DR. JOHN MILLAR AND MR. WILLIAM HERTZER ON TU THROUGH THE YEARS

With 2023 being TU's 135th anniversary, Dragons everywhere are feeling both nostalgic and proud of all that has been accomplished throughout its history. To honor these feelings and in light of this special occasion, the University asked a couple beloved community members to provide their thoughts on TU's trajectory from their first moment on campus to present-day.

Dr. John Millar, Emeritus Professor of International Management and Dean Emeritus spent 33 years working and teaching as a Dragon and was one of the integral parties responsible for the instatement of many initiatives still running today, such as the international campus in Bucharest, Romania. As a twice-appointed Dean of the School of Business among several other roles, Millar has done much to shape the academic entity alongside former President, Dr. George Kidd.

Tiffin University Alumnus and Board of Trustee Member, Mr. William (Bill) Hertzer '60 is not just a former student, but one of the institution's most generous donors, as well as the second-ever recipient of the Frank E. Murphy Award - the institution’s highest honor. It is given only to those who demonstrate an extraordinary commitment to helping others.

Being veteran Dragons, Millar and Hertzer were able to provide an expert's look into what campus was like in the past compared to the present, and both were pleased to report on the substantial growth they've both witnessed and helped to facilitate in their 90-plus years of combined involvement and service.

"When I first started, there were just over 400 students on campus using one classroom building and we owned a group of neighborhood houses for student residences and staff offices. In essence, we had to build the University as it is today from the ground-up, both in terms of programs and facilities. It's wonderful being able to visit today's much bigger campus and remember our humbler beginnings and how far we've come since I've been involved," said Millar.

Today, the campus covers 153 acres. It sports over 30 academic, residential, administrative and recreational buildings, in addition to the offsite Paradiso Athletic Complex.

As a member of the Class of 1960, Hertzer has spent many years since helping his alma mater expand, and his philanthropy has allowed for the building of the Hertzer Technology Center and the William F. Hertzer Department of Accounting and Finance - both aptly-named in honor of his support.

"When I was a student, there were only around 125 of us. It's been a privilege to both watch and have a hand in the expansion of my university. I am consistently amazed by how much we've grown in both size and resources during what has really been a short period of time, considering the year we were founded," said Hertzer.

In the time since, TU's total enrollment has swelled to just over 3,000 and continues to grow each year as programs are added and expanded.

“When first founded, Tiffin University was actually named Tiffin Business University.”