Challenge Magazine - Volume 39, Issue 1

CHALLENGE MAGAZINE

VOLUME 39, ISSUE 1

TRANSLATED "SINE AUDACIA NULLUM PRAEMIUM" MEANS "WITHOUT RISK, THERE IS NO GAIN," TU'S MOTTO SINCE 1888.

CHALLENGE MAGAZINE

TIFFIN UNIVERSITY IS A PLACE WHERE WE CHALLENGE

OUR STUDENTS TO BECOME ALL THEY ARE CAPABLE OF BECOMING.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

4 Letter from the President

5 Guiding Principles

6-7 Historical Highlights - Tiffin University Timeline of Events

8-9 Where It All Began - School of Business Faculty on TU's First Academic Entity

10-11 Tiffin Arts Trailblazers - The School of Creative and Media Arts' Trajectory

12-13 Crushing Crime and Mapping MindsCriminal Justice and Social Sciences at TU

14 Once a Dragon, Always a Dragon - Dr. John Millar on TU's Growth and Advancement

15 Making an International Impact - Tiffin University's Ph.D. Program in Global Leadership and Change

16 Looking Forward - Science, Technology, Arts and Mathematics at TU

18-27 Campus Scene

28 A Dragon for Life - Mr. William Hertzer's Donor Spotlight Story

29 The Sky's the Limit - Tiffin University's Drone Academy Takes Off

30-31 President Schumacher Will Always Have High Expectations Because Tiffin University Deserves It!

32 A Place for All People - Tiffin University and the Center for Intercultural Excellence

33 A Great Time to Give - Record Gift Annuity Rates

34-37 Class Scene

38 Giving with Gusto - Tiffin University's Transform Fundraising Campaign

39 Teaching Cyber-Smarts - Tiffin University's Sean Glieberman on the Center for Cyber Defense and Forensics

40-41 A Sporty Spotlight - Lonny Allen of Tiffin Athletics on the Program's Past, Present and Future

42-45 Sports Scene

46 Wrestling Pioneer - Olivia Shore's Experience at the National Championships

47 Game On! Tiffin University Celebrates its Esports Arena and Programs

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, Digital Content 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

On behalf of your Tiffin University community, please allow me to wish each of you a bright, fulfilling year ahead as we enter 2023 together – Dragon Strong, as we have always been.

2022 was filled with many significant firsts for this institution. We celebrated the instatement of the Drone Academy, had our first-ever group of students participate in the Tiffin Innovation Program (TIP) and graduated our inaugural doctoral cohort through the new global leadership and change Ph.D. program. We completed construction on and began holding classes in the beautiful Center for Science and Technology, announced the start of a new Cold Case Fellowship program, made plans to restructure the former School of Arts and Sciences into several academic entities and so much more. You will read about several of these new developments in the coming pages, and I hope you share in our excitement over all that has been accomplished in such a short time.

As I type this, the famous phrase, “the more things change, they more they stay the same,” comes to mind. Since our founding, we have remained consistently committed to change. Though this may seem contradictory, the one thing on which we have never wavered is being open to new ideas as they come. We are here because our founders sought to question the status quo of commonplace educational practices – and dare to be different from their peers in higher education. This tradition of going against the grain, of innovating and adapting to keep up with the ever-changing world is at the very core of who we are. It was a trend that began the moment we opened our doors, has continued to this day and will remain our pledge for years to come. How else would we live up to our commitment to Challenge Conventional Wisdom?

This is why I am especially delighted to share that this special edition of Challenge Magazine pays homage to our past and celebrates the achievements of today. All that we do, we do for our students – so they may one day leave this place prepared, like thousands of graduates before them, to become free-thinkers and leaders in their own fields. Jobs change, our culture changes, as should the ways in which we teach.

This said – one thing that I hope never changes is your love and admiration for this wonderful institution. Thank you for your continued support and for believing in our mission.

Dr. Lillian B. Schumacher President of Tiffin University

Guiding Principles

PURPOSE

What we are about:

Transforming lives through education.

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)

VALUES

How we behave – ICARE

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.

HISTORICAL HIGHLIGHTS TIFFIN UNIVERSITY TIMELINE OF EVENTS

1888-1917

Tiffin University is called Heidelberg Commercial College and is associated with Heidelberg University

1917

The Commercial College breaks from Heidelberg and moves to downtown Tiffin

1917 Green and gold established as the official school colors

1917-1939 University operates as the for-profit Tiffin Business University

1917 Franklin J. Miller named President of the former Tiffin Business University

1984 Friedly Hall is constructed

1981

Dr. George Kidd, Jr. assumes presidency

1968 Seitz Hall is purchased by the University

1967 Pfeiffer Library is constructed

1953 Richard C. Pfeiffer named President of Tiffin University

1939 University becomes the non-profit Tiffin University

1985 Zahn Hall is constructed

1988 Gillmor Student Center is dedicated

1992 Miller Hall is constructed

1990 Craycraft Hall is constructed

1994

2016

Dr. Lillian Schumacher named President of Tiffin University

2012 The Heminger Center is constructed

2006

Tiffin University’s outdoor athletic facility becomes the Paradiso Athletic Complex

2002

Paul Marion named President of Tiffin University

2000 Kirk Hall is constructed

1997

Former outdoor athletic facility acquired

2017 The Performing Arts Laboratory (PAL Building) is constructed

2018 Adelsperger Wrestling Complex dedicated

2018 Esports Arena is constructed

2022 Center for Science and Technology building constructed

2023 Former School of Arts and Sciences divided into four academic entities

2023 School of Creative and Media Arts established

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT:

This timeline of Tiffin University’s history and major institutional milestones was created with the significant help of Samantha Sibbersen, Social Media Ambassador.

2023 School of Education and Extended Learning established

2023 The Center for Tiffin University and Dragon Education Core Curriculum established

2023 School of Science Technology and Health established

SCHOOL OF BUSINESS FACULTY ON TU’S FIRST ACADEMIC ENTITY

On January 18, 1918, a startup organization that would someday grow into a nationally and internationally accredited four-year university first opened its doors. Before its creation though, the founding parties actually worked as faculty within Heidelberg University’s Commercial College, created by George Washington Williard in 1888 – a year now considered TU’s first birthday.

Even though Tiffin didn’t host classes until 30 years later, the Heidelberg Commercial College chose to separate from the larger College over differences in strategic vision in 1917. Soon after, members of the former business faculty banded together to start their own program, and the rest – at the risk of sounding cliché – was history.

“Back in the day,” as the saying goes, Tiffin University was actually known as Tiffin Business University, as its namesake was what classes were centered around at the time. With few resources and a limited number of faculty members, the business college was only able to offer two-year degree completion programs for years after its founding.

In the century since its opening, Tiffin Business University has become the Tiffin University School of Business, now one of several academic entities.

“The School of Business is a direct link to our past, to our very origin,” said Dr. Peter J. Holbrook, Provost and Chief Academic Officer. “As the first to be founded, it has always served as a model for our other schools to follow and regularly meets the high standards of academic excellence expected from a nationally-ranked program. The School is both a reminder of our beginnings and an indicator of what can be achieved through dedication, wonderful teaching faculty and continued cross-generational innovation.”

Though he wasn’t here when the school was first founded over 100 years ago, Dr. Terry Sullivan, Vice Provost for Academics, Campus Programs and Dean of the School of Business, is still more than qualified to speak on what it’s like to now lead and represent TU’s oldest unit. After all, he’s done just that for three decades.

“I started with TU in 1990,” Dr. Sullivan began. “Since then, I have been continually amazed by the consistent successes of our students. To me, that’s one of the things of which I’m the most proud. Their high levels of achievement both in the real world and with industry assessments such as the annual Peregrine Major Field Test highlight the quality of education they receive while here.”

In addition to its students regularly scoring well above the national average on the Peregrine examination, the school’s accounting program has received an endorsement from the Institute of Management Accountants (IMA®). The IMA® Endorsement Program awards stamps of approval to colleges and universities with curricula proven to effectively prepare students to perform well on the industry’s Certified Management Accountant (CMA) Exam, as well as meet the demands of jobs in their field post-graduation. Fewer than 70 accounting programs nationwide have received this accolade.

“We have our wonderful faculty to thank for all of these successes,” Dr. Sullivan continued. “One thing I love about TU is that our educators aren’t simply teaching professionals, but professionals who happen to teach – meaning their firsthand knowledge of the industry from years of experience is interwoven into their lessons. For example, many of those who teach our accounting courses are CPAs, CMAs and CFEs themselves.”

TERRY SULLIVAN

Additionally, the finance curriculum has been approved to participate in the University Affiliation Program (UAP®) through the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA®) Institute. This approval means that TU finance students are able to apply for financial aid scholarships on behalf of the CFA®, and the school now has access to CFA®-sanctioned coursework and exams for teaching purposes.

“Speaking as somebody who is a TU graduate-turned-faculty member, I can say with confidence that the school’s greatest strength is its many experiential learning opportunities that are available to students,” said Dr. Kellie McGilvray, Professor of Marketing. “For example, I host an annual pitch

Without Risk, There is no Gain

DR.

day competition for one of my classes, where student-run startups can practice selling their business models and giving speeches to larger audiences. Just look at the Tiffin Innovation Program, too – same idea on a much larger scale. All of this is done to give Dragons a taste of the real world before graduation.”

The School of Business is proud to offer its MBA program not only to those in the United States, but in Bucharest, Romania as well. In addition to the MBA, the School of Business offers a Ph.D. program in global leadership and change, the first Ph.D. to be offered in the history of the institution, with the inaugural doctoral class having graduated in May of last year.

“Over the years, the school has been innovative, particularly with regard to offering online classes,” said Dr. Sullivan. “We were one of the earliest adopters of this model, starting with the MBA program in 2000. Today, almost all institutions offer some online coursework, because they recognize the need, given the changing student demographics. Moving online with our degree programs has afforded us the opportunity to have a greater educational reach.”

Both faculty members shared that, while they are proud of all their school has achieved so far, they also have hopes for what can be accomplished in the years to come.

“I’d like to see us expand our Ph.D. offerings,” said Dr. Sullivan. “Possibly incorporate a doctoral degree program in data analytics.”

“We’ve always stayed ahead of the curve – we implement quickly, remain flexible and are open to new ideas,” added Dr. McGilvray. “As the industry changes, so does TU. We owe it to our students –our customers, in a sense – to give them the best and most current education possible. I hope that drive continues into the future. We were created because our founders weren’t afraid to do things differently, and look at all that came from a few people taking a risk. Our motto is, ‘Without Risk, There is no Gain,’ and we should never lose sight of the mantra that has kept us alive and thriving for over a century.”

This spring, the School of Business will host its 11th annual Summit to Success, coordinated by TU’s Business Club. This annual event brings together leaders of industry from across many professional fields to offer students career advice, give presentations and lectures, form connections with the University and collaborate with each other.

DR. KELLIE McGILVRAY

THE SCHOOL OF CREATIVE AND MEDIA ARTS’ TRAJECTORY

First founded in 1995 by Tiffin University administrators and a group of non-majors with an interest in popular music, a program that would someday grow into the School of Creative and Media Arts (SCMA) was born. Nearly three decades later, arts opportunities on campus have expanded and diversified to include a variety of professional degree programs and extracurricular offerings meant to enrich the campus experience for all participating students and their audiences.

“The School of Creative and Media Arts has a long and rich history of breaking the stereotype of traditionalism within the industry, and its employees pride themselves on providing unconventional academic and pioneering programs,” said Dr. Peter J. Holbrook, Provost and Chief Academic Officer.

division in the former School of Arts and Sciences to form the new School for Creative and Media Arts. Combining TU's cutting-edge approach to arts education with its long history of excellence in its humanities offerings, the SCMA boasts programs in digital media and design, communications, global sports and culture as well as commercial music. The School's graduate program offers a Master of Humanities degree with concentrations in art and visual media, creative writing, English or film studies.

““Building the Performing Arts Lab was quite an accomplishment. In the same 12-month period, we raised almost $4,000,000 and executed the entire project. That was an exhausting but deeply rewarding year in our history”

- Brad Rees

The School offers many opportunities for students to immerse themselves in the arts – hip-hop performance, rock musicals, theater productions, dance, a student-run record label, a gospel choir, jazz band and a funk/fusion ensemble, to name a few of many. According to Brad Rees, Vice Provost and Dean of the School of Creative and Media Arts, the originality and ingenuity of the programs housed under the SCMA umbrella act as its greatest strength.

“I believe that ours was one of the first programs of its kind, in that we were giving out music scholarships to non-music majors for participating in ensembles directed by professional musicians and music educators,” said Rees. “Other colleges, of course, had opportunities for nonmajors to participate in music, but they generally weren’t recruited to do so. I really believe that we were groundbreaking in this way. I know some other schools tried copying what we did, but very few were ever designed like we were.”

Beginning in 2022, TU's music degree program and extracurricular arts activities merged with the humanities

As is the case with music and performance through the SCMA, non-majors are free to participate in a number of extracurricular clubs, activities and events such as poetry readings, movie screenings, a new online news and media platform, fine art gallery shows, visiting author talks and more.

“I am most proud that the progress we have made has been consistent throughout our history,” continued Rees. “This incremental, steady growth came from a lot of hard work and many small victories. Often, these less obvious accomplishments aren’t apparent to most people at the time, but when you step back and look at them from a few years hence, you can see how many people and projects went into getting to where we are now. Today we are still approaching growth and improvement the same way. We build on our strengths, set achievable and carefully designed goals, take our calculated risks and assess our improvements along the way.”

The recording studio (pictured) is part of the new Performing Arts Laboratory, which also features large rehearsal spaces for TU bands, choirs, dance teams and commercial ensembles, a professional quality recording studio, keyboard and production lab and more.

BRAD REES

CRIMINAL JUSTICE AND SOCIAL SCIENCES AT TU

“You’d be hard-pressed to find another program that does exactly what we’re doing,” said Dr. Pete Piraino, Dean of the School of Criminal Justice and Social Sciences (CJSS). “The beauty of our model is that former police officers, national security experts, investigators, scientists and psychologists are all collaborating and teaching together under the same roof. They’re not only making advancements in areas where their fields overlap, but teaching the next generation and building new programs more effectively than they could do alone.”

A premier school in its field both regionally and nationally, the Tiffin University School of CJSS is no exception when it comes to upholding TU’s values. As is the case with each academic school, the School of CJSS provides active and immersive learning experiences, rooted in real-world exposure to its students. This commitment to using handson teaching methods is one of the reasons the school has been identified as a leader of industry. After all, it was Albert Einstein, one of history’s greatest visionaries who said, “Tell me and I’ll forget, show me and I may remember, involve me and I’ll learn.”

fresh sets of eyes and new perspectives, gaining firsthand experience by traveling to the locations of prior crimes, examining files, developing leads and making recommendations for future investigation. This is all done in collaboration with both members of TU’s faculty, as well as the National Cold Case Foundation.

“The School of Criminal Justice and Social Sciences has proven itself time and time again to be not only competent, but exceptional in preparing its students to enter their respective fields after graduation,” said Dr. Peter J. Holbrook, Provost and Chief Academic Officer. “Graduates of its programs are in high demand within the State of Ohio and beyond, with law enforcement agencies often specially requesting that students and alums apply for their internships and position vacancies. Our reputation in the social sciences and in the field of forensic psychology is noteworthy. This is tangible evidence that the professionals we mold routinely exceed employer expectations.”

“Every member of our faculty has substantial training and experience in the areas they teach,” Dr. Piraino explained.

“Who better to structure and lead a class on crime scene analysis than someone who’s analyzed hundreds of crime scenes in their day?”

In fact, the School of CJSS is so committed to giving students a taste of the real world, they even have their own Experiential Learning Center on campus, more commonly known as the Crime Scene Lab. The Center facilitates realistic crime scene analysis training, as well as mock addictions counseling and criminal interviewing/ interrogation exercises.

More recently in 2022, the CJSS School instated the Cold Case Fellowship program. Participants look at actual cold cases with

The School of CJSS also boasts state-of-the-art chemistry laboratories through the Center for Science and Technology on campus. Additionally, CJSS students are required to participate in professional internships before graduation, and many choose to partner with local police departments and mental health organizations. This way, every school alum can gain a competitive edge over their peers as they apply for entrylevel positions.

“I’m big on teaching critical thinking skills and using real-life events to do that,” Dr. Piraino began. “I frequently use the JFK assassination case when teaching my students the difference between evidence and non-evidence – like conspiracy theories. For this work, you need to understand what evidence truly is, or what will hold up in court. To do that, you need to slow down, think carefully and sufficiently about the situation at hand and not reach an ill-advised conclusion made in the face of objective facts.”

The School of CJSS hosts an annual forensic science and criminalistics summer camp for high school-aged students interested in the field. Participants get to witness real autopsies, analyze mock crime scenes and work with real industry professionals.

DR. PETE PIRAINO

ONCE A DRAGON, ALWAYS A DRAGON DR. JOHN MILLAR ON TU'S GROWTH AND ADVANCEMENT

The phrase "wearer of many hats" is an apt description of long-time community staple, Dr. John Millar, Tiffin University Dean Emeritus. Having spent 33 years teaching, mentoring and building connections on campus, it's easy to see why.

During his tenure, Dr. Millar has served as the Dean of Enrollment Services, Director of Intercollegiate Athletics, was the twiceappointed Vice President for Academic Affairs, Vice President for Student Affairs and two-time Dean of the School of Business. Additionally, he assisted former TU President, Dr. George Kidd, in developing and growing many initiatives still a part of the campus culture today, such as TU’s joint education degree program in collaboration with Lourdes University.

“When I first started as the Dean of Enrollment Services, the primary goal was simply to survive. We were still a very small institution,” he began. “I remember there were only a little over 400 students on campus at the time. Dr. Kidd and I had previously worked together as vice presidents at Mercyhurst University, so when he invited me to join TU and help him ‘grow a University,’ we had our work cut out for us.”

Not intimidated by an uphill battle, Dr. Millar worked diligently to promote the University and increase enrollment numbers.

“We used a local mall as an informal gauge of how we were doing,” he remembered. “When I first moved to Tiffin, we conducted a focus group with some shoppers and discovered only 20% of the participants had heard of TU. A year later, we did the same thing, and that number had jumped to 80%. I was very proud of how far we had come in just a year’s time.”

According to Dr. Millar, there were two distinct reasons for this rapid growth.

“My Ph.D. is in higher education administration. As such, I have spent over 60 years thinking about and researching strategies for building a college,” he began. “I knew this when I first started and still believe it was the right move to this day – the public needed to know what made us different from other institutions. We had to have a hook. Once we had one to advertise, enrollment would skyrocket. TU is a professional preparation university. Our graduates are always ready to get to work right away, and that’s partly because our instructors aren’t just teaching professionals, but professionals who happen to teach. Our faculty bring industry-tested expertise to their classes, and this is invaluable. The only problem is that for a while, people didn’t know this. That’s where George and I came in.”

Dr. Millar continued this thought, citing that the University determined the success of this initiative based on how employers reacted to entry-level TU graduates over the years.

“We used to have an ongoing partnership with an accounting firm out of Fostoria, and I remember the hiring manager telling me at one point, ‘I like hiring your graduates – they make me money their first day on the job.’ I thought that was so great,” he reminisced. “I was one of the people who was adamant about requiring pre-graduation internships for most of our students, and this is precisely why. Without real-world exposure, young or new professionals need to have their hands held when they break into their fields.”

Dr. Millar believes that the second reason for TU’s growth and success is the development of extra and co-curricular activities geared toward student engagement, such as the performing arts, athletics and student-run clubs.

“It keeps people here until they graduate and makes them come back to visit as alumni. You’ve gotta have fun and make memories while you’re here,” he said.

When asked if this was his reason behind staying involved in the TU community post-retirement, Dr. Millar had this to say.

"My life at TU has consisted of finding ways to help turn this place into what it is today, and I see where we began everywhere I look - I couldn't leave even if I wanted to. Green and gold is a part of who I am."

Though retired, Dr. Millar still regularly attends and participates in Universitysanctioned events. He still gives the benediction at the annual opening convocation and commencement ceremonies, where he addresses the students with words of advice and encouragement.

Additionally, he and his wife, Joyce are co-chairs of the Tiffin Society - a donor's organization for those who contribute $1,000 or more to the University on an annual basis.

DR. JOHN MILLAR AND HIS WIFE, JOYCE

MAKING AN INTERNATIONAL IMPACT TIFFIN UNIVERSITY’S PH.D. PROGRAM IN GLOBAL LEADERSHIP AND CHANGE

In the fall of 2019, Tiffin University launched a new academic initiative in direct alignment with its Celebrating CulTUral Uniqueness movement – the Ph.D. program in global leadership and change. Touted for utilizing a curriculum that appreciates the challenges and tremendous opportunities within today’s crosscultural work environment, the program focuses on teaching students how to effectively work with and learn from those of all backgrounds. Additionally, the associated coursework emphasizes the benefits of business-oriented collaboration within global marketplaces and coaches students on how to do so effectively.

“The goal was to prepare scholarly leaders for roles in complex organizations,” said Dr. Kenneth Rauch, Director of the program. “The heart of the program encompasses understanding a complex global environment. Cross-cultural interactions flow freely in and out through national borders. In effect, this has created a borderless world. Our early graduates recognize and understand this and are positioned to be world changers within this setting.”

“The launching of the Ph.D. program is evidence that TU is committed to defying stereotypes surrounding regional institutions of its size,” said Dr. Peter J. Holbrook, Provost and Chief Academic Officer. “Many smaller schools shy away from attempting to offer higher-level degrees such as this due to a lack of resources or faculty, but we recognized a real need and did everything in our power to meet it with the required faculty and resources for success. I am pleased to report on the program’s resounding success.”

Tiffin University recently celebrated the graduation of its first-ever doctoral cohort in the spring of 2022, with the inaugural graduates of this program receiving a special recognition during the commencement ceremony as they made TU history.

DR. KENNETH RAUCH

LOOKING FORWARD SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY, ENGINEERING, ARTS AND MATHEMATICS AT TU

Some big and exciting changes have recently taken place within the Tiffin University community, and the entire campus is abuzz with excitement over these new developments. In recent months, the University announced that the former academic School of Arts and Sciences would be restructured in 2023 before emerging as four new academic areas in support of the vision and goals of the University's strategic plan to transform TU. The following entities recently joined the existing School of Business and School of Criminal Justice and Social Sciences to form the new academic enterprise to spur innovation and academic growth by offering the unexpected.

• The School of Creative and Media Arts

• The School of Education and Extended Learning

• The School of Science, Technology and Health

• The Center for Tiffin University and Dragon Education Core Curriculum

The decision to do this was made so that the majors housed under the Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics (STEAM) umbrella would be given the space to reach their full potentials. Existing as separate schools allows these entities to hire additional faculty members to address increases in enrollment and program growth, as well as apply for grants, funding and student scholarship opportunities separate from the other STEAM-oriented programs.

“This is an opportunity for us to dream big and take risks,” said Dr. Peter J. Hobrook, Provost and Chief Academic Officer. “University officials recognized that, due to the rapid growth and influence of many majors within the arts and sciences, their trajectory would be inhibited if not given the proper platform. So, we ultimately came together and decided this new format would be more conducive to the long-term vision for innovation and academic growth.”

The above in mind, this is a prime opportunity to highlight some such achievements of the faculty, programs and students that used to call the School of Arts and Sciences home.

“The development of our STEAM-related programs has been exponential, especially within the last decade. This is an accomplishment of which I am especially proud,” cited Dr. Holbrook. “We’ve created and/or refined our exercise science program, that of forensic science and our dual enrollment program in collaboration with Mercy College for the applied health sciences major. Regarding the arts, I am pleased to report on the development of our commercial music and digital media design programs, as well as that of our graduate programs in the humanities. Not only this, but the new Center for Science and Technology continues to support the evolution of these and other relevant programs and will continue doing so for years to come.”

According to Dr. Holbrook, one of the greatest strengths of the

arts and sciences at TU is the collective focus on modernization.

“These majors have all been designed with flexibility and innovation in mind,” he began. “Our programs are cutting edge, different from other STEAM-oriented offerings in that they reflect the needs of not only our students, but those of the marketplace and future employers as well. Our coursework is designed for students who want to gain immediate employment in their fields post-graduation. Even more importantly, the arts and sciences emphasize the importance of our tagline, ‘Without Risk, There is no Gain,’ in their everyday dealings and affairs – in how they approach the design and delivery of their pedagogy. They place the practical application of theory-topractice at the top of their priority list through entrepreneurial and groundbreaking means of delivery. This allows students to experience the most hands-on, up-to-date coursework possible.”

Dr. Holbrook, alongside those within the new academic schools, also has a plan for how these units should continue their current path of advancement well into the future.

“We want to build a reputation of excellence in the areas of exercise science, biology, forensic science, as well as the technology-related fields of computer science, cyber security and artificial intelligence,” Dr. Holbrook offered. “The School of Science, Technology and Health will allow us to see this vision through at both the undergraduate and graduate levels. Most importantly, we want to achieve specialized school accreditation for programs such as exercise science and clinical exercise physiology, as well as add programs in the areas of health and engineering. Through the new School of Creative and Media Arts, we want to be recognized as an institution that offers relevant programs and training in all things related to digital communication and the visual and performing arts. By launching the School of Education and Extended Learning, we will continue to forge a set of programs that will serve the education-based needs of Ohio K-12 school districts, as well as for higher education in the areas of administration and instructional design.”

The Provost continued this sentiment, saying he most looks forward to future cross-departmental collaboration and synergy.

“This design of this new academic enterprise allows us to further goals associated with the University’s strategic plan and the Transform campaign. This new structure brings together leaders from across the institution to build new and unique programs both for their own areas and in the case of departmental overlap. I look forward to seeing how the areas of business, criminal justice, social sciences, sciences, technology, health, education and the creative and media arts will evolve in the coming years, and am excited to offer continued support and guidance along the way.”

DR. PETER J. HOLBROOK

TU’s Center for Science and Technology comes equipped with its very own Anatomage Table, more commonly known as a virtual autopsy machine. The University is one of only a handful of schools in the country with access to one, and among the very few who allow undergraduate students access to it.

1 ] GIVING DAY CAMPAIGN RECOGNIZED WITH SILVER WINNER DESIGNATION

Tiffin University hosted its fourth annual Giving Day fundraising campaign in September 2021, in collaboration with strategic partner Ruffalo Noel Levitz (RNL). The overall success of the event earned it special recognition by the 37th Annual Education Advertising Awards committee, who named the campaign a Silver Winner for outstanding work in the category of Total Fund Raising/ Development Campaign Giving Day.

[ 2 ] ATHLETICS ADDS MEN’S LACROSSE

Tiffin University has added men’s lacrosse as its 24th varsity sport during the 2023-24 athletic season. Travis Brown was named head coach in the summer of 2022 and has a full year of recruiting ahead of the team’s debut season. Men’s lacrosse will have its first face-off in the spring of 2024. Men’s lacrosse will compete as a NCAA Division II program as a part of the Great Midwest Athletic Conference (GMAC). They will also be joining the women’s lacrosse program which debuted in 2009-10. [ 3

] TWO TIFFIN UNIVERSITY STUDENTS CONSULT WITH OHIO SUMMER CAMP

In the spring of 2022, undergraduate students Alex Sklack and CJ McCrimmon collaborated with the Northwest Ohio Christian Youth Summer Camp on a historical discovery and artifact preservation project. This work was facilitated through TU Assistant Professor of History Dr. Michael Goodnough as part of the coursework for his public history II course. The camp’s goal was to uncover and document the campground’s history prior to their purchase of the land, as well as preserve items of importance related to the surrounding area, its records dating back to the Northwest Ordinance of 1787 and earlier indigenous presence. After completing their research, Alex and CJ presented their findings before the camp’s Board of Directors and Seneca County Commissioner, Tyler Shuff.

[ 4 ] TIFFIN UNIVERSITY RECEIVES COLLEGIATE PURPLE STAR DESIGNATION FOR SERVICE TO MILITARY STUDENTS

In May, Ohio Governor Mike DeWine and the Ohio Department of Higher Education (ODHE) announced that Tiffin University has been named a Collegiate Purple Star campus. TU is one of Ohio’s 33 first-ever Collegiate Purple Star Award winners. Through these winning campuses, servicemembers, veterans and military-connected students are able to pursue higher education, knowing that their school has the necessary support system and guidance to help them find their next steps. Ohio is the first state in the nation to offer these designations. Criteria for being chosen as a Purple Star college or university include having a dedicated military/veteran point of contact and/or office on campus, establishing priority registration for veterans and servicemembers, surveying student veterans and servicemembers – along with

spouses and dependents – about needs and challenges as well as allowing for the establishment of studentled groups and organizations for veterans and servicemembers.

[ 5 ] UP IN THE AIR PERFORMS AT CARNEGIE HALL

In June, eight members of the Tiffin University a cappella vocal group, Up in the Air joined forces with college, high school and community choirs as well as ensembles from across the country for a performance at the famous Carnegie Hall in New York City. They were conducted by John Stafford, one of the country’s leading choral conductors. The performance also featured jazz vocalists Peter Eldridge and Lauren Kinhan, members of the Grammy-winning ensemble, New York Voices.

Up in the Air also performed for a creative and performing arts high school in Eastern Pennsylvania before the Carnegie Hall concert. Additionally, they hosted a show at Shawnee Craft Brewery in East Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania and performed with recording artist and Tiffin native, Regina Sayles.

[ 6 ] TIFFIN UNIVERSITY PARTICIPATES IN CFA INSTITUTE’S UNIVERSITY AFFILIATION PROGRAM®

Tiffin University was approved to participate in the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA®) Institute’s University Affiliation Program (UAP®). This approval means that TU finance students are now able to apply for financial aid scholarships on behalf of the CFA®, and the University now has access to CFA®-sanctioned coursework and exams for teaching purposes. Acceptance into the UAP® signifies that Tiffin University’s finance curriculum utilizes at least 70 percent of the CFA® Program Candidate Body of Knowledge (CBOK) and that the University’s finance classes place an emphasis on the CFA Institute’s® Code of Ethics and Standards of Professional Conduct.

[ 7 ] ACCOUNTING PROGRAM RECEIVES IMA® ENDORSEMENT

Tiffin University’s accounting program received an endorsement from the Institute of Management Accountants (IMA®). The IMA® Endorsement Program awards stamps of approval to colleges and universities with curricula proven to effectively prepare students to perform well on the industry’s Certified Management Accountant (CMA) Exam, as well as meet the demands of jobs in their field post-graduation. Fewer than 70 accounting programs nationwide have received this accolade. To qualify for an IMA® endorsement, schools must meet four benchmarks: their accounting program must substantially cover the content featured on the CMA exam, the program must have adequate faculty resources to deliver said content, the department must be accredited by a recognized accreditation organization and a faculty member within the major must be designated as an IMA® Campus Advocate. The IMA® is one of the largest and most respected associations focused exclusively on advancing the management accounting profession.

TWO PROFESSORS RECEIVE PROFESSIONAL RECOGNITION

Dr. Johnathon Sharp and Dr. Olga Bertelsen of Tiffin University’s School of Criminal Justice and Social Sciences received acknowledgement for outstanding work in their respective fields. Dr. Sharp, TU Associate Professor of Psychology, was accepted to give a research presentation at the Society for Police and Criminal Psychology in Quebec City, Canada last September.

Dr. Bertelsen, TU Associate Professor of Global Security and Intelligence had an op-ed accepted for publication in the European academic journal, the Aspen Review. The publication centers on the ongoing war in her homeland of Ukraine and is entitled, “Russia’s ‘Corpse Ideology’ and Its Genocide in Ukraine.”

[ 9 ]

TIFFIN UNIVERSITY SHOWS APPRECIATION FOR TIFFIN COMMUNITY WITH DISCOUNTED TICKETS

This past summer, Tiffin University showed its appreciation for employees, friends and Tiffin community members by offering discounted rates for recreational activities at several participating Ohio attractions. The goal of these events is to provide family-friendly summertime activities for Tiffin University faculty, staff and students, as well as members of the Tiffin community. Employees and friends of Tiffin University were able to visit Cedar Point, Great Lakes Science Center, Newport Aquarium or Kalahari Resort with discounted pricing.

[ 10 ]

COMMERCIAL MUSIC STUDENT LAUNCHES CAREER WITH ROCK AND ROLL HALL OF FAME

Jo Ochenduski, a commercial music major at Tiffin University was selected to participate in the Resident Rocker program through Cleveland’s Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. The summer curriculum aims to nurture the talents of up-and-coming musicians and provide them with the skills needed to succeed as independent artists. Of the many applicants, Ochenduski was one of three accepted. In addition to giving public performances throughout the program, Resident Rockers spend 30 hours each week learning from industry professionals in the areas of performance, songwriting, marketing, production and engineering, music business, entrepreneurship and financial/legal matters.

[ 11 ] STUDENT BUSINESS IPROMEI OFFERS WELCOME PACKAGES FOR FIRST- YEAR STUDENTS

Jada Moore, Tiffin University student, winner of the Tiffin Innovation Program (TIP) and CEO of the newly founded iPromei Skin Care Company, partnered with the University to offer self-care packages to all students upon their arrival to campus. Her company is focused on producing quality products at affordable prices, while also educating customers about proper skin care practices. During Welcome Weekend, families were able to place orders for

three versions of the gift boxes, also referred to as TU Totes which also came with a custom TU tote bag.

[ 12 ] PRESIDENT SCHUMACHER JOINED OHIO DIVERSITY COUNCIL’S STATE BOARD

The Ohio Diversity Council (OHDC) appointed Tiffin University President Dr. Lillian Schumacher to serve as a member of their Board of Directors, responsible for the execution of the organization’s overall mission and oversight of their five regional advisory boards. The OHDC is the state’s premier resource for diversity and inclusion education and implementation and is committed to “fostering a learning environment for organizations to grow and leverage their knowledge of diversity.”

Tiffin University’s Nadia Lewis was also appointed to serve on the OHDC’s Toledo Advisory Board. In January of this year, Lewis was promoted to become both the Vice President for Human Resources, as well as the first Vice President for TU’s Center for InterculTUral Excellence.

[ 13 ] TIFFIN ARTS HOSTS ANNUAL BAND DAY EVENT

Tiffin University’s Creative Arts Institute (CAI) hosted its annual Band Day in September. The event is for all high school band members who wish to hone their skills in a creative and fun environment with help from industry professionals. Participants had the opportunity to tour the CAI’s state-of-the-art music facilities, work with TU’s commercial music faculty and staff, as well as perform with the Tiffin University Marching Band before the TU football game. Personalized coaching was also available for all brass, woodwind and marching percussion instruments.

[ 14 ] DIANE KIDD GALLERY HOSTS “PLY- MEMORIES” BY JULIA LABAY DARRAH

Tiffin University’s Diane Kidd Gallery featured the work of Julia LaBay Darrah in an artistic installation entitled “Ply-memories,” August through October. The “Plymemories” exhibition commented on the aesthetic of middle-class society by utilizing daily life as its subject matter. LaBay sees the design process as art making, which is executed using clear and formal rules referencing human interaction. She makes use of a wide array of materials and processes to create multi-layered display pieces. Labay also manages her own design company called LaBay Designs, and her work has been exhibited both regionally and nationally at galleries and museums such as the Toledo Museum of Art, Northern Kentucky University and Mary Grove College. LaBay has been recognized with several awards and grants for her creations.

[ 15 ] GIVING DAY AND THANK-A-GIVER WEEK CAMPAIGNS

Tiffin University alumni, friends and donors joined forces to make a difference in TU’s future by donating over $198,000 during its fourth annual Giving Day

on Wednesday, September 15. There were a total of 1,544 gifts, including five large-scale matching gifts totaling $42,500 and an event at Tiffin’s XCaret Mexican Restaurant. Proceeds from Giving Day will support TU in scholarships and financial aid, athletics, student life, academic life, technology, faculty, campus beautification and institutional development.

Thank-a-Giver (TAG) Week was hosted in tandem with Giving Day. Physical tags with the names of past donors were placed on the buildings they had a hand in funding – such as residence halls, athletic facilities and classrooms – as a visual reminder of their generosity.

Details to come soon about the 2023 campaign, scheduled for September 13.

[ 16 ] TIFFIN UNIVERSITY ADDS THREE NEW ACADEMIC PROGRAMS

Tiffin University announced the addition of three new degree options to its undergraduate curriculum: a Bachelor of Arts degree in global sports and culture, a Bachelor of Science degree in computer science with a concentration in Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) and a Bachelor of Arts degree in psychology with a concentration in sport psychology.

The global sports and culture major was added for students seeking to understand how sports can shape or alter one’s personal identity, and how one’s personal sports identity can help bridge gaps created by differences related to race, gender or class. The sports psychology concentration is for those looking to equip themselves with the behavioral knowledge and skills needed to enhance the physical and mental performance of those participating in recreation, fitness, exercise and sports-related settings. Combined, the global sports and culture degree program and the sports psychology concentration represent new efforts to offer interdisciplinary coursework that backs the University’s commitment to athletic excellence and supporting TU’s many student-athletes.

The UAS technology concentration of the computer science major is affiliated with TU’s Drone Academy, and caters to students seeking to become leaders in the burgeoning industry of drone technology in a number of established fields: law enforcement, business, agriculture, transportation and surveying, journalism and others.

[ 17 ] TU ANNOUNCES COLD CASE FELLOWSHIP PROGRAM

Tiffin University’s School of Criminal Justice and Social Sciences will launch the Cold Case Fellowship program in the fall of 2023. Participants will have the opportunity to collaborate with TU’s faculty and third-party investigative agencies to investigate real-world unsolved mysteries. The collaboration will meet a significant community need while giving students hands-on experience in the field. The program will admit 25 new students into its first cohort, as well as a limited number of continuing students.

[ 18 ] TUITION DISCOUNTS FOR EMPLOYEES OF PARTNERED INSTITUTIONS

In fall of 2022, Tiffin University added several articulated partner schools throughout the state of Ohio to its employee tuition discount program. This decision comes as part of TU’s ongoing effort to make higher education more accessible and to encourage the growth and development of its affiliated institutions. Employees at the following institutions are now able to receive tuition discounts specific to their chosen degree program:

• Columbus State Community College

• Cuyahoga Community College

• Eastern Gateway Community College

• Edison State Community College

• Marion Technical College

• North Central State College

• Owens Community College

• Rhodes State College

• Terra State Community College

• Washington State Community College

Employees are now entitled to receive $150 off per credit hour for online and extended learning undergraduate programs, $200 off per credit hour for main campus undergraduate programs, $250 off per credit hour for master’s courses and $150 off per credit hour for Ph.D. coursework.

[ 19 ] ANNUAL GET OUT AND WALK DAY EVENT

In October, TU student-athletes joined Washington Elementary School students for their annual Get Out and Walk Day to encourage both healthy living and communal engagement. The event involved Washington’s administration, staff, teachers and hundreds of participating students, as well as TU staff, athletes and other community members and supporters.

[ 20 ] NATIONAL TRANSFER STUDENT WEEK CELEBRATION

During the week of October 17, Tiffin University honored its transfer students in observation of National Transfer Student Week. According to the National Institute for the Study of Transfer Students (NISTS), the purpose of the annual event is to “celebrate transfer students and their advocates who help(ed) them navigate the transition from one institution to another.” The University hosted events throughout the week to show appreciation for its transfer students, including a pizza party, a photoshoot with a custom-made “I transferred” frame and a blog series that featured transfer student stories.

CAMPUS SCENE CONTINUED...

[ 21 ] VETERANS AND MILITARY HONORED AT TU VS. FINDLAY GAME

Tiffin University’s football game against the University of Findlay on Saturday, November 12 honored veterans and military service members who were in attendance. The United Veterans Council of Seneca County started the game by presenting the posting of the colors, followed by a pre-game recognition of all attending veterans and active service members. Military members were also treated with food and giveaways.

[ 22 ] 31ST ANNUAL INTERNATIONAL FLAG CEREMONY

TU celebrated its international students through the 31st Annual International Flag Ceremony, presented by the Office of International Affairs. The event functions as part of the University’s observation of International Education Week (IEW). According to Scott Saracusa, Executive Director of Business Development and International Affairs, 142 students hailing from 33 countries outside the United States were represented at this event.

[ 23 ] DISTINGUISHED LECTURE SERIES REVIVED WITH IRENE MILLER

The School of Criminal Justice and Social Sciences brought back its Distinguished Lecture Series with Irene Miller, Holocaust survivor and renowned author, as the first guest speaker. Miller is a retired healthcare executive and outspoken drug addiction and mental health advocate. She is currently a docent and speaker for the Detroit Institute of Arts, a courts mediator and serves on the Board of Directors of the American Jewish Committee, the oldest civil rights organization in the U.S. Since the University of Michigan-Dearborn published her book, “Into No Man’s Land: A Historical Memoir” in November of 2012, Irene has been in demand as a speaker at many large events across North America and internationally.

[ 24 ] TIFFINARTS WELCOMES TIFFIN NATIVE REGINA SAYLES

The commercial music program hosted guest artist and Tiffin native, Regina Sayles. Sayles spent four days in residency working with music majors in the campus recording studio, performing and teaching workshops, and presented a solo concert open free to the public. She has shared the stage with female folk pioneer Tret Fure, female folk icon Ani Defranco and has opened for Pat Benatar, the Steve Miller Band, Frankie Ballard and Dan+Shea. In addition to her busy performance schedule, Sayles has an active music teaching studio. She has recently earned certificates in recording production software platforms Pro Tools and Ableton Live from Berklee College of Music. She also holds a master’s degree in educational technology from East Stroudsburg University.

25 ] TIFFIN UNIVERSITY’S DRONE ACADEMY FORMS DRONE RACING TEAMS , ONE FOR LOCAL YOUTH

The Tiffin University Drone Academy has formed two Unmanned Aerial System (UAS) racing teams – the Club Drone Racing Team and the Drone Racing STEM Club. The Club Drone Racing Team is open to all TU students and the Drone Racing STEM Club is open to local youths between the ages of 12 and 18. Russell Jones, drone racer with the Cleveland Quad Squad professional team, is head coach for both programs. The Drone Racing STEM club will meet with Russell once per month for six months to hone their skills.

[ 26 ] TIFFIN UNIVERSITY HOSTS LEGISLATIVE BREAKFAST

Tiffin University hosted a Legislative Breakfast in November. University representatives discussed new programs and recent successes, including new facilities, strategic innovation accomplishments and fruitful grants. There were also two panels featured: one of students who discussed issues most important to them, as well as personal stories about the value of their education, and one of employers who discussed how they partner with the University and their experience with graduates and workforce trainings. The event closed with Tiffin University’s President Dr. Lillian Schumacher discussing challenges and the vision for the upcoming year and comments from participating legislators.

[ 27 ] TIFFIN UNIVERSITY OBSERVES NATIONAL FIRST-GENERATION COLLEGE CELEBRATION DAY

In November, Tiffin University honored current students who are the first in their families to attend college. The event coincides with National First-Generation College Celebration Day, an initiative of the National Association of Student Personnel Administrators (NASPA) and the Suder Foundation. The lecture featured a panel of former firstgeneration college students who are also Tiffin University graduates. The group shared words of wisdom and advice with attendees. Akeem Needum, class of 2015 and 2017, was the keynote speaker. Needum is the Operations Manager for Lululemon in Columbus. Other panel members included Michael Saliba, Chari Mullen, Dr. David Farler, Latrice Ponder and Professor Nicholas Reinhard.

[ 28 ] TIFFIN UNIVERSITY OFFERS NEW EDUCATION DUAL ENROLLMENT PROGRAM

TU has added an accelerated undergraduate-to-graduate coursework option for those seeking Master of Education (M.Ed.) degrees in higher educational administration or instructional design. Eligible TU seniors can begin this graduate coursework while still completing undergraduate studies. M.Ed. dual enrollment is open to all undergraduate majors, based online, and students can take up to six classes.

[ 29 ] TIFFIN UNIVERSITY HOSTS MOCK VOTING DAY FOR LOCAL SCHOOLS

Tiffin University hosted a mock voting day for elementary youth in November. The event involved a mix of 217 fourth and fifth-grade students from Calvert, HopewellLoudon and Mohawk. A total of 11 polls were set up in the Heminger Center with students voting on a variety of topics such as favorite foods, colors and other topics. The exercise was to highlight the importance of voting on Election Day. The results of the student vote were revealed at the Tiffin University-Findlay football game on November 12 and all participating students were welcomed to attend.

[ 30 ] FACULTY RECOGNIZED FOR EXCELLENCE

Nine standout Tiffin University professors were recognized at the Annual Faculty Awards Dinner last month. Honors were given to those who went above and beyond in key areas of their work. Recipients of the various awards included: Dr. James Gucker, Assistant Professor of Business Law; Dr. Victoria Ingalls, Professor of Mathematics and Natural Sciences; Professor Corri Miller, Assistant Professor of Human Resource Management; Professor Rebecca Abraham, Assistant Professor of Human Resource Management; Dr. Mark Sabo, Professor of Forensic Science and Chemistry; Dr. Erin Dean, Professor of Psychology and Counseling and Assistant Dean for the School of Criminal Justice and Social Sciences; Dr. John Schupp, Assistant Professor of Chemistry and Dr. Isabelle Tardif, Adjunct Professor of Natural Science.

[ 31 ] DR. BONNIE TIELL GIVES NATIONAL CONVENTION KEYNOTE ADDRESS IN PUERTO RICO

Dr. Bonnie Tiell, Professor of Sports Management at Tiffin University, provided the keynote address for the inaugural National Convention on the Sustainability of Sport and Recreation in Puerto Rico. Dr. Tiell also hosted a workshop at the conference, focusing on business practices in sport tourism. The four-day event brought together physical education teachers, coaches and recreation enthusiasts to learn about the best practices and strategies in the industry and over 350 participated. Following the convention, Dr. Tiell was invited by Sports Minister Rey Quinones to collaborate on an initiative to improve the positioning of sports as an economic driver for all regions of Puerto Rico.

[ 32 ] TIFFIN UNIVERSITY FEATURED IN “THE COLLEGE TOUR”

Tiffin University is the featured school in the final episode of “The College Tour,” season six. The episode is now available through Amazon Prime, on IMDb TV, TU’s website, TU’s social media and across the College Tour platform, including its mobile app and website. Hosted by Alex Boylan, the College Tour is a powerful series created to empower high school students to virtually travel across America for an inside look at colleges and universities. Topics for TU’s episode include the City of Tiffin, athletics, TiffinArts, internship opportunities, student engagement, academics, entrepreneurship and innovation, the TIP Program, online programs and InterculTUral Excellence.

[ 33 ] DIANE KIDD GALLERY HOSTS “FROZEN IN TIME” PLASTINATION EXHIBIT

Throughout November through February, the Diane Kidd Gallery featured work from the University of Toledo’s (UT) plastination laboratory entitled, “Frozen in Time.” The specimens on display are part of a permanent collection of anatomical and pathological specimens from the Liberato DiDio and Peter Goldblatt Interactive Museum of Anatomy and Pathology. The central mission of the laboratory is to provide plastinated specimens to facilitate the education of healthcare students at the University of Toledo, as well as all of UT’s undergraduates and K-12 students both from Toledo and surrounding areas. The exhibit is possible because of the generosity and selfless acts of several individuals who donated their bodies to the University of Toledo Body Donation Program.

[ 34 ] TIFFIN UNIVERSITY TO OFFER ENHANCED CREDIT FOR PRIOR LEARNING (CPL) OPTION

Tiffin University has teamed with the Council of Adult and Experiential Learning (CAEL) to launch an enhanced Credit for Prior Learning (CPL) initiative for new and current students. Beginning in January, students will have access to Credit Predictor Pro, a web-based software that will guide them through the process of documenting

their work and learning experiences. Once students have completed their profile, the system generates a realtime, personalized dashboard to keep them apprised of potential credits earned. Automated estimates of earned credit for certifications, military training or credit-byexam are created in real-time, while reviews of resumes for experiential learning will be completed in one-to-two business days.

[ 35 ] TIFFIN UNIVERSITY’S OHIO INNOCENCE PROJECT CHAPTER HOSTS ROBERT MCCLENDON

Tiffin University’s undergraduate student chapter of the Ohio Innocence Project (OIP-u:TU) hosted guest speaker, Robert McClendon in November. McClendon spent 17 years in prison for crimes he did not commit. McClendon shared his story with the community as well as fielded questions about his experiences. McClendon was wrongfully charged and convicted of kidnapping and raping his 10-year-old daughter. On August 28, 1991, a Franklin County judge found McClendon guilty of kidnapping and rape and sentenced him to 15 years to life in prison. After DNA testing was done by the Ohio Innocence Project they found that it did not match the sample taken from McClendon. He was freed on August 12, 2008 after serving close to 17 years.

TU COMMUNITY INVITED TO ACADEMIC EXPERIENCE WITH OLYMPIANS

Tiffin University alumni and friends, as well as professors and students from other universities are encouraged to join current TU community members and participate in the upcoming Academic Experience with Olympians program, to be held in Paris from July 23 to August 7, 2024. Roughly 16 students and two academic fellows will be selected with preference given to current students, faculty and staff from TU. The program allows participants to conduct academic research, meet, collaborate with and learn from Olympic athletes, coaches and administrators, as well as engage in humanitarian work for underprivileged youth in or near their host city.

[ 37 ] CITY OF TIFFIN AND TIFFIN FIRE CHIEF THANK HOPE LOVE FOR BRAVERY IN FACE OF TU RESIDENCE HALL FIRE

Tiffin University student and resident assistant (RA), Hope Love, was recognized by the City of Tiffin and Fire Chief, Robert Chappell, for her swift and quick actions when a fire broke out in Friedley Residence Hall on the morning of Sunday, November 13. According to Chief Chappell, Love’s bravery and adherence to emergency protocol saved the day from an event that could have spelled tragedy if improperly handled. Love received an award at Tiffin City Hall on the evening of November 21 for her efforts.At approximately 3:40 a.m., Love awoke to the sound of a student pounding on her door, claiming a fire had broken out in one of the student’s rooms. Though barely awake, she immediately sprang into action. Thanks to the help of student residents, Taushee Kemp and Shanamarie Richard, who were already alerting

others in the building of the threat, Love could focus on the other problem at hand. She sped down the hallway, past the room where the fire began, to grab the nearest fire extinguisher, which was luckily stationed nearby. No injuries were reported and the property damage was minimal.

[ 38 ] TIFFINARTS HOSTS ANNUAL CHRISTMAS AT THE RITZ HOLIDAY CONCERT

Tiffin University presented its annual “Christmas at The Ritz” holiday concert on Saturday, December 3 at The Ritz Theatre in Tiffin. Tiffin University choirs and bands were joined by the TU Dance Team, TU funk band Word on the Street, a cappella groups Up in the Air and Higher Ground, indie band No Rain, hip hop group Beyond Understanding and the Dragon Big Band. The concert also featured young community musicians participating in the recording studio production project TiffinKidz.

[ 39 ] DRONE ACADEMY HOSTS FIRST ANNUAL OHIO DRONE AGRICULTURE SUMMIT

Tiffin University’s Drone Academy hosted its first annual Ohio Drone Agriculture Summit in December. The Summit educated local, state and federal leaders and members of the farming community on how drone technology can aid modern agricultural efforts. This event featured speakers from 19 Precision Agriculture and Avon Unmanned Aerial Services (Avon UAS) –two small businesses among the first to utilize drone technology for agricultural purposes in the state of Ohio. Dr. John Schupp, Assistant Professor of Chemistry and Dr. Sushmita Gosh, Professor of Science, unveiled their research into the environmental characteristics that influence plant and crop health. Their portion of the discussion focused on how said findings can help determine the best ways to utilize UAS technology for the purposes of documentation, analysis and test field sampling.

[ 40 ] DRONE ACADEMY RECEIVES STIC INCENTIVE PROGRAM FUNDING

Tiffin University’s Drone Academy has received a grant of $99,850 from the State Transportation Innovation Council (STIC), sub-committee of the Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT). The Drone Academy was the only applying entity to receive the Ohio STIC’s Incentive Program funding in 2022, and plans to use the resource to aid Ohio’s State Highway Patrol Accident Reconstruction Unit and local law enforcement agencies by: purchasing basic drones to conduct field studies and method testing related to highway accidents and natural disasters, designing customized curriculum on Unmanned Aerial System (UAS) usage for accident scene reconstruction, training at least 40 Ohio law enforcement partners on UAS technology usage and evaluating training effectiveness and scale statewide.

[ 41 ] PROVOST PARTICIPATES IN TRANSFER PATHWAYS TO THE LIBERAL ARTS SIGNING CEREMONY

Provost and Chief Academic Officer, Dr. Peter J. Holbrook participated in the Ohio Consortium for Transfer Pathways to the Liberals Arts signing ceremony and reception at the Ohio Statehouse Atrium in Columbus in December. The event recognized the 25 two and four-year institutions of higher education that have worked collaboratively to approve common transfer pathways in biology, English and psychology, consistent with the Ohio Guaranteed Transfer Pathways’ guidelines. In June 2021, the Council of Independent Colleges (CIC) was awarded a $400,000 grant by the Teagle Foundation and Arthur Vining Davis Foundations for the purpose of building transfer pathways from community colleges to Ohio independent colleges, and to improve the transfer culture on both two and fouryear campuses across the state.

[ 42 ] TIFFIN UNIVERSITY HOSTS FOURTH ANNUAL PITCH COMPETITION

Tiffin University hosted the fourth annual pitch competition, inviting marketing students from TU, Calvert High School and Heidelberg University. Dr. Kellie McGilvray, Professor of Marketing and Assistant Dean for Online Learning and Graduate Programs, facilitated the event, as part of the students’ final project of the semester. The top projects selected were “Baltrak,” “Chillow” and “The Flowbrush,” all from Calvert High School; “The Dragon Wagon” from Tiffin University and “The Hangout'' from Heidelberg University.

[ 43 ] TIFFIN UNIVERSITY STUDENTS VOLUNTEER AT NFL GAME IN MEXICO CITY

In November of 2022, Tiffin University business students Maria Gavaria, Adrian Martinez and Norberto Flores traveled to Mexico City, Mexico to volunteer as event security for the NFL football game between the Arizona Cardinals and the San Francisco 49ers at the Estadio Azteca Stadium.

[ 44 ] TIFFIN UNIVERSITY 2022 FALL SEMESTER DEAN’S LIST

Tiffin University presented 677 undergraduate students who were awarded the Dean’s List for the 2022 fall semester. To qualify, students must be degree seeking, enrolled in a minimum of 12 credits hours and earn a 3.5 GPA or better.

[ 45 ] DR. JOHN SCHUPP JOINS OHIO’S BCI TO REOPEN MURDER CASE

Dr. John Schupp, Assistant Professor of Chemistry, was recently brought on by the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation (BCI) as a forensic chemistry consultant to work on an unsolved murder case from the 1980s. Due to his efforts, the decades-old cold case was reopened in June of 2022, and Schupp is now continuing his work with BCI to uncover the truth and officially close the case.

[

46 ] TIFFIN UNIVERSITY TO HOST ANNUAL FORE FUN IN FLORIDA GOLF OUTING

Tiffin University’s Office of Institutional Advancement and Alumni Relations will host the annual FORE Fun in Florida golf outing scramble on February 18, 2023 at the Majestic Golf Club, 350 Homestead Rd. S. in Lehigh Acres, Florida. A social event will follow the scramble in the clubhouse from 6 to 8 p.m. The event is open to all Tiffin University alumni, family and friends. Non-golfers are welcome. [

47 ] TIFFIN UNIVERSITY’S PFEIFFER LIBRARY AWARDED LSTA GRANT FUNDING

Tiffin University’s Pfeiffer Library has been approved for an open grant through the Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA) in the amount of $4,978. This will be used for the purpose of implementing technological innovations throughout its facilities. The Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) provided the funding, which was administered by the State Library of Ohio.

[ 48 ] TIFFIN UNIVERSITY SELECTED TO RECEIVE CHOOSE OHIO FIRST GRANT FUNDING

On behalf of the State of Ohio and the Ohio Department of Higher Education (ODHE), Tiffin University has been awarded $952,000 through the Choose Ohio First (COF) scholarship program. The University was selected for its commitment to providing work-based learning experiences, as well as financial and academic support to Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) students. The funding will directly support tuition aid-related efforts for TU’s relevant student populations.

Acknowledgement: Campus Scene was written with the significant help of Shanna Morris, intern for the Department of Marketing and Communications.

A DRAGON FOR LIFE MR. WILLIAM HERTZER’S DONOR SPOTLIGHT STORY

As a well-known member of the community, Tiffin University alumnus (Class of 1960) and Board of Trustee member, Mr. William (Bill) Hertzer has developed a reputation as someone who commits. Whether it be personally, professionally or charitably, he isn’t afraid to go all in, when he believes a cause is worthwhile. He spent 36 years working for the same organization, National Machinery in Tiffin, as their Senior Cost Analyst. Bill has also been consistently generous to TU with donations of his time, talent and treasure, and though he now spends winters in Florida, he has remained a resident of the City of Tiffin his entire life. Most notably, Bill is, in his own words, “a lifelong supporter of Tiffin University and its ambitions.”

“I do it, first and foremost, because I feel I received a really good education as a student,” said Hertzer, when asked why he has remained so involved over the years. “I feel I should mention that they did a great job of preparing me to enter the business world, and I want to make sure others receive the same quality of training.”

Hertzer’s commitment to the University has allowed TU to advance in several areas, including the construction of the Hertzer Technology Center in 2004 and by endowing the William F. Hertzer Department of Accounting and Finance – TU’s first endowed academic department – in 2018. He has also named Tiffin University as a beneficiary in his estate plan.

Hertzer and his late wife, Jean Grady Hertzer (Class of 1956), dedicated the Hertzer Technology Center to their son, William Jr., in his memory. Hertzer later requested that carillon bells be installed in the center's clock tower to honor and memorialize his wife after her passing.

Hertzer is also a dedicated advocate for the differently-abled, and his efforts in this area have allowed TU to become and stay a more inclusive and welcoming place for all.

“It is especially important to me that every building on campus remains up to code with ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) standards. My boy was born with muscular dystrophy, so this

topic is dear to me. When we were first talking about building the Technology Center, there were already laws in place requiring certain things, sure – but I remember being adamant that if the building was going to be two stories, then it had to have an elevator. This made the project more expensive, but I don’t regret donating the extra money for a second.”

Because of his kindness, Hertzer became the second-ever recipient of the Frank E. Murphy Award, the highest honor TU can grant an individual –recognizing those who demonstrate an extraordinary commitment to helping others.

When asked what makes him the most proud to be a Tiffin University alumnus and Board of Trustee member, Hertzer had this to say:

“When I was studying there, we probably had around 125 students. It’s amazing to think about how much we’ve grown in size, real estate and resources since then, and I’m especially proud of TU for this.”

In his free time, Mr. Hertzer enjoys regularly attending shows and concerts through the School of Creative and Media Arts.

MR. WILLIAM HERTZER

THE SKY'S THE LIMIT TIFFIN UNIVERSITY'S DRONE ACADEMY TAKES OFF

In March of last year, Tiffin University launched a new program that has since become a renowned entity in the State of Ohio and beyond. The Drone Academy was founded as a response to the ever-growing usage of Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) technology in multiple industries and fields, such as law enforcement, agriculture, transportation and others. The Academy features academic classes, training seminars, community outreach programs, certification opportunities and recreational activities like Community Fly Days.

In addition to organizing many events and programs of its own, the Drone Academy also frequently collaborates with other academic and co-curricular entities at the University, in the areas of real-estate development, agriculture, the transportation industry, digital media, law enforcement efforts and many others.

"The formation of TU's Drone Academy acts as further evidence of our commitment to providing the most innovative education for our students," said Dr. Peter J. Holbrook, Provost and Chief Academic Officer. "For years, we've remained upto-date on the shifting needs of industries and employers, so that when new trends arise, we're among the first to add them to our curriculum. TU graduates who were involved with the Academy will now have a competitive edge as they enter their respective fields."

Shortly after its creation, the Academy was designated to participate in the Unmanned Aircraft Systems Collegiate Training Initiative (UAS-CTI) through the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). This allows the Academy and University to collaborate with the FAA in order to provide aid to students pursuing a career in drone aviation. The designation also provides the opportunity to partner with industry professionals, local government officials, members of law enforcement and other organizations to provide experiential learning opportunities for students.

In the summer of 2022, the Drone Academy received a grant of $99,850 from the State Transportation Innovation Council (STIC), a sub-committee of the Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT). The Drone Academy was the only applying entity to receive the Ohio STIC’s Incentive Program funding in 2022 and plans to use the resource to aid Ohio’s State Highway Patrol Accident Reconstruction Unit. Through these efforts, the Academy hopes to reduce traffic disruption times, lower the risk of harm for members of ODOT and law enforcement, reduce the cost of documenting accidents and ultimately save Ohio millions in related expenses.

"One of the keys to our success is our team. I have the help of some amazing people," said Owen Fritz, Drone Academy Director. "I must always thank my Assistant Director, Bruce Chambers, who has been in the drone space for over 20 years.

We also have David Gierhart, who is our photography expert, Dr. John Schupp, who does a fantastic job with our outreach coordination programs and Russell Jones, our Drone Racing Coach. In addition to these fine individuals, the support of our local law enforcement, specifically that of liaison Officer Drew Westenbarger, also helps our drone academy flourish. Finally, the biggest thank-you of all goes to our Board of Trustees, President, Provost and the campus community for supporting and believing in our mission."

The

This beautiful aerial photo was taken using TU's drone technology.

TU Drone Academy participated in the 2022 commencement ceremony by getting birds-eye-view video footage of the student and faculty procession to the Heminger Center.

PRESIDENT SCHUMACHER WILL ALWAYS HAVE HIGH EXPECTATIONS BECAUSE TIFFIN UNIVERSITY DESERVES IT!

In 2016, after serving Tiffin University in varying capacities for six years, Dr. Lillian Schumacher was inaugurated as TU’s sixth President – a responsibility she embraces with deep passion every single day.

As someone who, in her own words, “strives to leave enduring and sustainable marks in this campus community” President Schumacher chooses the initiatives she spearheads or supports with intention.

“With each idea proposed to me, I ask myself the same questions – would this make the institution stronger? Does it align with our guiding principles and strategic plan? Does it present an opportunity for TU to become known for something significant? Does it have the potential to become an enduring part of our culture? If I can confidently answer ‘yes’ to several of these questions, I consult members of my Cabinet and the Board of Trustees,” she said.

Dr. Schumacher continues to remind all of us that higher education today looks very different than it did even 10 years ago. The environment has become even more challenging because of the continued changes in technology, student demographics and the unexpected pandemic. We have not seen changes like this since the industrial revolution, making it imperative for colleges and universities to be innovative and relevant in everything we do, from designing curriculum to experiential teaching methods. Student support services have become more important than ever because options for study and careers are more varied than ever. President Schumacher is emphatic about the fact that the industry is changing and determined that Tiffin must be a leader in embracing the changes.

With this in mind, President Schumacher has cited several TU movements, programs and initiatives she believes fit the above criteria perfectly. Her list includes the Transform Comprehensive Campaign, Center for InterculTUral Excellence, the Center for Cyber Defense and Forensics, the esports program, the Ph.D. program in global leadership and change, the women’s wrestling team, the Tiffin Innovation Program (TIP) and the Drone Academy.

“Each of these programs and initiatives reflects TU’s entrepreneurial spirit and agility, and aligns with who we are as a creative and innovative institution, which is why I hope they are still here long after I’m gone,” she explained. “The Transform Comprehensive Campaign alone has yielded many prosperous opportunities and afforded us the resources to dedicate ourselves fully to the other items on the list. It’s also tangible evidence that our donors, friends and constituents support how we’re living our tagline of Challenging Conventional Wisdom.”

“Look at esports or women’s wrestling as other examples of how we’re doing things differently,” she continued, “both of these varsity sports presented a chance for TU to get in on the ground floor – to be innovators in emerging areas. I wasn’t familiar with either, but one of my Cabinet members was. We discussed it and recognized the substantial interest among college students, and together we found our champions – our own experts with the savvy and industry knowledge. Not only was TU one of the first to develop an esports program, but many other colleges and universities have since followed suit. The same goes for women’s wrestling. It’s becoming more and more popular among Midwest high schools and colleges by the day.”

President Schumacher also believes this to be true of the TU Drone Academy and the Tiffin Innovation Program, noting the speed at which these programs in particular took off.

“As I mentioned – for any program to be a success, it needs to have those who are passionate about the work and dedicated to seeing it through,” she offered. “When these pieces fall into place, it allows organizational leaders like me to greenlight things quickly, because there is confidence that these individuals have done their homework and taken the overarching goals of Tiffin to heart. That’s another thing I love about TU – if we research and like something, we implement quickly. The Tiffin Innovation Program and Drone Academy were up and running just one year from ideation to execution.”

President Schumacher also believes in the importance of appealing to students with every multiple interest and learning styles and she sees new programs – especially those cutting-edge in nature – as a tremendous value proposition, as well as a way to enhance the overall student experience.

“This is why we began a Ph.D. program in global leadership and change and were awarded the DHS and NSA Designated Center of Academic Excellence for the Center for Cyber Defense and Forensics,” she began. “Offering such high-level or specialized programs, especially in emerging fields, highlights our distinctiveness.”

In addition, the President believes strongly that each student, regardless of background, should be educated in a supportive environment that not only accepts them, but celebrates them. In fact, it was her own brainchild, the Celebrating CulTUral Uniqueness at TU movement, that later paved the way for the new Center for InterculTUral Excellence (CIE) to emerge for this very purpose.

“I love each of the movements I’ve mentioned, but the CIE is of special importance to me. I’ve mentioned that every movement

needs its own champion. I’m proud to say that I was the champion for this particular initiative.”

Having conceptualized the very idea that grew into the CIE, President Schumacher wishes to leave it as part of her legacy and to be remembered for her commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging (DEIB).

“I like to visualize the Center as a stool with three distinct legs interconnected with the common focus on culture as our response to DEIB,” she explained. “Each component is integral to the Center’s ability to remain relevant for decades to come. The first leg is the overall student experience – in and out of the classroom. We need to ensure that Tiffin University becomes known for educating students so that they lead the way in their capabilities to interact, work and succeed with others who are different than they are. This means having a relevant and intentional core curriculum for all students, regardless of their major field of study; this means educating students across disciplines with respect to culture and valuing difference; this means reinforcing this expectation through all co-curricular experiences; and this means ensuring that our students are able to demonstrate such abilities through application and action by the time they graduate from Tiffin University.

The second leg is the employee experience. Not only should our policies and procedures promote diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging for our faculty and staff as well, but they need to emulate this same behavior with each other and for our students and should, therefore, be hired, onboarded, evaluated and continuously educated and trained accordingly.

Lastly, the third leg is our external work: researching, publishing, consulting and sharing our story. Here, the focus is on how we help businesses, schools and organizations start similar movements and commit long term to this effort. This will ensure a healthy and diversified community, and world, while also cementing our position as thought leaders and experts in this area.”

Like those before her, President Schumacher has worked to build on the success of Tiffin University’s past, but moreover, she has pivoted the University to become a true, relevant learning organization, focused on enacting significant and permanent, whole scale change. She plans to “stay the course” to building a culture of courageous audacity.

“Real, sustainable change is only achieved through grit, perseverance and bold leadership among the senior team who all believe in the changes we need to make. Personally, I am very happy with the groundwork we have laid; we are transforming Tiffin University to become even better than it has been in our rich history. And while I am proud of all that’s been done, I know we have not yet reached our highest potential. We will become a strategic innovation engine for higher education. It is my mission to continue to improve upon our momentous work, so that when I leave the University, my successor is proudly willing to lead Tiffin University even further into the future.

Dr. Schumacher is TU’s first-ever female President.

A PLACE FOR ALL PEOPLE

TIFFIN UNIVERSITY AND THE CENTER FOR INTERCULTURAL EXCELLENCE

In 2016, Tiffin University modified its earlier promise to be conscious of the need for workplace diversity and inclusion to being firmly committed to its execution. This decision was accompanied by a new set of learning standards designed to produce culturally competent and sensitive graduates, as well as University employees. The initial movement was called Celebrating Cultural Uniqueness at Tiffin University, or CCU@ TU, was spearheaded by Tiffin’s President Schumacher and later championed by a top-notch team of employees with a passion for diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging (DEIB)based work. DEIB focuses on implementing policies, procedures and cultures within professional settings to encourage the representation and participation of minority and traditionally underserved communities. This is done with the goal of fostering environments where all people are valued, respected and feel comfortable.

Not surprisingly, this very team now runs the newly formed Center for InterculTUral Excellence (CIE), which opened its doors in 2022. The decision to dedicate a physical space to DEIB was made due to the prior success of CCU@TU, and the communitywide desire to share this knowledge with other organizations.

Nadia Lewis, the first-ever Vice President for the CIE, is also Vice President for TU’s Office of Human Resources. The Center is now home for Tiffin’s Office of Equity Access and Opportunity, Office of Human Resources as well as several associated departments. As such, the primary function of her position is the strategic oversight of the Human Resources team, as well as the development and success of the CIE.

“Having a DEIB-centered approach to our campus culture allows everybody to have an enhanced experience – one of growth and development, plus a deeper level of ally-ship for each other,” said Lewis. “TU’s focus on the Center for Intercultural Excellence speaks to our belief that through culturally diverse classroom and social interactions, students have the opportunity to learn from people with different backgrounds and upbringings, leading to increased innovation and collaboration both in and outside

the classroom, which furthers their career aspirations.” Another primary focus of the CIE is the education of its oncampus partners and the aid of third-party entities looking to start similar movements within their own spaces. Every full-time TU employee is now required to undergo a set of training courses entitled, “Building Cultural Competencies Within Organizations,” where they learn how to work effectively with, value the contributions of and learn from those of all backgrounds.

Through these programs, we improve intellectual engagement, self-motivation, citizenship and cultural awareness for students and employees of all races,” said Lewis. “Interacting with diverse peers outside a classroom or office setting directly benefits all involved, making them better scholars, thinkers and citizens. We are a Dragon family that is constantly inspired by and proud of all the individual experiences that members bring to campus every day. If we can continue our work of creating such enriching DEIB-centered experiences, we know other organizations can, too. This is why we created a DEIB training which infuses our best practices to share with others eager to make the change. We are grateful for all the companies we have been invited to work with, and look forward to helping many more learn how to be more innovative, global competitors and how to be caring communities for their employees and customers. Even more importantly, our students benefit from having their lives transformed through a culturally centered experience.”

Several of those involved with the CIE, including Lewis and President Schumacher, are working to publish a book about how TU wove cultural celebration and DEI practices into its curriculum and culture. Their goal is to provide a resource for all who want to learn how to do the same.

A GREAT TIME TO GIVE RECORD GIFT ANNUITY RATES

The American Council on Gift Annuities recently announced that as of January 1, 2023, there would be an increase in the suggested maximum rates for Charitable Gift Annuities (CGAs). This marks the highest return-on-investment rates for CGAs in over a decade, making it an optimal time for practicing philanthropy, especially for donors looking to secure reliable, fixed sources of income for their retirement years. The current sample rate for a single-life, immediate TU Charitable Gift Annuity among those who are 72 years old is 6.2%.

If you are 70 and a half or older, you can now make a one-time election for a qualified charitable distribution of up to $50,000 (without being taxed) from your IRA to fund a life-income gift such as a charitable gift annuity.

To learn more about these new rates and how your support can forward our mission, visit https://plannedgiving.tiffin. edu/charitable-gift-annuities

For more information or to make an impact on the Tiffin University community during this unprecedented time, contact Mitch Blonde, Vice President for Institutional Advancement and Public Affairs at blondemp@tiffin.edu or by calling (419) 448-3584.

CLASS SCENE

1970s

Curt Peterson, Class of 1971

Curt Peterson and his wife Doreen recently celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary. Peterson graduated TU in 1971 with a bachelor’s degree in administrative management.

Peggy Neal, Class of 1974

Peggy Neal recently retired from her position as an Adjunct Faculty Instructor at Cuyahoga Community College (Tri-C). While there, she taught nerve conduction studies and medical career pathway courses for the electroneurodiagnostic program (END).

1980s

1990s

Jennifer Culbertson, Class of 1996

Jennifer Culbertson of Tiffin, Ohio is now working at Miami University as a Learning Designer. Culbertson graduated in 1996 with a bachelor's degree in business administration.

2000s

Jamie Moore, Class of 2004

Jamie Moore was recently promoted to Assistant Director of College Scouting for the Colts. Moore graduated from TU in 2004 with a bachelor’s degree in sports management. Moore began working with the Colts in 2006 after interning with the Buffalo Bills in the summer of 2005.

Janice Mitchell, Class of 2004, MCJ 2007

Janice Mitchell is working as a self-employed author, and her book, "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)," was recently accepted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Museum and Archives in Cleveland. Mitchell graduated in 2004 with a bachelor’s degree in business administration.

She then went on to complete her master’s of criminal justice and homeland security in 2007.

Fredrick Stevens, Class of 2005, MSCJ 2014

Fredrick Stevens was recently honored for his unwavering courage and devotion to our community, state and country. Stevens serves as the Seneca County Sheriff and has been serving for over 27 years. Stevens graduated in 2005 with a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice: law enforcement, and earned his MSCJ in justice administration in 2014.

Leslie Jean Barrett, Class of 2005

Leslie Barret of Independence, Ohio has been named Branch Manager at the Cleveland Public Library. Barrett received her bachelor's degree in business management in 2005. During her time at TU, she participated in volleyball and track.

Claudia Adajimena Renata Arechiga Gamboa, Class of 2005

Claudia Gamboa recently married Manuel Torres Felix, whom she met at TU. Gamboa works at Los Antrax as a La Emperatriz, and has also recently become a Navy Seal Special Operations Captain/Major. Gamboa, of San Jose, California, earned her bachelor's degree in 2005 before completing her master’s degree in 2010.

Daniel Grincewicz, Class of 2006, MBA 2008

Daniel Grincewicz has been named the Senior Product Marketing Manager at GE Current. Grincewicz received his bachelor's degree in marketing management from TU in 2006, before earning his MBA in 2008.

Maeghon Angelique Starks, Class of 2008

Maeghon Starks is a Vocational Specialist at Harbor Incorporated. Starks received her bachelor's degree in criminal justice administration in 2008.

Stephen Gambescia, MH 2009

Stephen Gambescia is a Professor of Health Services Administration at Drexel University. In June of 2022, Gambescia received a National Award for Teaching Excellence in Health Policy, sponsored by the American Hospital Association and organized by the Association of University Programs in Healthcare Administration. Gambescia graduated in 2009 with a master’s degree in humanities.

Class Scene was written by Shanna Morris, intern for the Department of Marketing and Communications.

2010s

Allison Christina Budaj, Class of 2010, MH 2011

Allison Budaj of Cincinnati, Ohio is working as a full-time professor at Joyce University of Nursing and Health Sciences. Budaj graduated with her master’s degree in the humanities in 2011.

Mark McWilliams (Robert), MSCJ 2011

Mark McWilliams of Nebo, North Carolina has been named the Chief of Police at North Carolina DHHS Police - Black Mountain. McWilliams received his master’s degree in criminal justice in 2011.

Flavius Porumb, MBA 2012

Flavius Porumb of Wilmington, Delaware is a founder and current CEO of IPWAY LLC, the company that created IPWAY. com, a digital marketplace designed as an optimal connecting avenue for the monetisation of IP assets. The company is focused on simplifying IP utilization for clients and owners, while helping build a more sustainable Internet.

Erin Snapp, Class of 2013

Erin graduated in 2013 with a bachelor’s degree in psychology, and recently defended her doctoral dissertation through the Wayne State University College of Education, Division of Kinesiology, Health and Sport Studies. She now holds a Ph.D. in kinesiology.

Segbor Marielle Elodie Essenam, Class of 2014

Segbor Essenam has been named by Hydrosolution as an Accounting Assistant and recently moved to Canada with her two children. Essenam graduated with a bachelor’s degree in sport and recreation management.

Andrea Gibson, Class of 2014

Andrea Gibson of Tiffin, Ohio recently received the “20 under 40” Leadership Recognition Award. This came after her development of Giving Birthdays - a program designed to help foster children celebrate their birthdays. Gibson also is the Communications and Project Administrator at Sandusky County Economic Development Corporation (SCEDC) and serves on the board of Sandco Industries as Secretary and is a Regional Advisory Council member for OhioKan’s Region 2.

Sophia Ann Riggs, Class of 2014

Sophia Riggs of Tamarac, Florida has been hired as a detective at the Broward County Sheriff’s Office. Riggs earned her bachelor's degree of criminal justice in 2014, while also participating on the women's rugby team and model NATO.

Aaron Lee Stewart, Class of 2014

Aaron Stewart has been named a Case Manager at Crowley County Correctional Facility. Stewart earned his bachelor's degree in forensic psychology in 2014. While at TU, Stewart participated in many groups like theater, GLASS and Theta Eta Omicron.

Ashley DeWitt, Class of 2014, MBA 2016

Ashley has married Deja Simone DeWitt. Ashley graduated with a bachelor’s degree in business in 2014 before completing her MBA in 2016. While at TU, Ashley participated in track and field and is now coaching track and field at Sacramento State University.

Emily Paige Keill, Class of 2015, MS 2022

Emily Keill of Norwalk, Ohio, has been hired as a SSA at the Huron County Board of Developmental Disabilities. Keill earned her bachelor's degree in criminal justice in 2015. In 2022 Emily received her master’s degree in psychology.

Sarah Anne Haar, Class of 2016, MBA 2022

Sarah Haar of Maumee, Ohio has been named the Director of Logistics at Sunshine Incorporated. Haar graduated in 2016 with a bachelor’s degree in business administration, before earning her MBA in 2022.

Darian Hugo, Class of 2018, MSCJ 2020

Darian Hugo works in Virginia at Pinnacle Treatment Centers as a Substance Abuse Counselor. Hugo received his bachelor's degree in criminal justice in 2018 before completing his master’s degree in criminal justice in 2020.

Mark McDonough, MS 2018

Mark McDonough was recently announced as the new police chief for Sidney, Ohio. Prior to this, Mark served as the police chief for the village of Whitehouse, Ohio for over 10 years. He earned his Master of Science degree in criminal justice, justice administration in 2018.

Megan Shultz, Class of 2018, M.Ed. 2018

Megan Shultz recently began a new position as the Principal of Calvert High School. She earned her master’s degree (M.Ed.) in higher education administration from Tiffin University in 2018. After completing her master’s she began her professional career with TU working in the Office of Student Affairs.

Nicholas Wheeler, Class of 2019, MBA 2020

Nicholas Wheeler has been named Logistics Management Specialist for the U.S. Air Force working through the Department of Defense. Wheeler earned his bachelor’s degree in sports management in 2019, before completing his MBA in leadership and change the following year.

2020s

Kayla Marie Trevino, Class of 2020

Kayla Trevino of Tiffin has been hired as a reporter at the Advertiser-Tribune. Trevino earned her bachelor’s degree in government and national security in 2020.

Danielle Marie Adamczak, Class of 2021, MBA 2022

Danielle Adamczak is working at Tecumseh Public Schools in Adrian, Michigan as a Human Resources Director. Danielle earned a bachelor's degree in business administration and human resources management in 2022 and went on to complete a masters’ in the same field the following year.

2022

Matthew Martin Meyer, class of 2022

Matthew Meyer works at CSA Group as the Manager of Calibration and Metrology. Meyer earned a bachelor’s degree in business management with a minor in human resources in 2022.

Robert Hawkins, class of 2022

Robert Hawkins of Washington has been named a Small Business Account Manager at H&R Block. Hawkins graduated in 2022 with a bachelor’s degree in business administration.

David Alexander Irving, Class of 2022

David Irving from Newark, Ohio is working at the Energy Cooperative as an Information Security Analyst. Irving earned his bachelor’s degree in cyber security in 2022.

Steven Peer, MSCS 2022

Steven Peer of Cincinnati, Ohio, has been named a Cyber Intelligence Analyst at General Electric. Peer graduated with a master’s degree in cyber security in 2022.

Mary Kelly, Class of 2022

Mary Kelly, of Painesville, Ohio, works as a Jail Care Coordinator at Crossroads Health. She graduated with a bachelor's degree in corrections in 2022.

Miranda Leigh Gelb, M.Ed. 2022

Miranda Gelb is working at Mercy College of Ohio as an Admissions Officer. She earned her master’s degree in higher education administration in 2022. Gelb graduated alongside her fiance, Jady Snyder, who earned a master’s in business in 2022.

Caylee Creeger, Class of 2022

Caylee Creeger is working at TU as a Financial Aid Counselor. Creeger graduated in 2022 with a bachelor’s degree in homeland security and terrorism. While at TU, Caylee participated in many clubs like Zeta Pi Beta, the Ohio Innocence Project, Circle K, Delta Sigma Kappa, cheerleading and the Criminal Justice Club.

Brandon Craig, Class of 2022

Brandon Craig has been named an Accounting Intern at American Plastics. Craig earned his bachelor's degree in accounting in 2022. While at TU, he participated in concert band, choir, big band and the Accounting and Finance Club.

Leah Huelsing, MBA 2022

Leah Huelsing has been named the Head Women's Soccer Coach at the University of South Carolina - Sumter. She earned her master’s degree in sports management in 2022.

Latrice Ponder, MBA 2022

Latrice Ponder graduated with a master’s degree in human resource management in 2022. She is a first-generation college graduate for both her bachelor’s and master’s degrees. She was also nominated and is now a member of the Delta Mu Delta International Honors Society through their Tiffin University chapter.

IN MEMORIUM

Michael “Mick” Pfefferle of Tiffin passed away on January 22, 2023.

Pfefferle, age 73, was the husband of Tiffin University Board of Trustee Chair Emeritus, Claire Johansen, who survives him. He is also survived by his brother Jim and wife Kathy Pfefferle, sons Ian and wife Lindsey, Kiel and wife Kasie, daughter Elise and husband Drew Hanley, nine grandchildren as well as many cousins and extended family. Mick graduated from The Ohio State University with a Bachelor of Science degree in electrical engineering and worked for General Electric Lighting in Bucyrus for 21 years. He, alongside his wife, was also a loyal advocate for Tiffin University students and frequently made gifts of time, talent and treasure for their collective benefit.

David E. Mitchell, TU Emeritus Trustee, passed away on July 25, 2022.

Mitchell served on the TU Board of Trustees from 1994 to 2016. In addition, he was a TU alumnus, earning his undergraduate degree in accounting. He stated in his commencement speech address in 2004, "Although my degree from Tiffin University was in accounting, I never worked as an accountant. What my TU education did was immediately open the door of opportunity for me, and I was hired by RCA in Findlay as an industrial engineer."

Mitchell worked at RCA for seven years before joining the Whirlpool Corporation for a highly successful career of over 27 years. He held various positions in engineering and human resources, managed plants in Ohio, Kentucky and Michigan and assisted in the start-ups for plants in Tennessee and Oklahoma. In 1994, Mitchell was named Vice President of Manufacturing and Technology for Cooking Products and was based at the company's corporate headquarters in Benton Harbor, Michigan.

Kristine "Kristy" Noel Dondrea, age 49, passed away on December 21, 2022.

She was the daughter of Charles and Donna (Lander) Dondrea. Kristine was a graduate of Edgewood High School, Class of 1991. Kristine received her bachelor's degree in criminal justice and sociology from Baldwin-Wallace University. In 2011, Kristine earned her master's degree in forensic psychology from Tiffin University.

TIFFIN UNIVERSITY’S TRANSFORM FUNDRAISING CAMPAIGN

Appropriately named for its goal of transforming the lives of students and community members for generations to come, the Tiffin University Transform fundraising campaign was first instated in 2020. After only three years, over $25 million has been given or pledged through planned and annual gifts, as well as multi-year commitments.

“The support from our alumni and friends has been overwhelming,” said Mitchell Blonde, Vice President for Institutional Advancement and Public Affairs. “In the past three years, we’ve experienced a 100% increase in donors giving to Tiffin University. The impact that’s having on our students is incredible.”

In addition to seeing the number of donors increase, membership in the Tiffin Society, TU’s donor society for those who give $1,000 or more annually, has also doubled.

“This tells us that alumni and friends are choosing to make Tiffin University one of their philanthropic priorities,” continued Blonde. “They believe in our mission, our plans for the future and the students we serve. It’s important to remember that this success translates to increased scholarships for our students, additional funding for our academic and athletic programs and it creates spaces where our community transforms lives through education.”

The University and Advancement Team is grateful for all who have partnered with them so far, and looks forward to working with even more Dragons in the future.

Gifts of all sizes are important and add up. If all alumni gave $50 each year, the total would be over $800,000 annually.

SEAN

GLIEBERMAN ON THE CENTER FOR CYBER DEFENSE AND FORENSICS

Tiffin University’s Center for Cyber Defense and Forensics is focused on improving the education and training of future industry personnel. The Center is an inclusive and interdisciplinary effort that bridges the gap between theoretical knowledge and applicable technical skills, along with a project-based approach to prepare students for real-world scenarios. Students looking to pursue a career in cybersecurity must stay at the leading edge of vulnerabilities, threats and technological advancements. Not only does the Center support curriculum development, seminars, symposiums and outreach on current and future trends in the field, but it has also been designated a Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and National Security Agency (NSA) Center of Academic Excellence, a notable achievement considering its recent founding in 2020.

Sean Glieberman, Executive Director for the Center, has nearly two decades of experience under his belt, both in public and private sectors of the industry. Prior to joining TU, Glieberman spent over 10 years with the Department of Defense, specifically as Chief Operating Officer within the National Security Agency’s Threat Operation Center. Most recently, he served as the CEO for a tech startup in Israel where he brought a cyber awareness and prevention product to market. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in information sciences and technology from Pennsylvania State University, a masters’ degree in strategic intelligence from National Intelligence University and an Executive Master of Public Administration degree from Syracuse University.

SEAN GLIEBERMAN

“The Center for Cyber Defense and Forensics is evidence of our University’s willingness to stay current with the most modern and innovative in industry trends through our educational practices,” said Dr. Peter J. Holbrook, Provost and Chief Academic Officer. “As the global marketplace utilizes technology more and more frequently, especially where cyber defense and security is concerned, it is in our best interest to adapt our academic programs accordingly, so our students remain well-equipped to enter their fields as capable and well-rounded new professionals.”

“It’s great to be in an environment where my ideas can be implemented with minimal barriers to entry,” he offered. “I think Challenging Conventional Wisdom is really put into practice here. Whenever I have a new path to pursue, I am able to execute that strategy with no red tape.”

In his short time with TU, Glieberman has had no shortage of these new ideas, and his efforts are being noticed both within and beyond University circles. Thanks to his dedication, the Center has secured two recent research grants for the purpose of furthering goals toward bolstering federal, state and local partnerships, as well as strengthening student experiential learning opportunities.

“I’m especially excited about all the Center is doing in terms of student and community engagement,” said Glieberman. “We’re in the implementation stage of building a state-of-the-art operational command center to simulate real-world scenarios and in the development stage of a cyber boot camp, open to TU students, businesses and community partners to strengthen their cyber awareness and acumen. I think it will be a great way to promote what the Center is doing to build the next generation cyber workforce and further bond TU with regional partners.”

While Glieberman is a newer employee, having joined the Dragon family in 2022, it is already apparent to him that TU’s administrators are very willing to give him the freedom to launch new initiatives as ideas come.

The Center was recently awarded a $100,000 state grant to help transition the current cyber lab into a full operations center.

A SPORTY SPOTLIGHT LONNY ALLEN OF TIFFIN ATHLETICS ON THE PROGRAM’S PAST, PRESENT AND FUTURE

As an institution where 75% of undergraduate students are involved in athletic programs, Tiffin has embraced sports and recreation as an integral part of its culture.

Lonny Allen, Vice President for Athletics, has been with Tiffin for 31 years and has seen the many programs under his guidance grow and change significantly in his time. During his tenure, TU has introduced eight new sports teams, three major training and gameplay facilities and he doesn’t plan on stopping there. According to Lonny, however, the athletic programs haven’t always been such a central part of the Dragon experience.

“The campus – in terms of facilities, equipment and resources – looks so different now,” he remembered. “I transferred to TU as a student from a school in Texas, sight unseen, and at the time, if I had been given the chance to tour before committing, I would have gone elsewhere due to its small size. That said, I’m so glad I did. It’s truly remarkable how far we’ve come since I started. Our facilities rival that of much larger schools. Not to mention our Esports Arena – one of the largest in the country.”

Speaking of larger schools, Allen maintains that even though the athletic programs now have access to top-notch facilities, which have definitely helped with their many successes, he attributes the majority of their awards and accolades to an overall can-do attitude.

“Across all of our athletic programs, we’ve won 22 national championship titles to date. While we don’t believe this would have been possible without the construction of the Heminger Center, for which we are so thankful, an even more important component is our spirit of tenacity.”

Allen continued with this thought, also praising his staff for their commitment to enhancing the student athletic experience, regardless of assets.

“We have a long history of doing more with less,” he began. “In recent years, our department has been very fortunate, but there was a time when three staff members would have to share a single office, and they happily did so – because our

mission meant that much to them. I’m so proud of the Athletics staff for holding onto that same determination today, even though they have every right to rest on their laurels. They recognize that there is always room for improvement.”

When asked how he and the Athletics Department seek to embody this pledge to improve, Allen had this to say:

“You can’t do this sort of work and not go all in. To our staff and coaches, this is so much more than just a job, and I see it in their attitudes every day. After every summer break, we want our students to return to campus and see something new we’ve done to show them that Tiffin University Athletics and the pursuit of excellence matters to us, so it should matter to them, too. We update our facilities, create new uniform designs – anything to show our investment in them. The student-athletic experience is our top priority.”

Tiffin University alumni and friends helped create an endowment in Allen's name to honor his many years of service and dedication to the program and greater institution. The Lonny Allen `91 Baseball Fund is provided on an annual basis and directly supports the Tiffin University Baseball Program. Distributions from the endowment support equipment purchases, travel expenses, capital improvements, student athletic scholarships and other related needs.

LONNY ALLEN

SPORTS SCENE

TIFFIN ATHLETICS ACTIVE IN COMMUNITY SERVICE

Tiffin University's Athletic Department has been active in the Seneca County community during the fall 2022 semester. Led by the Student Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC), numerous TU teams have participated in the area on a variety of levels.

Other SAAC events this fall included Downtown Trunk or Treat (local downtown trick or treating), the annual leaf raking and bagging event assisting local seniors and weekly reading at elementary schools. The weekly reading project has been part of TU's community involvement for over three years and is a partnership with local schools’ reading programs to read weekly with classes. Each student gets to keep their own book. Individual athletic programs at TU also were active outside of SAAC. Highlights are found below:

-Football and cheer:

Held their annual Victory Day on August 13. Victory Day is an event set up for cognitively and physically impaired children to have an opportunity to play football or cheer and have their moment in the sun.

-Esports:

Worked different stations with students and families at the Tiffin Elementary Spirit Night.

-Men's Soccer:

Took part in Team Impact Child, adopting a local child with a serious illness to join their team for the year. Game day interactions and a National Letter of Intent (NLI) signing took place. Loaded trucks with over 1,000 boxes of gifts for those affected by war, poverty and disease for Operation Christmas Child at Grace Community Church.

-Women's Soccer:

Joined SAAC to help rake leaves in the community.

Two of the biggest events were the Washington Elementary Walk on October 7 and the Voting Day activity on November 8. The Walk and Roll to School Day was organized around Washington K-1 Elementary School and involved Washington's administration, staff, teachers and hundreds of students participating. Tiffin University staff and athletes, along with community members and supporters also participated. Tiffin University’s SAAC also held a mock voting day for elementary youths in the Heminger Center. The event involved over 217 fourth and fifth-grade students from Calvert Catholic Schools, Hopewell-Loudon and Mohawk Local School Districts. A total of 11 polls were set up in the Heminger Center with students voting on a variety of topics such as favorite foods, colors and other topics. The exercise highlighted the importance of voting on election day. The results of the student vote were announced at the Tiffin UniversityFindlay football game on November 12.

-Men's Basketball:

Donated and wrapped 18 boxes to provide gifts for children for Operation Christmas Child at Grace Community Church.

-Women's Basketball:

Donated and wrapped 14 boxes to provide gifts for children for Operation Christmas Child at Grace Community Church.

-Softball:

Joined SAAC to help at Downtown Trunk or Treat, read to students at Washington Elementary School and made popcorn balls for Tiffin Lions Club.

-Women's Golf:

Made monthly visits and crafts at Elmwood Nursing Home, stuffed 400 stockings for deployed soldiers for Splash of Love and helped setup lights along Frost Parkway.

-Men's Golf:

Laid sod at Mohawk Golf and Country Club.

-Volleyball:

Gave over 25 staff and faculty members handwritten notes of gratitude and a plant, flower or succulent, as a part of the Grow Kindness program and hosted the ovarian cancer awareness game.

-Men's and Women's Tennis:

Participated in the nativity set and gave tours at St. Francis in early December.

-Club & Rec:

Helped the Tiffin Elementary PTO Distribution Fundraiser. "It really is amazing what our coaches and studentathletes do on a day-to-day basis," said Vice President for Athletics, Lonny Allen. "The amount of work it takes to be successful in the classroom and in the playing arena is monumental. When you take all of those things into account, we are so proud of our student-athletes and staff for what they give back to this amazing community that we all call home. We look forward to helping make Tiffin a greater place."

TIFFIN ANNOUNCES 2023 HALL OF FAME CLASS

Six former Tiffin University athletic standouts will be inducted in the 2023 Hall of Fame, held in conjunction with Homecoming Weekend in October.

Earning enshrinement are Jeremy Croy (Head Track and Field/Cross Country Coach), Pat Curtin (baseball), Mandy Jaeb (women's basketball), April Nietrzeba (softball), Alexandria Quast (women's lacrosse) and Dan Snyder (men's track and field).

Jeremy Croy coached cross country/track for 22 seasons and is one of the most honored coaches in TU history, leading the indoor track and field team to National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division II National Championships in 2016 and 2017. He posted 16 individual national champions in track and field. He was named 2021 Great Midwest Athletic Conference (GMAC) Men's

Outdoor Coach of the Year, 2020 U.S. Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association (USTFCCCA) Midwest Region Indoor Men's Coach of the Year, GMAC Indoor Coach of the Year and is also a five-time Midwest Region Men's Coach of the Year. He was named USTFCCCA National Coach of the Year and Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (GLIAC) Coach of the Year for the 2017 indoor season, GLIAC Coach of the Year and National Coach of the year in 2016 and 2004, 2005, 2006 and 2007 American Midwest Conference (AMC) Coach of the Year for winning the AMC Championship and finishing the season with a record of 51-2 in 2007. In addition, he was named GLIAC Outdoor Track and Field Coach of the Year in 2011 and followed up that season with NCAA II Regional Coach of the Year honors as well. He replicated the feat in 2014 with the GLIAC and NCAA Regional Indoor Track and Field Coach of the Year award.

Pat Curtin was an All-American baseball player during his career from 2009-12. He is a four-time All-Region and fivetime All-GLIAC player while also earning 2012 GLIAC Player of the Year. He was a First Team outfielder in 2012 as well as a Second Team pitcher and ranks third in career hits. He is also Top 10 in eight offensive categories.

Mandy Jaeb is an All-Region and three-time All-GLIAC player from 2008-12, who is second in career scoring with 1585 points. She was the 2012 GLIAC Commissioner's Award recipient and ranks first in career free throws made and second in assists. She is also Top 10 in 12 categories.

April Nietrzeba is an National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) All-American (2006), along with a two-time All-National Independent, All-Region and All-Conference pick from 2005-07. She is fourth in career pitching wins and holds season records for strikeouts and complete games and is second in career ERA and second in season for

wins. During her career, the team was ranked 13th in the nation in 2006, and she helped lead the team to the NAIA National Tournament in 2006 and 2007, along with winning the Region IX Championship in both years.

Alexandria Quast is a three-time All-American from 2010-13 and holds four NCAA records (goals and points per game in a season, assists and points in a game). She ranks second in points per game, third in goals per game and total points as well as fourth in most goals in NCAA history. She led the NCAA in goals twice, goals per game three times, and points per game as a senior. She was named 2012 Independent Player of the Year, 2013 First Team All-GLIAC and is the first NCAA I or II player to score over 100 goals in a season. She holds all TU season and career offensive records.

Dan Snyder is a four-time NCAA National Qualifier (twice in the heptathlon, twice in the decathlon) from 2008-11. He is a two-time All-American who placed sixth in the decathlon in 2011 and eighth in the heptathlon in 2010. He earned multiple All-Conference honors while in the GLIAC and the AMC. Snyder remains in the TU All-Time Top 10 in six categories (three indoors and three outdoors).

FALL WRAP UP Football

The Tiffin University Dragons and Truman State University Bulldogs were selected to participate in the third annual America's Crossroads Bowl on Saturday, December 3 in Hobart, Indiana.

Tiffin (6-4, 6-2) and Truman State (8-2, 5-1) represented both the GMAC and Great Lakes Valley Conference (GLVC), respectively, in the contest held at the Brickyard Stadium.

The Dragons finished tied for second place in the Great Midwest standings. Tiffin ended the season winning three of its final five games. Before Saturday, the Dragons were tied for first place with regular season champions Ashland University, before falling to Findlay in the final regular season contest.

During the season, Tiffin led the league in points per game, scoring 36.5 while holding opponents to 15.6 points per contest. The duo of Darius Pinnix and Devin Nelson helped the Dragons rank second in rushing yards with 2012 yards on the season. Defensive lineman Charlie Cleveland and return specialist/wide receiver Anthony Lowe were also named All-Region standouts.

Men’s Soccer

Tiffin (10-4-4) won the GMAC regular-season championship and was selected to the NCAA regional tournament. This marks Tiffin's sixth selection to the NCAA regional level. The regionals saw the Dragons participating in 2013, 2014, 2016, 2018 and 2019.

John Oshakpemhe was named Division II Conference

Commissioner's Association (D2CCA) Third Team AllAmerican by vote of the nation's Sports Communicators. Oshakpemhe becomes just the fourth Tiffin University men's soccer player to land NCAA All-American honors, joining Rhys Cannella (2009), Ashton Campbell (2010, 2011) and Andre Landell (2014). He is the first defender to earn the honor.

Women’s Soccer

Tiffin finished 8-8-2, the most wins for the program in nearly 10 years. They just missed a GMAC tournament berth but improved significantly from last year’s 5-11-1 mark.

Kristen Dickison also completed her standout TU career, earning selection as D2CCA Second Team All-American by vote of the nation's Sports Communicators. Dickison becomes the first Tiffin University women's soccer player to land NCAA All-American honors since the Dragons became a Division II program in 2008. She becomes the 17th women's soccer player to earn All-American honors, with only Tasha Ellis (NAIA 1994) and Elizabeth Wead (NAIA 2001) earning higher honors with First Team selections.

During her season, she set new TU Division II records for season goals and points, as well as a new TU Division II career record with 30 goals. She is also second all time for TU in Division II points with 63. Nationally, Dickison is fifth in goals scored with 19. Dickison placed high in the national rankings in game-winning goals (fifth), third in goals per game, ninth in total points and seventh in points per game.

Volleyball

Tiffin (15-17) reached the GMAC Tournament Final Four before falling. They beat top-seeded Ashland twice in one week, first to land a spot in the tournament and then again in the opening round of the tournament to advance to the Final Four.

Tiffin University's volleyball team had three selections on the 2022 All GMAC team, selected by vote of the conference coaches. Libero Diana Heitkamp, outside hitter Taylor Peterson and middle hitter Kaylee Freund were all named Third Team selections.

Cross Country

Tiffin University's men's cross country team finished 15th of 30 teams at the NCAA Midwest Regional hosted by Wisconsin-Parkside. Tiffin was led by Nathaniel Ondracek in 15th place.

The men also finished fifth at the GMAC Championships, with Ondracek landing First Team honors and Dalton Gleeson Second Team.

Tiffin University's women's cross country team finished 23rd of 33 teams. Ines Macadam led the Dragons with a 79th place finish. The women’s team also finished 10th at the GMAC Championships.

FIVE FORMER FOOTBALL COACHES HONORED WITH BENCH DEDICATION

Five former Tiffin University football coaches were honored by the dedication of two benches on campus.

On Saturday, September 17, two benches were dedicated in honor of legendary coaches of the Dragon Football Program: Coaches Roger "Buzz" Kirkhart, Brian Chapman, Dan Schriner, Bob Wolfe and Bob Meyer.

Roger "Buzz" Kirkhart (1942-2016) was instrumental in helping to build the Dragons' athletic programs in the late 1980s, serving as Athletic Director and Head Football Coach from 198589 and starting the football program after a successful run as Head Coach of Tiffin Calvert. After a trial football season in 1985, he officially coached the team in its charter NAIA days from 1986-89, compiling a 7-33 record.

Brian Chapman (1961-2021) helped put Dragon football on the map. He played both tight end and defensive end but made his biggest impact on the defensive side of the ball. He led a strong defensive front line that placed near the top of the region in rush defense. Chapman was a two-time All-District standout who was also TU's first-ever All-American in 1987. He was an assistant coach for the Dragons from 1988-92 and is a member of the Tiffin University Athletic Hall of Fame.

Dan Schriner was an assistant coach for the Dragons from 1986-90, serving on both Kirkhart's and Wolfe's coaching staffs. He was a Tiffin Calvert graduate who played for Kirkhart at Calvert on the 1980 State championship team before playing four years at Bowling Green State University.

Bob Wolfe coached the Tiffin University football team from 1990-97. He helped lead the Dragons into the national spotlight, earning District 22 Coach of the Year honors in 1993 as the Dragons made the NAIA National Tournament for the first time with an 8-2-1 record. He twice led the Dragons to the NAIA Playoffs, taking the team to the Elite Eight in 1994 with an 8-4 season. He is also a member of the Tiffin University Athletic Hall of Fame.

Bob Meyer was an assistant coach for the Dragons from 1991-95. He served as Defensive Coordinator with the Dragons during their rise to the national spotlight in 1993 and 1994 and was a former area head coach at Liberty Benton High School.

THINKING OF HONORING A DRAGON ATHLETE OR COACH?

Many people are having commemorative benches dedicated in the names of those who left their marks on TU. If you would like to help beautify campus and pay tribute to someone special, contact Mikki King, Director of Annual Giving at kingmr@tiffin.edu.

TIFFIN UNIVERSITY ANNOUNCES 2022 TUTF/XC CARRY THE TORCH AWARDS RECIPIENTS

Tiffin University is proud of its track and field and Cross Country (TUTF/ XC) alumni, and wants to take the opportunity each year to honor their achievements with the Carry the Torch Alumni Awards. The awards are presented at the annual dinner to a TUTF/XC alumnus/na with a high level of success in college or post-collegiate athletics and/or a distinctive and distinguished career outside of the athletic realm.

The 2022 recipients:

(Left

Rebecca Wolcott (Miller) `11

Chris Wolcott `13

Kayla Ellks `14

Ray Robinson `10/`15

Congrats to the 2022 recipients!

to right)

By

Olivia Shore is no stranger to breaking stereotypes and she continues to not only be a pioneer for the sport of women's wrestling, but also a top-level contender while doing so. In 2021, Olivia began her journey at Tiffin University, and from the start, she made her name known in the wrestling community by winning the Missouri Valley Open - the biggest women’s wrestling tournament in the country. This tournament gave Shore the confidence needed to go on and have an almost undefeated season, only giving up one loss to a competitor one weight class heavier. She finished her freshman season 27-1 and became the first women's wrestling national champion to come out of TU.

“After the Missouri Valley Open, I felt nervous but also very excited leading up to nationals. I knew going in that I was a top contender, but I also knew there was going to be a lot of competition. I felt very prepared, and went into the tournament focusing on the little things, as those were my favorite parts of the experience - like team Subway trips and the long bus rides surrounded by the people I love and trust. Most importantly, I focused on the adventure each and every tournament brought.”

At nationals, Shore made quick work of her competitors by obtaining a pin in 0:12 in the first round. She then went onto the quarter finals and outscored her opponent 13-1. Next in the semifinal round of the tournament, Shore obtained a fall in 5:23 to earn her spot in the national finals. There, she faced the former national champion from Emmanuel College. Shore dominated the match 110, ultimately earning a perfect 4-0 run at the tournament and leaving with a National Collegiate Women's Wrestling Championship National Title.

“I was especially excited leading up to the event, because for my entire childhood, I'd dreamt of wrestling in college. Being able to wrestle alongside other women at the collegiate level made 'little me' very proud. When making my weight class the morning of the tournament, I remember all the support I had from my teammates and even my competitors, and this inspired me. While competing, each of us also got to pass that inspiration to

WRESTLING PIONEER OLIVIA SHORE’S EXPERIENCE AT THE NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPS

the next generation of little girls watching who wanted to follow in our footsteps."

According to Shore, being a woman in the sport of wrestling is not an easy path to take and poses many challenges - such as going against social norms, the harder weight cuts and competing alongside boys due to the sport not being sanctioned by many state high school athletic associations. She also states that wrestlers face the same day-today struggles as many other athletes.

“I have a lot of respect for all the women in wrestling because we all understand the struggles and the battles we had to fight to get here. Being a woman in wrestling speaks louder than any other sport. We are taking a guy’s sport by storm and continue to do so every day. For women questioning whether to step on the mat and try it out, all I can say is there are no negatives and to absolutely do it. It teaches so many valuable life skills - like dedication, perseverance, mental toughness, self-defense and so much more.”

Over the past few months Shore has been reminded of the success that she not only accomplished for herself but also the success she brings to the University by receiving awards such as the Green and Gold Female Newcomer of the Year award and being presented her national championship ring.

“Receiving the Green and Gold Female Newcomer of the Year was very exciting because it reminded me of what I accomplished, and I also felt it was one of the first times where it really got to set in that I actually did win nationals. I also felt very honored and overwhelmed, but in a good way, from all the support that I felt the University gave me for what I did and it was just a really special moment for me.”

OLIVIA SHORE

Shanna Morris, Marketing and Communications Intern

Olivia has seven siblings.

PHOTO CREDITS: 2022 Aj Grieves/ MatFocus

TIFFIN UNIVERSITY CELEBRATES ITS ESPORTS ARENA AND PROGRAMS

Since 2017, the Tiffin University esports program has been challenging the public’s perception about what it means to be both a student-athlete, as well as a gamer. What was once considered to be nothing more than a hobby has grown into a multi-million dollar industry, and those seeking careers in electronic athletics, also known as esports, can find rewarding and lucrative career opportunities – whether it be as professional gamers, coaches, event coordinators or marketing experts.

Tiffin University joined the electronic athletics craze six years ago. Due to rising levels of interest from the student body, plans for getting a program off the ground were fast-tracked. Soon after, the University acquired some nearby land and constructed a stand-alone, 4,000 square-foot arena – now one of the largest collegiate gaming spaces in the nation.

“Collegiate esports is more popular than ever and growing at an astronomical rate,” said Brett Ybarra, Esports Director. “This program grants TU the ability to engage with a population of the student body it never could before. Students who would have otherwise spent their time playing video games in their dorm rooms can now channel that work ethic into a sport. Our arena provides a space where students can hone their abilities and learn the same life skills any other sport would provide – such as teamwork and determination. Pioneering this program, not only for Tiffin, but for the entire collegiate community at large, has been an incredible experience. We will continue to pave the way forward for other colleges to follow suit with the founding of our regional league, the Great Lakes Esports Conference.”

The University has so fully embraced this new initiative, that it now offers an esports concentration for undergraduates majoring in management through the School of Business. Enrolled students can learn all about what goes on behind the scenes (or screens) and how to successfully develop a career managing professional esports athletes. For students who would rather be professional athletes, themselves, all they need to do is stop by the arena and get to practicing.

The esports faculty and staff recently partnered with LevelUp Games in downtown Tiffin in an ongoing collaborative effort to foster connections between the University and local community.

Note from the Director of Alumni Relations

DEAR ALUMNI AND FRIENDS,

In-person alumni events commence – on the road and on campus.

It was a year of incredible growth here at Tiffin University and our growth and success is due, in part, to our amazing alumni and friends. Your unwavering support has furthered TU's mission of removing obstacles, opening doors and enriching the lives of our students. Simply put, you are making a difference. Thank you for your continued interest and investment in your alma mater.

We hope that you enjoyed Green & Gold – Homecoming and Family Weekend this past fall. It was amazing to see so many people on campus. The focus of the weekend was to bring together all who love TU – alumni, students, families, faculty, staff, parents and the community – and I believe we achieved just that. Save the date: next year’s Green & Gold Weekend will take place October 20 -21, 2023.

As we look into this spring and towards the summer, we have a lot of alumni events planned both on campus and in a city near you. We look forward to welcoming back our athletic alumni for various athletic alumni reunions, alumni speakers for our new Engage Fridays and more. 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. If you have any questions about Tiffin University or how to get more involved, please do not hesitate to reach out.

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

COME TRAVEL WITH TU - ROMANIA

Join the TU family as we journey on a trip to Romania from October 19-27, 2023. This trip is especially noteworthy, as travelers will have the opportunity to attend the commencement ceremony for the soon-to-be graduates of our MBA program at the Bucharest satellite campus, as well as attend an alumni reception.

For a finalized itinerary, pricing information, payment options and registration link, contact Vickie Wilkins at

Travel with TU to Spain, Morocco and Portugal

Walk down Barcelona’s pedestrian street, Las Ramblas, visit the 2,800 room Royal Palace in Madrid, stroll through the famous Plaza de España at the center of Spain’s bustling capital city, head south to Andalusia to explore twisted avenues and whitewashed houses in Seville, visit a sprawling Moorish castle in Alhambra and bask on a beach in Costa del Sol. Experience Morocco’s diverse landscape — from the vast Sahara desert to the snow-capped Atlas Mountains to the verdant Mediterranean coast — and equally diverse culture. Get lost in the Alfama, a maze of streets where houses are so close together, you can spread your arms and touch buildings on both sides of the street.

Visit the Tour Center link for complete itinerary and pricing at explorica.com/Wilkins-6256.

Questions? Contact Vickie Wilkins at wilkinsvm@tiffin.edu

ALUMNI ASSOCIATION BOARD NEWS

Tiffin University Alumni Association Board Chair, Brenda Collins (Class of 2008), provided the Alumni Association report to the Board of Trustees in November.

Thank you to TU student representative Cody Miller (Class of 2022)

He graduated this past December and is now serving as a District Staffer for the U.S. House of Representatives in Columbus. In his role on the Alumni Board, he provided the student perspective and helped plan alumni-student events. Good luck in your future endeavors!

UPCOMING EVENTS AND SAVE THE DATE!

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

February 4 - Men's and Women's Basketball Alumni Day

February 10 – San Diego Alumni Reception at The Heights Country Club

February 16 – The Villages Happy Hour with Mike Herdlick

February 18 – FORE Fun Golf Outing and Social Event

March 2-9 – Punta Cana Trip

March 14-15 – Virginia/Maryland/Washington, D.C. Trip

April 1 – Soccer Alumni Day

April 8 – Tennis Alumni Day

April 8 – Softball Alumni Day

April 14 – Football Green & Gold Gridiron Bash

April 15 – Football Spring Game and Alumni Cornhole Tournament

April 16 – Boston Alumni Reception

April 22-23 – Baseball Alumni Weekend

April 28 – Graduation Toast

We are excited to welcome a new member to the board, Callie Cessna (Dewald) (Class of 2012) Her term will begin in May 2023 and runs through April 2026.

To view a full list of Alumni Association Board members and to view the five-year strategic plan visit tiffin.edu/advancement/alumni/association-board

TIFFIN UNIVERSITY ALUMNI AWARDS

April 29 – Commencement

SUMMER FUN

June 25 – Kalahari Resorts and Conventions Day

July 7 – Cleveland Guardians Game

July 23 – Detroit Tigers Game

COMMEMORATIVE PINT GLASS

A new program was developed to honor and commemorate the graduating class. Every year a new pint glass will be released and will be available by making a donation to the senior class gift. You may make your gift to the class of 2023 to receive this year’s pint glass.

Call for Nominations

We are proud of our alumni, and we want to take the opportunity each year to honor their achievements. The Alumni Achievement Award, the Young Alumni Achievement Award and the Alumni Service Award are presented each year to showcase the contributions made by our alumni. Each award is presented to a TU graduate who meet the following criteria:

• Displays strong personal integrity and character

• Volunteers service to their community and society

• Able to receive the award on campus, barring any extenuating circumstances

The Alumni Awards will be presented during Green & Gold - Homecoming and Family Weekend, October 20 -21. The nomination period ends on April 30, 2023. The nominations will be vetted and selected by the Alumni Association Board Award sub-committee.

For additional award information and criteria and to submit a nomination please visit tiffin.edu/ advancement/alumni/awards

CODY MILLER '22

CALLIE CESSNA (DEWALD) '12

Congratulations to the 2022 recipients: Donald Hampton Jr. ‘89/’98, Michael Barr ‘07/’14 and Joyce Millar Joyce Millar ‘96 MBA

DRAGONS FOR LIFE!

DRAGON LEGACY PROGRAM

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 in the program, each legacy will receive an initial welcome gift, yearly birthday cards and a small gift at special age milestones in their lives – as newborns, at age five, age 10 and age 16. 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. At commencement, legacies will wear a special legacy medal and have a complimentary family photo taken.

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.

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 2023 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 2023.

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 Dr. Amy Wood at woodar@tiffin.edu

TIP-TOP BUSINESSES TIFFIN UNIVERSITY'S SUCCESSFUL FIRST YEAR OF THE TIFFIN INNOVATION PROGRAM

At the start of 2022, the Tiffin University community embarked on a new, crossdepartmental and organizational effort – one that gave student entrepreneurs the chance to learn from and work with real-world corporate professionals for a chance to secure the funding for their startup businesses, as well as impress potential strategic partners. No, this wasn’t just a simulation of a certain television show, either – it was the real deal, and the participating student teams entered the shark tank, or Tiffin Innovation Program (TIP), with grit, tact and determination.

Student-led groups that made it through the initial application process spent three months learning the many ins and outs of entrepreneurship, such as such as the formation of a business model, identifying target markets and how to reach customers, figuring out acquisition costs, scaling and much more. The overall goal of the initiative was to provide them with the tools and connections needed to bring their business ideas to life, as well as provide a platform for them to make long-lasting and beneficial connections within their industries.

Instructors for the Tiffin Innovation Program consisted of seasoned professionals – CEOs, marketing experts for Fortune 500 companies, successful entrepreneurs and others – all of whom are friends or partners of the University. One such instructor was Daniel Jameel, member of the Tiffin University Board of Trustees and the Founder / President of Ready Education, a leading student engagement platform serving over 350 colleges and universities in North America.

“There won’t be any hand holding in this program,” said Jameel during the program’s first official meeting last year. “Being anything other than completely honest would be doing a disservice to each of you and your hard work. You will be receiving regular, unfiltered criticism from me and the other instructors with the purpose of helping you succeed, not to hurt you. This is a safe place to make mistakes. Everybody does it, because we’re all naturally good at different things. All of you will get As on some projects and Fs on others. The key is identifying what your weak spots are and surrounding yourself with those who can help you improve in these areas.”

The three-month stint of classes all served to prepare the groups

for the long-awaited Demo Day, where each of the six businesses pitched their business models to an auditorium packed with potential partners and investors. Not only this, but the groups also competed for one of the three awards that would guarantee them startup funding on behalf of the University – the Innovation Award, the Growth Award and the Startup Recognition Award.

The ceremony was immediately followed by an investor open house – a symposium where both potential customers and investors could chat with each business in a more personal setting, ask questions and even make offers. As of the following morning, several groups had already received offers of capital totaling $14,000.

“After the success of the first-ever Tiffin Innovation Program in January 2022, we are looking forward to TIP 2.0,” said Ron Lonzo, Vice President of Strategic Innovation and the program faculty liaison. “While a date has not been selected as of yet, we will continue providing real-life, hands-on experiences that supplement classroom learning. TIP 2.0 will focus on ideation and product / service viability, as well as market viability. Turning students’ ideas and solutions into real businesses is as exciting as it gets.”

The Tiffin Innovation Program and one of its student-entrepreneurs is featured in TU’s episode of “The College Tour,” found at tiffin.edu/collegetour

RON LONZO