Center for Science & Technology

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.

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 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.

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

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.

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.

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. 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.

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 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 Higher Ground, indie bands Behind the Times and Lost 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. T I F F IN UNIVERSITY’ s

TIFFIN UNIVERS