at the start of this academic year. During the Educators Appreciation Breakfast, the Chamber recognized Dr. Kellie McGilvray with the 2021 Outstanding Educator Award.

The Outstanding Educator Award is presented to an educator who has exemplified vision, leadership qualities and commitment to the improvement of education.

The award serves to recognize and honor outstanding achievement in the field of education, inspire the recipients to embrace the qualities and characteristics required to advance the education profession, and encourage other educators to aspire to make a difference in the education of youth to shape a better future. Dr. McGilvray, Assistant Professor of Marketing at Tiffin University, has made a significant impact on both her students and the Seneca County community since joining the university in 2003. Dr. McGilvray’s classes have worked with many small businesses in Seneca County to assist them with their marketing plans and strategies. Most notably, Dr. McGilvray, has partnered with Jeff Knedler of Hempy Water to launch a business pitch competition in 2017 that has gathered community support to support her students in their hands-on learning experience.

TU’s School of Business Students Rank Above National Average For the fourth year in a row, Tiffin University’s School of Business students ranked well above the national average on the Peregrine Exam. As part of a program CAMPUS SCENE / 8

learning outcomes assessment, the exam provides insight into core competencies that need to be strengthened and nationally norms TU business students against those from other Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACSBP) and the Association to Advance Collegiate School of Business (AACSB). In spring 2021, Tiffin University business students performed exceptionally well on the exam. Undergraduate seated students scored on average 13.51 percentage points higher in each competency area as compared to other participating ACSBP Institutions and 14.15 percentage points higher than other participating AACSB Institutions.

Online undergraduate students scored on average 7.83 percentage points higher as compared to other participating ACSBP Institutions and 8.47 percentage points higher than other participating AACSB Institutions.

Additionally, graduate seated students scored on average 19.73 percentage points higher in each competency area as compared to other participating ACSBP Institutions and 22.89 percentage points higher than other participating AACSB Institutions.

Diane Kidd Gallery Hosts Blanchard Valley Plein Air Painters Tiffin University’s Diane Kidd Gallery hosted the Blanchard Valley Plein Air Painters, an exhibition of paintings and drawings by Findlay area artists in August / September, 2021. The exhibit ran from August 23 through September 30. In addition to the exhibition, the group was on the Tiffin University campus live painting on Tuesday, August 24. Guests were invited to walk the campus and see the artists painting and creating original works. The Blanchard Valley Plein Air Painters group began as a volunteerled program for the Hancock County Parks in 2013. The goal was to provide opportunities for artists to meet and paint together in various park locations and to expand awareness and appreciation of plein air painting (painting outdoors). Artists work in all media, but predominantly oil, watercolor, acrylic and pastel.

TU Welcomes Class of 2025 Tiffin University rolled out the green carpet for the new Dragon class of 2025 on Friday, August 23 to kick off Welcome Weekend. The new students were welcomed to their new home away from home by current students, faculty and staff. Move-in started promptly at 9 a.m., then parents and students had a full day of activities, sessions, the Welcome Fair and convocation. The band, cheerleaders and flag squad led new students into Heminger Center for the convocation Saturday afternoon.

Staff and faculty members formed a tunnel to applaud and greet the students as they entered. Once students took their seats, TU’s President, Dr. Lilian Schumacher and Dr. Peter Holbrook, Provost and Chief Academic Officer

welcomed the group to the 134th academic year at Tiffin University and thanked the students for choosing to become Dragons.

TU Hosts Green & Gold Weekend, Homecoming and Family Festivities Tiffin University’s Green & Gold – Homecoming & Family Weekend took place on October 1–3, 2021. According to Vickie Wilkins, Director of Alumni Relations, “Homecoming & Family Weekend was a special event that unites students, alumni, faculty, staff, families and the Tiffin community to celebrate Tiffin University and their Dragon pride. With the pandemic, it has been a long time since we welcomed people to our campus, and we were so pleased to see everyone!” Some of the highlighted events included the annual Dragon Alumni Symposium, Alumni Achievement Awards, Athletic Hall of Fame Dinner and Induction Ceremony, live music in the Marion Center, athletic events including men’s soccer, women’s soccer and football, tailgate party, 25+ Reunion Luncheon, Greek Cookout and the annual Golf Outing.

Tiffin University Announces Results from Giving Day, 2021 Tiffin University alumni and friends joined forces to make a difference in TU’s future by donating over $153,000 during its third annual Giving Day on Wednesday, September 15. There were a total of 792 gifts. Dr. Lillian Schumacher, Tiffin University President, said “The funds raised this year are the building blocks for our students’ futures. We asked the TU community for their participation, and they came through in record-breaking numbers.” The day included five large-scale matching gifts totaling $31,500, social media challenges and events at Tiffin’s Chipotle and XCaret Mexican Restaurant.

Tiffin University Announces TiffinKidz Tiffin University has launched TiffinKidz, a new take on the highly successful TU Kids Choir in which area youth can perform popular music and participate in recording projects in TU's professional recording studio.

TiffinKidz can now complete an EP of exclusive original arrangements of a variety of pop music and shoot music videos. TiffinKidz members were featured as performers in TU's annual holiday program, Christmas at The Ritz on December 4. Carter Bennett serves as TiffinKidz' director and producer, writing and producing all the instrumental parts and tracks that will accompany the

kids' singing. Bennett is a junior commercial music major at TU, a Wisconsin native and an established presence on social media as a singer and songwriter. The TU Kids Choir has a successful 12-year history serving community youth, beginning in 2009 as an afterschool program at Krout Elementary School and moving to the TU campus, which has hosted hundreds of kids from more than ten schools since its founding. TiffinKidz is made possible by the generosity of Emeritus Trustee Diana Kirk and her husband, Joseph.

Tiffin University Honors Graham Ryan Tiffin University honored the memory of Graham Ryan, a longtime TU supporter and employee, during our annual Green & Gold – Homecoming & Family Weekend on Friday, October 1, 2021. TU hosted a celebration of life on the west side of Gillmor Student Center. President Dr. Lillian Schumacher, Emeritus Professor of Management and Dean Emeritus John Millar, Faculty Emeritus Dr. Jeffrey Stockner and Vice-President of Athletics Lonny Allen all made remarks during the event. A bench is set to be dedicated in his honor. Ryan first began assisting Dragons athletics in 1971, working as equipment manager for the men's basketball team. After serving for 10 years, Ryan continued to support TU athletics as a devoted fan. He actively worked with various athletic teams in game day setup operations, while consistently cheering on TU at athletic events and leading the crowd in support of the Dragons. Ryan then began work for TU’s Maintenance Department, working there from 1986-2016 and of course, spending many of those hours working athletic events.

Ryan was a fixture at TU as a fan, employee and athletic manager for 46 years, a number that is unmatched in the school’s history. He was inducted to the Tiffin University Athletic Hall of Fame as an honorary member in 2017.

TU Announces Tiffin Innovation Program (TIP) Tiffin University recently launched the Tiffin Innovation Program (TIP) for entrepreneurially minded students who want to start their own company. The TIP program is a three-month program designed to inspire and educate.

Having officially begun in January, 2022, selected on-campus and online students are currently meeting once a week to learn how to develop and launch an innovative start-up company.

Speakers include established high-profile entrepreneurs like TU Board Member, Danial Jameel, Founder & President at Ready Education, a leading student engagement platform for higher education.

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TU Launches Impact Shirt Tiffin University’s studentled organization, Dragon Philanthropy Council, has launched a new program to benefit Tiffin University and its students. The TU Impact Shirt is an exclusive, one-ofa-kind shirt that will change design and sell yearly. For every Impact Shirt sold, proceeds will benefit a select area of campus. This year, the Student Emergency Fund will be the focus. To order this year’s shirt, go to tiffin.edu/impact-shirt.

Veterans and Military Honored at TU Football Game Hosted by TU’s Office of Veteran & Military Services, Tiffin University Athletics and the Gridiron Club, all veterans and military were admitted free with an official I.D. and were invited to the Military Appreciation Tent on Saturday, October 30. Veterans and military met in the lower parking lot and received food and giveaways, as a token of appreciation for their service.

Diane Kidd Gallery Hosts Toy Tableaux Paintings by Aaron Pickens Tiffin University’s Diane Kidd Gallery hosted Toy Tableaux, an exhibition of paintings by Aaron Pickens throughout October and November of 2021. The Toy Tableaux exhibition features bright, whimsical, meticulously composed and deeply symbolic still life paintings that interpret the creative act of child’s play. Aaron states, “Toys have been central to my visual vocabulary as a painter – they can be transformed to comment on a wide range of issues using both metaphor and allegory. The familiar imagery is utilized to entice the viewer to look beyond the lighthearted veneer and acknowledge the often-weighty concept that informed each painting.” Pickens begins each painting by assembling a still life in a child-like manner with objects associated with playtime. Each arrangement is governed by a simple interest in color and form, as well as the narrative or concept he wishes to address.

Tiffin University Receives U.S. Department of Education Grant TU has been awarded over $2.24 million over five years from the U.S. Department of Education. The U.S. Department of Education Title III Grant – Strengthening Institutions Program (SIP)

is designed to help higher education institutions expand their capacity to serve at-risk students by providing funds to improve and strengthen the institution’s academic quality, institutional management and fiscal stability.

Tiffin University Presents These Shining Lives Tiffin University presented its fall theatrical production, “These Shining Lives,” by Melanie Marnich, on October 21-23 in the Osceola Theater at the Gillmor Student Center. Set in the 1920s and 30s, the play details the real-life experiences of women who suffered workrelated illness at the hands of their employer, the Radium Dial Company, based in Ottawa, Illinois. The story of the women’s employment, diagnosis and the subsequent court battle reveal deeper commentary about how we view history and individual struggle.

Tiffin University Disperses U.S. Department of Education Emergency Relief Funding for Students As of October 2021, Tiffin University has distributed a total of $5,702,040 to students, as a part of the Department of Education’s Higher Education Emergency Relief Funding (HEERF). TU dispersed $4,902,220 through the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act (CARES Act); Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act (CRRSA Act); and the American Rescue Plan (ARP). The University also applied an additional $799,820 in institutional HEERF funds towards students’ accounts. Since the beginning of the pandemic in March 2020, HEERF funds were given to assist students experiencing exceptional need caused by the disruption of their education due to COVID-19. A student only needed to fill out the application and the committee worked with each student to identify options available to assist them.

The funding was used for immediate needs, such as food, housing, tuition, course materials, technology, healthcare and childcare.

Tiffin University Receives $15,000 from the Ellucian Foundation to Support Students in Need Tiffin University was selected as a 2021 Progress, Accomplishment, Thriving, Hope (PATH) Scholarship recipient through the Ellucian Foundation. The PATH Scholarship program provides grants to higher education institutions to support students facing economic hardship. Tiffin University received $15,000 which will be distributed to ten students to help cover items such as housing costs, tuition expenses and food.

Each student received $1,500.

Tiffin University Participates in National First Generation College Student Day Tiffin University’s student group, First-Generation

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TU Celebrates 30th Annual International Flag Ceremony: Two New Countries Welcomed TU President Lillian Schumacher welcomed new and returning international students during Tiffin University’s 30th International Flag Ceremony on Wednesday, November 17, 2021 at the Osceola Theatre, located in the Gillmor Student Center. The flag ceremony is TU’s largest event celebrating International Education Week (IEW). To date, Tiffin University is home to over 150 international students representing 29 countries. New countries this year include Croatia and Gambia.

Mark your calendars for the International Dinner on March 12th from 6-8:00p.m. in the Heminger Center. For more information regarding this, please reach out to Caitlyn Bass at basscg@tiffin.edu.

Tiffin University’s Dr. Peter Piraino Appointed as Interim Dean of the School of Criminal Justice and Social Sciences Tiffin University has announced Dr. Peter Piraino as the Interim Dean of the School of Criminal Justice and Social Sciences, effective as of January 1, 2022. "He has an excellent vision and plans to address the key priorities of the role and School during IFFIN UN T I VE R S his interim deanship," said Dr. Peter J. Holbrook, Provost and Chief Academic Officer, noting that the School of Criminal Justice and Social Sciences has continued to excel in the areas of criminal justice, cyber security, forensics and social sciences. “Dr. Piraino brings to the position the ideal blend of scholar, practitioner, and leader to positively impact the forward movement of the School.”

Tiffin University Proudly Presents Christmas at the Ritz Tiffin University presented the annual Christmas at The Ritz holiday concert on Saturday, December 4, 2021 at The Ritz Theatre in Tiffin.

Tiffin University choirs and bands were joined by the TU Dance Team, a cappella groups Up in the Air and ’s RSITYLost Higher Ground, indie bands Behind the Times Eand IV Intentions, hip hop group Culture Switch, funk band Word on the Street, TiffinKidz and the Dragon Big Band, in an entertaining and eclectic program of family entertainment.

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m-pact Returns to Tiffin University’s Campus The internationally-acclaimed vocal group m-pact returned to Tiffin University Friday, November 5, 2021 for a free concert. This concert marked the 25th anniversary of their first performance in Tiffin, as well as the 25th anniversary of TU's flagship a cappella group Up in the Air, who shared the stage with m-pact. TU's vocal group Higher Ground also served as opening act.

Tiffin University’s Dr. Matthew Bereza Co-Authors Article in “The International Journal of Business and Social Science” Tiffin University's own Dr. Matthew Bereza was recently recognized for his contribution to a peer-reviewed academic article, written in collaboration with Dr. Lisa Kahle-Piasecki, Associate Professor of Management at TU's neighboring institution, Heidelberg University, along with Tiffin University alumnus Joseph Laumer (‘19). The article outlines Dr. Bereza and Dr. Kahle-Piasecki's 2018 study abroad trip to Ecuador and focuses on the research TU undergraduate students conducted during this time. During this excursion, students were present for and intimately involved with the investigation, under the direction of their faculty mentors. The purpose of this trip was for the students to gain practical knowledge on their previouslycompleted theoretical research on Ecuador’s practices surrounding coffee production, social justice issues and potential alternatives to these practices.

T I F FI N U

Dragons, celebrated National First-Generation College Student Day on November 8. A panel of alumni and faculty members shared their experiences as firstgeneration college students.

Featured speakers included Tessa Kellar, Market Development Executive at Beam Dental; Kyle Johnson, Senior Information Security Consultant at Madiant; Autumn Cooper, Assistant Branch Manager at Peoples Bank; Andrew Faber, Assistant Professor of Accounting at TU; and Dr. Sharon Perry-Fantini, TU Vice Provost for Equity, Access and Opportunity. The speakers discussed their careers, gave advice and provided inspiration to current TU students.

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12 / STUDENT SPOTLIGHT: DANIELA CAREY

STUDENT SPOTLIGHT DANIELA CAREY

to starting college, her inspiration even coming from a source outside higher education entirely.

“My mom is the graphic designer for my dad’s supplement company, and she also does design work for local real estate agents, so I knew this was for me before I knew about TU. Watching her work when I was younger was how I developed the passion, so once we changed the old digital innovation program to digital media design my sophomore year, I knew I had to declare the major.”

Daniela is proud to have been one of the first students to participate in the newly restructured DMD program, and is now assured in her ability to attain and succeed in a related career post-graduation.

“I was excited to help shape the new program and give feedback as they brought in new faculty and dedicated funding toward making it better. It made me feel like my opinion was valued, which gave me a new sense of confidence with this work. Like, if I can come up with good ideas and see them be put to use here, who’s to say that won’t happen in the real world, too?”

HOMETOWN: VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA, CANADA MAJOR: DIGITAL MEDIA DESIGN EXPECTED YEAR OF GRADUATION: 2022

Tiffin University offers many outstanding undergraduate science and technology-oriented degree programs.

Additionally, TU recognizes the role art often plays in these areas of study, its Digital Media Design (DMD) program being a perfect example of how departmental overlap can be beneficial. Graduates pursuing this line of work need to have a keen eye for visual aesthetics, know their way around a computer and be aware of the role math plays in these tasks. Though TU’s DMD program is newer, enrolled students feel well-prepared to meet the standards of the field post-graduation and even take pride in helping to shape this evolving program. Current senior and DMD major, Daniela Carey is no exception.

Daniela is one of TU’s international undergraduate students, hailing from Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada and is a fourth-year student in our digital media design program (DMD), housed within the Department of Arts and Sciences. While she was initially drawn to campus because of our lacrosse program, she soon discovered that she could pursue another lifelong passion of hers while enrolled. As a long-time design hobbyist, she already had plenty of experience in the area prior STUDENT SPOTLIGHT: DANIELA CAREY / 13

When asked about her overall experience as a DMD student at TU, Daniela said “I love the professors, especially my advisor, Michael Lynch, and it was cool to see a new department get off the ground in such a short time. They gave us enough money for a photography room and editing studio, an Apple computer lab and all the equipment we could need. I’m even working on a claymation movie project as we speak for a class with Professor Joseph Van Kerkhove, and I love it so far. It’s such a unique thing; I never thought I’d have the chance to try it, but here we are.”

Daniela’s status as an international student is of particular significance, as it indicates her deep fondness for TU and the richness of opportunities presented to her. While she could have easily found a university closer to home for the sake of comfort, she saw the value in being able to collaborate with faculty advisors as they navigated the formation of this new major, advocating for herself and others to receive relevant, hands-on experiences.

She recognized that this was a gift, and chose to forge her own path, thus creating unique prospects for herself she may not have had access to at other institutions.

Daniela’s willingness to take risks was rewarded, and her mentors responded favorably to this initiative, ultimately recommending her for a coveted position as it became available.

Daniela recently finished an internship with TU’s Department of Marketing and Communications. Rebecca Kielbasa, Web Content Editor, said “Daniela has been a phenomenal asset to our department this year. In the short time we had the privilege to work with her, she worked on all kinds of projects, which range from designing labels, shooting and editing videos, writing blogs and posting to the website. For every task we gave her, she stepped up to the plate with enthusiasm and exceeded our expectations. We cannot wait to see what she does next after graduation.”

UNSUNG HEROES OF HEALTHCARE THREE TU ALUMNAE SHARE THEIR STORIES During this period of great unease created by the pandemic, much of the public has found comfort through the attention and advice of healthcare experts and medical personnel, and in hearing of their unwavering dedication to their work.

These committed frontline heroes, as well as the teams of infectious disease specialists behind them, have worked diligently to provide the best possible care to those in need. While vaccine scientists, doctors, nurses and intensive care staff have rightfully been dubbed our healthcare heroes, one group within this world hasn’t received the same level of recognition, though the work they do is of equal importance. These behind-the-scenes administrative specialists are essential in the successful execution of daily operations. At the pandemic’s height, numerous executive leadership teams were called upon to navigate how to handle influxes of hospitalizations surpassing the number of available beds across the globe. Those who fill management roles within these circles make decisions that could spell miracle or tragedy for patients at the drop of a hat, and the above scenario is just one of countless matters that fall under the jurisdiction of these overlooked leaders.

Tiffin University is immensely proud to have helped shape many such frontrunners in this line of work, and recently had the privilege of sitting down with a few to ask about how their time as students prepared them for this demanding profession.

Below are the testimonies of three alumnae who have had momentous success in this behind-the-scenes work.

Jaime Campbell 12', 14', 21' has served as both the Vice President and Chief Operating Officer at a California-based hospital, and is the current President of a medical center in Colorado. With over a decade of diversified experience, Jaime is highly trained in Hospital Incident Command Systems (HICS) and the practice of hospital safety and security. She also has a demonstrated history of success in operations, lean process improvement and organizational structure and management, to use the industry-specific terms. She is a three-time Dragon, having completed both her undergraduate and graduate work at TU. “I have a bachelor’s degree in organizational management, an MBA in management and a concentration in healthcare administration, all from Tiffin,” said Jaime. “In the field of healthcare, higher education is required – especially if you are not a clinical care provider. My wide array of skills has been critical to the advancement of my career, and I owe all of that to Tiffin.”

Jaime believes that one thing separating TU from other schools, specifically referring to our MBA programs, is the real-world knowledge students gain through their coursework.

“Both MBA programs made frequent use of relative current events to drive meaningful discussions. By applying specific scenarios to current theoretical topics, students are challenged to think of issues in a different way and prove they understand how the theories or strategies apply to these cases. This creates a personal knowledge base that is far more beneficial than just learning about an

idea one-dimensionally in a textbook or lecture.”

Jaime then continued this sentiment, shifting her focus to talk about the institution as a whole, including all the ways in which TU made her as a non-traditional student, feel valued and cared for to the same extent as oncampus learners.

“I am probably Tiffin’s biggest fan! Their online programs are so well structured and easy to use that there is no excuse not to pursue one’s higher education with them.

My favorite memory was in 2012 when I earned my bachelor’s degree and was able to physically go to the commencement with on-campus grads. This made me feel like a real student and I was treated exactly the same as everyone else. Meeting some of my professors in person was an amazing experience. I will never forget that.”

Ronda Lehman 03' is the current President of Mercy Health in Lima, Ohio and is responsible for the oversight of all subsidiaries, including St. Rita’s Medical Center, three local urgent care facilities, a Putnam Countybased emergency room and the offices of twenty-three practicing physicians. As a seasoned professional in this industry with numerous awards and accolades to her name, TU was proud to hear that she attributes some of her related successes to the skills she cultivated during her time as a student. Ronda began her journey as a Dragon in the hopes of building upon the training she received during her undergraduate work, and found TU to be an engaging, rewarding 14 / UNSUNG HEREOS OF HEALTHCARE

environment.

“TU did a great job of preparing me. They provided me the flexibility and small class sizes I was seeking, and the diversity of thought that I knew was important to me as I furthered my education,” she said. “When I started TU’s MBA program, I was newly appointed as the Director of Pharmacy. I was looking for a program that would help me succeed in my current role and augment my primarily clinical undergraduate training with business training.”

WHC Foundation Board.

In addition, she chairs the Edison State Community College Foundation Board in Piqua, Ohio. She is an alumna of TU’s MBA program in business administration, and highlights the quality of instruction she received.

Ronda went on to assert that TU’s MBA program effectively prepared her to tackle industry responsibilities falling outside her immediate wheelhouse by requiring her to expand her breadth of knowledge.

“The education I received through TU’s MBA program allowed me to advance my career and gain enough relevant experiences to become qualified for my current position,” said Jennifer. “I still have notes from my classes that I look back on to help me make decisions as Wayne’s CFO and VP.”

“The MBA program helped enable to me to see how our current operations fit into a larger picture of both healthcare as an industry, as well as other non-healthcare sectors. I specifically chose to do an MBA program as opposed to a master’s in healthcare administration program so that I would have a more diverse portfolio not simply focused on healthcare. This program gave me precisely what I was looking for!”

When asked what advice she had to offer for any young professionals looking to enter her line of work, Ronda responded with eloquent and enthusiastic words of encouragement.

“Go for it! I honestly can’t think of a more rewarding profession. It’s challenging, diverse and each day you have multiple opportunities to make peoples’ lives better. The opportunities are limitless. Start early! Regardless of what you are interested in pursuing, getting started in any entry level healthcare position can be very eye-opening and help current students see the many possibilities.”

Jennifer Williams 06' is the Chief Financial Officer (CFO) and Vice President (VP) of Financial Services for Wayne HealthCare in Greenville, Ohio, a rural community hospital and wellness center. She is also heavily involved in local philanthropic circles, participating as Treasurer for the

According to Jennifer, the main reason she selected TU for her graduate and continuing studies was due to the program’s flexibility, a feature that was especially appealing to her as a non-traditional student. Ultimately, she enjoyed the experience, and applauds her former professors for their abilities.

“I completed my degree in three years instead of the standard two, and this afforded me enough time to spend with my family and on meeting my work obligations while still pursuing the degree. I took some courses in person and some online, and built many friendships while working on group projects and presentations. I can honestly say I enjoyed every class I attended, and appreciated the vast working knowledge my professors brought to their class discussions.”

When asked about her favorite memories as a TU student, Jennifer said, “My favorite memories are of the time spent with my classmates. We were a small cohort, all working full time and pursuing our MBA degrees, and this bonded us. After our last class together, we rented a limo, went out to dinner and celebrated. I still stay in contact with some of them.”

The participants were also asked to make note of how their professional lives have been and continue to be impacted by the presence of COVID-19. Impressively, while they were interviewed individually, a common theme emerged in each of their answers. All three executives mentioned that while they are concerned about the physical and emotional toll this new normal is taking on not only them, but the members of their teams, they are continuously amazed by the resilience and compassion exhibited by those with whom they work and supervise.

Each of them acknowledged that while this field is not low-stress, especially at the moment, those interested in pursuing a career in healthcare administration would be hard-pressed to find a professional community with more compassionate, kind and resilient people. They are grateful for being able to participate in such impactful work, and for doing it with coworkers whom they trust unwaveringly. After listening to their stories, TU believes that compassionate, kind and resilient are apt descriptions of these three, too, and extends sincere gratitude to each of them for continuing to engage in this necessary labor.

UNSUNG HEREOS OF HEALTHCARE / 15

being unwaveringly committed to its execution on campus.

This decision was accompanied by a new set of learning standards designed to produce culturally competent and sensitive graduates. The initial movement was called Celebrating Cultural Uniqueness at Tiffin University, or CCU@TU, and was organized by Tiffin's President, Dr. Lillian Schumacher.

Today’s employers look for culturally attuned individuals with honed interpersonal skills. At Tiffin University, students now experience an academic curriculum (the Dragon Core) that provides them with these specialized 21st century competencies. Through such integral classes, TU instills workforce-ready skills in students that address today’s professional challenges no matter the organizational type.

Through collaboration with businesses and professionals to provide hands-on, experiential learning, graduates enter the workforce with the technical know-how and interpersonal skills to succeed. Similar training is also required of each TU community member in order to foster an environment conducive to equal opportunity for all.

CHANGE

BEGINS AT HOME TU OPENS CENTER FOR INTERCULTURAL EXCELLENCE Tiffin University recently celebrated the opening of the new Center for InterculTUral Excellence on January 1, 2022, now being led by Ms. Nadia Lewis, former Associate Vice President of TU’s Office of Human Resources. The Center’s main objective is to ensure that TU’s campus remains not only a place where people of all cultural identities are provided with the best in educational practices, but where every member of our community feels comfortable and where all voices are given equal attention. The decision to dedicate a physical space to this work was made due to the success with a related program, Celebrating Cultural Uniqueness at Tiffin University, and the Dragon Family’s desire to share this knowledge with other organizations seeking to enact similar changes within their own circles.

In 2016, TU modified its prior decision to be conscious of the need for workplace diversity and inclusion to

The first tier of this training is the requirement that all students, employees and board members undergo a seven-month training program entitled Building Cultural Competencies within Organizations. The certificate awarded upon completion ensures others that cultural awareness is part of each graduate and faculty member’s repertoire.

The course is also available to third-party organizations or individuals of any kind (colleges, businesses, nonprofits, etc.) seeking to restructure and learn through the new Center, and the Dragon Family could not be more proud to have inspired others to follow in our footsteps toward a brighter, more inclusive future.

Nadia Lewis has been promoted to the title of Vice President within TU’s Office of Human Resources, in addition to becoming the first Vice President of TU’s Center for InterculTUral Excellence. As the Center is now home for Tiffin’s Office of Equity Access and Opportunity, Office of Human Resources as well as several associated departments, the primary function of her hybrid position is be the concurrent strategic oversight of the Human Resources team, and the development and success of the Center.

Nadia has played an integral role in TU’s work in the area(s) of diversity and inclusion, and this promotion will allow her to continue these efforts on a larger scale. Nadia said, "I am extremely honored and humbled to get to lead this important work alongside some truly inspiring and talented individuals on the TU campus. Our goal at Tiffin University is to create a sense of belonging, to celebrate our uniqueness and to embrace our varied perspectives as a community. A true inclusive culture is where differences drive innovative solutions for our students, staff and faculty. The vision for the work of the Center is to become a center of best practice that reflects the world around us. We believe diversity drives innovation, and creates a space for positive transformation.

We celebrate building a culture where difference is appreciated, respected, embraced and valued. The Center will be the place where we can continue the important work of transforming our students' lives through education and the celebration of our cultural uniqueness."

16 / CHANGE BEGINS AT HOME

DRAGON DESCENDANTS: MARYSSA OLIVER’S STORY AS A THIRD-GENERATION STUDENT For many people looking to pursue a college degree, the process of selecting an institution that is just right can be overwhelming. As there are nearly 4,000 accredited colleges and universities operating in the U.S., this is an understandable dilemma. Many prospective students spend months researching, touring and interviewing at dozens of schools before determining where to apply.

This, however, was not the case for a new Tiffin University alumna, Maryssa Oliver, who knew she wanted to join the Dragon Family by the age of six. When asked about her willingness to share her story as a third-generation Dragon with the public, she jumped at the chance.

According to Maryssa, she began telling people she would be going to TU in the hopes of becoming a mathematics teacher very early in life, and spoke to the subject with a decided conviction, even as a young girl. She didn’t just want to attend TU; she would study here. For Maryssa, there was no plan B, as her maternal grandfather is a TU alumnus, having spent many years as a decorated law enforcement officer post-graduation. However, the determining factor for Maryssa was seeing firsthand how faculty and staff treated her mother, who earned her own degree through TU. As a then-single parent of two daughters and full-time factory worker, Delayna Somers’s educational journey is nothing short of inspiring.

Delayna used what little free time she had to further her education, despite the obvious strain of filling these many roles. Though it happened over a decade ago, Maryssa clearly remembers her mother’s grit during moments of hardship.

“There were a lot of nights my grandparents had to put my sister and me to bed, because she was still at

DRAGON DESCENDANTS / 17

school,” said Maryssa. “Sometimes my mom would cry alone in her room because she felt so overwhelmed.

I remember a specific conversation she had with my grandma, even though I was only five at the time. She told her, ‘You know, if I can just follow through with this, it’ll be the best decision not only for my daughters’ lives, but for mine.’ I always knew she was trying to set us up for a better future.”

For Maryssa’s mother, the hard work and perseverance paid off. She is now a Senior Accountant at Bridgestone APM Company, and both she and Maryssa commend TU for its commitment to go above and beyond in accommodating students, whether traditional or nontraditional.

“Tiffin University was willing to be open-minded throughout my experience to ensure that I would graduate with my desired degree,” Delayna said. “I will always recommend Tiffin University because they were ready to adapt to my full-time job and allowed me to bring in my children as a single mom. Because of the level of learning that I received at Tiffin University, I was able to take on corporate-level responsibilities without previous experience.”

Continued on page 18

Maryssa shares her mother’s sentiments and remembers their days spent together while on campus fondly, emphasizing the level of care she witnessed her mother receiving when she was a child.

“One of her professors at the time was Mike Herdlick, Associate Vice President for Institutional Advancement, and I remember he would always interact with my sister and me when my mom brought us to classes he taught.

He even made it a point to always have coloring pages or other activities available for us to do while he lectured. To me, this showed he was more concerned over my mom finishing her education than about my sister and me being potential distractions. I’m going to be a teacher, myself, and this is the type of educator I aspire to be, one who cares about forming personal relationships over everything else.”

After earning dragon wings herself, Maryssa was faced with her own seemingly insurmountable obstacle while on campus. Similarly to her mother’s experience as a student, she received a high level of attention and flexibility from her mentors in light of this adversity.

“I came to TU wanting to be a high school math teacher, and while they didn’t already have this degree program available, they assured me they would figure something out, and tried. After several people failed at making this a reality, they ultimately suggested I transfer schools. I immediately began reaching out to all the ‘higher-ups’ as a last resort, because I knew I wanted to stay at my dream college. I ended up going to Dr. Joyce Hall-Yates, Vice Provost and Dean of the School of Arts & Sciences, in tears, and she set up a meeting with the necessary people right away. Before I knew it, everything had been figured out, and the university arranged for me to get the necessary classes done so I could earn the degree I wanted.”

Maryssa, like her mother, is grateful to those who helped make her dream a reality, to the faculty and staff who weren’t afraid to stray from conventional academic practices in the interest of giving her the tools for success. Having just graduated in December of 2021, Maryssa already misses these people, especially our own Dr. Joyce Hall-Yates. She said, “I’ve had the most incredible relationship with her. Even when it seemed like there was no way for me to get the degree I wanted from the school I love, she created a way, and I’m so grateful. She was on my side from day one, and it was so comforting to have her as my constant advocate.

Because of my experience with her and everyone else, I recommend TU to anybody thinking of working or going to school here.”

Maryssa is currently completing the necessary field hours for her student teaching program, and expects to earn her teaching certification / licensure in April.

She feels confident in her ability to achieve this end, thanks to the risks taken by her mentors on her behalf and the wonderful education she received. Her alma mater wishes Maryssa the very best in her personal and professional endeavors, and is proud to add her to its long list of distinguished and fiery alumni.

SHARE YOUR DRAGON PRIDE Do you know someone who could be a future Dragon?

Are you interested in learning more about Tiffin University and the programs that we offer? As an alum of Tiffin University, we encourage you to share information about Tiffin University and all it has to offer with your family, friends and future college students and their families. We want you to encourage others to join Dragon Nation!

All first-year students who have been accepted to TU and who plan to attend TU on campus in the fall of 2022 receive an academic scholarship ranging from $8,000 to $16,000 towards four years of attendance.

This scholarship is awarded based on their cumulative, unweighted high school grade point average.

First-year students with a parent who is an alum also qualify for a $1,000 Legacy Scholarship.

New transfer students who plan to attend TU oncampus also qualify for academic scholarships based on their cumulative, college grade point average. Transfer students must have achieved at least a 2.0 to qualify for a scholarship ranging from $10,000 to $16,000 and must start in the fall of 2022.

Our alumni are our international ambassadors! You create invaluable word-of-mouth marketing and take your knowledge of TU to your hometowns, countries and into your professional and social networks. By communicating with prospective students, you will enable Tiffin University to expand into diverse places.

By helping the institution become bigger, stronger and more successful, you are also enhancing the value of your own degree qualification. You illustrate the benefits of a TU education by sharing your collegiate experience and professional success with prospective students.

You may be the reason a student chooses to become a Tiffin Dragon!

For more information please visit, tiffin.edu/apply.

If you have any questions or would like a brochure mailed to you, please contact Sarah DePugh, Director of Undergraduate Admissions, at depughst@tiffin.edu.

18 / SHARE YOUR DRAGON PRIDE

TU ALUMNA TAYLOR LEWIS ON THE FORMULA FOR SUCCESS IN THE WORLD OF CHEMISTRY Tiffin University is proud to be a home for many prestigious undergraduate programs across a wide array of disciplines. Moreover, community members get great pleasure from learning of the many ways alumni go on to make significant contributions to their respective fields. One area in particular where TU feels its graduates shine is in sciencerelated careers. This is a testament to the quality of education these individuals receive from faculty mentors. Alumna and current Ph.D. candidate Taylor Lewis agrees with this sentiment and attributes much of her successes in the field and in academia to the foundational knowledge she gained as an undergrad.

“TU’s forensic science program gave me a basis of knowledge in the physical sciences and helped guide me to the type of career path I was most interested in,” said Taylor. “While no undergrad education can fully prepare one for a Ph.D. program, my undergrad courses helped me understand how to conduct a physical research

Taylor graduated from TU in 2017 with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Forensic Science. She is now pursuing a doctoral degree in physical chemistry at The University of California, Riverside and several of her recent academic research papers have been recognized through publication in prestigious academic journals.

Taylor describes her degree track as the marriage of two distinct sciences. She said, “I am working on my Ph.D. in physical chemistry, which is the bridge between physics and chemistry. I am focused on the field of ultrafast laser spectroscopy, and study the fundamental kinetics of unique energetic and photomechanical materials.”

experiment, and the mentors I had at TU helped me land research internships. These internships did a lot to prepare me for grad school.”

In short, this kind of laser-based study allows researchers to see how certain forms of matter absorb or emit electromagnetic radiation (varying forms of light) within very fast timescales. Taylor uses this to study how energetic materials (solar cells, explosives etc.) react on the atomic level to changes in the light spectrum, and how they respond to these stimuli with emission, heat generation or movement. This breakthrough laser technology allows researchers to resolve data much quicker than what was previously possible, streamlining the process of discovery.

Taylor is grateful to TU for exposing her to a range of niche sciences, from which she pinpointed the exact track for her.

TU ALUMNA TAYLOR LEWIS / 19

When asked about her time spent as a TU student, Taylor said “I liked the sense of community at TU and in the surrounding area. It’s very different being at a large research institution where you don’t know everyone that works in your building. In Tiffin, I could walk down the street and would know and say hi to every single person.”

In the matter of whether TU’s science programs prepare graduates for professional success, the proof is in the proverbial pudding with Taylor. Having recently published academic articles in both the “Journal of the American Chemical Society” and in “The Royal Society of Chemistry,” she has shown herself to be a capable budding research scientist, already producing findings beneficial to the greater scientific community, despite her short tenure in this line of work. The link(s) to her research publications can be found at https://pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/jacs.1c08176 https://pubs.rsc.org/en/content/articlehtml/2021/cp/ d1cp03515k

20 / TESTIMONY: TONY SERLUCO

GREEN & GOLD WEEKEND TESTIMONY TONY SERLUCO Upon my arrival on campus early Saturday morning I was greeted by Vickie Wilkins Alumni Relations Director in the parking lot by chance.

My next stop was in the Gillmor Center where I overheard a student introducing himself from Warren Ohio to a group of Alumni. I asked him what high school he attended. Another Alumni with his young children hearing this determined they both graduated from the same high school at different times.

The current student is on the basketball team and the Alumni played football.

A quick visit was made to observe the Alumni vs. the current basketball game. A friendly/fierce competition with a very close final score.

Where else could you walk right up to the University's President and be called by name! Thanks Dr. Lillian you made me feel important after all these years.

A student was taking pictures, she told us her name is Marisa Gwinner. I told here that our group in attendance was proud of her academic and track accomplishments. No doubt she was surprised that we knew of her Academic All American and NCAA Champion record in High Jump. She showed us her individual NCAA Number 1 ring.

Renewing acquaintances with Mr. Hertzer and Norma Wagner, a few current professors and a former Trustee who was a member of our fraternity made for a great luncheon. This was followed up with a message from Dr. Schumacher with a curriculum update, added programs and degrees along with current building projects and development plans for the future.

A reunion of all Greeks was held on Clay Street. This was an opportunity for the Alumni to meet actives and all of the Greek Organizations to celebrate 100 years of existence on TU's campus. Our Phi Theta Pi Fraternity has representatives of 5 states and 2 countries.

In a unusual encounter while leaving the hotel, I met a man wearing a TU shirt and asked if he was an Alumni. He said he is the father of a first year student athlete. A few hours later we happened to see each other at the football game where he introduced me to his daughter a Psychology Major. With a comparison of notes and names we determined that he knew my mother's relatives from his hometown.

During a stop over at the TU's Baseball display I was able to catch up with baseball Coach Wilkins, along with meeting current student athletes.

After the football game we met an entire family who traveled over 8 hours to see their grandson/son play. What a commitment.

My observation is that all of the people we encountered, the students, friends, family and staff have that same friendly attitude that attracted us all to TU. It has become the TU brand. Let's keep winning in the classroom and in all of our competitive programs outside.

Go TU and Go Gons!

Tony Serluco Class of 1974

TESTIMONY: TONY SERLUCO / 21

TIFFIN UNIVERSITY FRATERNITY HAS NATIONAL CONVENTION

Phi Theta Pi Annual National Convention was in Port Clinton, Ohio May 11-16, 2021. It was attended by many brothers and guests from all over the country. Many brothers from Active Delta Beta and Tiffin Alumni (Delta Beta) Chapters.

The highlights included a day at Put-In-Bay, South Bass Island on Lake Erie, touring the island, Liberty Aviation Museum, Port Clinton, and Merry-Go-Round Museum, Sandusky, Ohio.

Our closing banquet included a great meal and awards.

Over one hundred members and guests including fifteen members of the George and Eunice Dupey family as we presented the Life-Time Achievement award to George (posthumously) for his many decades of being a Leader, Mentor, and Brother to the Phi's. George spent his entire career at Tiffin University as Professor, Administrator, and Vice President, also advisor to Phi Theta Pi (Delta Beta) and a Board Member of the national fraternity.

22 / TU FRATERNITY HAS NATIONAL CONVENTION

TU FRATERNITY HAS NATIONAL CONVENTION / 23

Note from the Director of Alumni Relations

DEAR ALUMNI & FRIENDS, In-person alumni events commence – on the road and on campus.

It has been amazing to get back out on the road to visit our alumni. We hosted several alumni events this fall including Atlanta (September), Washington, DC (October), Scottsdale (November), Cleveland and Tiffin (December). If you live in these areas and missed us this year, keep an eye out for us next year as we plan to return to these locations on a yearly basis.

We are also excited to have a full line up for spring and have begun planning for summer. See the Upcoming Events and Save the Date section on the following page. Please be sure to check the website and your email for an up-to-date listing of alumni events near you at tiffin.edu/alumni/events.

On behalf of Tiffin University and the TU Alumni Association, thank you for all that you do for Tiffin University and our students.

Vickie Wilkins ‘09/’11 Director of Alumni Relations/TUAA board advisor wilkinsvm@tiffin.edu

ALUMNI ASSOCIATION BOARD NEWS

Welcome new members to the Tiffin University Alumni Association Board. Their terms began in May 2021 and run through April 2024. Additionally, the Association approved a new five-year strategic plan. The priorities include alumni outreach, chapter development, board development, expanding alumni giving and increasing alumni presence in student engagement.

Autumn Cooper ‘20 | Chris Gomez MBA ‘08 | Theresa Nibblett ‘84 To view a full list of Alumni Association Board members and to view the new five-year strategic plan visit, tiffin.edu/advancement/alumni/association-board.

INTERNATIONAL TRAVEL OPPORTUNITY

Italy and Greece – It’s not too late to join us abroad!

With ancient architectural ruins and vibrant cultural traditions, Italy and Greece have long been top destinations for history buffs, art enthusiasts and pizza lovers alike. Trace the footsteps of gladiators in the Colosseum and Greek philosophers in the Acropolis. Take in a variety of art, whether it’s Michelangelo’s masterpiece in the Sistine Chapel or a street vendor’s colorful rows of creamy gelato. Any way you slice it, these two countries have centuries of stories to share.

The trip will take place Wednesday, June 8, 2022 through Monday, June 20, 2022. To view the full itinerary and pricing, visit efcollegestudytours. com/2403713tk. Once a traveler enrolls, they lock in their program price.

24 / ALUMNI SCENE

UPCOMING EVENTS

Please be sure to check the website and your email for an up-to-date listing of alumni events near you. Registration for events is highly encouraged so that we can make it the best experience for you. The most current list of alumni events with registration forms can be found on our website at tiffin.edu/alumni/events.

FLORIDA ALUMNI VISITS FEBRUARY 14 -20 The Advancement and Alumni office will be in Florida.

FORE FUN IN FLORIDA SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 19 Annual FORE Golf Outing and Alumni and Friends Social at Majestic Golf Club in Lehigh Acres, Florida. The event includes a golf outing in the afternoon and a social event for non-golfers in the evening. There is a hotel room block also available at a discounted rate. Check the website for more details and to register. Open to all alumni, friends and family of Tiffin University.

SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA ALUMNI RECEPTION LOS ANGELES/ORANGE COUNTY MARCH More details coming soon! Check the website and social media.

SOFTBALL ALUMNI DAY SATURDAY, MARCH 26 Softball alumni and their families are invited to meet new Head Coach Paige McMenemy, as the Dragons take on the Hillsdale Chargers Saturday, March 26 in a double header. The first pitch is at 1 p.m. We will do alumni introductions in between games.

BASEBALL ALUMNI DAY - SATURDAY, APRIL 23 Baseball alumni and their families are invited to Heminger Field at Paradiso Athletic Complex as the Dragons take on Trevecca Nazarene University in a double header. The first pitch is at noon. We will do alumni introductions in between games.

LACROSSE ALUMNI WEEKEND FRIDAY, APRIL 29 THROUGH SUNDAY, MAY 2 Lacrosse alumni and their families are invited to join the Dragons all weekend long as we celebrate both alumni and the graduating seniors!

NEW ENGLAND ALUMNI VISIT - MAY More details coming soon! We plan to visit both Boston and NYC. Check the website and social media.

SAVE THE DATE!

GIVING DAY WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 14, 2022 On this special day, we ask that faculty, staff, students, alumni, family and friends come together to give back to the programs and departments that make Tiffin University so distinctively wonderful. Giving Day is a way to show your gratitude to a place that means so much to so many, and is the perfect opportunity to help change the lives of current and future students.

GREEN & GOLD HOMECOMING & FAMILY WEEKEND SEPTEMBER 30 - OCTOBER 1, 2022 Join us for a weekend of Dragon Pride!

The full agenda will be made available this summer.

NASHVILLE ALUMNI RECEPTION - APRIL More details coming soon! Check the website and social media.

TENNIS ALUMNI DAY - SATURDAY, APRIL 9 Men’s and women’s tennis alumni and their families are invited to P.M. Gillmor Court as the Dragons take on the Hillsdale Chargers. Later in the day, they are invited to compete in alumni matches, followed by dinner in the Wall Street Pub and Grille.

AmazonSmile in the Amazon Shopping App You can now support Tiffin University on your favorite iPhone and Android phones!

SOCCER ALUMNI WEEKEND FRIDAY, APRIL 8 - SATURDAY, APRIL 9 Men's and women's soccer alumni and their families are invited to join us for soccer alumni weekend. We will kick off the weekend on Friday, April 8 at 6 p.m. at The Renaissance for small bites and socializing.

1. Join AmazonSmile - If you are not already an AmazonSmile member, sign up on your web browser. Simply select Tiffin University to start generating donations, at no cost to you.

How to turn on AmazonSmile in the mobile app:

On Saturday, we will dedicate a TU bench in memory of Margaret E. Gutzwiller and Elizabeth Snyder at 10:30 a.m. outside of the Heminger Center.

2. Get the app - Download or update to the latest version of the Amazon Shopping app on your phone.

You can find it in the App Store for iOS or Google Play for Android.

The men's alumni game will take place at 11 a.m. immediately following the bench dedication. The women's alumni game will be at 3 p.m. Both games will take place in the turf room in the Heminger Center.

3. Turn on AmazonSmile - Open the app and find ’Settings’ in the main menu. Tap on AmazonSmile and follow the on-screen instructions to turn on AmazonSmile on your phone.

ALUMNI SCENE / 25

SPECIALTY LICENSE PLATE PROGRAM

DRAGONS FOR LIFE!

DRAGON LEGACY PROGRAM

LET’S RIDE WITH PRIDE! Whether you are an employee, alum or loyal friend, it is easier than ever to show your TU spirit through our specialty license plate program.

As an Ohio resident, you can purchase or renew your dragon specialty plate directly through the Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV), go online to BMV.ohio.gov or visit your local BMV.

IT IS OUR GOAL TO HAVE AS MANY TU LICENSE PLATES ON THE ROAD AS POSSIBLE! The annual fee to own a specialty plate is an additional $35, of which $25 is returned directly to Tiffin University’s General Scholarship Fund.

IT IS A WIN-WIN! If you have questions regarding the Collegiate Plate Program, contact your BMV or email Mikki King at kingmr@tiffin.edu.

All Dragons are family, so why not make Tiffin University a family tradition? We’re excited when many students discover TU for the first time, but through our alumni families, the heritage of the University can pass from generation to generation.

Tiffin University’s Dragon Legacy Program was created to keep alumni and their younger family members connected to the University. As alumni, you know the value of your TU education. We hope that children, siblings and grandchildren of alumni will keep TU in mind as they plan for their future education.

To celebrate this tradition, we invite you to enroll in the Dragon Legacy Program. Legacies will receive numerous benefits and a unique, irreplaceable relationship with TU. Upon enrollment, each legacy will receive an initial welcome gift, yearly birthday cards and a small gift at special age milestones in their lives. Legacies will also receive invitations to exclusive events that occur during the college recruitment process. Once admitted to TU, your child will be eligible for the Legacy Scholarship ($1,000) that recognizes the importance of family tradition and aids students towards earning a college degree.

To qualify for the program, the parent or legal guardian must be a graduate of TU and complete an online form with the child’s date of birth and address.

If you have any questions about the Dragon Legacy Program, please visit tiffin.edu/dragon-legacyprogram or contact Vickie Wilkins, Director of Alumni Relations, at wilkinsvm.edu or 419.448.3595.

26 / SPECIALTY LICENSE PLATE PROGRAM / DRAGONS FOR LIFE

DRAGONS FOR LIFE / 27

EXPLORING

NEW WORLDS

BANE ADKINS’S SUCCESSES AS A RECENT ALUMNI It is common for many young professionals to experience some degree of intimidation upon entering their respective fields, and this should come as no surprise. The often-extensive list of preferred or required qualifications employers cite when posting vacancies is enough to make even seasoned professionals doubt their aptitudes.

This is especially true for many positions labeled as entrylevel, as such listings are notorious for wanting these recent graduates to enter the workforce with several years of experience already under their belts. TU’s faculty and staff recognize this obstacle, and remain committed to providing students with as much field experience as possible. Graduates are consistently prepared to compete for prestigious or coveted positions, regardless of age. One recent alumnus, Bane Adkins, who is currently employed as an Information Security Analyst with SpaceX, is a perfect example of success knowing no age.

Bane graduated from TU in May of 2020 with both a Bachelor of Arts in Cyber Security and a Bachelor of Criminal Justice in Digital Forensics. He currently lives in Los Angeles, California, having moved for his new position with SpaceX soon after graduation. Elon Musk founded the company in 2002 with the goal of designing, manufacturing and launching the world’s most advanced forms of interplanetary transportation, with the ultimate dream of someday allowing the human race to live on other planetary bodies. Bane says that his primary duty within the organization is maintaining the integrity of the company’s cybersecurity system, and responding to all threats of digital breaches regarding classified information. He is also tasked with documenting any attempted or successful digital crimes, in order to build cases against those who wish to do SpaceX harm.

Bane asserts that TU’s degree programs provided him with a multitude of new experiences, which resulted in learning skills that would benefit him greatly in this line of work. He says, “There are so many skills I learned during my time at Tiffin, however one sticks out in my mind the most, which I learned through any project revolving around presenting to the class. I can vividly remember

doing mock briefs in my senior seminar. Having the skill to discern technical concepts and convey them to a larger audience in a way they can understand is critical for a career in the industry.”

Expanding on this, Bane praises the TU community as a whole, especially the quality of education his unorthodox degree track provided. “Tiffin University was undeniably the right choice for me due to the uniqueness of the major. Most universities will offer a computer science degree with some surface-level cybersecurity classes sprinkled in, where Tiffin offers legitimate, relevant course objectives to students, such as penetration testing, digital forensics and cyber law / ethics. Being recognized by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the National Security Agency (NSA) board(s) for their curriculum is a testament to its effectiveness.”

When asked about his favorite memory during his time spent on campus, Bane said, “One day, we had classes cancelled due to a level three snow emergency in Seneca County, and my fraternity decided to go outside and build massive snow mounds, igloos and of course, we ended up having a snowball fight. It was so cold outside, I remember us laughing about how long it took to thaw out after coming inside. Building these memories is such a key part of getting the true college experience, and I implore every student to enjoy their time spent in college while they still can.”

The above sentiment is meaningful advice for any young person currently pursuing a degree. Enjoy every moment, because graduation day always seems to arrive in the blink of an eye. While the real world may seem new and scary, especially given the ever-evolving demands of employers, TU has a long and rich history of providing the best and most practical educational instruction to our students, traditional or otherwise. This is precisely why each undergraduate must complete some form of internship prior to graduation, so that when many are just beginning to think of how to gain work experience, Dragon graduates will already have plenty to fill up their résumés.

Bane Adkins’ story of success may be one of many TU boasts, but this does not diminish the impressiveness of the accomplishment. It is a testament to the limitless potential of those given the right tools in the proper environment, and his alma mater is proud to welcome Bane into its ranks of distinguished alumni.

28 / EXPLORING NEW WORLDS

CLASS SCENE

Kathryn Schmidt Picha, Class of 2008 of Burbank, California and her husband, Brent, welcomed their first child, Slade into the world on October 9, 2020.

WE’VE GOT CLASS 1990s

Todd Fadley, Class of 1997 of Springfield, Ohio recently began a new career as a Department Service Officer with AMVETS (American Veterans). Todd is happy to have found his true professional calling after many years of service with various sectors of Ohio Law Enforcement and the United States Marine Corps, helping veterans.

2000s Lew Montgomery, Class of 2000 of Marco Island, Florida was recently named the new Head Football Coach for Marco Island Academy, a charter high school in Marco Island, Collier County, Florida. Lew was an avid player, himself, while on campus and is TU’s all-time career leader in quarterback sacks (30) and tackles for loss (55). He is also the single season sacks record holder with 15 in 1999.

Alexis Berg-Townsend, Class of 2003 was recently nominated as a candidate to receive the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society’s (LLS) 2021 Woman of the Year Award. This recognition was made in light of her efforts to raise a total of $65,000 for the affiliate LLS Man & Woman of the Year Campaign, a charitable effort dedicated to helping those affected by its namesake diseases, as well as the continued funding of subsequent treatment and cure-related research. The fundraising efforts of Alexis and her team allowed for the naming and support of immunotherapy research in honor of J. Michael Schweder, her late uncle who passed away from lymphoma during the 2021 campaign. Alexis is especially proud to have helped advance this research due to her personal connection to the cause.

Abigail Merchantz, Class of 2007 of Lockport, Illinois married her husband, William on October 10, 2020 in Portage, Michigan.

Janice Mitchell, MCJ 2007 of Cleveland, Ohio published her memoir entitled “My Ticket to Ride: How I Ran Away to England to Meet the Beatles and Got Rock and Roll Banned in Cleveland (A True Story from 1964)”on September 15, 2021.

The memoir is already receiving both local and national attention. Janice is a retired federal investigator, a private investigator, former adjunct professor in TU’s criminal justice department and, as the title of her memoir suggests, a lifelong Beatles fan.

CLASS SCENE / 29

Mike Lento, Class of 2008, MBA 2010 of Kansas, Ohio is the Head Football Coach for the Lakota Raiders of Lakota High School, and was recently named the All-Ohio Division V. Co-Coach of the Year. He was also named as the 2021 Ohio High School Football Coaches Association (OHSFCA) Sportsmanship, Ethics and Integrity Award recipient.

Maggie L. Smith, MSCJ 2009 of San Angelo, Texas recently graduated with a Master of Science in Counseling Psychology degree from Angelo State University and plans to continue her journey toward becoming a Licensed Professional Counselor Associate before eventually attaining the status of Licensed Professional Counselor. Maggie is looking forward to the few years of supervised internships this will require.

Stephen Gambescia, MH 2009 of Havertown, Pennsylvania completed a Master of Legal Studies degree, with a concentration in Healthcare Compliance at the Drexel University Thomas R. Kline School of Law in May of 2021.

He also received their Award for Outstanding Performance in Healthcare Compliance. As it happens, Drexel’s mascot is also a dragon, and Stephen is very proud of his new “Double Dragon” status. He is employed as a professor at Drexel.

2010s Allison Christina Budaj, MH in Humanities, 2010 and MH in Communication, 2015 of Cincinnati, Ohio defended her dissertation in May of 2020 to obtain a Ph.D. in Interdisciplinary Studies with a concentration in Humanities and Culture from Union Institute and University. She is now employed through the Ameritech College of Healthcare as a Full Professor.

Jessica Novak, MH 2012 of Cleveland, Ohio recently started a new position as Program Manager for Continuing Education and Health Technologies, Grants, Projects and Recruitment at Lakeland Community College in Kirtland, Ohio. She was also recently selected to be a new member of the 100+ Latinos Cleveland Must Know cohort, dedicated to providing professional opportunities for and amplifying the voices of Hispanic, Latino and Latinx individuals / communities within the greater Cleveland area.

Keenan Hamilton, Class of 2013 of Lawrence, Kansas is a Facility Operations Programmer with his current city of residence.

Dylan Powers, Class of 2014 of Snellville, Georgia recently purchased his first home with his wife, Elyse Frances Corridoni, who is also a TU alumna. The couple moved to Georgia in 2017 so Dylan could accept a job with the Gwinnett Strippers, the Atlanta Braves Triple-A affiliate. He currently works as a Ticket Sales Account Executive with this organization. The couple was married in September of 2018, and celebrated with a baseballthemed wedding.

Joseph Holland, MS 2014 of Harrodsburg, Kentucky is now a police officer / detective with the Lexington Police Department in Lexington, Kentucky.

Justin Hairston, Class of 2014 of Columbia, Missouri began working for the University of Missouri’s Department of Athletics in May of 2021 and now serves as the Associate Director of Fiscal Operations for the Tiger Scholarship Fund. He lives with his rescue dog, Ace, to whom he is grateful for helping make the move to Missouri easier. Prior to this, Justin spent five years working for the University of Detroit, Mercy as their Director of Ticket Operations and attributes much of his successes to the knowledge he gained during his time as a TU student.

Alyssa Palmer, MS 2015 of Fremont, Ohio recently began a new job as a Group Clinician with Oriana House, Inc. in Tiffin, Ohio.

Quadra Brown, MS 2015 of Garfield, Ohio is the Senior Media Coordinator for the newly-renamed Attane (formerly GlynnDevins), a marketing agency based in Kansas City, Missouri.

Jordan Kiser, Class of 2016 of Sandusky, Ohio was recently appointed as the National Account Manager for Sports Force Parks in Sandusky. He began this new role in may of 2021, and has worked with his current employer since 2017.

William McCague, Class of 2016 of Delaware, Ohio is currently employed by the Target Corporation as a Supply Chain Safety Operation Manager.

Allison Kesler, Class of 2017 of Ada, Ohio recently passed the Ohio Bar Examination and is now licensed to practice law.

She is currently the Juvenile Prosecutor for the Marion

County Prosecutor's Office. Prior to starting this position, she was a Certified Legal Intern within the same organization. After attending TU, she earned her Juris Doctorate through the Ohio Northern University Claude W. Pettit College of Law. Jamileh Naboulsi, class of 2017 of Rochester, Michigan recently joined Collins Einhorn Farrell (CEF) in Southfield, Michigan as their newest Associate Attorney in the firm’s General and Automotive Liability sector. CEF is one of the leading law firms in defense litigation in the Midwest, offering legal representation in a wide variety of industries. Jamileh also holds a Juris Doctorate from the Michigan State University College of Law, having graduated in 2020.

Stephanie Winemiller, MS 2019 of Fresno, California recently began a new career as an Associate Trial Attorney for Farmers Insurance.

2020s Grace Hannah Gregory, Class of 2020 of Lakewood, Ohio is employed through LIG Solutions, working with their Department of Human Resources / Recruiting.

She began this new position in June, 2021. Her primary responsibility is the recruitment of new Call Center Representatives and Licensed Health Insurance Agents. She oversees candidate screening, interviews, onboarding and new hire orientation endeavors.

Rebecca Kielbasa, Class of 2021 of Tiffin, Ohio is currently pursuing a Master’s in Higher Education Administration degree with TU. She also works with TU’s Department of Marketing and Communications as the Web Content Editor. Rebecca joined the Marketing team and began her journey as a graduate student directly following her undergraduate work in May of 2021, and is proud to now work with the very institution she called home for the last four years.

IN MEMORIUM James “Brian” Chapman, Class of 1989 Brian was recently joined by his wife, Terri, who departed shortly after his passing. Brian is survived by a beautiful family.

30 / CLASS SCENE / IN MEMORIUM

GIFT IS 'BRICK' IN BRIDGE OF STUDENT OPPORTUNITY As Provost and Chief Academic Officer at Tiffin University, Dr. Peter Holbrook focuses on providing the highestquality educational programs for students.

However, quality higher education comes at a cost that not every family can afford. Dr. Holbrook strongly believes in transforming lives through education and seeks to make it more accessible. That's why Dr. Holbrook and his spouse, Tom Hoffman, named Tiffin University as a beneficiary in their estate plan. The gift, once realized, will create an endowed scholarship.

"When we made our planned gift, we were thinking about the access and opportunity it could provide for students," says Dr. Holbrook. Their long-term investment in Tiffin University will secure a sustainable future for the University's students. "Every dollar we invest creates future possibilities for the mission of TU to continue well past our lifetime."

As a first-generation college student, Dr. Holbrook understands the impact of an education. Now, as successful professionals, he and Tom were inspired to pay forward the academic opportunities they received. They hope their generous gift will assist future students in achieving their dreams and leading successful lives.

"Each degree I earned has opened doors and provided me with opportunities that I would not have without an education," Dr. Holbrook says. "A college education develops the initial potential for the degree holder.

It provides a platform to launch future life and work experiences that allow individuals to make a difference in the communities and organizations they live and serve."

Dr. Holbrook has been part of Tiffin University for four years, serving as Provost. His passion has grown, along GIFT IS 'BRICK' IN BRIDGE OF STUDENT OPPORTUNITY / 31

with his relationships with colleagues and students.

"My job allows me to make a positive difference in the lives of our faculty, staff and students," says Dr. Holbrook.

"The Tiffin University community inspires me each day. It is about the people and the ability to create access and opportunity for students. Our planned gift may be the first or last brick that builds the bridge between where a student is and wants to be in the future."

To Dr. Holbrook and Tom, giving back to Tiffin University is fulfilling. "We give because we want to be part of something larger than ourselves—it's all about the potential that gift may make," says Tom. "No matter how large or small, it has an impact. Our collective giving helps the University thrive in the present and future."

MAKE AN IMPACT AT TU You can create a meaningful impact on our students and programs by including a gift to Tiffin University in your estate plan.

Contact Mitchell P. Blonde, CFRE at blondemp@tiffin.edu or 419.448.3584 to learn about your giving options.

HOW TU PREPARED BRIDGET ODELL FOR A REACTIVE CAREER IN CHEMISTRY Like many young people beginning their search for the right college, Bridget Odell knew she wanted to be more than just another number amidst an endless sea of undergraduates. Despite still being in high school at the time, she recognized the many benefits of receiving the quintessential true college experience, where one can further their education within a supportive, closeknit community of peers and mentors. Bridget wanted people to know her name when she set foot on campus, and wasn’t satisfied with the notion of going to class before heading straight home. She wanted the opportunity to become involved extracurricularly, to form long-lasting relationships with those who have her best interests at heart. This is why she was initially drawn to TU, not only for our wonderful science programs, but for a chance to feel the true sense of belonging only Dragon Family members can.

“The program gave me an excellent scientific and critical thinking background necessary for any role in a laboratory setting. Tiffin’s professors truly care about each student’s success, and make a point to be there for everyone. It’s never about just getting through the material, but ensuring that everybody truly understands the theories and can apply them to solve larger, realworld problems.”

“I was also a Student Ambassador while at TU, and would give tours to prospective applicants. I’d always tell them that ‘college is what you make of it,’ and I think this saying is also true for anybody’s career. As a professional, I continue to challenge myself and yearn to grow each day.

I could come in, do my job and go home, but choose to involve myself with special projects. I want to provide the best in customer service for our clients, and have TU to thank for giving me experience in various leadership roles.

As a student, I served on the executive boards for both

Bridget graduated from TU in 2011 with a Bachelors of Criminal Justice in Forensic Science, and has spent the last decade employed by The Lubrizol Corporation.

She began her professional career with Lubrizol as a Laboratory Technician while also pursuing a second bachelor’s degree through Lake Erie College in Painesville, Ohio. Shortly following her graduation from Lake Erie, she was promoted to the title of “Chemist,” though Bridget describes the work she does a little differently.

“I like to refer to myself as a ‘Technical Influencer,’ even though ‘Chemist’ is my official title,” she says. “I work in the Blend Test Services department where we test specialty chemicals for potential uses in the automotive industry (think engine oils and transmission fluids). I collaborate with my immediate colleagues and our management team to ensure the safety of my fellow employees. I also oversee the attainment of high quality test results and their prompt delivery to our customers both internal and external.”

Bridget commends the TU community for having afforded her the best of both worlds during her time on campus. She notes how fulfilling it was to participate in and help shape our then-budding Forensic Science program, while simultaneously involving herself in extracurriculars. As it turns out, she still chooses to do more than the bare minimum in her current line of work, and claims she formed this habit and others of importance through the volunteering she did as an undergrad.

the Student Council and Criminal Justice Club(s). I also worked as a Peer Leader and Lab Assistant. These roles required me to serve as a mentor to underclassmen, and learning how to work with others proved useful. It is a skill that continues to bring value to my career.”

When asked about a standout memory from her time as a student, Bridget had this to say.

“I was a member of the university choir, and I loved being able to make friends with people from all majors or backgrounds. I loved representing Forensic Science in such a diverse environment. Some of my best friends were in choir or the music program, and we’re still close to this day.”

32 / ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT: BRIDGET ODELL

STRONGER TOGETHER

TU’S JOINT NURSING PROGRAM WITH MERCY COLLEGE OF OHIO Prior to the initial outbreak of COVID-19 in the first months of 2020, the United States grappled with another healthcare-related crisis, one only further exacerbated by the pandemic. The country has been and continues to be in the midst of a severe shortage of nursing professionals.

According to the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN), such degree programs across the nation are struggling to meet the demand for graduates to fill a growing number of vacancies in this field. In light of this issue, TU announced in 2019 a partnership with Mercy College of Ohio’s School of Nursing in order to offer an entirely new degree track for the Dragon student body.

“According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, registered nurses are projected to generate approximately 711,900 new jobs, the largest number for any occupation,” said TU’s President, Dr. Lilian Schumacher during her 2019 announcement of the partnership. The collaboration began during the 2020-2021 academic year and allows incoming nursing students to earn two degrees simultaneously - a Bachelor of Science in Applied Health Science from Tiffin University and a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Mercy College of Ohio. “Students entering Tiffin University and completing this dual degree program will help fill the need for nurses in the state of Ohio. Having additional credentials will allow them to demonstrate a broader set of industry-specific knowledge to potential employers,” said President Schumacher.

Dr. Susan Wajert, President of Mercy College, echoed President Schumacher’s sentiment when the collaboration was first advertised. “This is an innovative way for two colleges to partner to meet the healthcare needs of the communities we serve. Students who participate will have a broader educational perspective as they prepare for the nursing profession.”

According to Dr. Peter J. Holbrook, TU's Provost and Chief Academic Officer, "Both schools benefit greatly from this partnership. TU is a more traditional academic institution, housed within a rural community, whereas Mercy is located in Toledo, a more urbanized area in close proximity to such assets necessary for any student nurse's

success. Mercy College’s program utilizes Bon Secour Mercy Health’s facilities, including a Level One Trauma Center (Saint Vincent’s Mercy Medical Center). This is essential for students needing clinical field experience.

Mercy benefits from a tuition and enrollment numbers standpoint, and TU is able to give its students access to top-notch resources otherwise unavailable to us.”

Lori Edgeworth, Vice President of Enrollment Management and Partnerships at Mercy College believes that so far, the program has been very successful, and cites what a joy it is to watch students from both institutions work together. “Once the TU people set foot on Mercy’s campus, they’re treated like one of our own.

There’s no competition or segregation. Nobody cares once the scrubs are on, and it’s refreshing to see. I think playing to each other’s strengths like this is the way of the future for higher education. Collaboration over competition. No single school will ever be able to offer every degree program in existence, and I believe the way for institutions to survive is to lean on each other. We’re all working toward the same goal, which is preparing the next generation for the rigors of the real world, creating a brighter future for all of us. Not only that, but this partnership makes significant strides toward solving the nursing shortage in both our state and across the country.”

Though these efforts alone might not be enough to completely eradicate the shortage of nursing professionals, TU and Mercy College agree that large-scale change often begins within one’s own communities, and that any step forward is one worthy of celebration.

Lori believes wholeheartedly in this philosophy, and is happy to see the two institutions working happily alongside each other. Though the joint program is only a few years old, she is already looking to the future, brainstorming other ways in which both schools can help each other help their students. “I would definitely like to see the partnership expand to other areas in the future.

For example, Mercy College offers a Master’s of Health Administration and Tiffin has a College of Business and MBA program. This could be another great opportunity for collaboration.”

33 / STRONGER TOGETHER

SPORTS SCENE 2021 TIFFIN UNIVERSITY HALL OF FAME INDUCTIONS

On October 1, 2021, Tiffin University enjoyed its 26th Hall of Fame Induction ceremony in the Heminger Center in conjunction with homecoming weekend. Seven deserving athletes and administrators were honored during the ceremony.

Dr. Phyllis Watts served as a faculty member for Tiffin University for 27 years, serving as Professor of Sociology and Chair of the Behavioral and Social Sciences Department. Dr. Watts worked tirelessly instructing numerous student-athletes while also serving as a Faculty Sport Sponsor. Her specific contributions assisted many students in achieving their degrees while also successfully competing in their respective sports. She also served as Faculty Athletic Representative for the University, handling administrative duties at both the institutional and conference levels.

Kelly (Rethman) Cline (2002-06) is one of the most accomplished women’s golfers in Tiffin University history.

She is a three-time All American Mideast Conference selection who helped lead her team to two National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) National Championship appearances in 2003 and 2006. The Dragons won Region Championships in both of those seasons and were ranked as high as 18th in the NAIA in 2006. She is a nine-time medalist who still holds the school records for most wins (nine) and best finish percentage (83.9).

Tracy (Lehman) Greene (2005-07) is one of the most successful softball players in Tiffin University history. She is a NAIA All American who helped lead the team to the NAIA National Tournament in 2006 and 2007 in addition to winning the Region IX Championship both years. She is a two-time All National Independent, Region and Conference honoree. While leading the team to a ranking of 13th in the nation, she set season records for triples, RBIs and total bases while also posting a career record in slugging percentage. She finished with a career average of .404.

Chad Roberts (2004-08) is another standout for the cross country and track and field programs. He is a two-time All American, earning the honor in both the NAIA and National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA). He finished sixth in the outdoor 5000 meters at the 2007 NAIA Championships, while also finishing 28th at the 2007 NCAA Division II Cross Country Championships. Chad is a three-time national

qualifier (twice in the 5000 meters, once in cross country) who also won the American Midwest Conference (AMC) Championship in the 10,000 meters in 2007.

Kylene (Spiegel) Biggs (2005-09) is one of the top guards in Tiffin University women’s basketball history. She is a three-time All National Independent and two-time All Conference honoree. She also holds Tiffin University’s career assists record with 468 assists. She established season records for assists and assists per game while finishing fourth in career three pointers. She completed her career with 1105 career points.

Ty Blake (2007-10) is one of the most accomplished baseball players in Tiffin University history. He is an All Region standout who also earned three All Conference citations over his career. His offensive skill produced numerous career and season records. He set new career marks in runs, doubles, and hit by pitches, while also producing season records in runs, hits, and doubles. He finished second in career hits and total bases. Overall he ranks in the Top five in seven offensive categories.

Rhys Cannella (2007-10) is one of the top men’s soccer players in Tiffin University history. He is a First Team Daktronics NCAA All American who also earned 2009 Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (GLIAC) Offensive Player of the Year honors. He also landed two All Region and three All Conference honors during his career along with All Ohio distinction. He helped lead the team to the 2008 and 2009 GLIAC Tournament Championships.

MCMENEMY, CRACAS JOIN HEAD COACHING RANKS Paige McMenemy has been named Head Softball Coach, while Michael Cracas takes over the reins of the women’s soccer program.

Prior to coming to Tiffin, McMenemy served as Assistant Coach at the University of Toledo since 2019, primarily working with the pitchers. While with the Rockets, McMenemy helped the team win its first Mid-American Conference Tournament title in program history. McMenemy is a 2018 graduate of Ashland University and split her collegiate playing career between Mid-American Conference member Akron and Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference member Ashland. McMenemy's coaching history includes a combined six years of private pitching and hitting instruction, along with five years as a head travel softball 34 / SPORTS SCENE

coach. Most recently (May 2018), McMenemy worked on the softball staff at Bo Jackson's Elite Sports in Hilliard, Ohio, where she was a camp instructor.

Cracas previously served as Head Coach for Hiram College, serving in that position for the last six seasons. Over Cracas's six years with the women's soccer program, the Terriers earned eight All-Ohio selections and 11 All-NCAC (North Coast Athletic Conference) selections, including the first two First-Team All-NCAC selections in program history.

Cracas also coached the only two back-to-back All-Ohio selections in program history. Cracas's teams have also earned the United Soccer Coaches (USC) Team Academic award each year under his tenure, as well as five USC Team Ethics and Sportsmanship Awards dating back to 2015.

released the 2020-21 Academic Top 25 Team Honor Rolls on Tuesday afternoon, and Tiffin women's basketball comes in tied for sixth in team GPA across all of NCAA Division II. The Dragons posted a team GPA of 3.721 during the 202021 year, equalling Mercyhurst and Southwest Minnesota State for sixth on the DII list.

JACOB MILLER COMPETES AT US AMATEUR TOURNEY

Tiffin University Head Men’s Golf Coach Jacob Miller competed at the US Amateur Championships, the largest amateur golf event in the world.

MEN’S AND WOMEN’S TENNIS SQUADS REACH LOFTY ACADEMIC HONORS

On Monday, July 12 at TPC River's Bend in Maineville, Ohio, 84 players teed it up for a chance to qualify for the largest amateur golf event in the world, the United States Amateur Championships (US Am). With only two players getting through the qualifier, Miller punched his ticket.

Miller posted a 36 hole total of +1,145 to finish solo in second place and secure his spot in the US Am. The United States Amateur run by the United States Golf Association is arguably the largest, most prestigious amateur event in golf. There are roughly 10,000 players who try to qualify all around the world every year. The final field is made up of the top 312 amateurs who qualified for the event.

TU MAKE MARK IN D2, GMAC ACADEMIC ACHIEVEMENT HONORS

Tiffin University totaled 164 honorees in the Division 2 (D2) Athletic Directors Association Academic Achievement awards. Tiffin University led the GMAC in honorees, outpacing Findlay's 142. Tiffin's 164 honorees ranked them 13th amongst all D2 institutions.

The Great Midwest Athletic Conference announced the 2020-21 Academic All-Conference Team as well, with a total school-record of 315 student-athletes from Tiffin receiving the honor.

Tiffin's 315 honors registered as the second-most among conference schools, trailing only Walsh's 346. A total of 2227 student-athletes earned recognition across the conference. In addition, 132 GMAC academic honorees boasted a 4.0 GPA, with Tiffin accounting for 45 of those (34 percent).

WOMEN’S BASKETBALL TEAM RANKS SIXTH IN NATION IN GPA

The Women's Basketball Coaches Association (WBCA) SPORTS SCENE / 35

Tiffin University's men's tennis team led Division II with 15 ITA Scholar Athletes, as the Intercollegiate Tennis Association (ITA) announced its annual All Academic Teams.

Earning Scholar Athlete status for 2020-21 were Nair Adi, Gabriel de Oliveira, Tom Blaquiere, Cyrille Colomb, Joe Gilman, Michael Gurtner, Austin Mohamedali, Matt Saunders, Ben Szarek, Matt Telford, Ryan Gase, Alex Thatcher, Hayden Parisien, Devon Paige and Hugo Chatras.

Tiffin University's women's tennis team was named an ITA All Academic Team, tying for the fifth-highest number of total honorees in Division II. Overall the Dragons posted a 3.93 team GPA, landing 10 members to the Scholar Athlete squad. Garnering notice were Shea Foster, Anais Geslin, Jacqueline Kamps, Alessandra Maganuco, Anna Makhneva, Dominique Matich-Reynolds, Abbie-Jade Riley, Emily Sim, Juliette Sirgant and Bailey Young.

This marks the sixth consecutive year both teams have been honored by the ITA.

DRAGONS SEND THREE THROWERS TO US OLYMPIC TRIALS

The Tiffin University Men's Track and Field team had three athletes competing in the United States Olympic Trials in Eugene, Oregon.

Juniors Nik Curtiss, Ralph Casper and alumni Coy Blair competed in the Shot Put at the Olympic Trials. The trio made up 1/8th of the total US team at the Trials. The top 24 throwers in the nation competed at the trials, with the top three landing spots on the US Olympic team.

Curtiss was the top finisher for TU, taking 17th place with a put of 18.92 meters. He was followed in succession by Casper in 18th place (18.59 meters) and Blair in 19th place (18.56).

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