CHALLENGE MAGAZINE VOLUME 40, ISSUE 1
ALUMNI & FRIENDS MAGAZINE OF TIFFIN UNIVERSITY
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
18-22
Campus Scene
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Guiding Principles
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6-7
Clearing the Way - Update on the Center for Innovation and Learning and the Transform Campaign
Lending a Hand - Nadia Lewis on the Center for Intercultural Excellence's Outreach Program
24-25 Police Partnerships - Tiffin University Drone Academy Cuts Down on Crime
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Historic Homes - Moving Forward without Forgetting
26-29 Campus Updates - From the Provost and Academic Deans
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Follow a Fellow Part Two - The Cold Casa Saga Continues with Kennedy Rorar
30-33 TU Alumni - Police Chiefs Across the Nation
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Building Bonds, Creating Community Gabby Cesareo on the Seneca County Friendship Club
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34-37 TU Alumni - Sports Management Grads Share Their Stories 38-39 Class Scene
From Classroom to Community - Jordan Fader on Making his College Project a Reality
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Reimagining the Classroom - TU Dedicates Land for New Outdoor Learning Center
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TU Tales - Khauriee Sullivan Eason Publishes Self-Help Book
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Cool Credentials - TU's Adds Workforce Ready Go Green... and Gold! TU Giving Day Gratitude
40-42 Sports Scene 43
Hall of Fame Football Standout - Nate Washington to Have Number Retired
44-50 Alumni Scene 51
Congratulations 2023 TU Winter Grads
GO GREEN... AND GOLD! Scan the QR code to receive Challenge Magazine digitally only and opt out of the printed mailing.
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, Assistant Director of Career Services, Former Public Relations Writer
CONTRIBUTORS Emily Curtice, Marketing and Communications Department Intern 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
PHOTOGRAPHER Rebecca Kielbasa, Digital Content Specialist
Change of address: Office of Alumni Relations 419.448.3595 or wilkinsvm@tiffin.edu
DESIGN Judy Reynolds, Graphic Designer
Update your information: tiffin.edu/advancement/update-your-information/
Challenge Magazine welcomes comments and suggestions. Please email roszmandl@tiffin.edu.
PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE I realize I am often one to boast about Tiffin University’s many wonderful happenings, but please do not think these claims are overstated. Being an institution dedicated to revolutionizing the student educational experience to meet the needs of a modern workforce, there really are many new developments on which to report. I remain, of course, sincerely excited to share each of them with our wonderful community. This priority to keep our instruction relevant based on current industry trends is just one of the many things I love about TU, and is a testament to the caliber of education we offer. I am pleased to report that in the coming pages, you will find many stories and inclusions that outline these recent accomplishments and steps toward progress – promises of new academic buildings, alumni success stories, community engagement programs and much more. Speaking of community engagement, I believe that one crucial indicator of a university’s prestige or quality of instruction is the impact of the school, its employees and graduates on the outside world. This is why I am especially excited to announce that this edition of “Challenge Magazine” focuses on the institution’s impact on the outside world – how professional, communal and interpersonal circles have been positively affected by TU’s faculty, staff, students, alumni and friends. While reviewing the following stories, I found myself overcome with feelings of immense pride over all that this extraordinary institution has done in such a short period of time. Moreover, I was and continue to be all the more impressed by the individuals who directly contributed to these projects. Their time and labor has not and won’t ever go unnoticed and their sheer dedication to Tiffin University will always be something to boast about.
Dr. Lillian B. Schumacher President of Tiffin University 4 / PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE
Guiding Principles PURPOSE
VALUES
What we are about: Transforming lives through education.
How we behave – ICARE
MISSION What we do: Educate students by linking knowledge to professional practice.
VISION What we want to be: A premier university for challenging students to enhance their global competencies and 21st century skills, for success in a diverse world.
STRATEGIC PRIORITIES Where we will focus: • Create an environment focused on student success. (Students) • Grow innovative academic programs. (Academics) • Optimize our organizational capacity. (People) • Strengthen and increase institutional financial sustainability. (Finances) • Enhance our critical infrastructure. (Facilities and Technology)
Interdependence We are an inclusive and caring community that emphasizes service as a foundation of success. Communication We engage in authentic dialogue, timely exchanges of information, and fact-driven discussion, civil debate, and decision-making. Accountability We make ethical, responsible decisions that have a high degree of integrity, are data-informed, and are results-oriented. Respect As a portal of equal access to education and information, we model civility and compassion; we embrace diversity as an essential component of creating a rich university experience for everyone. Entrepreneurship We prize innovation and creative thinking as hallmarks of successful participation in the global marketplace.
CLEARING THE WAY
UPDATE ON THE CENTER FOR INNOVATION AND LEARNING AND THE TRANSFORM CAMPAIGN The Transform Fundraising Campaign, devoted to creating new and innovative learning environments that faculty and students need and deserve, has already met and even exceeded several benchmark goals laid out for the 2023-2024 academic year. This means that plans for the institution’s progress have been greenlit far sooner than expected. Originally a seven-year effort, the University plans to exceed the $30 million goal this fiscal year, in only four-and-a-half years. As such, the University plans to break ground on the new Center for Innovation and Learning this spring.
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“The future Center will address an ongoing issue for the University – a lack of academic space. We have listened to the articulated needs of our students, faculty and staff and agree that further institutional growth is unsustainable without creating more room for unorthodox learning spaces and room to impart an ever-growing list of academic courses. This is a momentous step forward, and I could not be more grateful to our generous donors – without whom, none of this would be possible.”
– Mitch Blonde, Vice President for Institutional Advancement and Public Affairs, Chief Advancement Officer
The future Center has been described as, “the largest endeavor to enhance student learning on TU’s campus.” Some of the Center’s features include: • More than 30,000 square feet of learning space • Center for Entrepreneurship • Faculty offices • Group study spaces and meeting rooms • Boardroom The institution is currently working on clearing the space needed for construction, so be on the lookout for future updates! CLEARING THE WAY
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HISTORIC HOMES
MOVING FORWARD WITHOUT FORGETTING
DR. EUGENE HUTH
MR. CHARLES McKILLIP
With site-clearing efforts for the new Center for Innovation and Learning underway, the University has had to make efficient use of its limited space. While this unfortunately means that seven individual homes on or near campus will be demolished to make way for this new building, the history behind them and the impact of those for whom three were named is of great importance. All seven residences were built in the early 1900s and were owned/maintained by various community members for several decades. All were later acquired by the institution in the 1980s under the guidance of former President George Kidd Jr., who spent much of his tenure focused on the institution's expansion as enrollment grew. Three of these former homes were officially named after Dr. Eugene Huth, Mr. Charles McKillip and Mr. Alfred Reichard some especially influential figures in TU's lineage. Huth was a longtime professor and administrator. He began his tenure as an Instructor of Secretarial Subjects in 1923 and spent 40 continuous years teaching. In 1953, Huth assumed the role of Placement Director in addition to his teaching duties and was responsible for matching students with internship and job opportunities. Over the course of his employment, he also HISTORIC HOMES / 8
MR. ALFRED REICHARD
served as a member of the TU Board of Trustees, Treasurer of his respective school and Faculty Secretary. McKillip was a faculty member from 1927 to 1972 and began as an Assistant Professor within the School of Business. During his 45-year career, he became a favorite among students and earned the affectionately-given nickname "Mac," which followed him well into retirement years. Ever-involved in the lives of his students, he founded the former Sigma Omega Sigma fraternity and was their faculty mentor for several years. In his memory, the University instated the Charles L. McKillip Memorial Chair Endowment Fund. Reichard was one of the original founders of Tiffin Business University, the entity that would later grow into the presentday Tiffin University. Reichard, a former faculty member at Heidelberg University, was a driving force behind the mutual decision to sever the Heidelberg Commercial College from the greater institution in 1917 (following its creation in 1888). Reichard was instrumental in turning the Commercial College into Tiffin Business University and in implementing many policies, procedures and core values still practiced today.
In 1930, the late Huth House was purchased by the extended family of Dr. Jeremy and Jamie Marinis. Jeremy formerly served TU as the Executive Vice President of Enrollment and Student Affairs, and Jamie is a current Assistant Professor of English.
9 / HISTORIC HOMES
FOLLOW A FELLOW PART TWO
THE COLD CASA SAGA CONTINUES WITH KENNEDY RORAR By Emily Curtice, Marketing and Communications Intern
field. I still love the lab aspect. My drive has just shifted toward assisting in current situations.”
In 2022, Tiffin University’s School of Criminal Justice and Social Sciences launched its new Cold Case Fellowship, selecting several talented and passionate students to participate and investigate actual unsolved homicides alongside TU’s faculty and third-party investigators. This program collaborates with the National Cold Case Foundation and those involved with each case. Among the students chosen was Kennedy Rorar, a fourth-year forensic science major at TU, who previously offered her insights into the program during its infancy stages. Now that the Fellowship is well underway, Kennedy’s back to share some additional thoughts as a fully-fledged cold case investigator – with actual experience under her belt!
Because this opportunity involves real cases, every detail must be handled with a high level of discretion and confidentiality. A secure room with restricted access, accessible only to specific faculty members and mentors must be used, and participants are required to use fellowshipdesignated technology such as phones and computers. Personal devices are strictly prohibited. KENNEDY RORAR
“I appreciate every moment of it,” she continued. “Last year, we were not assigned to any cases. We were strictly trained on how to interview, how to read the case, where to start, how to take notes, the importance of details within the case and more. Dr. Curtis and faculty members properly prepared and trained us to be qualified for what we were expecting.” Under the guidance of Associate Professor Dr. Michael Curtis and dedicated faculty members, the training wasn't just about acquiring skills; it was about cultivating a mindset primed for the challenges of real-world investigations. This solid foundation, as Kennedy reveals, has been transformative. Not only has the fellowship offered her invaluable hands-on experience, but it has also sparked a profound realization of her true passion. “Being a forensic science student, this has opened my eyes to the criminal justice aspect of these cases. Between completing an internship with the Cleveland CSI and homicide departments and now the fellowship, it has changed my overall career goals. I want to do less work in the lab and more in the criminal justice
FOLLOW A FELLOW PART TWO / 10
The fellowship continues to push forward and make strides in the cases assigned to them. Tiffin University’s Cold Case Fellowship has emerged as a groundbreaking initiative, providing students with a unique opportunity to delve into real-life unsolved homicides. The program's collaboration with the National Cold Case Foundation and hands-on involvement in ongoing investigations under the guidance of experienced faculty and third-party investigators is not only equipping students with practical skills, but also igniting unexpected passions, as seen in Kennedy's evolving career aspirations. Despite facing the initial challenges, these obstacles have only fueled the determination of the participants. As the fellowship continues to unfold, it is not just a testament to Tiffin University's commitment to experiential learning but also a beacon of hope for uncovering the truth in long-standing unsolved cases. Scan the QR code to read part one of Kennedy’s journey! tiffin.edu/news/follow-a-fellowkennedy-rorar-prepares-to-jointus-cold-case-fellowship-program/
BUILDING BONDS, CREATING COMMUNITY
GABBY CESAREO ON THE SENECA COUNTY FRIENDSHIP CLUB
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“It really is such fulfilling work,” began Gabby Cesareo ‘23. “I never thought I would enjoy it as much as I do. In fact, I intentionally took a full-time job in Seneca County after graduating from Tiffin so I could remain involved – even though I’m from the Akron area, originally.” - Gabby Cesareo '23
Gabby Cesareo is the current Program Coordinator for the Seneca County Friendship Club, a group for young adults ages 18 to 25 who are high-functioning on the autism spectrum – to help them practice social / life skills, stay active in their community and of course, develop new friendships. She began volunteering with the Club’s parent organization, the Family and Children First Council, during her undergraduate work at TU and became more involved as opportunities arose. It didn’t take her long to discover that she had a passion for community service, so when this new program was introduced during her junior year of college, she jumped at the chance to help it get off the ground. “Watching them grow is definitely the most rewarding part of it all,” she continued. “I remember where some of our members were in terms of social skills only a few years ago, which is leaps and bounds behind where they are today. They tell me it means so much to them that we’ve created this space where they can find their people, be their authentic selves and develop their confidence.”
The Club currently accommodates around 20 people, with some only able to participate on a part-time basis due to work or other scheduling conflicts. While Gabby’s primary focus is to create spaces where these people can make new friends and hone conversational skills, many club members especially appreciate that the programming also extends beyond social outings. “What we do encompasses so much more than practicing people skills,” she explained. “Our club members learn practical life skills through our group outings – like when we have conversations about money management during shopping trips. We’ve taken trips to downtown Tiffin before, and I’ve coached them through calculating how much they can spend without it getting too out of hand and how to pay for things on their own.” According to Gabby, the community also benefits from the Club. In addition to scheduling volunteer and community service projects for the group, she also takes every chance to educate the public on how they can be more accommodating to neurodivergent individuals. “We do everything we can to debunk stereotypes,” she offered. “Several of our members recently spoke at an autism awareness panel and shared their stories. Not many counties have programs like this, either, so they also explained how they benefit from participating in the hopes that attendees may start something similar in their own hometowns.” Gabby extends her sincerest gratitude to the club members with whom she works, for making this professional experience so fun and personally fulfilling. “None of this would happen without them putting in the time and effort,” she said. “As long as they continue loving it and taking full advantage of the services, I’m going to continue doing my best to help them in kind. I’m just so proud of them and all they’ve achieved both individually and collectively.” 11 / BUILDING BONDS, CREATING COMMUNITY
FROM CLASSROOM TO COMMUNITY
JORDAN FADER ON MAKING HIS COLLEGE PROJECT A REALITY “It’s simple,” Jordan Fader began. “I saw an opportunity to help out my city while also working toward completing a class. It was a win-win.”
crews were on-site to clear out some of the overgrown vegetation, remove trees and section off bus benches so they could no longer be slept on.
The project Fader refers to is a revitalization initiative for the City of Dayton, where he is currently employed as a police officer. As part of an assignment for his Dragon Educational Core (DEC) 300 course, he was tasked with coming up with a mock community service implementation project. Well, Fader took it a step further and actually campaigned to have his project carried out by the city.
The City of Dayton also offers social service resources such as communal housing sites, domestic and substance abuse shelters and free meal programs for those in need. The site is now officially clean of the vegetation, debris and other means that attracted the transient population to the area. The crime has significantly reduced, and the crime that remains is much more manageable and less obvious to the general public. The local business did not really notice the environmental changes (which was by design), but did notice the reduction in crime. Less loitering, trash, stealing, jaywalking, littering, homelessness, disruptive people, drug use and open sex has caused a measurable quality of life increase. Fader is currently enrolled in TU’s online BCJ program in contemporary justice. According to him, the curriculum is flexible enough to fit his needs as a non-traditional student without sacrificing any quality of instruction. “The online program has prompted me to further immerse myself in each topic of study,” he explained. “There’s no handholding, so if I don’t keep up with the assignments and fully commit to learning independently, I won’t get the most out of the experience. This was absolutely the right choice for me, though. I have a family to be present for, and being able to work classes into my schedule was a major selling point. Also, I truly feel that the instructors and advisors are accessible if I ever need guidance.”
JORDAN FADER “There’s a local gas station that’s surrounded by thick woods,” Fader began. “In recent years, there’s been a real problem with nonviolent crimes being carried out by transient populations – littering, solicitation, harassment of patrons, drug use and public fornication. They would set up campsites in the trees and it was detracting from the local businesses’ profits.” After completing a plan of action as part of the course assignment, Fader, being a law enforcement officer, took the issue to his commander. Within the next few days, maintenance
FROM CLASSROOM TO COMMUNITY / 12
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“I work midnight shifts often, and often email my professors at odd hours. Professor Paas and many others with whom I’ve worked are always available and more than willing to support me, no matter the time of day. Their dedication is evident.” - Jordan Fader
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"I am very proud of Jordan for his outstanding performance on contextual analysis and seamlessly applying theory to practice. His achievements are a testament to his hard work and ability to bridge the gap between knowledge and real-world application, which is commendable! He has demonstrated an immense potential for being part of the next generation of leaders."
- Cassie Paas, Assistant Director of Online Undergraduate Admissions, Transfer and Articulation, Adjunct Instructor
13 / FROM CLASSROOM TO COMMUNITY
REIMAGINING THE CLASSROOM
TU DEDICATES LAND FOR NEW OUTDOOR LEARNING CENTER On October 20, Tiffin University held an official ceremony to commemorate the generous land donation made by John and Diane Hoffman, which will soon become the new Outdoor Learning Center to be named in their honor. The objective of the newly-dedicated space will be multipurpose. The University hopes to utilize this resource as an outdoor classroom and gathering space, where students from all disciplines can not only gather to study in a serene atmosphere, but where classes can take advantage of the setting for academic purposes.
JOHN HOFFMAN TU plans to use it for botany, ornithology and other biologyoriented courses as part of its experiential learning commitment. Opportunities for forensic science and crime-scene-related activities also exist and are being discussed, as is the possibility of the land being used by the Drone Academy for training sessions. The possibilities are truly endless! During the dedication, John Hoffman spoke of his lifelong commitment to learning and environmental conservation. “In 2009, I enrolled in the global field master's program at Miami University. Throughout the period preceding 2009 until my REIMAGINING THE CLASSROOM / 14
graduation in 2014, I took numerous online courses and five field expeditions in the pursuit of community-based conservation and inquiry-based learning. Throughout the program, I came to believe that inquiry, coupled with strong traditional learning is absolutely essential to solving these problems we face in our world. My experience with field expeditions to Costa Rica, Belize, Baja, Mongolia and Kenya reinforced the need for learning through hands-on experience. It is in that spirit that Diane and I donate the property to Tiffin University.”
15 / REIMAGINING THE CLASSROOM
TU TALES
KHAURIEE-SULLIVAN EASON PUBLISHES SELF-HELP BOOK Sully to share and also praised him for his decorated career as a student athlete.
There’s an age-old expression that goes, “they wrote the book on it.” While the phrase usually just refers to someone being an expert on a particular topic, Khauriee Sullivan-Eason (Sully) `23 took the phrase quite literally. Shortly after graduating, Sully wrote, edited and published a book all about how to thrive in a college setting – based on his experiences as a Tiffin Dragon. “My mother has been a writer for years,” Sully explained. “Whether it was short stories, poems or formal publications, she dabbled in all of it and encouraged me to do the same. I also grew up without a father figure in my life, so she had to raise me on her own while working two or three jobs at a time to support us. She has always been my biggest inspiration. In short, I only had one parental role model KHAURIEE SULLIVAN-EASON instead of two, and I know countless others have been in the same situation. Writing this book was my way of seeking to help others entering college without a traditional support system. I bumped my head – so to speak – a lot when I first started at TU, and now I hope others can learn from my mistakes.”
“There are a lot of terms I could use to describe him – polite, intelligent, considerate, focused, organized, inspiring, a leader, a team player, thoughtful and compassionate. How someone responds to adversity often reveals their character. Sully responded to adversity by staying focused with a positive attitude and a strong commitment to persevere. He overcame all of those obstacles placed in front of him and was extremely successful. It was truly a privilege to teach, coach and mentor Sully. The TU men’s rugby team was fortunate to have Sully’s athletic ability, leadership and sportsmanship during his time here as well.”
Sully went on to explain that his passion for writing only grew when he entered college, especially with the help of one mentor in particular.
In the book itself, Khauriee frequently uses examples from his time spent at TU to help new college students navigate what is an uncertain and stressful time for many. He even gives special shout-outs to his most cherished mentors and cites some favorite courses. He remains very grateful to his systems of support, as well as the book’s editors for helping him achieve this impressive goal.
“My professors absolutely encouraged me to pursue this,” he offered. “Dr. James Gucker was especially invested in me, and I’m forever grateful for his support and encouragement.” Dr. Gucker, an Assistant Professor of Business Law with TU’s School of Business, had some similarly positive thoughts about TU TALES / 16
Currently, Sully is studying for the Law School Admission Test, and his Dragon family wishes him all the best as he embarks on this new and exciting chapter. Whether it’s for Sully’s helpful hints or just to reminisce about the college days, prospective and current students, as well as other alums, could all benefit from reading “The Guide to College Success.”
COOL CREDENTIALS
TU ADDS WORKFORCE READY
GO GREEN... AND GOLD!
As the institution’s response to the evolving needs of a modern workforce, an exciting new program is officially in the works. This academic year, the University will launch 59 certification programs in fields such as information technology, healthcare, advanced manufacturing and essential leadership/problem-solving skills, with plans to develop more in the future. Through this initiative, the University seeks to become a full-service talent solutions provider, by offering opportunities for career development in addition to traditional four-year degree programs. These courses are designed to be 100% online and self-paced, so working professionals and those looking to quickly launch, reskill or upskill careers may do so in a way that suits their individual needs. Partnering employers will also have a new and convenient solution for talent retention and development through these affordable, scalable and flexible educational solutions. “It is exciting to think about all the ways in which employers, employees and individual professionals will benefit from these offerings,” said President Schumacher. “Tiffin University has historically positioned itself to be on the cutting edge of what is new and needed in professional spheres. Currently, easily-accessible and affordable professional development curricula are in high demand as people shift or advance within their roles. Staying true to our roots, TU has found a way to facilitate this with both recognized and innovative fields – so busy learners can progress on their own terms.”
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Thanks to the substantial generosity of Tiffin University’s many friends, faculty, staff, students, alumni and other generous donors, the fifth annual Fuel the Fire Giving Day fundraising campaign receipted a total of $333,518 through 2,693 donations. Such a successful event wouldn’t have been possible without your unwavering support, and the Dragon family extends its sincerest appreciation for these efforts.
GRATITUDE
The sixth annual campaign is set to kick off on September 18, 2024. If you are so inclined, please mark calendars accordingly, as any gift, no matter its size, will directly and significantly contribute to the student educational experience. 17 / COOL CREDENTIALS / GO GREEN... AND GOLD! / GIVING DAY GRATITUDE
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VOLUME VOLUM ME ONE
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TIFFIN UNIVERSITY AND OWENS COMMUNITY COLLEGE FORM DRAGON NEXT PARTNERSHIP
Tiffin University and Owens Community College (OCC) have expanded their ongoing relationship through the Dragon Next expedited degree completion program. Dragon Next allows enrolled students to begin academic careers at any of Tiffin University’s partnered two-year colleges, before finishing bachelor’s degrees through TU at a discounted tuition rate and on an accelerated timeline. On-campus participants are eligible for merit scholarships, and online students may receive a tuition discount per credit hour.
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TU HOSTS 32ND ANNUAL INTERNATIONAL FLAG CEREMONY
On November 15, Tiffin University celebrated its international students through the Annual International Flag Ceremony during International Education Week. Tiffin University has 213 international campus-based students, hailing from 45 countries outside the United States. Morocco, Tunisia, Malawi, Antigua and Barbuda, as well as the Philippines were represented at the Flag Ceremony for the first time.
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TU “TIFFINKIDZ” RELEASES DEBUT ALBUM
TU’s recording label, Tiffin Music Studios, has released its first album entitled “TiffinKidz Volume 1.” The album features eight songs, performed by local children and teens in the TiffinKidz after-school vocal music program. TiffinKidz Volume I is the first in a series of five albums to be released through Tiffin Music Studios and is available to stream on all major music sharing platforms. Carter Bennett (`23) has spearheaded the project since 2021. Bennett is the album’s producer and sound engineer, while TU senior and education major, Jessica Briney, is the participants’ primary vocal coach. The pair works under the guidance of Aly Horn, Assistant Dean for Program Development in the School of Creative and Media Arts.
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TU ANNOUNCES ANNUAL ALUMNI AWARD WINNERS
On October 21, Tiffin University held its yearly Green & Gold Weekend Alumni Awards and Reunion Luncheon. Three awards were presented during the event – the Alumni Achievement Award, the Young Alumni Achievement Award and the Alumni Service Award. The Alumni Achievement Award is granted based on one’s accomplishments, leadership and contributions to a profession or field of study, community or one’s alma mater. The 2023 recipient was Mary Lewis (‘86). The Young Alumni Achievement Award is presented to a young alumnus whose life exemplifies high principles and who is an outstanding leader in their profession or community. The 2023 recipient was Lauren Barnes (‘08). The Alumni Service Award recognizes one’s dedication to the University through service in alumni programs, on advisory committees and through efforts made to ensure the welfare of the institution. The 2023 recipient was Robert (Bob) Manz (‘71). CAMPUS SCENE / 20
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TIFFIN UNIVERSITY LIFE@TU HOSTS LOCAL VETERANS PANEL
On November 3, Tiffin University’s lifelong learning program LIFE@TU hosted a panel discussion “Veterans Stories.” Panel members included local veterans Don Nibblett, United States Army; Mark Scheid, United States Army and Dale Thornton, United States Army Medical Service Corps.
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TU HOSTS FIRST-GENERATION COLLEGE STUDENT PANEL
On November 10, TU honored students who are first in their families to attend college. The event, First-Gen and a Friend, coincides with National First-Generation College Celebration Day, an initiative of the National Association of Student Personnel Administrators and the Suder Foundation. The celebration featured a panel of former first-generation TU students and faculty members who shared words of wisdom and advice with attendees.
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TU OFFERS SPECIAL PACKAGE FOR COLUMBUS BLUE JACKETS GAME
Tiffin University offered special ticket and apparel packages for the Columbus Blue Jackets’ (CBJ) home game on Friday, December 29. Discount packages were for TU’s employees, alumni, students, parents and friends. The CBJs played the Toronto Maple Leafs. Each package offered one ticket to the game at multiple seating-based price point options, and the first 100 packages sold received a Tiffin/CBJ co-branded winter hat.
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FRIENDS AND FAMILY OFFERED SPECIAL TICKET PACKAGE FOR CLEVELAND CAVALIERS GAME
Tiffin University offered special ticket and apparel packages for the Cleveland Cavaliers home game on November 17, versus the Detroit Pistons. The discount packages were available to TU employees, alumni, students, parents and friends. Each package offered an individual ticket at multiple price points options and locations. The first 100 tickets sold received a Tiffin/ Cavaliers co-branded hate and a Tiffin/Cavaliers cobranded stress ball. Because of its success, a second game date has been added for March 16, 2024
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TIFFIN UNIVERSITY’S OHIO INNOCENCE PROJECT CHAPTER HOSTS WILLIE KNIGHTEN, JR.
On October 24, Tiffin University’s undergraduate chapter of the Ohio Innocence Project (OIP-u: TU) hosted guest speaker, Willie Knighten, Jr. Knighten was wrongly convicted in Toledo in 1997 in connection with a driveby shooting. He was sentenced 18 years to life despite inconsistent eye witnesses and fingerprint analysis that excluded him from the prints found in the car. In November of 2009, after spending 13 years in prison, Governor Ted Strickland Granted Knighten clemency. He was eventually granted a full pardon by Governor Mike DeWine in May of 2022.
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TU’S HEALTH CENTER ANNOUNCES MERCY HEALTH PARTNERSHIP
[ 15 ] TU’S AVP OF STUDENT SUCCESS RECEIVES PHAROS LIGHTHOUSE AWARD
Tiffin University’s Health Center has partnered with Mercy Health to offer quality medical services for the campus community. The primary clinic is located in Friedley Hall, with a secondary at the Mercy Health – Tiffin Hospital Primary Care. The Friedley location’s operations are overseen by Robin Stump – APRN, NP-C, the University’s new full-time Nurse Practitioner. Dr. Tanveer Brar, a Mercy Health family medicine physician, will lead the Mercy Health location.
Pharos Resources, a leader in student success solutions and a Tiffin University strategic partner, has recognized Andrea Faber with their 2023 Student Success Professional Pharos Lighthouse Award. Faber serves as the Assistant Vice Provost of Student Success. The Lighthouse Award is given annually to outstanding student success leaders who make significant investments in their students’ engagement.
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TU HOSTS GREEN & GOLD HOMECOMING AND FAMILY WEEKEND
Tiffin University’s Annual Green & Gold - Homecoming and Family Weekend took place October 20 through October 21. This year’s events included the annual Hall of Fame Brunch, Alumni Awards Presentation, Homecoming Tailgate and football game, Green & Gold Fest and more. The celebration also coincided with the 135th anniversary of TU’s founding.
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DIANE KIDD GALLERY HOSTS “SHAPE AND COLOR, TOGETHER IN RHYTHM” TEXTILE EXHIBIT
From October 11 to November 17, TU’s Diane Kidd Gallery featured samples from Molly Fitzpatrick’s textile and design collection. Molly Fitzpatrick is an artist and fabric designer based in Cleveland. She received a BFA in fiber and material studies from the Cleveland Institute of Art. In 2015, she founded her sustainable textile brand, DittoHouse. Fitzpatrick has an ongoing licensing relationship with American furniture brand CB2, and currently sells her home textiles to the MoMA design store in NYC and Nordstrom.
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LIFE@TU PROGRAM HOSTS LEGISLATIVE PANEL WITH ELECTED OFFICIALS
TIFFIN UNIVERSITY WELCOMES NEW STUDENTS
Tiffin University’s overall enrollment increased 14% from last year. This fall, TU welcomed 591 new students to its campus, including first-year, transfer and graduate students (both domestic and international). New students hail from 29 states and 27 countries, with Morocco, Ethiopia, Antigua and Barbuda, as well as the Philippines being represented in TU’s community for the first time. In addition to the on-campus students, TU welcomed 316 new students in the online undergraduate, graduate and Ph.D. programs.
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TIFFIN UNIVERSITY AND EDISON STATE COMMUNITY COLLEGE FORM DRAGON NEXT PARTNERSHIP
Dragon Next allows enrolled students to begin academic careers at any of Tiffin University’s partnered two-year colleges, before finishing bachelor’s degrees through TU at a discounted tuition rate and on an accelerated timeline. Dragon Next guarantees that admitted students the option to transfer up to 60 credits from an associate’s degree toward the completion of a four-year degree at TU. Merit scholarships for on-campus participants are available, as well as tuition discounts for online students.
In October, Tiffin University’s lifelong learning program LIFE@TU hosted a panel discussion entitled, “Difficult Conversations: Respectful Politics'' in the Gillmor Student Center’s Osceola Theatre. Attendees listened to elected representative guest speakers from both ends of the political spectrum discuss the importance of bi-partisan teamwork to achieve legislative goals. Dr. John Millar, Emeritus Professor of Management, Dean Emeritus, acted as the moderator. These panel members included representatives from city, county and state offices.
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TIFFIN UNIVERSITY INTRODUCES DRAGON ARMOIRE PROGRAM
Tiffin University announced a clothing drive for its Dragon Armoire. The Dragon Armoire donates gently-used business attire to students who need it for career fairs and interviews. The goal of the program is to provide the right apparel for making positive impressions, while also raising awareness of current industry expectations.
21 / CAMPUS SCENE
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TIFFIN UNIVERSITY RECEIVES U.S. BANK GRANT
U.S. Bancorp, parent company of U.S. Bank National Association, has awarded Tiffin University $15,000 through the Community Possible grant. The University will utilize this funding for the Dragon Cupboard food pantry, Dragon Armoire professional wardrobe program, financial literacy programming, Pfeiffer Library resources and to organize a student etiquette dinner.
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SCHOOL OF BUSINESS FACULTY MEMBER WINDS LONG ROAD TO TIFFIN
Dr. Diego Hernandez shared his journey that brought him to Tiffin from his home in Bucaramanga, Colombia. In his 12th year at Tiffin, Hernandez is currently Assistant Dean for the undergraduate and graduate online learning programs within the School of Education and Extended Learning and an Associate Professor of Management. He teaches accounting, management and financial courses in online undergraduate, graduate and other degree completion programs. Hernandez earned his PhD from Northcentral University in management of engineering and technology in 2021. His MBA is from the University of Toledo, and he also holds a master’s degree in higher management from the Industrial University of Santander in Colombia, South America.
[ 20 ] TU HOSTS ANNUAL CONVOCATION CEREMONY On August 19, the Dragon family welcomed its Class of 2027 on campus with the annual Convocation Ceremony. This year’s event was monumental, as it was also marked by the 135th anniversary of TU’s founding in 1888, which was mentioned throughout the affair.
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TU’S DIANE KIDD GALLERY HOSTED “THE DAY OF LONG GOODBYES” SCULPTURE EXHIBIT
Tiffin University’s Diane Kidd Gallery featured Michael W. High’s ceramic sculpture collection, “The Day of Long Goodbyes,” from August 21 to September 22. High is a full-time artist from northeastern Ohio. High holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from Kent State University, and his artwork has been exhibited regionally, nationally and internationally. High’s creations incorporate various media to explore light and darkness, abstract concepts and the complex interplay of thoughts and emotions.
[ 22 ] TU SHARES ASHLEY RATHBUN STORY WITH THE FRANKLIN COUNTY CORONER’S OFFICE Rathbun spent ten weeks this summer interning with the Franklin County Coroners’ Office (FCCO), floating between its many offices and departments through their forensic rotation program, gaining experience in many different areas. She spent a few weeks at each site, starting in the case management department and ending her residency under the supervision of Erika Wrigley, Supervisor of Morgue Operations. CAMPUS SCENE / 22
[ 23 ] TIFFIN UNIVERSITY ANNOUNCES PARTNERSHIP WITH EDCOR Edcor, the nation’s leader in education benefit outsourcing and consulting services, has entered a strategic partnership with Tiffin University as part of their Preferred Schools Network Program. The initiative’s goal is to create mutually beneficial relationships for Edcor, its aligned schools and the company’s patrons.
[ 24 ] TIFFIN UNIVERSITY FOOTBALL TEAM HOSTS ANNUAL VICTORY DAY CELEBRATION On August 12, 2023, TU’s football team hosted its annual Victory Day celebration at Frost Kalnow Stadium. A tradition for the Tiffin area community, this event provided children with cognitive or physical disabilities a chance to experience sports in a supportive and caring environment.
[ 25 ] TU SHARES JULIA EFFINGER’S STORY Julia Effinger ‘23 shares her journey of navigating TU. Effinger originally chose Tiffin on the premise of playing soccer with a nationally ranked team. She eventually earned herself an offer of admission from the Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine’s Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program. Excelling on and off the field, she was recognized by the School of Science, Technology and Health exercise science department with a Flame Award, one of the highest honors a graduating Dragon can receive.
[ 26 ] TIFFIN UNIVERSITY NAMES STAFF AWARD WINNERS Tiffin University’s Assembly for Staff Engagement and Talent (ASSET) has named its annual staff award winners. Five awards were presented in total. The Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Distinguished Leadership Award - Jacob Simon, former Assistant Vice President for Intercultural and Community Engagement, Deputy Title IX Coordinator The Service to Campus Award - Jason Bock, former Director of Operations for the Center for Online and Extended Learning was the recipient. The Service to the Community Award - Mikki King, Director of Annual Giving Excellence in ICARE Values Award - Ali Havrilla, Director of Online Enrollment Management Lori Hall Staff Member of the Year Award - Nick Bollinger, Assistant Director of Online Post Graduate Admissions
The Campus Scene section of this publication was created with the significant help of TU student Emily Curtice, Marketing and Communications Department Intern.
LENDING A HAND
NADIA LEWIS ON THE CENTER FOR INTERCULTURAL EXCELLENCE’S OUTREACH PROGRAM
Since opening in January of 2022, TU’s Center for InterculTUral Excellence (CIE) has greatly expanded its repertoire of services offered – not only for University constituents, but for thirdparties also seeking to prioritize diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging (DEIB). With a larger staff and additional resources now at its disposal, the Center has been able to shift focus from mentoring TU employees to also taking on clients off-campus – from nonprofits, to major corporations and even startups. Now, anybody is able to benefit from the collective experience and expertise of the CIE’s wonderful team. With this new chapter in its story unfolding, it seems only natural and necessary to offer an update on how it’s all going – a DEIB breakdown. “One of our most exciting developments is the expansion of our community engagement program,” offered Nadia Lewis, Vice President for Human Resources and the Center for InterculTUral Excellence. “Recently, the Center has begun recruiting volunteer staff to become trained facilitators on a part-time basis, so they can impart the institutional-mandatory Building Cultural
Competencies coursework onto new TU hires. This allows me and my other full-time staff members more flexibility for travel and engagement with outside clientele.” Engaging with clientele is exactly what Nadia and the other folks at the CIE have been up to. In 2023 alone, the staff has worked with over 100 outside organizations, including national conglomerates like Owens-Illinois and Ohio businesses such as Mercy College, F&M Bank and McGohan Brabender. Lewis has also been invited to speak at several conferences and seminars, including the Northwest Ohio Human Resource Association’s 18th Annual Inclusion Conference. “One of our biggest keys to success thus far has been catering our approach to the specific needs of each organization with whom we work,” explained Lewis. “Everybody operates differently and holds varying ideas of what success looks like, so meeting them where they’re at has been instrumental and is one of the things that sets us apart from other consulting groups. I’m so proud of my team and the work they’re doing.”
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“In facilitating these workshops, I have also gained self-confidence in presenting on a topic that is relevant to not just TU, but everywhere. Knowing I have a part in helping employees work together and reinforce behaviors towards valuing diversity and inclusion for each other and for our students is personally rewarding. This is reinforced when actions related to this training create a greater sense of belonging on our campus for students as well as staff and faculty.” – Kerry Jones, Coordinator of Academic Excellence and Effectiveness, 2023 Volunteer Internal Facilitator
23 / LENDING A HAND
POLICE PARTNERSHIPS
TIFFIN UNIVERSITY'S DRONE ACADEMY CUTS DOWN ON CRIME What once began as a small-scale program to help locate missing community members has since grown into something much bigger – all thanks to an ongoing collaboration between the Tiffin University Drone Academy and the Seneca County Sheriff ’s Office. From its humble beginnings in 2022, this partnership has had the full support of TU alum Sheriff Fredrick (Fred) Stevens, who has worked closely with Owen Fritz, Assistant Professor of Computer Science, Drone Academy Director, to grow the partnership into what it is today – an official law enforcement consulting enterprise. “It started with Seneca County’s participation in the national Project Lifesaver initiative through the Seneca County Lions Club,” explained Stevens. “People who have family members with autism, Alzheimer's or related conditions can get these individuals registered for tracking wristbands. In the event they go missing, their loved ones or registered caretakers can request for us to triangulate their location using satellite technology. However, our trackers are only so precise; that’s why drones were first introduced. If my deputies can narrow one’s location down to a patch of woods or a large field, our on-staff pilot is then able to find their exact coordinates by getting a bird’s eye view.” Sheriff Stevens went on to explain that while his office did utilize Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) technology before working with the Drone Academy, it was in a limited capacity. “The two deputies on my staff who could pilot them weren't trained to fly at night or during adverse weather conditions. One too many times, I had to turn down Fostoria or another neighboring office that needed UAS assistance with a case, simply because they required more piloting expertise than what we could provide at the time. I mean, people go missing at night all too often, so that’s when the idea of bringing in more seasoned help first came to mind. Being a TU graduate myself, it seemed like a no-brainer to bring in some experts from my alma mater.” With that, the plan to establish an official county-wide drone team, to include a couple officers from each local agency, was put into motion, and the Drone Academy was involved at every turn. “The Sheriff reached out to my team after learning of our ongoing work with the Sandusky County EMA Drone Response Team,” offered Fritz. “We started by helping various officers, deputies
POLICE PARTNERSHIPS / 24
and departments within the county obtain their UAS certifications and also facilitated training workshops for them. Before my team and I knew it, we were being sworn in as civilian deputies and accompanying uniformed personnel as they responded to critical incident-related calls.” According to Stevens and Fritz, this evergrowing relationship has been beneficial for the University, Seneca County law enforcement and most importantly, the area’s citizens. “That’s really what this all boils down to,” said Stevens. “Saving time and resources for the sake of saving lives and most importantly, the overall safety of the public. Sure, we do community engagement events, fundraising and educational demos, but this is what really matters - shaving seconds off the clock when those seconds truly matter.” With the versatile nature of UAS technology, the Drone Academy has been able to have a hand in many of the county’s dealings, both with mundane and emergency situations spanning from hostage negotiations to crowd surveillance at local parades. “I remember last year, we had an emergency training session in the form of an active shooter scenario,” said Stevens. “Not even a month later, our county experienced a very real active shooter and we were that much more prepared. This was the moment I realized just how much of a game-changer drone technology was, and continues to be, to our operations, especially critical incidents. My team and I could stay updated on the assailants’ location in real-time without putting lives at risk. Moreover, the technology allows me to make better-informed decisions in a quicker fashion - with lower-stakes jobs, too. I don’t have to wait for people to give me updates; I already have the most up-todate information livestreamed to my devices.” Not only do local law enforcement agencies benefit from this collaboration, but the University does as well. “It gives the Drone Academy more credibility,” offered Fritz. “Internship programs and part-time employment is always a plus, sure, but the real benefit is that we can now say we’re partnered with several official agencies in the field, which sets us apart from other fly-by-night operations. It shows our dedication to providing excellence in our services.” “I think we’re just on the cusp of what’s possible,” added Stevens. “I see us expanding beyond county demos, fairs and
parades to ultimately have a more regional impact. I want us to raise the bar for other drone teams in the northwest Ohio region, if not statewide.” According to the Sheriff, who earned both his undergraduate and graduate degrees from TU, the Drone Academy is a testament to the high caliber of education that continues to be offered years after his graduation, especially for non-traditional learners. “I’ve spent a total of 17 years involved with TU,” he began. “Between earning my bachelor’s and master’s degrees part-time, to teaching as an adjunct for six years at one point. I truly believe that since I started my very first class in 1995, TU has been at the forefront of criminal justice education and has supplemented their curriculum with field-experienced instructors and cuttingedge technologies and programs, such as the Drone Academy. In my case, I couldn’t attend college in the traditional sense by enrolling full-time. I was married, working 40-50 hours a week and had children to provide for and raise. I’m forever grateful to them for allowing me the flexibility to complete my degrees at my own pace and will never forget my time spent there or the mentors who allowed me to flourish in my chosen profession.”
25 / POLICE PARTNERSHIPS
CAMPUS UPDATES
FROM THE PROVOST AND ACADEMIC DEANS
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“The following leaders within their respective academic disciplines were chosen, in part, because of their steadfast commitment to linking educational pursuits with community engagement and philanthropy. In order for students to succeed outside the classroom, they must apply knowledge to professional practice, and why wouldn’t an institution provide them with the chance to practice such field skills in ways that also benefit the outside world? I am quite proud of all they have accomplished during their tenure, and look forward to their future ideas for engagement and service.”
- Dr. Peter J. Holbrook, Provost and Chief Operating Officer
CAMPUS UPDATES - HEAR FROM THE PROVOST AND DEANS / 26
“This fall, the School of Education and Extended Learning launched a partnership with the North Central Ohio Educational Service Center (NSCOESC). As part of this collaboration, NSCOESC professionals delivered industry-focused guest lectures in several TU education courses. Presentations, which included the titles, ‘Understanding and Deconstructing the History Standards,’ ‘Backwards Design for Curriculum Mapping,’ ‘Creating Formative and Summative Assessments’ and ‘Scaffolding and Differentiation,’ all focused on key competencies for the teaching profession and provided TU education students a valuable sneak-peek into what a variety of theories looked like when applied in the field. On September 1, Ms. Brenda Luhrig, the CEO of NCOESC and Mr. John Davoli, their Director, came to campus to speak about the benefits of substitute teaching and to describe the urgent need for qualified substitutes that local school districts are currently experiencing. They discussed the process, tips for success and even suggested that students who are not presently in an education program might consider switching majors to take advantage of the employment and career opportunities in the field. Given the success of these initial ventures, the NSCOESC will continue to explore additional mutually-beneficial collaborations that will not only deepen our students’ professional engagement, but also provide essential career skills and real-world experience while helping to serve the needs of the community.”
– Dr. Dan Clark, Vice Provost and Dean for the School of Education and Extended Learning
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“The School of Business participated in the 2023 Giving Day fundraising campaign, and we would like to thank the generous donors that helped to raise over $3,000 to support student programs within the School of Business. This fall, the Dean’s Advisory Council was reconstituted and currently has 13 members representing various business disciplines and organizations. This engagement with professionals will help guide and develop the School as expectations for college graduates continues to evolve.”
– Dr. Thomas Marben, Dean of the School of Business, Assistant Professor of Accounting
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“As we revise the Dragon Educational Core (DEC) sequence, the faculty teaching DEC200 have developed a group experiential research project entitled, ‘Understanding and Addressing Social Issues in Our Community.’ According to my colleague, Professor Jamie Marinis, the project aims to empower students to explore a complex social issue on campus and within the local community, understand its root causes and propose practical solutions. This not only allows students to deeply engage with a pressing social issue but also encourages empathy, critical thinking, collaboration and advocacy skills. Identifying important social problems and being an advocate for social change is essential to our continued proliferation as a society and can have a lasting positive impact on you and your community.” – Dr. Stacey Floyd, Dean of General Education and Teaching Innovation, Director of the Center for Faculty Support and Teaching Innovation and Professor of English 27 / CAMPUS UPDATES - HEAR FROM THE PROVOST AND DEANS
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“I would like to highlight the School of Criminal Justice and Social Science’s Cold Case Fellowship program which is in its first full year and serving a cohort of 17 freshmen interested in working actual cold cases in conjunction with our law enforcement partners. Dr. Michael Curtis, the Program Director, has done an outstanding job of overseeing and supervising the Fellowship. Six upperclassmen students have returned to the Fellowship this year and assist Dr. Curtis in supervising the freshmen students. Recently, we’ve completed the design of the Cold Case Center located in the Hanson Building. The Center equips up to five full teams of student-investigators with state-of-the-art technology necessary to investigate cold cases. Belonging to an experiential fellowship such as the Cold Case Fellowship program provides our graduates with unique opportunities to take part in real-world investigations while serving our law enforcement partners and the greater community, giving them a leg-up as they enter the vast field of criminal justice post-graduation.”
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“The biology and chemistry faculty at Tiffin University volunteered at the Tiffin Heritage Festival by assisting with children’s activities. Faculty and Tiffin University students assisted with their Imagination Station, helping local children explore science through fun and thought-provoking experiments. Demonstrations included creating clouds in two-liter bottles, solar system trivia, lunar phase modeling, solar eclipse sketches, exploring shadows with flashlights, soil erosion and physics mass and balance experiments with playdough. During a recent event held by the computer science department at Tiffin University, students from the Association of Computing Machinery Club hosted a soldering workshop right on campus. The event allowed students to learn the basics of soldering, using fun and interesting kits such as Christmas ornaments, snowflakes and Christmas trees. In an inspiring collaboration with the City of Tiffin's Xplore Space Camp, the Tiffin University Drone Academy with Professor Owen Fritz, Professor Bruce Chambers and Dr. John Schupp, recently introduced elementary students to the enchanting world of aviation. Young minds were captivated and enlightened through engaging lessons on flight operations, propulsion, drone components and safety. The Academy's emphasis on responsible drone operation and safety left an indelible mark on these future aviators.”
– Dr. Pete Piraino, Dean of the School of Criminal Justice and Social Sciences – Dr. Mark Sabo, Dean of the School of Science, Technology and Health, Professor of Forensic Science and Chemistry
CAMPUS UPDATES - HEAR FROM THE PROVOST AND DEANS / 28
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“The School of Creative and Media Arts continues the long TiffinArts tradition of active community engagement. During the past year, the Diane Kidd Art Gallery has hosted dozens of community groups and organizations for special showings of gallery exhibitions. Off-campus, student members of our art team have created public art in the community in collaboration with the Tiffin Municipal Arts Council. Under the leadership of recent commercial music graduate Carter Bennett, the 10 to 17-year-old members of our TiffinKidz group, an offshoot of the Tiffin Kids Choir, are working in our recording studio producing pop music covers. In the past year, our School provided audio tech support for the Seneca County Pride Festival, and our students served on the production team for the East Green Summer Concert Series.” – Brad Rees, Vice Provost and Founding Dean of the School of Creative and Media Arts 29 /
CAMPUS UPDATES - HEAR FROM THE PROVOST AND DEANS
TU ALUMNI
POLICE CHIEFS ACROSS THE NATION Tiffin University’s School of Criminal Justice and Social Sciences has a long history of educating leaders in the law enforcement fields. Statistics don’t lie - a large number of TU alums across the nation have worked their way to the top and are now employed as police chiefs. We reached out and asked how Tiffin University impacted their journey.
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“The Tiffin University MSCJ program provided me the essential credentials needed to become a more professional and effective police leader. This challenging program offered me the opportunity to network with criminal justice professionals from all walks of life, who prepared me for seeking higher levels of responsibility. The faculty and staff at Tiffin University assisted me in making the transition into this educational experience both inspiring and rewarding. Completing this program and receiving my degree directly resulted in my selection and appointment to my current position. Taking the information I’ve learned from this program and with the support of our team, we will build our department into a premier law enforcement agency, for our size and location, in the state of Ohio.”
- Chief Mark McWilliams, North Carolina DHHS Police - Black Mountain
- Chief Mark McDonough, Sidney Police Department
“The law enforcement profession has changed dramatically throughout the years. Professional growth is mandatory in today’s environment. A graduate degree from Tiffin provides the knowledge required to face contemporary challenges and provides the foundation needed in order to become an effective organizational manager.”
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“As a means to challenge myself, I entered the graduate program for criminal justice administration at Tiffin University. Little did I know that the day after I graduated, I would be promoted to Lieutenant. After a period of time in that position, I was equally surprised to have the opportunity to be the Chief of Police. I have no doubt now that the rigors and opportunities provided to me by Tiffin’s curriculum made my success possible and then a reality.” - Chief Christopher Marlow, Bellefontaine Police Department
TU ALUMNI - POLICE CHIEFS ACROSS THE NATION / 30
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“Tiffin University provided me with the tools to better cope with and handle the challenges and decisions that leaders in any organization face. As a young TU criminal justice student, I was challenged by my professors to think and consider new ideas, not just about law enforcement, but about life. In the process, I learned from other students in my classes who had very different life experiences. This sharing of information and experiences was critical to my mindset and approach throughout my law enforcement career.” - Chief David Pauly, Tiffin Police Department 31 / TU ALUMNI - POLICE CHIEFS ACROSS THE NATION
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“Pursuing a master’s degree from Tiffin University provided the perfect balance between working as a police professional and being a student. I found the course content to be challenging yet fulfilling. Most of my classmates were also active law enforcement professionals, so the sharing of information and experiences was very useful. I have made connections with classmates that I can reach out to for advice and resources. The coursework has also been applicable to my role as a police chief, and I am confident that it helped me secure the position I currently occupy.” - Chief Adam Colón, City of Franklin, Ohio
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“I chose to pursue my master’s in criminal justice, concentrating on criminal behavior, via Tiffin’s online degree program. Pursuing an advanced degree in this manner made time management a high priority and further developed this skill for me. This alone has proven integral as I have risen through the ranks and especially in the role of Chief. The focus on mental health prepared me for the many relatable encounters I experienced on patrol, thus improving my empathy and rapport with many of the individuals I’ve encountered. The program expanded my critical thinking as many issues I am faced with today require solutions that may not be apparent at first glance. Developing in these areas gave me the skills and confidence to become a leader within my agency.” - Chief Tessa Pohovey, New Philadelphia Police Department
TU ALUMNI - POLICE CHIEFS ACROSS THE NATION / 32
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"My Tiffin education has been invaluable in preparing me to tackle the complexities of being a Chief of Police, equipping me not only with the knowledge and skills, but also the ability to communicate effectively with individuals from all walks of life. This fosters trust and unity within our diverse community." - Chief Michael Troendle Toledo Police Department
33 / TU ALUMNI - POLICE CHIEFS ACROSS THE NATION
TU ALUMNI
SPORTS MANAGEMENT GRADS SHARE THEIR STORIES Dr. Bonnie Tiell’s professional development for sports management class had the opportunity to hear her former students speak about their experience at TU and how it affected their career journeys.
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“I particularly enjoyed the fact that my professors would frequently bring in guest professionals from relevant fields to talk about the ins and outs of the sports world. It reassured me that the skills I was being taught in class would actually transfer to the job market one day.” - Alanna Widman (2016) Assistant Equipment Manager at University of North Carolina
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“The world of sports management is so big; there are many sub-fields underneath that massive umbrella – marketing, hospitality and so many other disciplines that are useful to anyone in the business. TU did a great job of allowing me to learn something about the many areas so that when I entered my first job, I wasn’t worried about not being adequately prepared. I was able to hit the ground running.”
“The intimate classroom settings, along with a high percentage of studentathletes enrolled at TU created a unique educational experience. The dynamic coursework coupled with playing for the nationally ranked men's soccer team, not only made my experience more enjoyable, but also helped to prepare me for running a business centered around working with high-caliber athletes.”
Ashley Madison (2013) Manager, Ticket Sales at Cleveland Guardians
Mark Thomas (2006) Executive Director at Penn Fusion Soccer Academy
SPORTS MANAGEMENT GRADS SHARE THEIR STORIES / 34
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"Figure out what you are passionate about and stand out from the crowd. Learn from opportunities that you both love and hate. That’s what I did during my time at TU, and it served me well. The internships through Dr. Bonnie Tiell also gave me the experience I needed to get my foot in the door after graduation."
Joe Lofton (2014) Football Development Manager for the Pittsburgh Steelers 35 / SPORTS MANAGEMENT GRADS SHARE THEIR STORIES
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“I was heavily involved in TU’s community, both academically, socially and athletically. Being a student-athlete and also involved in several clubs and organizations, I was able to supplement what I learned in the classroom with some practical experience, managing my time effectively and mentoring others. I definitely believe that putting that on my résumé helped to land me my first industry job postgraduation – all thanks to the abundance of opportunities available.”
“The flexibility of TU’s online MBA program afforded me the rare opportunity to further my education without sacrificing my career to do so. I was able to move through the coursework at my own pace without uprooting my entire life to join a seated, traditional program. Though it was online, I never once felt a lack of community or cohesion, and remain in touch with many former cohort members and professors to this day, which has proved useful in my career.”
- Amanda Brown (MBA 2017) – Assistant Athletic Director, Student-Athlete Development & Professional Advancement at University of Kentucky SPORTS MANAGEMENT GRADS SHARE THEIR STORIES / 36
- Ryan Paul (2017) Athletics Marketing and Engagement Manager at Towson University
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“A standout facet of TU’s program is definitely its environment conducive to building relationships. I still keep in touch with many people I met while pursuing my MBA, both personally and professionally, and this has truly helped me advance my career.”
– Sean Kriek (MBA 2017) Manager of Business Development with Weber State Sports Properties at Learfield
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“I was both a marketing and sports management major as a TU student and still apply the skills I picked up through both degree programs to my current position. Managing an entire YMCA location, I have to draw from both sets of knowledge, as there is a fitness/recreation side to my position, as well as a business management/administrative side. Tiffin did a wonderful job of teaching me about a lot of things, so that even if a task presented was outside my immediate wheelhouse, I knew enough about adjacent tasks to be able to get it figured out very quickly.”
- Cara Roach (2010) Associate Executive Director at YMCA of Florida's First Coast
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“TU’s campus is small and intimate, which is one of it’s biggest strengths and the reason that I wanted to go to Tiffin. Students at Tiffin have so many amazing opportunities to work directly with the different departments within the University to grow professionally. While at Tiffin, I did everything I could to gain as much experience and make as many connections in the Athletic Department as possible before graduating, and the University’s culture made this so easy. Most professors that I had also have experience in the field they teach, which made learning so easy in the classroom.” - Dylan Saunders (2019) Senior Account Executive with Learfield Amplify at the Ohio State University 37 / SPORTS MANAGEMENT GRADS SHARE THEIR STORIES
CLASS SCENE
The Class Scene section of this publication was created with the significant help of TU student Emily Curtice, Marketing & Communications Department Intern Stephanie Winemiller Class of 2009, 2019 Stephanie recently began working on her Ph.D. in forensic psychology at Walden University. She lives in San Diego with her two dogs and is an immigration attorney. She graduated with a Bachelor of Criminal Justice in 2009 and achieved a Master of Science in Psychology in 2019.
1980s
2010s
Theresa Ann Nibblett Class of 1984 Theresa Ann Nibblett was recently appointed to the Seneca County Board of Elections for a four-year term. She holds a bachelor’s of business administration from Tiffin University.
Kirstin Trageser Class of 2013 Kirstin Trageser, Guest Experience Manager at the Walt Disney Company, published her first book “Until We Meet” in September. She is married to Mike Trageser and is a proud parent to Iris Lucille, who was born in November, 2020.
Scott Arthur Beck Class of 1989 Scott Beck recently retired from the Mayo Clinic after a 30-year career, leaving as Chief Operating Officer for Laboratory Services. He has now recently taken a new position as Chief Operating Officer at Vyriad, Inc., a biotechnology company. He graduated from TU in 1989 with a bachelor’s of business administration.
Allison Christina Budaj Class of 2010, 2015 Allison Christina Budaj recently began the position of Assistant Director of General Education at Joyce University of Nursing and Health Sciences. She graduated from TU in 2010 with a Master of Humanities and an additional Masters of Humanities in communication in 2015.
2020s
2000s Kirsten Eileen Hanning Class of 2003 Kirsten Eileen Hanning recently received an employee performance award at ASCD and Manufacturing Works. Hanning was a member of TU’s women’s soccer team. A year after graduation, she moved to Washington D.C. and is a proud parent to her daughter who is 10 and her son who is six. Sarah Marie Maher Class of 2007 Sarah Maher is now employed by the City of Belleville as a police officer. She married her husband, Steve, in 2019 and welcomed their first child, Sylvie in February of 2021. They are currently expecting another baby girl in January of 2024.
Leah Davis Class of 2021 Leah Davis recently began a position at Marion County Forensic Services as a forensic scientist in biology. She graduated from TU with a Bachelor of Science in forensic science. She recently received her Master of Science in forensic science from the University of New Haven (UNH) in 2023. During her time at UNH, Leah Davis executed thesis research and plans to publish her work on trace DNA investigation. David Irving Class of 2022 David Irving recently began a new position at Sutton Bank as an Information Security Risk Analyst. He graduated from TU with a Bachelor of Science in cyber security.
Want to be featured in an upcoming edition? Go to tiffin.edu/tellus and let us know what you are up to! CLASS SCENE / 38
IN MEMORIAM KATHERINE (KATY) ANNE MCPHERSON
CLASS OF 2005 Katherine (Katy) Anne McPherson, 60, passed away on Sunday, October 15, 2023. She obtained her master's degree in criminal justice from Tiffin University.
TESSA LEE MILLER
CLASS OF 2003 Tessa Lee Miller, 38, of Tiffin, died Thursday, August 17, 2023. She obtained her master’s degree in criminology from Tiffin University.
CHARLOTTE C. SMITH
CLASS OF 1965 Charlotte C. Smith, 78, died Monday, October 23, 2023. Charlotte earned an associate degree from Tiffin University.
39 / CLASS SCENE
SPORTS SCENE
40 teams nationally, saw the Dragons participating in 2013, 2014, 2016, 2018, 2019 and 2022. The Dragons finished 14-3-3 and had four All Conference selections led by Defensive Player of the Year Amara Kamara and Coach of the Year Rudy Brownell.
FOOTBALL Tiffin University (11-1) finished its regular season unbeaten for the first time in school history and entered the playoffs seeded number one in Super Region One. TU’s football team ranked ninth in the American Football Coaches Association (AFCA) Division II national poll and were one of just four teams in Division II sporting an unbeaten record at the close of their regular season. The team received a bye in the first round of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Championships and eventually fell to 15th-ranked Slippery Rock 45-35. The Dragons were ranked in the Top 10 of 16 different statistical team categories and posted a strong 26-7 victory over Findlay for the Great Midwest Athletic Conference (G-MAC) Championship. This marked the first NCAA postseason appearance for the Dragons since 2019. A total of 15 players earned All Conference honors, led by Defensive Lineman of the Year Robert Holtz.
VOLLEYBALL The Dragons advanced to the G-MAC Tournament Final Four and finished 18-14 overall. TU entered the tourney as the sixth seed and upset Walsh to advance to the Final Four. They also ended the regular season and secured their playoff seeding by posting a record 21 total team blocks in a 3-1 victory over Northwood. Kenedi Goon was named First Team All Conference. WOMEN’S SOCCER Tiffin finished 3-9-5 overall and fell just short of qualifying for the G-MAC Tournament. Suzy Hayes led the team with four goals, while Emma Lennig tied Hayes for total points with eight apiece.
MEN’S SOCCER Tiffin University returned to the NCAA Division II Men's Soccer Championships as the top seed in Super Region Three after finishing as the G-MAC regular-season and tournament champion. This marks Tiffin's seventh selection to the NCAA regional level. The regionals, which featured SPORTS SCENE / 40
CROSS COUNTRY Tiffin’s men’s cross country team finished fourth at the G-MAC Championships with two runners earning All Conference honors. Nathaniel Ondracek was a First Team pick while finishing seventh overall, while Dalton Gleeson was Second Team and finished 17th. The women’s team took ninth at the conference meet with Charlotte Campbell earning First Team honors with a fifth-place mark. DRAGONS WALK WITH LOCAL ELEMENTARY STUDENTS Tiffin University took to the streets with local elementary children on Walk and Roll to School Day on October 4. The event, which is organized around Washington K-1 Elementary School, involved Washington's administration, staff, teachers and hundreds of students participating. In addition, Tiffin University staff and hundreds of studentathletes along with community members and supporters also participated. The walk began at 9 a.m. at Washington Elementary School.
Walk and Roll to School Day is an annual event that involves communities from across the country walking and rolling to school on the same day. It began in 1997 as a one-day event. Today, thousands of schools across America from all 50 states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico - participate every October. Over time, this celebration has become part of a movement for year-round safe routes to school. TIFFIN UNIVERSITY HALL OF FAME INDUCTIONS In conjunction with Homecoming Weekend, Tiffin University held its annual Hall of Fame Induction ceremonies in the Marion Center.
Honorees included Jeremy Croy (Head Cross Country/Track and Field Coach), Pat Curtin (baseball), Mandy Scott (Jaeb) (women's basketball), April Shaneck (Nietrzeba) (softball), Alexandria Granchelli (Quast) (women's lacrosse) and Dan Snyder (men's track and field) Jeremy Croy coached Tiffin University’s cross country and track and field programs for 22 seasons and is one of the most honored coaches in TU history, leading the indoor track and field team to NCAA Division II National Championships in 2016 and 2017. He coached 16 individual national champions in track and field and earned 2021 G-MAC Men's Outdoor Coach of the Year, 2020 U.S. Track & Field Cross Country Coaches Association (USTFCCCA) Midwest Region Indoor Men's Coach of the Year, along with G-MAC Indoor Coach of the Year. He is also a five-time Midwest Region Men's Coach of the Year. Among his many coaching honors are: USTFCCCA National Coach of the Year; Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (GLIAC) Coach of the Year for the 2017 indoor season; 2016 GLIAC Coach of the Year and National Coach of the year in 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; and GLIAC Outdoor Track and Field Coach of the Year in 2011. He 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. April (Nietrzeba) Shaneck (2005-2007) is a 2006 National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) All American who led the Tiffin University softball team to some of its greatest seasons. She was a two-time All National Independent, All Region and All Conference pick during her two-season career. She ranks fourth in career pitching wins and holds season records for strikeouts 41 / SPORTS SCENE
and complete games while also finishing second in career ERA. She is also second in the TU record books for single season victories. During her 2006 season, the team was ranked 13th in the nation. She led the team to the NAIA National Tournament in 2006 and 2007, along with winning the Region IX Championship both years.
G-MAC schools, they trailed only Walsh (272) and Findlay (236). The Academic Achievement Awards, in its 16th year, is a program that recognizes the academic accomplishments of student-athletes at the Division II level. 2024 HALL OF FAME Six former Tiffin University standouts will be inducted to the Tiffin University Hall of Fame on October 5. The 2024 inductees will be Frank Johnson (football), Joe Graessle (men's basketball), Malaika Messi (women's tennis), Ashley Gilroy (cross country/track and field), T.J. Nims (track and field), and Krista Sowers (softball).
Dan Snyder (2006-2011) is one of the top multi-sport athletes for Tiffin University’s men’s track and field program. He is a four-time NCAA National Qualifier (twice in heptathlon, twice in decathlon) during his career. He is a two-time All American who placed sixth in decathlon in 2011 and eighth in heptathlon in 2010.
Johnson was an offensive lineman from 1996-99… NAIA All American in 1999…Three-time All Mideast League selection…Two-time First Team selection.
Pat Curtin (2009-2012) is one of the premier baseball players in Tiffin University history. He earned All American honors during his career while also landing four All Region and five All GLIAC honors. He finished his career in strong fashion, earning 2012 GLIAC Player of the Year distinction. He had the honor of achieving First Team honors as an outfielder in 2012, as well as Second Team pitcher. He ranks third in career hits and is Top 10 in eight offensive categories.
Graessle was a men's basketball standout from 2011-14 who was a 4-time All GLIAC performer as well as GLIAC Freshman of the Year…NCAA Div. II Bulletin Freshman All American…finished 2nd in career points with 2162 and also holds TU career records for three pointers…is 2nd in career steals and free throws, and 3rd in field goals…holds single season record in steals and points scored.
Mandy (Jaeb) Scott (2008-2012) is one of the top women’s basketball players in Tiffin University history. She was an All Region and three-time All GLIAC player over her career. She ranks second in career scoring with 1585 points and finished her career by earning the 2012 GLIAC Commissioner’s award. She also ranks first in career free throws made and second in assists while also placing Top 10 in 12 categories.
Messi was a four-time All GLIAC women 's tennis player from 2010-14…ranks 2nd in career singles and doubles wins and holds a 71-24 career singles record…led team to 2014 NCAA Regionals. Gilroy was a cross country standout from 2011-14 who also competed in track and field…holds TU record in 6K and is 5th in 5 K…NCAA All Region performer in 2012 as well as All GLIAC…earned three All Ohio citations…has 4 Top 10 finishes.
Alexandria (Quast) Granchelli (2010-2013) is a threetime All American and two-time Academic All American in women’s lacrosse from 2010-2013. She holds four NCAA records (goals and points per game in a season, assists and points in a game) and ranks second in points per game, Third in goals per game and total points and 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 and 2013 First Team All GLIAC. She also holds the distinction of being the first NCAA Division I or II player to score over 100 goals in a season. She holds all TU season and career offensive records.
Nims was a five-time national qualifier from 200407 (4 times in long jump, once in triple jump)…First Team All American in long jump in 2007…AMC champion in long jump for three consecutive years (05-07), two-time AMC champ in 200 meters…3rd in career conference outdoor points. Sowers was a three-time All Independent selection from 2006-09 as well as an All Conference pick who was 2007 NAIA All American…was named 2007 AMC North Pitcher of the Year…Tiffin's career leader in strikeouts with 559…second in career wins with 70 and 4th in career complete games… team ranked 13th in nation in 2006…led team to NAIA National Tournament in 2006 along with Region IX Championship.
DRAGONS RANK 11th IN D2 ACADEMIC ACHIEVEMENTS Tiffin University placed 11th in the nation in the D2ADA Academic Achievement Awards.
The event will be held in conjunction with Homecoming Weekend on October 4 - 5.
The Dragons totaled 190 honorees. Amongst SPORTS SCENE /
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HALL OF FAME FOOTBALL STANDOUT
NATE WASHINGTON TO HAVE NUMBER RETIRED standard for recognition within our institution,” Schumacher continued. “Congratulations to Nate for this well-deserved and historic acknowledgment. We look forward to his continued success and the inspiration he brings to our University community."
Nate Washington, who played football for the Dragons from 2001-2004, will have his number 85 retired at the annual Gridiron Bash held on April 19. He will then serve as an Honorary Coach at the Spring Football Game on April 20 at Frost Kalnow Stadium. This also marks the first time Tiffin University has ever retired a number from any of its athletic programs.
“I respect the history of my school,” said Washington. “I have played with a lot of talented players over the years. I visited their schools and was there when some of them had their numbers retired. They called me when they heard this was happening and were very excited to hear the news. It was overwhelming.”
Washington is the most decorated football player in Tiffin University history. He earned a total of five All-American citations during his career. He was the 2004 Independent Football Alliance Offensive Player of the Year while also earning three First Team All IFA honors Washington also looks forward along with an All Northeast to being involved with the spring Division honor. He holds seven game on April 20. Tiffin University receiving records, including career yards and NATE WASHINGTON “This is a great opportunity to touchdowns along with season get more alumni involved, and to get to know more of records for yards and touchdowns. He also holds the the players and the program. I know what it feels like to record for yards in a game with 299. He went on to play be in that locker room. I want to encourage everyone in professionally in the National Football League, winning a manner that can help them go on to succeed in life.” two Super Bowl rings with the Pittsburgh Steelers during a career that lasted from 2005-2015. During his NFL career he played for Pittsburgh, Tennessee and Houston. He earned his bachelor’s degree in business administration from Tiffin University. “This is an amazing honor that I truly did not expect,” said Washington. “It has not been the tradition at TU to retire numbers, so this caught me off guard. I shed some tears when I was informed, because I realized that I was the first to have this honor.” “Indeed, the decision to retire an alumni's number is a significant and momentous one, and Nate holds the distinction of being the first to receive this honor,” said Tiffin University President Dr. Lillian Schumacher. “This decision is a testament to his exceptional accomplishments and the immense pride we feel for him, not only as a stellar professional athlete but also as an exemplary role model for our current and future students.” ”Nate's achievements and character have set a new
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HALL OF FAME FOOTBALL STANDOUT
A NOTE FROM THE DIRECTOR OF ALUMNI RELATIONS
DEAR ALUMNI AND FRIENDS, Over the past year, Tiffin University has seen incredible growth and success, thanks in large part to the amazing support from alumni and friends like you. We want to express our heartfelt thanks for your ongoing interest and investment in TU. You make a real difference, and we're grateful for your continued support! Green & Gold – Homecoming and Family weekend was filled with nostalgia, laughter and celebrations. This weekend continues to be a campus wide initiative to unite all those who hold a deep affection for TU – alumni, students, families, faculty, staff, parents and the community. Please mark your calendars for next year's Green & Gold Weekend, scheduled for October 4 - 5, 2024. This fall was jam packed full of alumni events across the country and in our own backyard. We hope you continue to show up when TU Comes to YOU. Looking ahead to the spring and summer, we have a series of alumni events planned both on campus and in various cities. Your participation in these events directly contributes to the support of current students. Each gathering is purposefully designed to provide updates on campus developments, facilitate networking opportunities with fellow Dragons in your community and help our current students. Please refer to our website and your email for the latest information on upcoming alumni events near you at tiffin.edu/advancement/alumni/events. As a friendly reminder, we encourage you to keep your information current with your TU family. Whether you've embarked on a new career, recently married, welcomed a new family member, received an award or achieved a milestone, we want to hear about it! Share your news with us at tiffin.edu/advancement/ update-your-information. On behalf of Tiffin University and the TU Alumni Association, we extend our heartfelt appreciation for your ongoing dedication to Tiffin University and our students. Please do not ever hesitate to reach out if you have any questions about Tiffin University. I am always happy to help however I can. Vickie Wilkins ‘09/’11 Director of Alumni Relations/TUAA Board Advisor wilkinsvm@tiffin.edu 44 / ALUMNI SCENE
ALUMNI ASSOCIATION BOARD NEWS Our newly formed alumni association taskforces are hard at work. Some of the accomplishments of these newly formed task forces include the TU Giving Day social media campaign, Dragon Legacy Visit Day and alumni panel in coordination with Green & Gold Weekend and the Thankful for YOU social media campaign. The Alumni Association Board is a group of passionate alumni who are committed to making Tiffin University an even better place for its students. Through their collective professional and personal experiences, they provide valuable guidance and support to the university's executive leadership in achieving its strategic goals. Their dedication and hard work truly make a difference in the lives of current and future TU students. To view a full list of Alumni Association Board members, visit, tiffin.edu/advancement/alumni/association-board.
UPCOMING EVENTS AND SAVE THE DATE! When you attend an alumni event, you can help current students. Our alumni events have a purpose. We want you to get an update about all the wonderful things that are happening on campus, network with Dragons in your community and help our current students. The most current list of alumni events with registration forms can be found on our website, tiffin.edu/advancement/alumni/ events. · First-ever Men’s Wrestling Reunion – Friday, February 16 · TU Comes to YOU: Paris, France – Saturday, February 17 · Florida Alumni Visits - February 20 – 29 · Sunset Boat Cruise, Naples, Florida – Friday, February 23
GOLDEN GRADS – CLASS OF 1974 AND EARLIER It would be our honor to have our Golden Grads lead the Class of 2024 into their future! If it has been 50+ years since you began your last semester at Tiffin University and we would be thrilled if you would join us for the 136th Commencement Ceremony on Saturday, May 4. We will be recognizing the class of 1974 but any class member from 1974 or earlier are welcome to attend this event to be recognized. Fifty-year class members who have participated in commencement have truly enjoyed their experience and we are happy to continue this tradition at Tiffin University. We intend to make this day special for you and our 2024 graduating class. If you are able to join us, please contact Vickie Wilkins, Director of Alumni Relations, at 419.448.3595 or WilkinsVM@tiffin.edu.
· Golf tee times at Majestic Golf Club, Lehigh Acres, Florida – Saturday, February 24 · Columbus Blue Jackets Game – Saturday, March 16 · TU Comes to YOU: Chicago, IL – Thursday, March 21 · Lacrosse Alumni Reunion – Saturday, March 23 · TU Comes to YOU: Pittsburgh, PA – Thursday, March 28 · TU Comes to YOU: Dallas, TX – Thursday, April 4 · Softball Alumni Reunion – Sunday, April 7 · Volleyball Alumni Reunion – Saturday, April 13 · Soccer Reunion Weekend – Saturday, April 13 · TU Comes to YOU: Greenville, SC – Thursday, April 18 · Football Reunion, Gridiron Bash and Spring Football Game – Friday, April 19 and 20 · Tennis Alumni Reunion – Saturday, April 20 · Baseball Alumni Reunion – Saturday, April 27 – 28 · Commencement Ceremony – Saturday, May 4
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COMMEMORATIVE PINT GLASS Our commemorative pint glass program continues! Every year a new pint glass is released and is available by making a donation to the senior class gift. If you are a member of the class of 2023 and did not get your pint glass and would like to, contact the alumni office, alumnioffice@tiffin.edu, to get yours today. A limited number are left and they are first come, first serve. The class of 2024 pint glass will be available beginning in April.
IMPACT SHIRT REVEALED! For the third year in a row, the Tiffin University Impact Shirt is available! The TU Impact Shirt is an exclusive, one-of-a-kind shirt that changes design each year and is sold for a limited time. For every Impact Shirt sold, proceeds will benefit a select area of campus. This year, the Dragon Cupboard –Tiffin University’s Food Pantry, will be the focus.
SAVE THE DATE, GREEN & GOLD, HOMECOMING AND FAMILY WEEKEND OCTOBER 4 - 5 Highlights for GREEN & GOLD Weekend 2024: • Night of Champions – Celebrate the champions of Tiffin past and present and look toward the future. This night promises to offer entertainment, raffles, silent and live auctions, delicious food, drinks, exciting games, and activities, all to continue to fund championship programs in the future. • Hall of Fame Brunch and Induction Ceremony – Congratulations to this year’s class! • GREEN & GOLD FEST – Fun for the whole family with inflatables, an obstacle course, a slide, a trackless mini train, a 9-hole putt putt, a ballistic swing and more. • Celebrate our Alumni - Alumni Awards Presentation, Annual 25+ Reunion Luncheon and 50-year Reunion Luncheon. • Homecoming Tailgate and Football Game at FrostKalnow Stadium. • Multiple athletic competitions and affinity gatherings throughout the weekend. Registration is highly recommended for GREEN & GOLD WEEKEND. Registration will open this spring.
Scan the QR code to order your Impact Shirt!
IMPACT SHIRT / SAVE THE DATE /
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ANNUAL ALUMNI AWARDS TO BE PRESENTED DURING GREEN & GOLD WEEKEND
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 meets the following criteria: displays strong personal integrity and character and volunteer service to their community and society. Congratulations to the 2023 recipients Lauren Barnes '08 (Young Alumni), Bob Manz '71 (Alumni Service) and Mary Lewis '86 (Alumni Achievement).
SHINE A LIGHT ON A FELLOW DRAGON! Do you know a Tiffin University alumni who meets this criteria? The nomination period is open now through April 30. Visit tiffin.edu/ advancement/alumni/awards/ to make your nomination.
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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-legacy-program or contact Vickie Wilkins, Director of Alumni Relations, at wilkinsvm@tiffin.edu or 419.448.3595.
SCAN THE QR CODE TO THE LEFT TO SIGN UP FOR THE DRAGON LEGACY PROGRAM.
DRAGONS FOR LIFE / 48
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 2024 receive an academic scholarship ranging from $10,000 to $17,000 towards four years of attendance. This scholarship is awarded based on their cumulative, high school grade point average. First-year students with a parent/guardian 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 2024.
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.
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LIFELONG LEARNING AT TIFFIN UNIVERSITY LIFE@TU is for those who love learning and want to dig deeper into their areas of interest or discover something entirely new. LIFE@TU is a program of educational, cultural and social opportunities for retired and semiretired individuals. Take courses in a relaxed atmosphere for the pure pleasure of learning - and transform your life through education. FIVE REASONS WHY TU ALUMNI AND FRIENDS SHOULD BECOME LIFE@TU MEMBERS 1. Learning something new on Friday mornings 2. Compelling lectures, expert panels and fascinating interviews 3. A new subject every week (history, science, technology, genealogy, arts and more) 4. Being part of an engaged community where you belong and are valued 5. NO HOMEWORK! PRICING • Annual membership (20 classes): $150 • Semester membership (10 classes): $85 • Single event pass: $12 • Guest passes (for attendance with members) are available for $5 LIFE@TU / 50
INCLUDED IN THE PRICE (ANNUAL MEMBERSHIP) • Attendance at 10 in-person, two-hour interactive sessions per semester • Reserved event parking next to Gillmor Student Center • Access to recordings after the event via an emailed link • Free admission to athletic events (with LIFE ID) • Discounted price for lunch on the day of the event in Cole Dining Hall • Priority seating for theatre and musical productions • Five LIFE@TU guest passes at $5 per pass For more information about the program and to become a LIFE member please visit tiffin.edu/life@tu or contact Vickie Wilkins at wilkinsvm@tiffin.edu.
Scan the QR code to become a LIFE member.
Congratulations
2023 TU WINTER GRADS
51 / 2023 TU GRADS
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