A LITTLE EXTRA POMP AND CIRCUMSTANCE TU CELEBRATED ITS 135TH COMMENCEMENT

Whenever the Dragon Family sends new graduating classes into the world, it is always a special occasion unlike any other. After all, what’s not to celebrate?

TAKE-HOME GRADUATION DAY STATISTICS

 Total graduating students: 709, representing over 20 countries

 Total participating: 478

 Graduates receiving Ph.D. degrees: five

 Graduates receiving master’s degrees: 315 (23 from Romania)

 Graduates receiving master’s degrees with distinction (4.0 GPA): 131

Every year, the Tiffin University community is confident that its newest alums will go forth into the world well-equipped to make positive and substantial changes in their fields – thanks to the full arsenal of skills and knowledge instilled by their mentors. This year however, there was extra cause for celebration, as the 2023 commencement also marked the 135th anniversary of TU’s founding.

 Graduates receiving bachelor’s degrees: 389 (16 BBA students from Romania)

 Graduates receiving bachelor’s degrees with honors (3.5 GPA or higher): 201

Second, he suggested the graduates think hard before changing careers or leaving organizations.

“I’ve switched companies three times in my life, and all three of my employers had their own share of problems with which I had to reckon. Had I jumped ship before waiting for the storms to pass, I would have missed some wonderful chances for career development. The temptation will always be there when the going gets tough, but no organization has completely green grass. Make sure whenever you do choose to leave, that you’re doing so to advance your career significantly.”

Not only this, but a portion of the ceremony was also dedicated to the recognition of the 20th Master of Business Administration cohort to graduate from TU’s campus in Bucharest, Romania. The inaugural Romanian Bachelor of Business Administration cohort, as well as its first Doctor of Philosophy graduate, were recognized. Members of the above classes even traveled to Tiffin to receive their degrees in person.

Tiffin University’s 135th Annual Commencement Ceremony began, per tradition, with opening remarks from President Dr. Lillian Schumacher, who not only acknowledged the anniversary, but took time to recognize the graduates and attendees of veteran or active military status. President Schumacher also recognized the Tiffin University Board of Trustees, as well as the TU faculty, staff and student musical ensembles for their individual contributions not only to the event, but for the collective impact they have on the community through their roles.

Mr. Andrew Felter, Chairman of the Board of Trustees, spoke next, both congratulating the graduates and offering insightful words of encouragement.

This year’s keynote speaker, Mr. Richard F. Wallman, was then introduced. Wallman served as the Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Honeywell International, Inc. and AlliedSignal, Inc. (prior to its merger with Honeywell) from 1995 to 2003. He has served on the boards of several companies and graduated in 1972 from Vanderbilt University with a Bachelor of Science degree. In 1974, he earned his MBA from the University of Chicago’s Booth Graduate School of Business and began his career with the Ford Motor Company serving in various financial positions. Wallman also served in senior financial positions with IBM and the Chrysler Corporation.

“Now that you’ve graduated, it’s onto the next phase of your lives,” Wallman began, “I’d like to offer you some lessons I’ve learned over the years.”

Wallman gave three main pieces of advice to the new graduates. First, he recommended they spend their early careers working for seasoned and successful mentors.

“When I was younger, I thought compensation was the most important thing to obtain in a career, but I later realized that learning from smart, successful people is invaluable. The money will always follow when you emulate the behavior of the greats.”

Lastly, Wallman advocated that attendees prioritize self-growth and professional development as a lifelong practice.

“Make sure you’re improving every single year. Listen to constructive feedback when it’s given, and learn from your mistakes. Everybody makes them. When you do, analyze why it happened and eliminate the character trait responsible. Set high standards for yourself, always. Be confident in the education you’ve received from this wonderful institution. Above all else, when you do go on to achieve great things, remember that Tiffin believed in you and laid the foundation for this success. I thank you for your time and attention and wish you the very best. Take some time today and celebrate your accomplishments. You’ve truly earned it.”

After speaking, Wallman was presented with an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters degree, bestowed by Provost and Chief Academic Officer Dr. Peter J. Holbrook and President Schumacher. Dr. Holbrook went on to address and congratulate the three recipients of TU’s undergraduate achievement awards to graduating seniors:

• Student Leadership Award to Sophia Compton. While at TU, Compton participated in intercollegiate athletics, served as a peer mentor, founded a student organization and took advantage of the University’s study abroad program.

• The Scholar Athlete Award to Savanah Richards. Richards spent three years on the varsity basketball team and maintained a perfect 4.0 GPA the entirety of her college career. She has received several athletic-based awards and accolades. Richards is currently finishing her MBA degree as part of TU’s Dual Enrollment BBA-toMBA expedited program.

• The Provost’s Award to Grace Winrod. Winrod graduated with a bachelor’s degree in commercial music and maintained a 4.0 GPA throughout their collegiate journey. While enrolled, Winrod participated in several musical groups and ensembles and completed multiple professional internships. While enrolled, Winrod also worked as a Student Ambassador with the Department of Undergraduate Admissions.

Brenda Collins '08, Chair of the Alumni Association Board, welcomed graduates to the Alumni Association.