2025 Challenge Vol41-Issue2

CHALLENGE MAGAZINE VOLUME 41, ISSUE 2

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

46

5

Guiding Principles

6-7

Center for Innovation and Learning Opens to Transform TU’s Academic Experience

47 Dragon Flames: The Story of Ryan and Victoria Speakes

8-9

Board of Trustees Adds Five New Members

10-22

Campus Scene

22 One Day. One Goal. One Result -Record-Breaking Giving Day at Tiffin University 23 Innovation Fellowship Empowers Student Entrepreneurs 24-25 Adam Morrison on Adapting, Innovating and Leading in Supply Chain 26-27 Dr. Anas Blasi Leads Tiffin University’s AI and Robotics Initiatives with New Lab in the Center for Innovation and Learning 28-29 Internship Chronicles 30-31

TU Ph.D. Students Experience Transformative Learning in Switzerland

Blaze’s Holiday Gift Guide

48-49 TU Celebrates $3.6 Million Milestone as Phase I of Comprehensive Campaign Concludes 50-51

Greek Life: Alpha Iota Sorority Celebrates 100 Years of Sisterhood

52 Greek Life: Phi Theta Pi Convention / Pool Part 53 Celebrating Dragon Excellence: Honoring the 2025 Alumni Awards Recipients 54-60 Class Scene 61-63

Sports Scene

64-65 Alumni Scene 66 Dragons for Life! Dragon Legacy Program 67 Impact Shirt Revealed 68-69 Share Your Dragon Pride 70-71

LIFE@TU The Adventure of Lifelong Learning

32-38 Donor Honor Roll

72 International Travel Opportunities

39 Join the Tiffin Society and Make a Lasting Impact

73 Welcoming the 2025 TU Athletics Hall of Fame Class

40-41 Campus to Coral Reefs: TU Travels to Bonaire 42-43 Tiffin University’s Global Exchange: A Semester of Culture, Connection and Campus Life 44-45 Chris Chase’s Journey of Flavor and Community

GO GREEN... AND GOLD! Scan the QR code to receive Challenge Magazine digitally only and opt out of the printed mailing.

Olivia Karhoff, Marketing and Communications Department Student Worker

PUBLISHED BY The Office of Institutional Advancement Mitchell P. Blonde, CFRE Vice President for Institutional Advancement and Public Affairs / Chief Advancement Officer

Shane O’Donnell, Sports Information Director

WRITER + EDITOR Katie Tiell, Public Relations Writer

Send news to: tiffin.edu/tellus

DESIGN Judy Reynolds, Graphic Designer CONTRIBUTORS Ryan Jensen, Marketing and Communications Department Student Worker

Debby Roszman, Executive Director of Public Relations, Marketing and Communications

Change of address: Office of Alumni Relations alumnioffice@tiffin.edu Update your information: tiffin.edu/advancement/update-your-information/

Challenge Magazine welcomes comments and suggestions. Please email tiellkm@tiffin.edu.

PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE

Dear Alumni and Friends,

us with their journeys - leading businesses, transforming industries and living lives of purpose, compassion and impact.

As 2025 comes to a close, I’m delighted to welcome you to Volume 42, Issue 2 of Challenge Magazine. This issue is more than a reflection of the past year- it’s a celebration of the bold strides, transformative achievements and powerful stories that continue to shape the heart and soul of Tiffin University.

This edition also shines a light on the spirit of generosity and unity that defines our Dragon community. Events like Giving Day remind us of the power we hold when we come together students, alumni, faculty and friends - to support the programs and initiatives that make a lasting difference.

This year has been nothing short of extraordinary.

We proudly unveiled the Center for Innovation and Learning - a dynamic, 30,000 square foot space where imagination meets purpose. It’s a place where students collaborate across disciplines, ignite new ideas and build the skills needed to thrive in a world that demands agility, creativity and vision. Alongside this milestone, initiatives like the Innovation Fellowship and the launch of our Doctor of Criminal Justice program are empowering students to challenge limits and redefine what’s possible.

Looking ahead to 2026, I’m filled with hope and excitement. Guided by our ICARE values - interdependence, communication, accountability, respect and entrepreneurship Tiffin University is poised to reach new heights.

Together, we will continue to educate, inspire and empower the next generation of Dragons to lead with courage and make meaningful change in the world.

Thank you for your unwavering support and belief in our mission. I hope you find inspiration in this edition of Challenge Magazine, and I invite you to walk with us into a future full of promise and possibility.

We also successfully completed the first phase of our capital campaign, raising an impressive $33.6 million. This achievement reflects the incredible generosity of our alumni, friends and partners, and it lays the foundation for the next chapter of growth and innovation at TU.

Warm regards,

Our students are not just learning - they’re living their education. Through internships, global travel and immersive experiences, they’re gaining the insights and perspectives that will shape their futures. And our alumni continue to inspire

Dr. Lillian B. Schumacher President of Tiffin University 4

GUIDING PRINCIPLES PURPOSE

VALUES

What we are about: Transforming lives through education.

How we behave – ICARE Interdependence

MISSION

We are an inclusive and caring community that emphasizes service as a foundation of success.

What we do: Educate students by linking knowledge to professional practice.

Communication We engage in authentic dialogue, timely exchanges of information, and fact-driven discussion, civil debate, and decision-making.

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.

Accountability We make ethical, responsible decisions that have a high degree of integrity, are data-informed, and are results-oriented.

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)

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.

5

TIFFIN UNIVERSITY

CENTER FOR INNOVATION AND LEARNING OPENS TO TRANSFORM TU’S ACADEMIC EXPERIENCE Tiffin University has officially opened its newest addition, the Center for Innovation and Learning, a 30,000-square-foot facility designed to redefine education, collaboration and innovation on campus. The opening was celebrated during Welcome Weekend in August with a ribboncutting ceremony that drew hundreds of students, faculty, staff, alumni, families and community members, marking a monumental occasion in TU’s history.

faculty can develop new ventures, engage with local and regional businesses, and transform innovative ideas into real-world applications. The Center also includes dedicated spaces for the AI & Robotics Lab, giving students access to cuttingedge technology for research and experimentation, as well as a designated area for the Cold Case Fellowship Program, supporting students in hands-on investigations of unsolved criminal cases.

These features reinforce TU’s commitment to blending academic excellence with practical, experiential learning.

The journey to this moment began with the demolition of seven houses behind TU’s Pfeiffer Library to clear space for the building. Construction progressed quickly thanks to Clouse Construction and Buehrer Group Architecture & Engineering, Inc., culminating in a facility that combines modern design, advanced technology and flexible learning environments. The opening of the Center not only expands the University’s capacity for growing enrollment but also enhances the academic experience for students, faculty and staff by providing adaptable, interactive and inspiring spaces.

The Center for Innovation and Learning was brought to life through the generosity of donors and the support of community partners, whose vision and investment reflect a deep belief in the power of education to shape lives and strengthen the region. Their contributions have created a space where students can fully engage with their ideas, collaborate with faculty and peers, and bring their learning to life in meaningful ways. This opening also marks the successful completion of Phase 1 of Tiffin University’s comprehensive capital campaign, which surpassed its goal and has raised more than $33.6 million in gifts and pledges. The Center for Innovation and Learning was brought to life through the generosity of alumni, friends, donors and the support of community partners

The Center features a boardroom, offices and 14 state-ofthe-art classrooms designed to foster creativity, critical thinking and interactive learning. Each classroom accommodates 30 to 40 students, with several spaces equipped with moveable partition track walls, allowing for reconfiguration to support group projects, discussions and collaborative instruction. Beyond the classrooms, the building offers a spacious lobby, student café and multiple collaboration tables with built-in technology outlets, providing students and faculty spaces to work, study and connect.

More than just a building, it is a place where students can explore new ideas, collaborate with others and put classroom learning into action. The Center reflects Tiffin University’s commitment to preparing students for the challenges of the real world, and it will shape the experiences of the Tiffin University community for generations to come.

Integral to the center is the Gary and Laura Robinette Center for Entrepreneurship, a hub where students and 6

TIFFIN UNIVERSITY

BOARD OF TRUSTEES ADDS FIVE NEW MEMBERS A passionate advocate for education and opportunity, Chávez serves on the boards of the DTE Energy Foundation, Cristo Rey Network, Invest Detroit and the Community Foundation for Southeastern Michigan. She is the past chair of the Michigan Hispanic Chamber of Commerce and a member of the advisory councils for the University of Notre Dame Law School and the University of Michigan School of Education.

Tiffin University is pleased to announce the addition of three distinguished leaders to its Board of Trustees. The new members bring a wealth of expertise across law, business, and community service, strengthening the University’s mission to provide exceptional educational opportunities and foster meaningful connections with industry and community partners.

Dr. JoAnn Chávez

Her leadership and impact have been recognized nationally, including honors such as Forbes 50 Over 50 and Crain’s Detroit Business 100 Most Influential Women in Michigan. Dr. Chávez joined the Board in 2024.

JoAnn Chávez is the Founder, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Michigan Hispanic Collaborative (MiHC), a nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing economic equity and increasing college graduation rates among first-generation Hispanic students in Michigan. Under her leadership, MiHC delivers culturally relevant programming for both students and parents, helping families navigate the complexities of college access, persistence and career readiness.

Jeff Oravitz

Jeff Oravitz works as a Senior Advisor with Arsenal Captial Partners, a middle market private equity firm. He has retired from the Chief Executive Officer of Seal for Life Industries, formerly the Arsenal Captial Partner’s global coatings platform, where he served on the Board of Directors and led the sale of the company to Henkel Corporation of Germany in April 2024. Oravitz is the former Vice President of PPG Coatings Services and former President of MetoKote Corporation, based in Lima, OH. He previously served as President and CEO and Board of Directors member of MetoKote and led the process to sell the company to PPG Industries.

He joined MetoKote in 2005, when he was named Vice President, North American In-Plant Businesses.

Prior to his tenure at MetoKote, Jeff enjoyed a 20-year career with PPG Industries, Inc., where he served in a variety of technical, commercial and management roles with increasing responsibility in several of the company’s coatings businesses. He is a 2010 recipient of the prestigious Brewer Award from the Electrocoat Association, where he formerly served as Vice President and as a member of the Board of Directors.

Oravitz has also held leadership roles with Shawnee

Prior to leading MiHC full time, Chávez served as Senior Vice President and Chief Legal Officer for DTE Energy, where she was responsible for the management and strategic direction of the company’s Office of the General Counsel. In that role, she advised DTE’s Board of Directors and senior management on legal and regulatory matters, while also overseeing ethics and compliance, corporate security, emergency management and tax.

Before joining DTE in 2007, Chávez was an international tax partner at KPMG LLP, serving large multinational clients. She earned both her Bachelor of Business Administration and Juris Doctor degrees from the University of Notre Dame. In 2024, she was honored as the graduation keynote speaker at Tiffin University, where she received the Honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters.

8

Country Club, Lima Central Catholic High School, the Lima/Allen County Chamber, Hunt Valve Company and Tiffin University’s Board of Trustees. He currently chairs the Ohio Manufacturers Association Board and serves on the University of Dayton Parent Leadership Council. He is also active in various private and angel investment groups across the United States. A native of Pittsburgh, PA, Oravitz received a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry and an MBA, both with honors, from the University of Pittsburgh.

John (J.D.) Kinn

John (J.D.) Kinn, a lifelong Seneca County resident, had a successful and varied career in business, real estate, and insurance. After early roles with the Ohio Historical Society and Continental Insurance, he joined his father’s agency in 1968 and was soon recognized as Sales Associate of the Year by the Ohio Association of Realtors.

Over the years, he co-owned several local businesses and ventures, including real estate firms, a travel agency, a tavern, a golf club, and a Florida condominium development. He also helped grow a regional insurance agency with 18 offices, which was later acquired by a bank, where he continued working until retiring in 2023.

Beyond business, J.D. was passionate about Ohio history and archaeology, published numerous articles, and was active in charitable work. He previously served on Tiffin University’s Board of Counselors.

Eddie Taylor, Jr.

Eddie Taylor, Jr. is President & CEO of Taylor Oswald, a venture between Oswald Companies and Mr. Taylor. Oswald Cos. is one of the nation’s largest independent, employee-owned insurance brokerage firms. Eddie has previously owned or operated companies in a variety of industries including warehousing and distribution. A native of Northeast Ohio, Mr. Taylor is a graduate of Allegheny College. He is a past Chairperson of the Board of Trustees of Allegheny College.

Eddie was the founding Chairperson of the Board of Directors for the Cleveland Leadership Center. Additionally, Eddie is the former Board Chairperson of the Cuyahoga County Citizens’ Advisory Council on Equity (CACE), the Greater Cleveland Chapter of The American Red Cross and University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center. He serves as a Board Member for the Greater Cleveland Sports Commission, Greater Cleveland Partnership, Burton D. Morgan Foundation, The Presidents’ Council and other nonprofit and company boards. He completed the Executive MBA Program at the Case Western Reserve University Weatherhead School of Management. Eddie is also involved with various other community and entrepreneurial activities.

Lauren Barnes

Lauren Barnes is President of the Broadband Communications Systems (BCS) for the Communication Systems (CS) segment of L3Harris Technologies. Barnes is responsible for the leadership and management of all aspects of the BCS business. With over 65 years in the Utah Capital, BCS has been developing cutting-edge technologies critical to the US national security and the defense of its allies. Previously, Barnes was the Vice President of Program Management for CS Segment. In this role, Barnes was responsible for leading the CS Program Management function with a focus on standardization of metrics, implementation of modernized program management toolsets and adopting best practices. Before joining L3Harris, Barnes held several roles at The Boeing Company of increasing responsibility. Her last role was St. Louis 777X Program Manager where she led design, development and production for the composite wing. Other notable roles at Boeing include the T-7 Deputy Program Manager, Defense Logistics Services Program Manager, Chief of Staff for Government Operations in Washington, D.C. and Global Strike Strategy Manager. Barnes has a Master of Business Administration from Washington University in St. Louis and a Bachelor of Business Administration from Tiffin University.

9

CAMPUS SCENE

competing students were Danielle Davis, Ben Plain, Frankie McDonald, Libby Huston, Vivian Rayborn and Yasir Alwatyan. The tournament consisted of both individual and team games designed to mock real-world scenarios.

Examples included identifying an attacker’s username, performing diagnostic and analysis work and testing the strength of a faux company’s defense measures. Points accrued during these exercises are then averaged to determine a team’s overall score.

TIFFIN UNIVERSITY HOSTS SIXTH ANNUAL PITCH COMPETITION Tiffin University hosted its sixth annual pitch competition on December 12, 2024, welcoming marketing students from Calvert High School, Heidelberg University and TU itself. The event, facilitated by Dr. Kellie McGilvray, Professor of Marketing and Assistant Dean for Undergraduate and Graduate Online Programs at TU, served as the students’ final project for the semester. The competition marked the culmination of a semester’s worth of dedication and effort. Student teams worked to identify a market need, develop a comprehensive business plan, analyze industry trends, create branded logos and slogans and calculate manufacturing costs. During the event, the finalists presented their innovative business ideas to an audience of potential clients, followed by a Q&A session where judges delved deeper into the concepts. Cash prizes were awarded to each finalist with the first-place prize receiving $1,000, generously donated by Jeff Kneedler, President of Hempy Water. The first-place award went to TU’s “TU Grab and Go”; second place went to Calvert’s “Red Alert” and third place to Heidelberg’s “TT Center”.

TIFFIN UNIVERSITY HOSTS NATURALIZATION CEREMONY, WELCOMES 85 NEW U.S. CITIZENS Tiffin University proudly served as the host for a Naturalization Ceremony on December 13, where 85 individuals were sworn in as United States citizens. Held in Tiffin University’s Marion Center and organized by the United States District Court for the Northern District of Ohio, the event celebrated the culmination of these individuals’ journeys to citizenship. The ceremony opened with a rendition of God Bless America performed by the Calvert High School Band, followed by the Opening of Court conducted by Michael Pavelich, President of Tiffin University’s Student Government. Tiffin University’s President, Dr. Lillian Schumacher, provided a warm welcome, reflecting on her own family’s journey to U.S. citizenship. The keynote address was presented by Nadia Lewis, Vice President for Human Resources and the Center for InterculTUral Excellence, sharing her personal story of immigrating from St. Vincent and the Grenadines and becoming a U.S. citizen in 2022. Tiffin University students also played a key role, with Jake Curtis reciting a heartfelt poem and leading the National Anthem, while Hope Love delivered the Pledge of Allegiance. Magistrate Judge Darrell A. Clay administered the Oath of Citizenship and delivered remarks, urging the new citizens to embrace their roles in their communities.

Officer Anthony Haritonovich of U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) presented the certificates of citizenship. The event concluded with the closing of the court

TIFFIN UNIVERSITY STUDENTS PLACE IN TOP 7% IN NATIONAL CYBERSECURITY COMPETITION Six undergraduate students from the Tiffin University Hacking Club competed in the fall 2024 National Cyber League (NCL) Competition, hosted biannually and open to teams nationwide. Of the 4,894 participating teams, TU’s ranked 346, placing them in the top seven percent of the country. The 10

benefits its students provide to the local community of Tiffin.

At Tiffin University, we understand that our impact reaches far beyond the classroom. As a vital part of the Tiffin and Seneca County community, we are proud to contribute to the local economy, create jobs and foster growth throughout the region. The university paid $23.28 million in salaries and benefits to its employees, supporting local families and providing income that circulates throughout the region. Additionally, TU spent $6.29 million with vendors based in Seneca County, reinforcing our commitment to supporting local businesses. According to the study, undergraduate students at TU spend $4.165 million annually at local establishments. It was also found that on average, an undergraduate student spends approximately $140 a month on groceries, $84 on dining out and $330 on rent and utilities if living off-campus. Graduate students spend even more, with an average monthly spending of $712 on groceries, $125 on dining out and $375 on rent/utilities for those living off campus. Approximately 50% of TU students host family and friends in Tiffin, welcoming an average of two to three visitors 11 times per year, with each stay typically lasting two days. A quarter of these visitors stay at local hotels and dine at local establishments, helping to generate an estimated $2.09 million annually for the region. Beyond the economic contributions, TU students also give back to the community through service. Each year, they collectively volunteer 28,500 hours and 100% of first-year students engage in service-learning projects, further solidifying TU’s commitment to community engagement.

by Pavelich and a performance of America the Beautiful by the Calvert High School Band.

TIFFIN UNIVERSITY LAUNCHES SECOND DOCTORAL PROGRAM Tiffin University launched its second Doctoral program, Doctor of Criminal Justice (DCJ), in fall of 2025. The DCJ is offered in a blended format, with online coursework and required on-campus residencies. The program is designed to be flexible for working professionals, offering the convenience of online learning while also providing opportunities for face-to-face interactions during two three-day, on-campus residencies.

Students can choose from specialized tracks in leadership and administration, forensic psychology or teaching criminal justice in higher education, allowing them to tailor their education to specific career aspirations and emerging needs in the criminal justice system.

The program culminates in an applied research project that addresses real-world issues in the criminal justice field, instead of a traditional dissertation. This hands-on project allows students to immediately apply their learning to their current workplace or community, ensuring practical, impactful outcomes.

TIFFIN UNIVERSITY 2024 FALL SEMESTER DEAN’S LIST Tiffin University presented 930 undergraduate students who were awarded the Dean’s List for the 2024 fall semester. To qualify, students must be degree seeking, enrolled in a minimum of 12 credits hours and earn a 3.5 gpa or better.

TIFFIN UNIVERSITY HOSTS VIRTUAL SPORT AND FITNESS SHOWCASE WITH THE CITY OF FORT MYERS AND TEAMWORK ONLINE Tiffin University’s sports management program hosted

TIFFIN UNIVERSITY’S ECONOMIC IMPACT STUDY HIGHLIGHTS POSITIVE CONTRIBUTIONS TO THE TIFFIN COMMUNITY Tiffin University completed an economic impact study, demonstrating the significant 11

optimizes operations by maximizing resources and fostering faculty growth, ultimately transforming the educational experience for our students into one that is more enriching and impactful than ever before. A cornerstone of this transition is the integration of the Institute for Creative and Media Arts into the new school structure. Established in 2021, the Institute has led the way in advancing TU’s creative disciplines, and its inclusion is essential for keeping these fields vibrant and prominent.

Furthermore, the General Education Program will seamlessly integrate into the School of Arts, Education and Humanities, further solidifying and enriching our interdisciplinary foundation.

These changes pave the way toward a more interconnected and innovative future for all students and faculty involved. The university’s academic structure now includes four schools: the School of Arts, Education and Humanities; the School of Business; the School of Criminal Justice and Social Sciences; and the School of Science, Technology and Health.

the fourth Annual Virtual Sport and Fitness Showcase, presented by the City of Fort Myers, in cooperation with TeamWork Online on February 7. TU students and community members were encouraged to engage virtually with alumni and friends of the institution who are seasoned professionals in the world of health, fitness and athletics. This year’s event showcased two keynote speakers. Chanel Lattimer, Counsel for Intellectual Property at Major League Baseball and a current member of the Leadership Council on Legal Diversity Fellow nominated by the MLB, shared her insights. Joining her was Dr. Liston Bochette, a five-time Olympian, internationally acclaimed artist and dedicated civic leader. Co-founder of the Art of the Olympians Museum and a former member of the IOC athlete’s commission and PanAm Olympian’s Association, Bochette is currently serving as a Councilman for the City of Fort Myers. Over 70 speakers were featured in 16 breakout rooms, focusing on careers and hot topics in sports. Among the participants were Olympians, professional athletes and agents, sport and marketing experts representing Disney (ESPN), the NFL and MLB, as well as leaders from professional teams, marketing agencies, brands, college athletics and athletic facilities.

TIFFIN UNIVERSITY HOSTS ORIGINAL MUSICAL PRODUCTION “THE HUMAN HEART” The Tiffin University Institute of Creative and Media Arts featured three student performances of “The Human Heart,” an original musical production.

Performances took take place in the Marion Center on February 21-22, with a 1 p.m. matinee February 23. “The Human Heart” features music from Tony-Awardwinning musicals “Dear Evan Hansen,” “Spring Awakening,” “Hadestown,” “The Outsiders” and more, interwoven with brand new material written by TU students. This original production explores our common humanity, connections with each other and love in all its many forms through song and spoken word.

TIFFIN UNIVERSITY ANNOUNCES ACADEMIC RESTRUCTURING AND NEW SCHOOL OF ARTS, EDUCATION AND HUMANITIES Tiffin University has announced a transformative step in its academic vision: the creation of the School of Arts, Education and Humanities. This new academic unit combines the School of Education and Extended Learning with the School of Creative and Media Arts. The restructuring is not just a change, but a bold step forward aimed at significantly enhancing interdisciplinary collaboration by uniting our creative, educational and humanities disciplines. This strategic initiative promises to unlock new opportunities for curriculum development, innovative research and dynamic academic programming that will elevate our institution to new heights. Moreover, the restructuring 12

TIFFIN UNIVERSITY’S OHIO INNOCENCE PROJECT PRESENTS “EXONERATED FROM DEATH ROW: ONE MAN’S STORY IN HIS OWN WORDS” Ohioans to Stop Executions (OTSE) and the Ohio Innocence Project (OIP) and presented a special event on the death penalty on February 25. A presentation was held in Herbster Chapel on Heidelberg University’s campus followed by another presentation in Tiffin University’s Marion Center. Kendall White, OTSE Deputy Director, was accompanied by Derrick Jameson who was exonerated from Ohio’s death row.

They were joined by Pierce Reed, Director for Policy and Engagement for the Ohio Innocence Project (OIP). Derrick Jameson was falsely convicted of the murder of a Cincinnati bartender in 1985 and sentenced to death. Jamison did not fit the eyewitness descriptions of the men who committed the murder, and police withheld evidence that a key witness had identified two other men as the perpetrators. In exchange for a reduced sentence, a man who had been charged as an accomplice in the killing falsely testified that Jamison had committed the murder. During his 20 years on Ohio’s death row, Derrick was scheduled to be executed six times but received a stay from the Governor each time.

His last stay came just 90 minutes before he was set to be executed. Since its inception in 2003, the Ohio Innocence Project has released 42 wrongfully convicted Ohioans who have spent over 800 years total in prison for crimes they did not commit. It is the only Ohio-based nonprofit organization dedicated to freeing innocent persons, as well as educating the public on the flaws of our legal system and the societal issues that lead to such injustices. OIP is now also working on bills that would abolish the death penalty, allow courts to consider more DNA evidence and help original crime victims in wrongful conviction cases obtain restitution from the state.

training for TU students in DEC400 (Dragon Education Core) courses.

Dr. Schumacher traditionally leads this training each academic year, with one session in the fall and another in the spring. This marks the first time the session is co-led by both the university’s president and head football coach.

DiSC® is a behavioral self-assessment tool that categorizes individuals into four primary behavioral traits – Dominance (D), Influence (i), Steadiness (S) and Conscientiousness (C) – to understand how they interact with others, make decisions and communicate, often used in workplace settings to improve leadership, teamwork and communication effectiveness. It is based on the theory of psychologist William Moulton Marston.

TIFFIN UNIVERSITY AND TERRA STATE COMMUNITY COLLEGE HOST SIGNING CEREMONY FOR DUAL DEGREE NURSING PARTNERSHIP Tiffin University (TU) and Terra State Community College (TSCC) came together for a partnership that will provide students with a pathway to earn both a Bachelor of Science in Applied Health Science from TU and an Associate of Applied Science in Nursing from TSCC. A formal signing ceremony took place Friday, March 14, in The Diane Kidd Gallery, located in the Hayes Center for the Arts on Tiffin University’s campus. This Dual Degree Nursing Program is designed for students’ convenience, as the two institutions are only 17 miles apart.

Students in this program will complete their first two years of coursework at Tiffin University before transitioning to a combination of classes at both institutions. Hands-on learning will occur in Terra’s state of the art simulation center and skills lab and clinical experiences will take place at several locations throughout northwest and north central Ohio. Students

TIFFIN UNIVERSITY PRESIDENT AND HEAD FOOTBALL COACH CO-FACILITATE DISC® ASSESSMENT TRAINING Tiffin University President Dr. Lillian Schumacher and Head Football Coach Brett Ekkens co-facilitated DiSC® assessment 13

TIFFIN UNIVERSITY’S SCHOOL OF BUSINESS HOSTS ANNUAL SUMMIT TO SUCCESS Tiffin University’s School of Business hosted the 13th Annual Summit to Success on March 21. Coordinated

by TU’s Business Club, the Summit to Success began with the morning keynote speaker at 9 a.m., followed by breakout sessions, lunch and the afternoon keynote speaker. John Clancy, Founding and Managing Member of Planet Fitness Midwest (PFMW) was the featured morning keynote speaker. He sits on the Independent Franchise Association committee for real estate and development for the Planet Fitness franchise system. In 2015, PFMW was named “Franchisee of the Year” by Planet Fitness. Clancy also is a Managing Partner of Smoothie King Midwest and a Managing Partner of Cornerstone Properties. He serves in a board capacity for multiple non-profit organizations and charities. Breakout sessions will be facilitated by multiple speakers from varying industries that include marketing, sports management, finance and accounting and more. The afternoon keynote speaker, Ronda Lehman, Pharm.D., MBA, FACHE, serves as the President of the Lima Market for Bon Secours Mercy Health. With a steadfast commitment to the organization’s mission, she works tirelessly to enhance the quality and accessibility of care for the underserved, including the poor and dying, throughout northwest Ohio. In recognition of her contributions to the field, she attained fellow status with the American College of Healthcare Executives in 2014. Lehman also serves on several boards, including the Greater Lima Region, Inc., The Lima Area YMCA, The First National Bank of Pandora, LifeLine of Ohio and the Ohio Northern University Board of Trustees.

will have an advisor at both TU and TSCC to facilitate course selection and career exploration.

TU’S OHIO INNOCENCE PROJECT CHAPTER PRESENTS: “THE UNSEEN VICTIMS OF WRONGFUL CONVICTION” FEATURING KELLY MCLAUGHLIN In conjunction with Women’s History Month, Tiffin University’s undergraduate chapter of the Ohio Innocence Project (OIP-u TU) presented “The Unseen Victims of Wrongful Conviction” featuring Kelly McLaughlin on March 19 in Chisholm Auditorium. Kelly McLaughlin is an Ohio Innocence Project (OIP) advocate and partner of exoneree and OIP board member, Raymond Towler. Kelly has participated in programs about the impact of wrongful convictions on partners, families and loved ones of exonerees. Understandably, information on wrongful convictions focuses on the direct consequences on the convicted individual.

It is important to recognize the significant psychological and emotional consequences inflicted on their partners, families and loved ones which includes shared trauma, strained relationships and stigmatization, all of which can be exacerbated by financial hardship.

Kelly partnered with Raymond to create the Exoneree Home, outside of Cleveland, which provides a place to live for those who have been released from prison following a wrongful conviction. Exonerees might get as little as a day’s notice before being released; some have no place to go, no money and no transportation. Even after being released from prison, it can take many more years before they are ultimately cleared which creates barriers to housing and employment. Although it is now owned and operated by fellow exoneree Charles Jackson, Kelly remains very involved.

She extended the mission of the Exoneree Home with X-Freedom Studio to provide the same housing and compassionate care to people with disabilities.

TIFFIN UNIVERSITY’S DIANE KIDD GALLERY HOSTS “SUMMATION: OLD & NEW ORDERS OF ABSTRACTION” BY LOCAL ARTIST MICHAEL D. BURKART The Diane Kidd Gallery at Tiffin University hosted “Summation: Old & New Orders of 14

writer, consultant and international speaker who specializes in inclusive teaching and student success to campus. Davis holds a master’s degree in learning, design and technology from Georgetown University and a bachelor’s degree in communication from McDaniel College. He is the founder of JD Speaks LLC, an educational development company through which he helps universities and national organizations deliver engaging curriculum for learners. Davis presented two keynotes tailored for students and faculty; “Eliminate ‘Career Anxiety’ Through Design Thinking” and “Pedagogical Excellence in the Modern Academy: Wellness, Equity and Technology Literacy as the New Core”. His first keynote aimed to help students design their professional lives after graduation using design thinking. The second keynote explored how faculty’s view on educational technology such as AI affects the rigor and inclusivity of their instructions.

Abstraction,” an exhibition of paintings and drawings by Tiffin artist Michael D. Burkart. Michael D. Burkart, born in 1953, holds a BA from Thomas More College and an MFA from the University of Cincinnati. Over the last five decades, Burkart has developed numerous studio spaces in Kentucky and Ohio, with his most recent endeavor being the transformation of 34 Oil Street in Tiffin into his artist studio, “Atelier 34.” In addition to his artistic pursuits, Burkart has founded multiple companies specializing in the restoration of historic greenhouses, conservatories, schoolhouses, homes and churches. A highlight of the exhibition was the interactive element: many of the works were rotated throughout the show, offering viewers a fresh perspective with each visit.

TIFFIN UNIVERSITY HOSTS 34TH ANNUAL INTERNATIONAL DINNER Tiffin University’s Center for InterculTUral Excellence hosted the 34th Annual International Dinner on April 4, 2025.

This year’s theme was “The Journey That Connects Us.” The event celebrates the cultures of the university’s international students. Currently, 41 countries are represented within the TU community. The dinner featured cuisine from around the globe, musical and artistic performances and more.

New this year, there was an open dance floor featuring music from various cultures.

TIFFIN UNIVERSITY ANNOUNCES PLANS FOR NEW STUDENT HOUSING Tiffin University announced plans to begin construction on a new housing facility, the Tiffin University Residential Village, in January 2026. This new facility, designed in partnership with Siegel Architects, will house approximately 450 students and will be constructed in two phases. The first phase is scheduled for completion by fall 2027, followed by the second phase in fall 2028. In addition to living spaces, the Residential Village will include retail spaces, lounge/study, dining and laundry areas.

TIFFIN UNIVERSITY’S DRAGONS UNITE RAISES OVER $15,000 TO ENHANCE STUDENT RESOURCES AND INITIATIVES Tiffin University extends its heartfelt gratitude to everyone who participated in the

JORDAN DAVIS SPEAKS AT TIFFIN UNIVERSITY ON CAREER DESIGN AND INNOVATIVE TEACHING Tiffin University welcomed Jordan Davis, an educator, 15

Lead, four students competed and achieved notable success at the Great Lakes Regional Auditions held on March 1 in Detroit.

Hansen Risley, Henry Foster, and Jacob Studebaker-Ellis all placed first in their respective Commercial Music categories, with Risley being awarded the highest score in all Commercial Music categories. Jake Curtis also qualified to proceed to the National Preliminaries alongside Risley and Foster, and Studebaker-Ellis placed second in his Musical Theatre category. In the Ohio Chapter Auditions held in October at Kent State University, Risley and Studebaker-Ellis both received first place in their respective Commercial Music categories, with Ashlyn Palmere taking third in hers. Dustin Lindsay and JD Breidenbach also competed at the chapter level and received excellent marks in a highly competitive category.

first-ever Dragons Unite giving campaign.

Thanks to the generosity of alumni, faculty, staff, students and friends, the campaign receipted $15,466 from 222 gifts, directly supporting student-focused initiatives at TU. The support from the TU community will make an immediate impact on campus resources, including the Dragon Armoire, Counseling and Wellness Services, Zeta Pi Beta and more. These donations will also go toward other efforts that enhance the academic and personal growth of Tiffin University students.

The Tiffin community is thankful for the generosity of its alumni, faculty, staff, students and friends. The next Dragons Unite campaign will happen on March 25, 2026.

GRAMMYNOMINATED JAZZ VOCALIST CYRILLE AIMÉE PERFORMS AT RITZ THEATRE AS PART OF TIFFIN UNIVERSITY’S FESTIVOX A special concert featuring the Grammy-nominated jazz vocalist Cyrille Aimée took place on Friday, April 4 at the historic Ritz Theatre in Tiffin, Ohio.

Cyrille Aimée has developed a multi-awardwinning, continent-spanning career as a singer, songwriter, lyricist and educator. The French vocalist won first prize at the prestigious Sarah Vaughan International Jazz Vocal Competition and was handpicked by musical theatre legend Stephen Sondheim to star alongside the iconic Bernadette Peters in an Encores Special Presentation tribute at New York’s City Center, backed by Wynton Marsalis and the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra. The concert was part of Tiffin University’s FestiVOX, an educational festival for higher school and college vocalists.

The evening also featured performances by Tiffin University vocal groups Higher Ground and Up in the Air as opening acts.

TIFFIN UNIVERSITY FACULTY AND STUDENTS ATTEND 62ND ANNUAL MEETING OF THE ACADEMY OF CRIMINAL JUSTICE SCIENCES Tiffin University faculty and students recently participated in the 62nd Annual Meeting of the Academy of Criminal Justice Sciences (ACJS) in Denver, Colorado.

The conference, which draws criminal justice scholars, professionals and students from around the country, served as an opportunity to present research, network with professionals in the field and engage in discussions about the future of criminal justice. Dr. Elizabeth Athaide-Victor, Professor of Forensic Psychology and Psychology, in collaboration with student Alexa Contreras, presented their research on “Perceptions of Attitude & Knowledge on Immigration Processes and Policies.” Dr. Fang-Mai Law, Professor of Psychology & Criminal Justice, also presented on “The Impact of Narrative Perspective, Coping Strategies on Grief, Loss and Well-Being.” In another session, John Reid

TIFFIN UNIVERSITY MUSIC STUDENTS EXCEL AT NATIONAL COMPETITION Tiffin University students demonstrated their vocal talent at the National Association of Teachers of Singing (NATS) National Student Auditions. Under the guidance of Justin DeLong, Assistant Professor of Commercial Music and Commercial Music Program 16

this role, Mr. Hampton joined Pace Industries in 2020 as president and chief executive officer.

Born and raised in Fostoria, Mr. Hampton is a graduate of Fostoria High School and a veteran of eight years with two branches of service, having served in the Army National Guard and the United States Navy in Atsugi, Japan.

He earned both his BBA in accounting and an MBA from Tiffin University and is a longstanding member of its board of trustees.

who will receive a M.S. in Criminal Justice with a forensic psychology concentration this year, along with Tiffin University’s Dr. Law and Dr. Athaide-Victor co-presented on the topic “AI and Criminal Justice: Are We Ready for the Future?” The university also featured a booth in the exhibit hall, where faculty and students shared information about Tiffin University’s programs, with an emphasis on the new Doctor of Criminal Justice (DCJ) program, starting this fall. Faculty and students also participated in a roundtable discussion about their criminal justice research.

TIFFIN UNIVERSITY’S DRONE ACADEMY HOSTS DRONE SAFETY DAY ON APRIL 26 Tiffin University hosted Drone Safety Day on Saturday, April 26 at the Heminger Center on campus. The event, hosted by Tiffin University’s Drone Academy and presented by the Ohio State Highway Patrol, promoted safe drone operations and showcased their benefits for hobbyists and professionals.

Drone Safety Day was part of the Federal Aviation Administration’s annual campaign to educate attendees on responsible drone use.

Participants learned to fly drones, understand airspace restrictions, use pre-flight checklists, consider weather impacts and explored the Recreational UAS Safety Test (TRUST), a mandatory FAA certification for recreational pilots. The event featured hands-on activities, including live flight training using the NIST UAS Training Course, FPV drone flying and outdoor drone flights supervised by FAA Part 107-certified pilots. The family-friendly event encouraged attendees to “Fly RIGHT” (Register, Interact, Gain knowledge, Have a safety plan, Trust and train). Demonstrations included drone-in-a-box technology, and a “Drones in the Community” forum at noon featured experts from law enforcement, ODOT, FAASTeam and Tiffin University’s Drone Academy discussing drone applications.

TIFFIN UNIVERSITY HOSTS 137TH ANNUAL COMMENCEMENT CEREMONY Tiffin University hosted its 137th annual commencement ceremony Saturday, May 3, in the Heminger Center. This year, a total of 880 students graduated from the university’s diverse academic programs. Of those, 428 received bachelor’s degrees, 430 received master’s degrees and 22 were awarded Ph.D. degrees. The graduating class of 2025 represented 42 U.S. states, including Washington, D.C., and spanned 28 countries around the world, highlighting the university’s broad global reach and commitment to academic excellence. This year’s keynote speaker was Donald Hampton Jr., chief executive officer for Carbon Revolution.

Mr. Hampton began his professional career as a supervisor at the Allied Signal spark plug plant in Fostoria, Ohio. After several roles at the Fostoria plant and other Allied Signal (later Honeywell) facilities, he joined Hayes-Lemmerz International (later Maxion Wheels) in Detroit, Michigan, as the director of operational excellence for North America.

He held leadership roles with increasing responsibility, including vice president – North America; vice president and general manager – the Americas; and vice president of global manufacturing. He went on to assume the role of vice president and chief operations officer of Rea Magnet Wire in Fort Wayne, Indiana, and later joined Faurecia in 2016 as the president of the North America Interiors Division. Following

TIFFIN UNIVERSITY HOSTS ANNUAL FORENSIC SCIENCE ACADEMY SUMMER CAMP Tiffin University hosted its annual Forensic Science Academy Camp, June 9-13, 2025 on campus, open to high school students entering 17

and basic investigation as well as data analysis techniques.

their sophomore or junior year. Campers learned principles and tactics to assist in criminal investigations through chemistry and biology. They also analyzed real, recent crime scenes with coroners from across the country. Participants worked in small groups with field-experienced TU professors and experts currently working in the areas of crime scene analysis, fire forensics, blood spatter analysis, forensic biology and forensic chemistry. Additionally, campers learned how to handle the mental and emotional challenges of these professions from current and past death investigators and coroners. Some fan-favorite lessons and activities included in-person autopsies, fire forensic analysis, staged crime scene investigations, forensic anthropology, ballistics, blood spatter analysis and the role of entomology in forensics.

TIFFIN UNIVERSITY HOSTS ANNUAL SONGWRITING AND MUSIC PRODUCTION WORKSHOP Tiffin University’s Institute of Creative & Media Arts hosted the 26th Annual Songwriting and Music Production Workshop July 12 through July 17, 2025. The camp was open to all high school and college students, as well as amateur and professional musicians and educators. The camp was a total creative experience in music writing, performing and recording pop, jazz, R&B, a cappella, hip-hop and other commercial styles.

Campers performed in rock, pop, hip hop and indie bands and vocal groups, received private instruction and solo coaching, participated in workshops on songwriting, beatboxing, live looping, studio recording and production, arranging, live sound engineering and other topics key to success on stage and in the studio. Campers collaborated with professional artists-in-residence to create and record original music together. They also engaged in co-writing activities with fellow campers and pro songwriters and worked with a professional producer in the recording and mixing of their songs. All attendees collaborate with and received personalized instruction from professional artists-in-residence. The 2025 artists-in-residence were the Atlanta-based producer and recording artist PRISCA and singer-songwriter Regina Sayles, a Tiffin native now based in Pennsylvania. Students worked with this pair and additional instructors to write and record original music in a studio setting.

These efforts culminated on the camp’s final night in the form of a performance that was free and open to the public.

TIFFIN UNIVERSITY HOSTS ANNUAL COLD CASE SUMMER CAMP Tiffin University hosted its annual Cold Case Camp July 14 through July 17 on campus, open to high school students entering their junior or senior year. TU’s Cold Case Camp is an immersive camp that acquainted high school students with cold case work and introduce them to the many concepts involved in the solving of cold cases. Students were exposed to both mock and real cold cases in a handson capacity. The camp was led by TU School of Criminal Justice and Social Sciences faculty and professionals experienced in conducting criminal investigations at all levels. Activities in the camp included participation in mock and real cold case work, organization of cold case files, overview of evidence evaluation in criminal cases, examining materials, overview of how cold cases develop and are solved including the approaches used by professionals in the field, lessons in victimology and suspectology in the solving of cold cases,

TIFFIN UNIVERSITY SCHOOL OF BUSINESS STUDENTS EARNS GLOBAL TOP 100 RANKINGS IN BUSINESS STRATEGY GAME Students from Tiffin University achieved recognition in the Global Top 100 Rankings for their performance in the Business Strategy Game during March and April.

18

teams from colleges and universities across the country.

The team earned a 96th-percentile national ranking, demonstrating their advanced skills in real-world cybersecurity scenarios. Most notably, the team achieved a top national performance in Password Cracking, ranking number 20 in the United States—a testament to their technical excellence and collaborative problem-solving. In addition to their standout performance in password cracking, the team demonstrated excellence across several core cybersecurity domains, placing in the top 2–3% nationally in log analysis, cryptography, forensics and enumeration and exploitation, with individual completion and accuracy rates that far exceeded national averages. Team members included Ben Plain, Danielle Davis, Libby Huston, Frankie McDonald, Ethan Fox, Vivian Rayborn and Amber Johnson, along with faculty advisors Zachary Wuensch and Andrew Groman.

The Business Strategy Game is an online exercise in which students are divided into teams and tasked with running an athletic footwear company in a headto-head competition against companies managed by other students from around the world. Mimicking real-world experience, companies competed in a global market arena, selling branded and private-label athletic footwear across four geographic regions. For Tiffin University, in industry eight, the co-managers of Company A earned a Global Top 100 ranking for their return on average equity (ROE). Their ROE of 61.2% ranked 63rd worldwide for the week of March 17-23. Team members included Mike Bond, William Linkhart, Gauge Samson, and Kazi Welch. The co-managers of TU’s Company B earned a Global Top 100 ranking in multiple categories. Their overall game-to-date perfect score of 110.0 tied for number one worldwide for the week in both March and April. Their earnings per share of $32.18 ranked fourth worldwide, while their stock price of $615.74 ranked 25th in March. In April, their earnings per share of $30.70 placed 31st. Team members included David Caplescu, Stefan Popescu, Andrei Stanculescu, and Marcus Stewart.

In industry nine for TU, the co-managers of Footuristic earned a Global Top 100 ranking for their overall game-to-date score and earnings per share in March. Their score of 109.5 tied for the 39th best worldwide for the week, while their earnings per share of $23.23 ranked 44th. In April, they placed sixth overall in the earnings per share category at $39.29, and their overall game-to-date score was 108.

Team members included Katelyn Atkinson, Vlad Halciug, Aubrie Harper, and Maci Head.

In total, 38,542 students competed across 421 campuses in 43 different countries.

TIFFIN UNIVERSITY 2025 SPRING SEMESTER DEAN’S LIST Tiffin University presents 895 undergraduate students who were awarded the Dean’s List for the 2025 spring semester.

To qualify, students must be degree seeking, enrolled in a minimum of 12 credits hours and earn a 3.5 GPA or better.

TIFFIN UNIVERSITY NAMES 2025 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.

TIFFIN UNIVERSITY CYBER DRAGONS RANK IN TOP 5% NATIONALLY AT NATIONAL CYBER LEAGUE SPRING 2025 Tiffin University was proud to announce that its student hacking team, the Tiffin Cyber Dragons, placed in the top 5% nationally in the National Cyber League (NCL) Spring 2025 Team Game, competing against over 4,700 19

slow-roasted peanuts inspired the company’s signature style. By this time, Wolfies was operated by Bill Wolf, his son Jared, and daughter Olivia, who continued the tradition of making sure all products were prepared with the finest ingredients, utmost care, attention to detail and packaged to enhance the fresh roasted flavor.

The Celebrating Cultural Uniqueness (CCU) Distinguished Leadership Award recognized achievements in developing a culturally diverse, caring university community reflective of inclusive excellence. The 2025 recipient was Nadia Lewis, Vice President for Human Resources and the Center for InterculTUral Excellence. The Service to Campus Award recognized individual excellence in aiding the University’s community and its members.

Judy Reynolds, Graphic Designer, was the recipient. The Service to the Community Award recognized individual excellence in service to the local community of Tiffin and Seneca County. The 2025 recipient was Vickie Wilkins, Director of Alumni Relations. The Excellence in ICARE Values Award recognized a staff member’s commitment to embodying the chosen Tiffin University ICARE Value for the given academic year. The focus that year was accountability. The recipient was Sherri Adachi, Payroll Administrator. The Lori Hall Staff Member of the Year Award honored its namesake former employee, whose character embodied the same values the ASSET leadership team deemed integral for an exceptional staff member. Bethani Burkhart, Director of Career Services, was named the recipient.

TIFFIN UNIVERSITY AND THE TOPUCU FOUNDATION PARTNER TO EXPAND CRIMINAL JUSTICE FELLOWSHIP STUDENT RESEARCH Tiffin University and the TOPUCU Foundation have signed an agreement that provides grant funds to support research conducted by the School of Criminal Justice and Social Sciences Violent Crime Analysis Fellowship (VCA) students. The VCA Fellowship provides an immersive, four-year experiential learning opportunity for students interested in studying violent criminal behavior. Fellowship students dive deep into the complex world of violent crime, conducting cutting-edge research that shapes new understanding and informs real-world solutions. They are provided with exceptional experiences and opportunities by presenting their findings at reputable conferences, publishing in respected journals and collaborating with industry partners to address pressing societal challenges. TOPUCU (The Only Person U Cheat is U) delivers evidence-based personal and professional development programming through both eCourses and in-person facilitation. Through its nonprofit arm, the TOPUCU Foundation, the organization also funds and supports research initiatives to advance the field of evidence-based behavioral programming, both internally and for other curriculum providers.

The grant-funded partnership supports TU’s VCA Fellowship, offering students additional opportunities to engage in field-based, applied research. VCA Fellowship students and faculty will engage in field-based research in correctional, juvenile justice and workforce development environments.

TIFFIN UNIVERSITY PARTNERS WITH WOLFIES NUTS TO INTRODUCE BLAZE’S BITES Tiffin University announced a new collaboration with Wolfies Nuts, a family-owned roasted nut company based in Findlay, Ohio, to introduce a custom salty snack, Blaze’s Bites. Blaze’s Bites featured Wolfies’ signature Crunchy Coated Beer Nuggets—extra-large redskin peanuts slow roasted in small batches and finished with the company’s famous crunchy coating. Blaze’s Bites mixed crunchy, savory, salty, and nutty flavors together for a unique treat. Wolfies Nuts, known for its commitment to old-fashioned roasting methods and handcrafted quality, had been a staple in northwest Ohio since its founding in 1992. The business traced its roots to a local general store run by Maggie Phillips, whose 20

TIFFIN UNIVERSITY HOSTS NORTHWEST COLLABORATIVE TITLE IX MINICONFERENCE FOR PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT AND COLLABORATION Tiffin University welcomed nearly 50 Title IX professionals to campus for the Northwest Collaborative Title IX Mini-Conference, a two-day professional development event held June 17-18.

Representatives from five regional institutions; Tiffin University, Heidelberg University, the University of Findlay, Bluffton University and Defiance College gathered to strengthen their knowledge, share resources and collaborate on best practices in Title IX compliance and student support. The event was made possible through grant funding from the Ohio Department of Higher Education, with the proposal written and submitted by the University of Findlay, in collaboration with representatives of the other institutions. The conference featured three experienced trainers from Bricker Graydon, who led participants through a robust and practical agenda. On the first day, attendees chose between two focused training tracks—one designed specifically for Title IX investigators, and the other tailored for Title IX directors and coordinators. These sessions allowed professionals to deepen their understanding of their distinct roles while engaging with real-world scenarios and current best practices. The collaborative nature of the conference fostered connection and knowledge-sharing across campuses, reinforcing a shared commitment to Title IX compliance, student support and equitable resolution processes. Tiffin University participants included Dean Butler, Nadia Lewis, Jamie Lodermeier, Dr. Sandy Miller, Javier Solorzano Parada, Dr. Ronee Rice, Tangi Ritchie and Daniel Lasure.

alumni, students, faculty, staff and friends of TU with an exclusive, oneof-a-kind shirt and to build excitement for the upcoming academic year.

A portion of all proceeds will go toward supporting a different social cause on campus each year.

This year’s area of impact is First-Generation Dragons, an on-campus student organization dedicated to supporting first-generation college students on the TU campus. Priced at $18.88 per shirt, $8.88 from each sale will be donated to the First-Generation Dragons program in 2025.

TIFFIN UNIVERSITY WELCOMES FIRST-YEAR STUDENTS AT ANNUAL CONVOCATION CEREMONY Tiffin University officially welcomed its incoming firstyear class during the annual convocation ceremony on Saturday, August 23.

Before the ceremony, new students participated in a procession down Miami Street, joined by the TU Marching Band, cheerleaders and representatives from faculty and staff. Convocation signifies the official start of the academic year and serves as a symbolic welcome to the TU community. Designed to mirror graduation, the event offered students the opportunity to reflect on the journey ahead and begin forming connections with fellow classmates, faculty and staff of the institution.

TIFFIN UNIVERSITY’S DIANE KIDD GALLERY HOSTS ART EXHIBITION BY SHEILAH GROGAN The Diane Kidd Gallery at Tiffin University is pleased to present “Let All the Earth Be Jubilant,” an exhibition of

TIFFIN UNIVERSITY RELEASES FIFTH ANNUAL IMPACT SHIRT On August 1, Tiffin University made its new Impact Shirt design available for purchase online or at The Exchange – 1888 Apparel & Post, TU’s on-campus store. Launched in 2021, the Impact Shirt initiative intends to provide 21

of Education degree from The University of Toledo, where she twice received the WalbridgeSinclair Award for Art. She later completed a Bachelor of Fine Arts at Bowling Green State University, followed by postgraduate studies at Kent State University, where she studied with renowned studio critics Wayne Thiebaud and Philip Pearlstein. Thiebaud, who became a friend and lasting influence, continues to inspire her work. Grogan also holds a master’s degree in educational leadership from the University of Cincinnati and has expanded her artistic practice internationally, including painting at Glencolmcille in Donegal, Ireland. Her work has been exhibited widely, including at The Crown Gallery in Dublin, and she was featured in the inaugural Women’s National Exhibition in the United States. She is also represented in Women Artists in America, published by the University of Tennessee Press.

paintings and drawings by artist and educator Sheilah Grogan. The exhibition was on view from August 25 through October 3, with an artist reception on Friday, September 5 where the artist gave a brief talk at 5:30 p.m. Grogan’s work is rooted in her deep love of nature, but rather than depicting it literally, she uses it as a stage for her internal responses, playfulness and imagination. “My paintings are not from Nature, but rather my internal response to it,” Grogan explains. Placid landscapes are transformed into settings for dreamlike scenes—birds, fish and animals behaving in quietly improbable ways. These quixotic narratives become, as Grogan notes, “a genteel rebuke against the ‘seen’ world,” raising oblique statements about power, freedom and fantasy. Sheilah Grogan is a dedicated artist and educator whose career reflects her lifelong commitment to both creating and teaching. She earned her Bachelor

ONE DAY. ONE GOAL.

ONE RESULT.

RECORD-BREAKING GIVING DAY AT TIFFIN UNIVERSITY On September 17, the Tiffin University community came together for a record-breaking Giving Day, marking the most successful campaign in its seven-year history. Thanks to the collective generosity of faculty, staff, students, alumni, friends and supporters, the University receipted an impressive $500,107 from 2,971 donations.

Unite, a 24-hour giving campaign dedicated to enriching the student experience at TU. Contributions will directly benefit a variety of campus organizations and initiatives, helping students thrive both in and outside the classroom. Your gift can help stock the Dragon Pantry with essential supplies ensuring no student goes hungry, provide scholarships that open doors to education, equip students with professional attire through the Dragon Armoire, promote leadership growth and lifelong bonds through Greek Life, support aspiring entrepreneurs in the Business Club along with countless other opportunities.

We are incredibly grateful to everyone who participated and helped make this milestone possible. If you missed Giving Day, it’s not too late to Fuel the Fire! Every gift helps students thrive and strengthens the Dragon community.

Visit crowdfund.tiffin.edu or contact Mikki King at kingmr@tiffin.edu to contribute today.

Whether you’re an alum looking to give back or a community member who believes in supporting TU students, this is an opportunity to come together and make a lasting impact.

SAVE THE DATE! DRAGONS UNITE Mark your calendar for March 25, 2026! Tiffin University invites alumni, friends and the community to join Dragons 22

TIFFIN UNIVERSITY:

INNOVATION FELLOWSHIP EMPOWERS STUDENT ENTREPRENEURS Tiffin University launched its newest academic initiative, the Innovation Fellowship, this fall.

The fellowship gives students a multi-year opportunity to take learning beyond the classroom, develop ideas, build valuable relationships and gain real-world experience. Housed within the School of Business, the program prepares students to become future business leaders while making a meaningful impact on both campus and the surrounding community.

across industries. The third year brings opportunities to launch businesses, lead consulting projects and take on large-scale problem solving. During the fourth year, students focus on capital acquisition and advanced business applications, gaining the experience to position their ventures for long-term success.

For some, a fifth year provides an opportunity to consult with businesses or engage in highlevel entrepreneurial work such as internships or new

Fellows gain hands-on experience solving business challenges, working on innovative projects and receiving guidance from entrepreneurs, business leaders and mentors who help them turn ideas into real ventures. Whether assisting local businesses, collaborating with professionals or launching their own startups, students develop the skills and confidence to succeed in a rapidly evolving professional world.

business development.

Entry into the program is competitive, attracting top-tier students who are eager to make their mark.

Applicants must hold a 3.2 GPA or higher, declare an entrepreneurship minor, attend an open house event, and complete a personal interview. Once admitted, fellows are expected to maintain a 3.0 GPA throughout their participation in the program. This process ensures that the fellowship remains an opportunity for students who are committed to entrepreneurial growth.

Essential to the Fellowship is the new Gary and Laura Robinette Center for Entrepreneurship, located in the Center for Innovation and Learning, which serves as a hub for innovation and community partnerships.

Equipped with the latest technology and incubation resources, the center empowers students and faculty to develop new ideas, collaborate across disciplines and engage with local and regional businesses. This space supports the Innovation Fellowship’s mission by providing a dedicated environment where students can turn concepts into ventures, build networks with business leaders and mentors and apply their classroom learning to real-world challenges.

The Innovation Fellowship is more than a program; it is a pathway to becoming a leader. By combining mentorship, resources, real-world problem solving and entrepreneurial exploration, Tiffin University has created an environment where students can take bold steps toward their futures. Fellows leave the program with more than knowledge; they graduate with the confidence, experience and professional network to launch new ventures, drive innovation and make meaningful contributions wherever their careers may take them.

The Fellowship is structured to grow with the student over time. In the first year, fellows are introduced to the foundations of entrepreneurship, networking with professionals and taking part in community-based projects. By their second year, they begin to engage more deeply with business networks and attend speaker series that connect them with thought leaders

To learn more about the Innovation Fellowship Program, contact Program Director Rebecca Abraham at innovationfellowship@tiffin.edu or visit tiffin.edu/ academics/innovation-fellowship-program.

23

24

ADAM MORRISON ON ADAPTING, INNOVATING AND LEADING IN SUPPLY CHAIN your vendors and continue learning.” He added, “The best thing that you can do is stay on top of current events. You just have to continue to learn. You have to continue to seek out information.”

Adam Morrison has always taken pride in being adaptable. After graduating from Tiffin University in 2014 with a degree in marketing, he worked in various manufacturing environments, gaining experience in purchasing, forecasting and logistics. He held multiple supply chain roles before finding a long-term fit at Tenda Horse Products, a growing company in the animal health industry.

He sees the future of supply chain focused on AI. “Where I personally see supply chain going in the next 10 years is going to be how can you use AI to analyze data and save your time,” he said. “Data collection has become a focus for most companies over the past several years. As AI continues to develop it will help analyze the data to streamline the decision-making process for companies.”

Now Director of Supply Chain, Adam manages all materials-related processes. “My role here is anything materials related,” he said. “I do all the planning, forecasting, purchasing, negotiating with all the vendors and all the inbound freight. When stuff is in here, I own the inventory piece.” He also supports production by communicating closely with operations and ensuring materials are where they need to be.

Early on, he brought structure to the fast-growing company. “It was a major shift here, right when I got here,” he said. “They basically said, ‘We hired you because we think that you work hard and have good experience. Do what you think we should do.’” He introduced a bin system to organize inventory and a color-coded tagging process for incoming materials.

“We need to be labeling everything and then we need to be consistently, to the best of our ability, putting things in the same area every time,” he said.

“Every single item that comes in gets tagged with our inventory code and then it gets color coordinated. It’s really streamlined our efficiency because when we go to make something, they’re not walking around looking at tags, looking at labels.” The system made such an impact that Adam said, “I always joke with the guys out there that I go to sleep and I can see the warehouse and the racks because I know where everything is and how much there is.”

Reflecting on his time at Tiffin University, Adam believes it helped shape his problem-solving mindset.

“You never really know what you’re going to end up doing,” he said. “It’s not always about specific courses but more about general broad strokes for learning.”

Courses in business law, finance and marketing proved especially valuable. “The principles I learned in business law were look at the documents, look at the terms that you agree to and how can you interpret them honestly to your benefit,” he said. “I also use the principles I learned in finance daily. It’s not always just about the best price, it’s about what it is costing you to hold something.”

He advises students to gain experience early.

“You should do at least one internship,” he said.

“What makes you different than everybody else at commencement? Do you have some professional experience?” He also encourages students to focus on soft skills. “Nobody came and told me this, but working a professional job is like working on group projects all the time,” he said. “You are going to have to interact with different personality types and work styles. You are going to have to collaborate. I would rather have someone on my team that is not as skilled technically if they were easy to work with. I try to be a pleasant person and someone that is easy to work with. That is something I learned at TU.”

He also oversees all costing. “We do a lot of co-packing where somebody will come to us and say, ‘Hey, we already have a formulation,’” he said. “Since I do all the costing, I will analyze material, transportation and labor costs and say, ‘It’s going to cost us three bucks a unit to make that.” Managing around 1,200 materials, he says, “I do a lot of guessing, professional guessing.”

Adam Morrison’s journey reflects the power of adaptability, continuous learning and strong relationships. Looking forward, he embraces technology and innovation while staying grounded in collaboration and relationship-building. His experience offers valuable insight: gaining hands-on experience, maintaining curiosity and being easy to work with can make all the difference in building a lasting career.

To stay ahead of disruptions, Adam monitors global developments closely. “We use a lot of sprayer caps and they’re not really made in the United States,” he said.

To avoid rising costs from tariffs, he stocked up before increases hit. “That’s just one of those things where the only way to do that is to continue supporting 25

TIFFIN UNIVERSITY:

DR. ANAS BLASI LEADS TIFFIN UNIVERSITY’S AI AND ROBOTICS INITIATIVES WITH NEW LAB IN THE CENTER FOR INNOVATION AND LEARNING to use technology but to innovate responsibly and understand its societal impact. AI is transforming every sector, from healthcare and law enforcement to finance, logistics and education.

Understanding AI and data science is now a foundational skill, much like literacy was a century ago. TU graduates are prepared for careers as AI engineers, data scientists, prompt engineers, AI project managers, business intelligence analysts, cybersecurity analysts and more. They are also ready for graduate studies and leadership roles where AI literacy is increasingly essential.

Tiffin University is taking bold steps into the future with its growing focus on Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Data Science, highlighted by the launch of the AI and Robotics Lab this fall, located in the new Center for Innovation and Learning. Led by Dr. Anas Blasi, these initiatives are designed to give students hands-on experience while positioning TU as a leader in interdisciplinary AI education.

TU’s undergraduate AI programs, Artificial Intelligence and Prompt Engineering (AIPE) and Business Intelligence and Analytics (BIA), were created to meet the rapidly growing demand for professionals who can bridge AI, data science and real-world problem solving. Unlike many programs that focus purely on technical skills, TU’s approach integrates AI with liberal arts, critical thinking, communication and ethics. This balance prepares students not just

The new AI & Robotics Lab provides students with advanced robotics platforms, including mobile robots and humanoid models such as Boston Dynamics Spot and NAO. It also houses high-performance servers, 26

community projects such as law enforcement analytics and small business automation. Internships and capstone projects with local and national partners further enrich their learning, giving students realworld experience that enhances both skills and career readiness.

distributed computing infrastructure and industryleading software, creating an ideal environment for big data processing, AI model training, real-time analytics and cloud-based data operations. Hands-on experience with tools such as Hadoop, Apache, Spark, Kafka, Trino and advanced data visualization platforms ensures that students and researchers are adept with the critical technologies driving the future of AI and data science.

TU’s approach is guided by the AI+X Philosophy meaning we emphasize AI applied across disciplines, giving students opportunities to work on cross-domain projects. Small class sizes and direct faculty mentoring ensure students receive individualized guidance.

Courses are project-driven, ensuring graduates leave with a portfolio of real-world solutions rather than just theoretical knowledge.

“I’m most excited to see students bring their creativity to life using the lab as a playground for innovation,” said Dr. Anas H. Blasi, Executive Director of the Tiffin University Artificial Intelligence and Data Science Center. “Whether it’s programming autonomous robots, building AI models or integrating AI into interdisciplinary projects in healthcare, criminal justice, business and more, the lab gives students the tools and space to turn ideas into real applications.”

“We see AI not just as a standalone field but as a transformative lens that amplifies innovation across all areas of study,” said Dr. Blasi. With the AI & Robotics Lab in the Center for Innovation and Learning and educational programs actively engaging students, Tiffin University is positioning itself as a leader in AI integration across disciplines.

Students gain hands-on experience through robotics programming and autonomous navigation, AI models for image recognition, natural language processing and predictive analytics, as well as AI solutions for

27

TIFFIN UNIVERSITY

INTERNSHIP CHRONICLES Chaela Weiss: Forensic Psychology Student Gains Real-World Experience Supporting Survivors

Each summer, Tiffin University students take what they’ve learned in the classroom and apply it to real-world experiences through internships across industries. Whether advocating for children, supporting survivors, caring for patients, producing live music or analyzing data for a global energy company, TU students are making an impact while preparing for meaningful careers. The following internship experiences provide valuable experience and help shape Dragons into future leaders.

Chaela Weiss, a senior forensic psychology major in the School of Criminal Justice and Social Sciences, spent her internship with Sisters in Shelter, an organization dedicated to supporting survivors and raising awareness about human trafficking. In her role, Chaela balanced both administrative and handson responsibilities from overseeing the safe house to ensuring security and providing care for a survivor in residence. She also led weekly educational sessions and helped create new training modules for incoming interns and volunteers. “I feel like my internship experience has been a very valuable teaching tool to prepare me for the workforce,” she said. “I’ve had the opportunity to experience both the administrative aspect of the field and the hands-on aspect, which allowed me to get a feel for the various expectations of an actual job in social programming.”

Alumni and friends play an important role in making opportunities like these possible by mentoring students, sharing expertise or opening doors within their own organizations. If you or your company would like to support TU students through internships or experiential learning opportunities, please contact the Office of Career Services at careerservices@tiffin.edu.

Demi Brown: Senior Criminal Justice Student Gains Firsthand Insight into the Legal System This summer, Demi Brown, a senior pursuing a Bachelor of Criminal Justice in corrections and a minor in justice advocacy, interned with the CASA Parachute Program for Butler County.

Through observing court hearings and child welfare cases, Demi saw how judges, attorneys, caseworkers and guardians ad litem work together to protect the best interests of children. “Watching how the legal system handles real-life cases made me realize just how much change is still needed and it motivated me to be someone who helps create that change,” she shared. The experience allowed Demi to bridge classroom learning with real-world practice, deepening her commitment to a future legal career.

Presley Feltner: Exercise Science Student Discovers Passion for Physical Therapy Through Observation Internship Presley Feltner, a class of 2025 exercise science major, completed an observation internship in a physical therapy 28

Olivia Karhoff: Data Analytics and Marketing Graduate Student Applies Skills in Marathon Petroleum Internship

clinic. Although unable to perform hands-on treatments, Presley assisted therapists by preparing and cleaning equipment and engaged with patients by tossing therapy balls and offering support. This experience allowed Presley to forge meaningful connections with patients and coworkers while applying classroom knowledge to real-world clinical practice. “I learned that I truly love the job of physical therapy and the ability to interact with so many people,” she said. “Just as an observation student I was able to make connections and uplift the patients as they came in for therapy.” This internship helped Presley grow professionally and deepen her commitment to a career in physical therapy.

Olivia Karhoff, a graduate student in strategic brand and digital marketing and data analytics, spent the summer interning with the Commercial West Business Operations group at Marathon Petroleum Corporation in San Antonio, Texas. During her internship, she gained experience with Microsoft Power BI, learned about multiple areas of the company across different locations and built meaningful professional connections. “I’m incredibly grateful for the chance to deepen my understanding of the energy industry, and I look forward to bringing this valuable knowledge back to Tiffin University,” she shared. “I also had the privilege of meeting so many amazing people along the way.”

Rachel Leighliter: Commercial Music Student Gains Hands-On Experience at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Rachel Leighliter, a senior commercial music major, spent her summer as a production intern at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. In this role, she assisted with the Rock Hall’s Summer Concert Series and helped with regular museum maintenance. Over the course of the summer, Rachel worked more than 40 concerts, supporting both local bands and national touring artists. “The internship was very hands-on, giving me experience as a stagehand, in museum programming, equipment maintenance and repairs, lighting design and mixing live shows. Our final project was producing the 2025 Artist-in-Residence showcase where our team of interns were able to produce a concert from start to finish,” she shared. “I wouldn’t trade my summer at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame for anything. I was able to get both real-world experience in mixing live concerts and the connections to help my future career.”

29

TU PH.D. STUDENTS EXPERIENCE TRANSFORMATIVE LEARNING IN SWITZERLAND Students enjoyed walking tours of Geneva and Bern, visited the medieval town of Gruyère, took a scenic cruise on Lake Geneva and toured Chillon Castle and nearby vineyards. The timing of the trip coincided with Swiss National Day, allowing participants to join in local celebrations along the shores of Lake Geneva.

The group consisted of eight students enrolled in a Ph.D. course, six students completing a residency requirement, additional Ph.D. students who participated for enrichment and several family members, totaling 20 participants. For many, the combination of site visits, cultural immersion and meaningful conversations created an experience that will have a lasting impact.

Ph.D. student Carrie Horner reflected on the trip, sharing, “Switzerland was rich in cultural diversity, reflected in its leadership, businesses, food and languages. The presentations by international leaders not only provided valuable educational insights but also fostered connections and networking with those actively involved in ‘international leadership and change.’ While studying our core content online is enriching, immersing ourselves in different cultures and engaging with these leaders offers a deeper understanding of international leadership and change. Additionally, the friendships formed with classmates during that week in Switzerland are priceless, creating additional support in this Ph.D. journey.”

Students and faculty from Tiffin University’s Ph.D. program in global leadership and change traveled to Switzerland over the summer for an immersive academic experience in partnership with the American Institute of Applied Sciences (AUS) in Switzerland. The trip combined engaging classroom discussions, cultural exploration and direct insights from global leaders at top organizations. Guided by Dr. Gaidi Faraj and his team at AUS, the trip provided students with invaluable perspectives on leadership in an interconnected world, leaving a lasting impression both personally and professionally.

Throughout the week, students visited leading organizations, including the European Organization for Nuclear Research (CERN), Nestlé and Philip Morris International, where they explored topics such as innovation, cultural intelligence, adaptive leadership and strategic planning. The itinerary also included campus presentations at AUS featuring Dr. Gaidi Faraj, Dr. Anca Prisacariu and other faculty members.

On a separate day, students heard from distinguished speakers including Dr. Kevin Koidl, Dean of the Helvetic Institute of Technology and Victor Eaton from Nestlé, adding further depth to their academic experience.

Ph.D. student Jeremy Sherman reflected, “participating in the global leadership and change trip to Switzerland was an extraordinary opportunity to see leadership theory come to life on an international stage.

From visiting CERN and learning how

Beyond the academic and professional experiences, the trip was enriched by cultural excursions that showcased Switzerland’s beauty and heritage.

30

scientists from across the world collaborate on a scale no single nation could achieve alone, to hearing from corporate and nonprofit leaders about navigating ethics, cultural intelligence and global business strategy, every interaction deepened my understanding of what it takes to lead effectively across borders. This trip reaffirmed that global leadership is as much about listening, respect and relationship-building as it is about vision and strategy. I left Switzerland inspired with new perspectives I will carry into my research and my work in higher education.”

Ph.D. student Theodore Swett said the residency “reshaped how I see and practice leadership.” Reflecting on Nestlé’s Victor Eaton, Theodore said his story of arriving with “horrendous French” was a lesson in adaptive leadership showing how influence, collaboration and shared vision can achieve more than hierarchy alone.

Theodore also shared a U.S. diplomat’s insight that real negotiations happen in the hallways, over coffee, teaching him that “trust often takes root in informal spaces and real progress emerges when people feel safe to speak openly.” He concluded, “The blend of world-class site visits, thought-provoking presentations, breathtaking surroundings and deep collaboration with fellow Ph.D. students created a kind of learning that can only happen through direct, immersive experience. For anyone considering Tiffin’s Ph.D. program, the Switzerland residency stands as a powerful example of the program’s commitment to real-world, transformative leadership education.”

For more information on TU’s doctoral programs, visit go.tiffin.edu/doctorate-programs.

31

DONOR HONOR ROLL

Scan the QR code to pledge your support.

Dear Alumni and Friends:

For all clubs, membership is determined by gifts made during the previous fiscal year, which is May 1, 2024 through April 30, 2025.

Tiffin University is truly grateful for every gift received. It is time, once again, for us to thank and pay tribute to our donors - to whom we are grateful beyond words. No matter its size, every gift made to Tiffin University is integral to the institution’s continued ability to grow and thrive. When the University succeeds, so do our alums, as the value of a TU degree goes up in time with our reputation!

Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of information presented. Please accept our apology for any errors or omissions. Should you have any corrections or additions to suggest, please contact our office at 419.448.3282.

We will always tout you, your accomplishments and the many ways you enrich our community through your gifts of time, talent and treasure. It remains our honor to celebrate your contributions.

Sincerely,

Mitchell P. Blonde, CFRE Vice President for Institutional Advancement and Public Affairs

It is through the annual Donor Honor Roll that we recognize those who have given Club Level gifts which have supported all areas of the University. We thank all donors for their vital contributions no matter the size and wish to acknowledge individuals and families who have gone above and beyond in service to their fellow Dragons. It is our honor to celebrate these efforts.

Office of Institutional Advancement and Public Affairs

tiffin.edu/advancement/giving

32

THE HAZEL FRANKS SOCIETY

TIFFIN SOCIETY AMBASSADOR CIRCLE

Planned gifts include – but are not limited to – bequests in a will or trust, beneficiary designation of assets, life insurance and charitable gift annuities.

Members of The Hazel Franks Society have designated TU as a beneficiary to a planned gift(s). We thank the following Hazel Franks Society members for their thoughtful and generous planning that will, one day in the future, benefit our students.

Larry and Jeanne Adelsperger American Electric Power Foundation Gertrude and Homer Chisholm Clouse Construction Corp.

Lenny J. ‘74 and Lynn Clouse Brian and Jyl Clouse Allan M. and Loretta J. Kaplan Joseph R. and Diana M. Kirk Marathon Petroleum Corporation Mercy Health - Tiffin Hospital Bon Secours Meshech Frost Charitable Trust Old Fort Banking Company Anthony J. Paradiso and DeAnn Krauss ‘00 Superior Distributing Co., Inc. Kris and Shannon Klepper Michael R. Klepper

Anonymous Michael J. Arbogast and Rosann M. (Kessler) Arbogast ‘81, 87, ‘01 Stephen M. Carrick ‘09 Lynn (Roeder) Child ‘73 Jeanette Conley Jeremy and Meladie Croy Ian and Sarah B. Day ‘02 Andrew J. ‘94 and Leslie Felter Frances A. Fleet Stephan P. and Donna Frank Blythe A. Friedley ‘69 Gary R. ‘73, ‘77, HD ‘91 and Jane Heminger William F. Hertzer ‘60 Peter Holbrook Duane E. and Kathleen E. Jebbett Gloria J. Kauffman George J., Jr. and Diane Kidd HD ‘99 Michael R. Klepper D. Ted ‘67 and Francine (Janotta) Kuenzli ‘66 Penny Leighty Mary E. Lewis ‘86 Paul and Susan Marion Daniel and Laura A. Mays John J. HD ‘24 and Joyce Millar ‘96, HD ‘24 Donald B. and Theresa A. (Stephens) Nibblett ‘84 Walter M. and Katharine L. Nutter William T. Patterson Pamela A. Russell ‘95 P. Leighton Sayers ‘68 Daryl W. ‘74 and Mary Ellen Weininger

TIFFIN SOCIETY TRANSFORMATIONAL CIRCLE (Lifetime Giving: $1,000,000 +)

AVI FoodSystems, Inc. Anthony J. Payiavlas Gary R. ‘73, ‘77, HD ‘91 and Jane Heminger William F. Hertzer ‘60 National Machinery Foundation Timothy J. and Sandy Paradiso Gary E. Robinette ‘72

Pepsi-Cola General Bottlers, Inc. Progressive Managment Consulting Ravi T. Kakarala ‘98 Raymond M. ‘10, ‘15 and Kristen L. (Ameling) Robinson ‘09, ‘12 Schell Foundation Ronald M. Jr. ‘96 and Lillian B. Schumacher Russell and Marguerite Stephenson Foundation France Stone Foundation The Lubrizol Corporation Tiffin Community Foundation Webster Industries and the Webster Foundation WesBanco Bank, Inc. Webster Industries Foundation Inc.

(Lifetime Giving: $500,000 - $999,999)

TIFFIN SOCIETY LEADERSHIP CIRCLE

($50,000 or more)

American Electric Power Foundation AVI FoodSystems, Inc. Anthony J. Payiavlas Clouse Construction Corp.

Lenny J. ‘74 and Lynn Clouse Brian and Jyl Clouse FDA-Forensic Chemistry Center William F. Hertzer ‘60 Andrew H. and Cindy Kalnow Joseph R. and Diana M. Kirk Mercy Health - Tiffin Hospital Bon Secours Robert E. ‘03, ‘24 and Brandie Petras Reineke Family Dealerships Dan and Nikki Reineke William Reineke, Jr. ‘92 Gary E. Robinette ‘72

TIFFIN SOCIETY INVESTOR CIRCLE

(Lifetime Giving: $250,000 - $499,999) Ascendium GE Foundation Duane E. and Kathleen E. Jebbett Penny L. Leightey Walter M. and Katharine L. Nutter Robert E. ‘03 and Brandie Petras The Pruina Corporation Reineke Family Dealerships Dan and Nikki Reineke William Reineke, Jr. ‘92

TIFFIN SOCIETY VISIONARY CIRCLE

TIFFIN SOCIETY DEVELOPER’S CIRCLE

(Lifetime Giving: $100,000 - $249,999)

($25,000 - $49,999)

ACI Construction Company Richard C*. and Sabrina Kirk Anonymous BAS Broadcasting Charles River Laboratories Cole Family Foundation Charles and Patty Cole Dick’s Sporting Goods FDA-Forensic Chemistry Center Fifth Third Bank Robert G. Friedman Foundation The Paul M. and Lucy J. Gillmor Charitable Foundation Donald Hampton Jr. ‘89, ‘98, HD ‘25 Michael and Dolores Herbert Herrick Foundation J. David and Anna-Maria Hertzer I Know I Can Claire F. Johansen ‘92, HD ‘18 Andrew H. and Cindy Kalnow The Austin E. Knowlton Foundation Kresge Foundation Laminate Technologies, Inc. Fred E. and Kem Zoeller Mary E. Lewis ‘86 Little aaangels Fund of The Greater Cincinnati Foundation Jeffrey and Cindy Oravitz Darrell W. ‘77 and Karen Mann John J. HD ‘24 and Joyce Millar ‘96, HD ‘24 Thomas H. Miller Osceola Foundation, Inc.

Anonymous (mutiple) Duane E. and Kathleen E. Jebbett Little aaangels Fund of The Greater Cincinnati Foundation Jeffrey and Cindy Oravitz Darrell W. ‘77 and Karen Mann Michael J. Miller Petro Jacyk Education Foundation Eugene M. ‘71* and Rita Spiess The Superlative Group, Inc. Kyle D. Canter ‘07 Tiffin Alumni Phi Theta Pi

TIFFIN SOCIETY TRUSTEE CIRCLE ($10,000 - $24,999)

Anonymous Lauren Barnes ‘08 Jeffrey L. ‘99 and Michelle Beard Dedicated Financial GBC Shawn and Stephanie Smith Andrew J. ‘94 and Leslie Felter Frances A. Fleet Dennis E. ‘68 and Gail C. (Kraft) Foos ‘68 Greater Fostoria Community Foundation Grousbeck Family Foundation II John D. and Susan Kinn Michael R. Klepper 33

Mary E. Lewis ‘86 D. Ford and Kate Mennel John J. HD ‘24 and Joyce M. Millar ‘96, HD ‘24 Ohio Foundation of Independent Colleges Anthony J. Paradiso and DeAnn Krauss ‘00 Timothy J. and Sandy Paradiso Bennett J. and Laura Paulus Pepsi-Cola General Bottlers, Inc. Progressive Managment Consulting Ravi T. Kakarala ‘98 Rivetica, Inc. Robert Walker Russell and Marguerite Stephenson Foundation The Shilling Family Foundation, Inc. A. Gary HD ‘99, and Peggy Shilling Webster Industries and the Webster Foundation Daryl W. ‘74 and Mary Ellen Weininger Webster Industries, Inc. Stephen E. ‘77 and Marilyn Werling WesBanco Bank, Inc. Darren ‘96 and Brandie Williams

TIFFIN SOCIETY FOUNDER’S CIRCLE ($5,000 - $9,999)

Anchor Medical Managment Associates LLC Chet and Lynn Evans Brian L. ‘90 and Karen S. Brown Mark and Sue Bruning JoAnn Chávez HD ‘24 and Michael Laux Clouse Electric, Inc. Chuck and Jenny Clouse Dell Burtis Law Paul Burtis and Jane A. Dell Domino’s Pizza Bry-Pie Inc. Brian and Jennifer Edler Kodie Edler Mary Ann Gawelek Darren Goucher Hahn Loeser & Parks LLP Thomas and Kimberly Hallett Thomas II and Kimberly Hallett Claire F. Johansen ‘92, HD ‘18 Allan M. and Loretta J. Kaplan Keller Logistics Group Bryan Keller and Mary Mulvaney Marks L3Harris Technologies Marathon Petroleum Corporation George* and Diane McCloy Sean T. McKinney ‘95 Tho H. Nguyen ‘04 Donald B. and Theresa A. (Stephens) Nibblett ‘84 Stephen and Diane Schult Ronald M. Jr. ‘96 and Lillian B. Schumacher Sam and Gretchen Strausbaugh Superior Distributing Co., Inc. Kris and Shannon Klepper Michael R. Klepper The Benevity Community Impact Fund The Pruina Corporation Kit J. ‘08 and Skylar Tiell US Bank, NA Richard and Laurie Anne Zydonik

* Deceased

TIFFIN SOCIETY HERITAGE CIRCLE ($2,500 - $4,999)

Devin C. Ambrose ‘16 Mitchell P. and Dawn M. Blonde Jason E. ‘18 and Teresa Bock Jaime D. ‘12, ‘14, ‘21 and Michael Campbell Carter Machine Co., Inc. Annie and Juanita Carter Clearstead Advisors, LLC Rob and Lynn Detterman ‘19 Dock’s Beach House Bar & Grille/ South Bass Investment Group Wyatt K. ‘18 and Mariah Edwards Mark T. Griffin ‘86 Peter Holbrook and Tom Hoffman* Danial Jameel Lange, Gordon, Rannigan & Claus LLC Derek DeVine and Anne Lange DeVine Shelbi Love ‘15, ‘24 George Miller ‘83, ‘95 Old Fort Banking Company Orthopaedic Institute of Ohio, Inc. Steven C. and Jennifer D. Copeland Susan Payne Quick Tab II, Inc. Charles Daughenbaugh* Charles Eingle Zachary A. Reidenbaugh ‘06 Weston Reinbolt and Suzie Reineke Ronald and Lori Ringwald Ralph B. ‘15 and Katherine E. (Gerhardt) Robinson ‘14 Steven E. Seasly Paul K. Smith ‘94 The Paul M. and Lucy J. Gillmor Charitable Foundation Weininger Family Dentistry Brandt and Makenzie Weininger Reginald Wilkinson HD ‘20 Aaron G. ‘03 and Amy R. (Bumb) Wood ‘03

TIFFIN SOCIETY PRESIDENT’S CIRCLE ($1,000 - $2,499)

Tyler J. and Heidi A. (Kiesel) Alt ‘11, ‘13 American Plastics Carl F. ‘61 and Theresa M. Arnold Assured Title Agency Bair Brothers Sporting Goods Russ and Debra Gahris Greg and Rosalie Baran Michael S. ‘07, ‘14 and Carrie Barr ‘21 Maithri and Robert Baxter BD Diesel & Auto, LLC Jonathan W. Beard Dan Beck Jeff Bellinger Brandy (Arbogast) Best ‘06 Tyrone Bledsoe Patsy Boshears Gilbert P. Brosky ‘01 Rudy ‘96 and Brittany M. (Davidson) Brownell ‘16 Robert E. Burge ‘81 Bethani Burkhart ‘16 and Cale Heintzelman Parris ‘08 and Wynter D. (Toland) Burt ‘07 Pat and Mary Cady

Rhys D. J. ‘11 and Victoria Cannella Stephen M. ‘09 and Kimberly Carrick Brandon and Callie M. (Dewald) Cessna ‘12 Bruce Chambers Lynn (Roeder) Child ‘73 David J. and Shelley Claus Philip T. Conley ‘08, ‘09 Dorothy Croy Jeremy and Meladie Croy Cameron S. ‘03 and Margarita Cruickshank Nathan D. ‘14, ‘16 and Tabatha Curtis Rodney M. ‘03 and Kelly A. (Dick) Daniel ‘95 Tiffany Davis Thomas and Jonnie Debbink Destination Seneca County Dan ‘07 and Elizabeth Dower Cynthia A. Dunne Gary Eisenhart ‘70 Brett and Sophia Ekkens Constance D. English John Esterby Andrew R. ‘03, ‘06 and Andrea D. (Howse) Faber ‘04, ‘06 Faith United Methodist Church Financial Design Agency of Ohio, Inc. Weston Reinbolt and Suzie Reineke Aaron M. and Donene Smith Bart M. ‘04 and Bianka Fisher Foundation for the Carolinas Devin and Rebecca Frank Stephan P. and Donna Frank Blythe A. Friedley ‘69 Owen L. Fritz ‘12 William and Marybeth Fuller Javier Vasquez and Sandra Geringer Jeff Gillmor Shane and Gabrielle Gleeson Jack W. Greene ‘64 James R. and Ann Gucker Perry and Meg Haan Jim L. Hammond Jeremy Harrison John D. ‘72 and Bobbye J. Haughawout Richard E. and Cynthia A. Helton Michael and Dolores Herbert Michael Herdlick Hernandez Construction Services, Inc Calvin J. ‘05 and Diane Higgins Hylant Inspire Brands Foundation Inc. Rebecca Iten ‘17 JD Alarm Systems, Inc. Jeff and Carrie Dilley Chaderick ‘08 and Bridgett M. (Kolbow) Johnson ‘10 L. F. Johnson ‘00 Dean A. ‘69 and Jane Johnston Chuck and Kerry Jones Prasad C. and Uma Kakarala David and Katie Kent ‘22 KGS Ohio, LLC Joseph Kin and Laura A. Ketter ‘98 D. Ted ‘67 and Francine (Janotta) Kuenzli ‘66 David L. Kuhl Susanne Lange Kevin and Nadia Lewis Ronald and Patricia Lonzo Ron and Sharon A. (Foss) Lucas ‘66 Craig and Ellen Lucius Rob and Patty Lydic Madison Street Pub & Grub Christopher L. ‘03, ‘05 and Heather Chase

Krista Maling Robert A. ‘71 and Carolyn S. Manz Thomas R. and Elizabeth Marben Marco’s Pizza Jacole M. Miller ‘10 Jeremy J. ‘02 and Jamie L. Marinis Brandon and Kellie C. (Jakubowski) McGilvray ‘99 Renée Meyer Steven B. ‘81 and Suzanne M. Micheli Lauren M. Middleton ‘15 Steve and Corri Miller William Miller MJK Enterprises LLC Michael J. and JoElla Kerschner James H. Morgan Chari S. Mullen ‘06, ‘10 Roger A. and Susan K. Murray ‘88 Teresa Nelson Jon and Amber D. (Metzgar) Oleksyk ‘07 Vincent Palombo Mark V. ‘99, ‘15 and Karen Pardi Shane Parendo Penn Station Ryan N. ‘07 and Jaclyn M. (Burton) Pessell ‘07 Curtis L. ‘71 and Doreen J. Peterson Anthony M. ‘94 and Kelly Petrosino Sergiu Plesca Adam Polzin Stephen L. ‘02 and Diana Ragan Kenneth Rauch Nicholas Reinhard Michael ‘76, ‘77 and Sue A. Reser ‘92, ‘10 Robert J. Dornauer DDS, Inc. Dr. Robert and Angelyn Dornauer Raymond M. ‘10, ‘15 and Kristen L. (Ameling) Robinson ‘09, ‘12 Todd A. R. Robinson ‘01 Dan Ruhe Donald G. Sabato ‘67 P. Leighton Sayers ‘68 Seneca Regional Chamber of Commerce Mark and Teresa E. Shafer Jay T. Sharrock ‘89 Matt and Angela (Martorana) Shook ‘04 Benjamin Shuff Jon and Karen Snyder Alejandra C. Sosa Pieroni ‘05 Ron ‘67 and Karen J. Stiltner Terry D. and Sherry Sullivan Technique Roofing Systems John E. and Elaine Thompson Thrivent Financial Christopher D. and Sue Lewis Gregory ‘87 and Bonnie Tiell Traveler’s Insurance Anthony L. ‘02 and Liz Trevino USI American Insurance Administrators, Inc. James M. ‘97 and Karri Walker Walmart Supercenter Robert G. ‘81 and Judy Watson Wheelabrator Technologies WIN Waste Innovations Joel V. ‘10 and Kristyn E. (Tooley) Wilkins ‘09 Joseph ‘07 and Victoria M. (Galaska) Wilkins ‘09, ‘11 John C. ‘89 and Kristie A. (Lockwood) Wilson ‘88 David Woodring Todd and Lisa Young Your Legacy Federal Credit Union

34

TIFFIN SOCIETY YOUNG ALUMNI

(within 9 years of graduation, $100 first year, $200 second year, etc) Connor Smith and Alexandria Beuoy ‘21 Chadd M. ‘16, ‘23 and Victoria G. (Woods) Clifford ‘17 Brandon J. Craig ‘22 and Alizah R. Wright ‘24 Tyler A. Craigo ‘23 Rachel Faber ‘24 David Farler ‘13, ‘21 Rebecca Kielbasa ‘21, ‘23 Chris T. and Mikki R. King ‘20 Randall A. ‘07 and Jennifer Laibe Cameron P. McCloskey ‘20, ‘22 Joe Oren ‘22, ‘23 Jason Parkins ‘23 Bryce Riggs ‘20 and Allison Kelly-Riggs Jeremy and Deborah Roszman ‘21 Nicholas E. Runco ‘21, ‘22 Justin and Briana Schneider ‘22 Krystal L. Sexstella ‘21 Lindsay Weiser ‘21, ‘22

TORCH CLUB ($500 - $999)

David T. ‘05 and Rebecca A. (Albert) Abraham ‘00, ‘11 Anthony Albanese Allen Excavating Dave Allen Mike Anderson Randy A. Aube ‘82 Beck Suppliers, Inc. Brian Beck Jill Beckwith Salas Julie Bevelander Benjamin Biery Michelle Biery David J. Boyd Tammy Brazier Dean A. Butler ‘09 Gail Cady Calvert Catholic Schools Jack and Sofia Chase Kevin Christman ‘15 Daniel and Kimberly J. Clark ‘24 Commercial Glazing Systems, Inc. Brandon Cullen Scott Dean Lisa Dietrick Jen Dobbins Barbara Dodge Janet Foote Mark Franz Stuart Garcia James and Karrie Gibbons Rhonda C. Gilreath ‘91 Casey Gleeson Stan Grief Shelby Haley Jarvis Hall Donald Hampton Jr. ‘89, ‘98, HD ‘25 Bryan J. Harmon ‘05 Jon A. ‘09 and Erika Hemmelgarn Iron Workers Local 55 Evan Jaynes JCKL Architects and Designers, LLC Mimi Johnston Robert C. Keplinger ‘11 Leah Kerr KeyBank Foundation Diane M. (Frederick) Klopfenstein ‘82 and Kraig T. Klopfenstein

Mark Kopenski Kosicek Vineyards Anthony F. Kosicek ‘90 Matt Lee Kevin Lightner Joseph L. ‘06 and Jeni Liszak loanDepot Brian P. Bower ‘96 Michael E. ‘06 and Devon K. (Pearson) Lossick ‘05 Gayla Macomber Joshua Mason Daniel and Laura A. Mays Timothy McCarty Patrick McLeod Kenn Mengerink Roger R. ‘85 and Kindar C. Miller Lori Moledor Amanda Moreland Morr-Kare Flooring, LLC John Mossing National Christian Foundation Karl Newman William T. Patterson Angela Patuto Steven M. Peer ‘21 Paul L. ‘03 and April Pellegrini Phi Theta Pi Columbus Alumni Kimberly Pierce Russell Pierce Peter and Brenda G. Piriano Bradley A. Rees Elizabeth Reichard Stacy Rice Rize Education Dylan Fogarty Ernest and Mary Runco Sandra Segally Judith Shobe Siesel Distributing Scott Siesel Shiloh Sipe Scott Soha Jeffrey S. ‘08 and Emily K. Stanley Jody Starcher Jeremy Sullivan Bradford Tanner ‘96 Jim E. ‘59 and Sharon L. Thomas Ronald L. Thompson ‘65 TicketSmarter, Inc. Tiffin Rotary Foundation Arbab Umer Ayub Jay and Kathy Walsh Charles D. ‘76 and Beverly J. Walton Kelsey Ware Mary Waslosky Joseph W. ‘01 and Melissa Weininger Scott R. Welty ‘89 Traci Wolfe Xcaret 2 Inc. Michael and Sharon Yochum

GREEN AND GOLD CLUB ($250 - $499)

AbbVie Chrisma Aguilar Jill M. Aldrich ‘15 Tracy L. Almanson-Murphy ‘90 Gail D. ‘76 and Margarete Amstutz Jason Andreas Dawn Arrington Sarah Bahr Chelsea E. Bass ‘15 Heidi Behnken Joshua and Leanne M. (Lucius) Benson ‘09 Judith Lynne Biery

Stephen and Jen Bjork Lawrence J. Blackful III ‘16 Tyler J. Blake ‘10 Kenneth A. Boarman ‘13 Sherry Bodey Angie Bonnell Eric and Hedi Bouillon Kelly Boutwell Keristen Brantley Liane Brassard Ilze Brauna Nichol Brentlinger Darlene Brown Blase C. and Stephanie G. (England) Bruno ‘95 Greg Burke Jim and Tricia Burks Greg Campbell Christopher Cantrell Rob and Heather Carlson Michele Chevrette Cheryl Clark Carl Coleman ‘16 Stacy Cook Coppus Motors, Inc. John Jr. and Jennifer Coppus Vicki Cordle Jim Cramer Matt ‘97 and Amanda Dasher Kyle and Elaine E. Daugherty Raymond Davis Erin Dean Jeremy Deckert Craig J. Derr ‘96 and Hettie Serdyn-Derr DG Marketing LLC Gregory J. Dorsch Marilynn Dunn Brook and Luann Edwards John Edwards Keith Edwards Charles and Lacy K. (Cherry) Ellis ‘06, ‘07 Daniel M. Enos ‘13 Brian Esterby James R. ‘71 and Ilse (Roehrich) Faist ‘70 Anna Feadler Richard and Jan Feasel Christine Feltner Hunter Feltner Amanda Feury Mary Ann Filipow Norma Fish Stacey Floyd Michael Forman Jodi Foster Robert Freund Barbara Garcia Bonni Gelman Steve George Mario Giacona Karen Gill Donald Ginnetti Frank Gioffre Richard A. and Carol Goeb Dale Graham Grandillo Legal LLC Gina Grandillo Kevin L. Grimes ‘01 Denise Gucwa Ken Guest H2 Management Christine Haan Annette Haberkamp Paula Hall Erica L. Henry ‘00, ‘02 Heidi Henson Kathy Hobbs Todd and Julie Hoepf Homan Transportation Andrew Homan

Matthew J. ‘95 and Julie Hoover Max House Richard Howard Cathy Huber Matt Inlow Integrity Automall Daniel Irwin Nate Irwin James A. Janson ‘05 Timothy Jarvis Jeffrey Jewelry Ty and Jennifer Cooper JKD Rentals, LLC Kyle and Alyssa Johnston Samuel Jones JW Data, LLC dba Aurelius Golf Carl F. and Kris Kalnow Andrea King John T. Kleinoeder Darin Kolakowski Nancy Krippel Marjorie Kruse Caroline Kuhn Bruce and Doris M. Lambert ‘94 John H. ‘12 and Bethany L. Leary ‘15 Nevaeh Lewis Lisa Lieske Mark Lomax Fern Long Tony Lucarotti Ali Lukungu ‘03, ‘05 John J. Lundin ‘71 Jessica Marizcurrena Vicki Marizcurrena Matthew D. and Andrea McCabe John McClung Lori Mccormic Frankie McDonald Larry McMinn Metzger Masonry Inc. Caleb Miller Melvin J. Miller ‘70 Salvatore Mischiato MLAD Graphic Design Services, LLC Deborah Munnings Amy Murray Regan Murray Robert Murray Tia Nagle Nationwide Insurance Foundation Tristan Nelson Karen Neumann Jennifer Newman Melissa North Storm Norton Ian Orr Roberta A. Pace ‘03 Alicia Palmer Jennifer Patrick Lisa Patterson Dean and Melody Pees PKC Custom Painting LLC Raymond Pryor Todd and Anna Pugh Irma M. (Scagnetti) Ramsey ‘59 Sandra Ray Keith M. Reiter ‘09 Traci Rennie Richards Ricketts Alison Riggins Neal Riggins Scott and Tangi Ritchie ‘16 Daniel J. ‘77 and Patricia S. Ritter Michael Roman Lisa Ruhe Mark and Jannie Sabo Doug Schonberger Shannon Schweitzer Anthony ‘74 and Donna Serluco

Edward Wayne Sexton Mark Shade Patrick F. ‘19 and Anita Sheils William Shobe David R. Siler Jr. ‘96 Matthew and Kylie (Stocker) Skeel ‘16, ‘18 Erin E. Snapp ‘13 Christopher Spangler Dan and Jessi Stang Dan Starcher Joe Steinmetz Tina Stevens Terry Stuckey Todd M. ‘96 and Trisha L. Sulek Brian and Michelle Sutherland Jayson Swigart Katie M. Tiell ‘20 Luann Toth Kevin Van Meter Verizon Wireless Robyn Vicek Michelle Viggiano Ashleigh Wackerlin George L. Wagner ‘66 Susan Wajert John A. and Shelley Wank Doug Weaver Bryan M. Weimerskirch ‘05 Merris A. Jr. ‘55 and Jean Welge Tim and Karen Welsh Mark T. Widman ‘84 Wilderness Wood & Epoxy William Stepp Daimon Wiley Mandy Wills Les Wilson Chester Wisneski Rebecca Wisneski Derrick Yant Lisa Young Roy S. and Barbara (Keith) Zinn ‘92 Matthew Zuckerman ‘24

DRAGON’S CLUB ($100 - $249)

Kelly Abraham-Lagnese Scot Acree Sherri Adachi Arlene Adams Steve Adelman Chris Adkins James Adleta Antonia Ahlberg Lisa Albers Rugen and Hollie Alda Tisha Alexander Allen Eiry Center Inc. Anne Allen Richard Allen Ryan and Holly A. Allgood ‘19 Mr. and Mrs. Allison Wendy Allison Lisa Alsept Robert ‘66 and Karen Alt Angelo Amenta Kim Amenta Lauren Ammon Zachary Ancewicz ‘24 Ellen Anderson Nicole Anderson Tara Andreas Jonathan K. ‘14 and Do Hee Kim-Appel Charles W. ‘61 and Linda Ardner Stacey Arredondo Jeanne E. and Robert E. Ashworth * Deceased

35

Elizabeth Athaide-Victor Kelly J. Auble ‘99, ‘00 Brandon Azzi ‘24 Frederick J. and Ruth J. Babel-Smith ‘99 Eric Bagranoff Andre Baguyo Elisa Baguyo Loren Baidas Jason F. Bailey ‘10 Charles Baileys David Baileys James Bain Brandie Baker Justin ‘08 and Amanda Baker Yvonne Baker Biz Balizet Zachary J. Ball ‘08, ‘10 Bruce Bang Thomas and Lori Barnett Mark ‘96 and Kimberly A. (Lavelle) Bartholomew ‘96 Tom Bartholomy Robyn Bass Iodest Bates Jr Cliff Bates, Jr. Claudia Bates Clifford Bates Brad Batton Jeff Bauder Amy Baudino Robin Beauchesne Hunter Becker Marge Beitler Tamara Bell-Gromis Leanne Berke Keith V. and Nancy C. Berlan Heather Berry Garrett Bevelander Alan Bieberich William E. Jr. ‘65 and Donna L. Biller Pam Billmaier Tom Birch Wilma J. Bishop Zack and Lauren Blair Robert A. Blickenstaff ‘69 Rhonda Blockberger Susan Bochman Paul and Kerry Boehm Kim Bohn Kelli Bok Harriet Borden Linda Boreman Kristine Borene Bradley R. and Theresa J. Borer Dan Borer Michael Bosco Michelle Bosco Robin Boshears Roger Bost Michael Boswell Jr. ‘21, ‘23 Jay and Emily Bosworth Scott Bowman Bridget E. Boyle ‘14 Tonda Bradley Kelli Braendel Donald and Barbara Brandt Courtney Brassard Kay Brewer Broadcom Greg and Jean Brown Howard and Kay Brown Jason and Christie Brown Jeremy Brown Jim Brown Kathleen Brown Ryen Brown Romie Brown

Patrick E. ‘12 and Stephaney J. (Downs) Curtin ‘12 Krystyne Curtis Cyclones WC Starlynn M. Daley ‘24 Paul M. D’Amore ‘08 and Katrina M. (Schumacker) D’Amore ‘08, ‘10 Barb Darr Janet Davis Madelyn Davis Neil ‘87 and Tricia Day Bill and Barb Dean Barbara J. (Everhart) DeAngelis ‘71 Lee and Marguerite Dearth Charles Deitschel Mark Del Monaco Josh Delarber Novy Della Delta Airlines Foundation Matching Gifts Amy DeRodes Sheryl DeSimone Jeff Devlin Valentina D. C. Diaz ‘16 Dennis Dick Stacie Dick Karen Diehl Jin Dinmore Troy Dixon DLA Town Planning Ltd Terry Dobson Violeta Dodik-Bradic Wesley M. Dodsworth Catherine Doepker Jeff Doepker Gaël Dolle Lisa M. Dominguez ‘06 Claire Dorsch Olivia Dorsch Tracey Dorsch Mark Douglass Mary Ellen Douglass Kevin Doyle Angela Dragoone Andrea C. Draper ‘09, ‘14 Autumn Dreyer Joan Dreyer Priscilla Driggers Teresa Duck Wendy Duck Christopher Duda ‘17 Robin K. Dunlap Joseph E. and Linda Duprey-Ferguson ‘71 Gary and Sally Dvorak Theodore Eberhardt Kathie Eckle Surendar Eera ‘17 Aaron Ellis Mary L. Elmquist ‘96 Randolph Eloi Christine Engle J. Phil Engle Monica Engstrom Sarah Engstrom Carla Epler Irma Escalante Shannon Escalona Daniel J. ‘88 and Peggy L. Ewald ‘92 Mark R. Ewald ‘14 Patricia Fairbrother Julie Fanning Gary Farnsworth Linda Farr Matthew Feadler Mike Feldkamp Scott B. ‘14 and Jillian M. (Adams) Felgar ‘14

Sandi Brown Shelly Brown Travis Brown William T. ‘40 and Nancy Brown Susan Brunecz Layla Brunecz Blase Bruno Melba Bryan Alexis Bryant BubbaRock Meat Co LLC Randy L. ‘94 and Julie A. Buck Craig Budziak Denise Bullion Callie Burba Dawn Burba Angie Burick Richard and Carol Burke Karen Burke-Fullen James Burr Destieny Burton David and Nickie Bush Jodi Bushong ‘12 Anthony Butch Raymond Butzer Barb Cacchione Robert Cacchione Miriam Calderin Donna Callen Bruce Campbell Christine Campbell Beth Carlson LeRoy and Joyce Carlson Alice Carney Sean Carney Carol Carraher Luciano Carrasquillo Mary Jo (Weaver) Carroccio ‘63 Denita J. Carter Holly Carter Terry Carter Brenda Cartwright Justin Cassley Mico Castelvetere Rosabell Castillo Michelle Casuccio Brent Charley Darin Chase Jackie Chester Pascal Chevrette Jessica Christman Paula Claas Charles Clack John and Karen Clancy Andrew Clauer Thomas Coffman Andrea Collins Richard H. III ‘02 and Brenda S. (Holtrey) Collins ‘08 Shane Conley Jean Cook Larry and Dreah N. Cook Wes Cook June Copper Kimberly Copper-Corso Nellie Corbin Allen K. ‘60 and Elaine M. Corfman Gene L. Corfman ‘60 Lonnie L. Corthell ‘71 Rock L. ‘83 and Tina Craft Adam Craig Beverly Craig JoAnne Craig Misty Craig Steve Craig Phyllis Cresswell ‘18 Brandi Crisenbery Sandy Crocker Catherine Crone

36

Tami Ferstler Jenette Fiejdasz Mark Filipow Tara Finnell Ron and Colleen Fitch Mary Ellen Fitzgerald Sandra Flanary Danny Flanigan Olivia Flickner Maggie Forbes Reese Fountain Jeremy Fowler Chris Foy Christa Foy Gary and Gina Freels Patricia Freund Daniel D. Fry ‘07 Nuvu Fuels Jordan Fulton Jill Gabel Matt and Kelly Gabel Venkataramana and Redhika Gajjala Carolyn Garbe Chris Garcia Graciela Garcia Dawn Garrison Lyle Gebhardt ‘67 Melody Gentile Betty George Mary A. George Sushmita Ghosh and Nabarun Ghosh Charlie Giacona Tim Gibson Kelly L. Giebel Stocker ‘89 Carol Giessler Alexis Gillett James M. Gilmer Adrian Girbu Lori C. Glaser Marcietia Glenn Rodney Glover Alexander Goetz Martin Golden Thomas Golombek Christopher M. ‘08 and Erin Gomez Vanessa Gonyer David Gonzalez David Gordon Sheila Gossett Werner Graef Kenneth Grabowski Sue Graf Paula Granata Greco Review Mike Griffin Tyler Griffiths Lynn Griswold Andy Grombacher James Grover Patricia Grover Mark and Betsy Hackenburg Tracy L. Hahn ‘04 Betty Haines Jeff Haire Thomas and Kay Hallett Heath Hammersmith Ginger Hammonds Theodore Hansen Sean Harper Terry K. Harper ‘16 Peter Harrington Darren Harsley George Hart Rob Hart John and Heidi Hatfield Mary Hatfield Kennedy Haulbert Jeremy Hawk

Chris Hayes Laura Hayes Mercy Hayes Karen Haynes Meredith Hayward Rich Haywood Stephanie Hedges James and Sue A. (Brady) Hefflinger ‘78 Brooke Heid Todd J. Heilman ‘01 Valentine J. Helldobler ‘12 Jennifer Helton Ken and Denise Hensel Timothy A. Heppner Sr. ‘68 Janet Hershberger Tyler and Audrey Heslet Jessie Hess Shaan Hess Sharon Hill Rebecca Hilleary Jane Hilleary Bill Hilty Brenda Hittler Mitchell Maribeth Hodson Michelle Hoffman Susan Holbrook Kari Holder Beth Hopkins Tom Horner Cory S. Hornyak ‘11 Sandra Horrigan Carell Houston John Howard Nate Howard Dave Hubberts Peter Hubmann Joshua Huertas Amanda Hummel David Hummel Matthew Hunter Tammy Hunter Ronald Huntwork Marc Hurley Ruthann Hurley Juliene R. Huston ‘23 James P. Hutchins Jr. ‘76 Charles Huth Clark S. ‘01 and Elisabeth A. McFarlan-Hutson ‘02 Connie Hutson Kristin Iden Nolan J. Hill ‘11 and Laura Igaune-Hill Korab Imami ‘15 Robert Infiesta Lois Ivanc Jane Jackett Denise Jackson Desmond Jackson Richard Jackson Steve Jackson Phyllis Janowski Risa Janowski Debbie Jasinski Mashaal Jatoi Mikerns Jean Baptiste Barbara Jenkins John Kufleitner’s Galleria of Vintage Classic & Pristine Cars Charley H. Johnson Donald A. Johnson ‘08 Jim and Jennelle Johnson Kyle A. ‘15 and Ashley Johnson Milton Johnson Brent Johnston Jerold L. ‘79 and Deb Johnston Tracie Johnston Eric Jones

Jamesetta Lewis Charles Lewis Jr. Jordan E. Liette ‘13 Kenneth Limes III Denise Lindeman Rob Lindesmith Deb Lloyd Samuel J. LoFaso III ‘23 Cheryl Lonabaugh Brian Lonneman Colin M. Lowe ‘11 Dawn Lowery Marla Lowery Jordan D. Lowther ‘18 Jennifer Lucarotti Kat Luna-Abelarde Susan and Wayne Lutz Erin Lynch Lynx EMS Earl and Patty MacBlane-Johnson Brandon Macdonell Belinda Mach Kaitlin Mackenzie Emily Magee Eric Magee Greg Magee Tonya Magee Dennis Magill Becky Magyar Courtney Magyar Joseph A. Mahan ‘08 Austin Malutic David Manoogian Louise Marasigan Elizabeth Marchetti ‘21 Frank A. Marchetti ‘70 and Wendy L. Worringer Malia Marinelli Matilda Marizcurrena Jenica Marks William Marley Gus Maroun Angie Marsh Heidi M. Marshall ‘21, ‘22 Cristian Martinez Ashley Mason Charles ‘11 and Mary Massi Michelle C. Maus Bill Mayo Sydney Mcbride William McCague ‘16 Denise McCall Haley McClain Ryan and Natalie McClain Sabrena McClure Roger and Maureen McCormick Daryl M. and Patricia A. McDonald Hope McDonald Kevin McGrory Kimbra McGrory James McKay Jackie Mckee Shannon McKeehen Amy McKinlay Kevin McKinney Sr. Mike McKinney Brent and Gretchen McMenemy Jim McMinn Torrey Mcneal Mike and Dee McPherson Rachelle Meler Nikki Meloeny Jeff M. ‘01 and Cheryl A. Merkle Theresa L. Meyer ‘02 Brian Michener Holly Michener Jeff Mielcarek Ann Miles

Keith Jones Krista Jones Mike Jones Randy and Mavis Jones Vicki Jones Kathleem Kaiser Rachel A. Kandathil ‘23 Abram Kaple Aashi Kapoor ‘23 Aaron Karcher David Karr Holly Karshner Michael J. ‘94 and Christine A. Kaucher Dennis Kear ‘64, ‘72 and Connie J. Kear Gary and Marty (Wagner) Keck ‘70 Rose Keesey Kristy Kelley Kimberly Kelley Terry Kelley Tessa Kelly Todd F. ‘92 and Brenda M. (Baker) Kelly ‘93 Dennis Kesene Kenny Key Yanna Khalfi Lisa Kin Mackenzie King Zachary A. King ‘03, ‘04 and Lisa King Michael C. Kirchner ‘77 Cindy Kitz Helicia Klausner Donald Kleiner Richard and Carol J. Kline ‘12 Randall Klovenski Ann M. (Eaton) Kobayashi ‘85 Kiyotaka Kobayashi ‘82 Matt Kochheiser Diane Kocon Lee J. and Sandra K. Koehler Matthew and Dannielle Koerner Gregory Koesters Sunny S. Koilparampil ‘78 Jeremy Koonce Jeremiah Koontz Mike and Colette Kovach Barbara Krausher Scott J. and Alyssa Kromer Rick Kroner Barbara Krout Robert E. Krupp ‘99 Frederick Kruse Rodney and Amy (Buck) Kuhl ‘09 Jason R. ‘10 and Kelli Kulp Garrett Kuppler ‘24 Johnny Lacoure ‘17 Valarie Laday Dominick Lakatos Mike Lake Kent Lane Omar J. Lane ‘15 Barbara Lang-Khotsombath Douglas and Julia Latham Charles Law Fang-Mei Law Floyd J. ‘64 and Susan Lawless Darin M. ‘00 and Misty C. (Webb) Lawrence ‘02 Kathleen M. Lawry ‘03 Jacqueline Lawson Robert Leatherman Jennifer Lee Detrio Mimi Leen Roger Leist Scott Lenning Brandon Lero Christopher Levack

37

Chris Miles Cindy Miller Gary C. and Carole A. Miller Harry Miller Jacob and Kasey Miller Jerry Miller Jo Ellen Miller Matthew P. and Christine A. Miller Rick and Carrie Miller Sandra J. Miller ‘01 Wendy S. (Russell) Miller ‘90 William Miller J. D. Milliken Stewart Mills Ryan Milo Isaiah D. Mirabal ‘23 Holly Mirgon Charles Moehl Dale Monnin Malisssa Monnin Marcia Moore Mike and Brittney Moore Stephen Moore Jen Morgan John and Lois Morrell Tamara A. (Audritsh) Morris ‘77 Tonya Mortimer Alex Mossing John and Sharise Muhammad Bridget Murphy Mary M. Musk Ashley Myers Christopher D. and Denice L. (Coppler) Myers ‘93 Jacquelene P. Mylor Rena Mylor Jeremy Naab ‘23 David Nash ‘12 Laura Nemeth Tom Nemeth Sean Nesbitt Don Neuss Scott Nicholsen Scott T. and Meredith R. Nicholson ‘08 Andrew Niederst Brigid Niesel Linda Norkin Keith Northey Amy Nuhfer Stephen Nuhfer Jeffrey ‘95 and Angela M. (Shardo) Nunn ‘95 Judy Nunnaro Grace Ocreto Shane K. ‘13 and Dinelle O’Donnell Lindsey Okuley Jami S. Opp ‘13, ‘15, ‘21 Aaron O’Reilly Orloves Plumbing LLC Nathaniel S. ‘11 and Nicole M. (Johnson) Orlove ‘12 Cory J. Osborne ‘13 Ryan Ottney Rachel Overocker Charlotte Owen Lisa Owen Tracy Owens Ozzie’s Little Hugo’s LLC P.T. Services Rehabilitation, Inc. Jessica M. ‘19 and Collin Palmer Kathryn Palmer Jennifer Parker Phil Parsons Peter and Salenna Patellis Gayle Patterson-Peets Kathleen Pavlansky John L. Payne * Deceased

Cheryl Pearson Amy C. Pence ‘97 Charlotte Penwell Giuseppe A. Penzone ‘18, ‘19 Roger Peterson Judith Pfund Phi Theta Pi Local Chapter Barbara Phillips Kelly Phillips Lucas S. Phillips Mary Piasecki Jean Pierro Lynda Pitzer Ryan C. and Lori S. Planchon ‘09 Planet Fitness Kelly Plikerd Michelle Pokorny Pool Tek of the Palm Beaches Carl Prather Saundra Prather Vernon Prather Stephanie Predovich Dakota Price William and Charlene M. Prochazka ‘03 Veronika Radiuk Dina Radowick Arlene Rahm-Scherf John Ramey Dale Rathbun Jim Rathbun Theresa Rathbun Catherine F. Rathburn ‘91 Steven A. Rau Clyde R. ‘06 and Kaye Rauch Kathy Ray Ryan Ray Sarah Ray Rosanne Rayborn Scott K. and Rebecca F. (Mertz) Reckers ‘97 Jenette Redman Regina Redway Allison L. Rees Salvatore Rego Bryan and Tawnya Reinhart Susan Reiter Camron Rennie Michelle Renninger Sarah Reynolds Ronee Rice Doug Richard Greg ‘91 and Jodi Richards Joel Richards Milton Richardson Tracie Richardson Larry Riddell Karin Rieger Diane Rife Lois Riggins Joan Rinker-Kisling ‘70 Robert C. ‘77 and Linda S. (Doepker) Ritzler ‘77 Dale and Debbie Robbins Kendall Roberts Naomi R. Robertson Singletary ‘13 Dorothy L. (Tuck) Robey ‘49 Daniel A. Robinson ‘12 Martin Roehrenbeck Jeff Roetting Darby M. Roggow ‘96, ‘99 John M. ‘98 and Jessica Romich Matthew D. ‘09 and Anna Root Drew and Annette Ross Rodney and Jean Ross Troy Roth Damian Rothermel Deborah Rothermel Caleb Rufener

Dave Stephens Erica Stevens Anna Stienecker Eric Stock Jennifer Stock Connor T. ‘19 and Alyssa Stocker Fanci Stow Christopher Strayer Nick Stroemple Ross Stromberg Heather Struble Nathaniel Stubblefield ‘20 Kim Sturgeon Dennis Suardini Sherry L. Sullivan ‘10 Devon ‘70 and Jane Sunderman Shawn Swanson Charles Sylvia James H. Tanks III ‘98 Gilbert Tapia BethAnn Taylor Scott Taylor Derek Tefft Matthew J. Telford ‘23 Anne Temple Laura Terbrack Brett Thatcher Chris and Summer Thomas Eric Thomas Kyle Thomas Mark L. Thomas ‘06 Thomas Thon Amy Thornton Jon Thornton Richard Thornton Dan Trace Rich Tremain Joe Trionfo Karen Trionfo Heidi Troyer Dennis Tureson James Turgeon Jan Ulbricht Kyle Ulenhake Lyle T. Underwood ‘80 Sheila Unterreiner Robert C. ‘08 and Vicki L. Uppenkamp Vance and Ashley Vair Eric Van Kerkhove Jonathan Varner Tabatha Varner Jerald Vent William Vent Veronica Vezzani Jean Vickroy Kelli Victor David Viggiano Michele Vlacovsky Kathryn A. Vogel ‘22 Melodie Vogt Burba Wade Jaime Wagner Jeanette Waibel Andy Walpole Andy Warnock Mark Wasylow Ann V. Waters ‘98 Sydney Weadock James Wearley Paul ‘72 and Joyce Weaver Jerry and Barbara Weber Landon Weiner Steven Weitzel Madison M. Wells ‘20 Chad Welshans Dawn West Aaron and Robin Westerman John A. ‘91 and Carla Weston

Danielle Ruffner Ed Ruhe Nicki Rumschlag Kimberly Russo Rebecca Russo Michael A. ‘07 and Kathryn A. Rutkowski Shane W. Saam ‘08 Michelle Sabovik Tammy Sabrin Karen Sacino Emilee Sackman Sharon and Mike Salmon Lorna Sanborn Sacha Sanborn Joel Sanchez Terry Sanders Stacy Sanzo Gretchen Sanzone Nicholas and Pamela J. (Fox) Schalk ‘01 Dee Schendel Thomas D. Scherf ‘92 John E. Schlessman Jennifer Schoenberger Paul Scholar Tammy Schonberger Erik Schreck and Nicole M. (Filibeck) Schreck ‘00, ‘02 Carrie Schroeder ‘95 Kent Schuerman David Schultz Mark and Jo E. Sciulli ‘03 Terrell Scott Nancy Seamon Indira Seecharran David J. Selnick Kevin E. ‘01 and Dana (Kuhlman) Sendelbach ‘92 Juan Serur John Settlage Leah Seymour Susan Shade Zachary Shalit Jessica Shelton Les Sherman Tyler Sherman Sherwin Williams Corporate Office Anita Shore Mary Simonsen Lori Skrelja Mark Skrelja Donald and Mary Smith Linda Smith Maurice and Terri Smith Mike Smith Terry Smith Nicholas C. Smythe ‘22 Chris Snyder Joe and Nancy M. (Lamuth) Soehnlen ‘05 Jackie Soha Mark S. and Amy J. Somodi Ashley Sopczynski Janet Sopczynski Laura Southward David B. Sowers Joyce Spangler Gregory Sparks ‘10 Charles Spayde Martin Speth Laura Spicer Winola Sprague John Staimpel Troy Stamm Carol Stanford Cherie Stanley Howard Steed Jared Stein 38

Alexa Wharton Amy Whillock Bennett White John White Johnny White Madison Whitehead ‘18 Eric and Shannon Widman Marilynn Widman Brad Wilcox Bruce C. Wilcox ‘85 Carl and Rosalinda Wiles Christen M. Wilhelm ‘04 Kathy Wilkins Jan Williams Michael Williams Shaun Williams Holly Williamson Bill E., Sr. ‘72 and Barb Wilson James C. and Bernadette Wilson Brenda Wimmers Joyce Wimmers Herbert J. Wise ‘72 Brian Wisneski Jenifer Wisneski Spencer Wolfe Joe Woodruff Michaelle Woodruff Greg Woods Rodney Woods ‘94 Ryan and Caitlyn G. (Bass) Wysowaty ‘17 Joel Yackee Bekah Yingst Mark Yingst Andrea Young Mark Young Seth Young Kelly Ysidron Christian and Tara Zbin Paul Zeit Michelle Zerbe Yarone Zober Scott Zolman Diane Zylstra

JOIN THE TIFFIN SOCIETY AND MAKE A LASTING IMPACT At Tiffin University, the success of our students is made possible by the generosity and leadership of donors like you.

The Tiffin Society recognizes individuals who go above and beyond to support TU’s mission through annual giving.

By becoming a member, you’re not only helping students succeed, but you’re also joining a community of over 300 dedicated alumni and friends who are shaping the future of our University.

Membership starts at an annual giving level of $1,000. TU Alumni can join the Tiffin Society for $100 one year after graduation, $200 two years after graduation, $300 three years after graduation and continue increasing by $100 each year until reaching $1,000 in the 10th year. Members with lifetime giving of $100,000 or more are recognized for their extraordinary commitment and vision. With every contribution, you’re helping TU create opportunities, fund scholarships and invest in programs that transform lives.

Tiffin Society members also receive exclusive benefits, including direct communication from University leadership, personalized tokens of appreciation, exclusive virtual meetings with the President and invitations to signature events throughout the year.

In 2025, members enjoyed a spring Society Dinner in May, the Donor Picnic in August, a private Tiffin Society Tent at the Homecoming football game in October and reserved seating for Christmas at The Ritz, a beloved TU holiday tradition.

Make a Difference Today Learn how to become a member and join a community of philanthropic leaders shaping TU’s future.

Please contact Mikki King at 419.448.3443 or kingmr@tiffin.edu for more information about the Tiffin Society.

39

CAMPUS TO CORAL REEFS:

TU TRAVELS TO BONAIRE stunning coral reefs, sea turtles, tropical fish and other marine life. In addition to diving, the group engaged with Bonaire’s unique culture, exploring its history, cuisine and traditions.

In December, a group of Tiffin University students and faculty traveled to the island of Bonaire in the Caribbean Islands for an immersive educational experience that blended marine science, cultural exploration and a scuba diving certification.

Testimonials:

The journey was led by Dr. Mark Sabo, Dean of the School of Science and Jamie Marinis, Assistant Professor of English and Cultural Immersion Coordinator.

Together with faculty members Andy Savage and Mazie

“Going to Bonaire through Tiffin University was more than just a trip, it was a life-changing experience. I never imagined I’d be diving into crystal clear waters, surrounded by vibrant coral and sea life. Each dive felt like a whole new world, which reminded me how much there is to learn beyond the classroom. Bonaire wasn’t just a place I visited; it’s a piece of my story now, one that will stay with me long after graduation.”

- Carissa Metcalfe, Forensic Psychology Major “Getting certified in scuba diving in Bonaire with Tiffin University was more than just earning a credential – it was about exploring a whole new world beneath the surface. The radiant coral reefs, the beautiful dive sites and the sense of adventure made it feel like every dive was a step closer to understanding both the ocean and the different culture. I’ll never forget the feeling of freedom that came with each breath underwater!”

- Cydnee Baney, Exercise Science Major

Davis, they guided students Cydnee Baney and Carissa Metcalfe through an unforgettable academic adventure.

The group departed on December 14 and returned December 21 after a full week of exploration, learning and certification dives. The trip served as the capstone for STH390: Marine Science and Culture. Students and faculty had spent the fall semester preparing for this unique academic opportunity that brought classroom concepts to life beneath the ocean’s surface.

As Tiffin University continues to expand its global learning initiatives, trips like this showcase the power of education that goes beyond textbooks and lectures.

They remind students that real learning often takes place when they step outside their comfort zones, immerse themselves in new cultures and engage directly with the world around them. Whether plunging into coral reefs, exploring history and heritage or engaging with new communities abroad, TU’s global learning initiatives continue to broaden horizons and prepare students for lives of impact, one journey at a time.

The course focused on the intersection of science and culture through the lens of marine ecosystems and Caribbean heritage. Bonaire, known as one of the world’s top scuba destinations, became both a classroom and a living laboratory. Students Cydnee Baney and Carissa Metcalfe, along with Professor Mazie Davis, completed their SCUBA certification through Buddy Dive Resort Bonaire; a moment that marked not only an academic milestone, but a personal one as well. Each dive not only expanded their technical skills but also brought them face-to-face with the island’s

TU Travels plans to offer another dive-focused travel opportunity in the near future, open to students, faculty, staff, alumni and friends. More details will be announced soon!

40

41

TIFFIN UNIVERSITY’S GLOBAL EXCHANGE:

A SEMESTER OF CULTURE, CONNECTION AND CAMPUS LIFE Mara pushed herself beyond her shyness, embracing new social experiences that made her more extroverted and independent. She also explored American fast food and will miss the casual, daily interactions that made every day distinct.

In Bucharest, Romania, Tiffin University offers the first American Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) program in the country, delivered exclusively in English and taught by TU professors.

This spring semester, six students from TU’s Romania campus spent time at the main campus in Ohio, bringing a global twist to Dragon Nation. For these students, it’s more than a study abroad experience.

It’s a full-circle connection between TU’s academic offerings in Bucharest and the University’s home in the U.S.

Vlad Panait

Vlad Panait embraced Tiffin’s academic environment and the chance to interact with students from various backgrounds. He especially valued courses that were “more detailed and explained thoroughly,” with business finance standing out as particularly practical.

Campus life, including gym friendships and engaging with guest speakers, helped him connect and adjust.

Traveling to cities like New York and D.C. exposed him to American culture, while trying classic foods like mac and cheese became memorable experiences. Vlad believes these exchanges deepened his understanding of cultural differences within organizations, which he sees as invaluable for his future career. He’ll miss the cafeteria and the friendships he made on campus.

David Caplescu

David Caplescu found Tiffin University’s campus life to be both welcoming and challenging compared to Romanian colleges, which don’t have a campus system. He learned self-reliance by managing everyday tasks on his own, stating, “It helped me understand that I depend on my own from now on.” Immersing himself in American culture was a unique challenge that led to personal growth. He especially enjoyed reconnecting with TU professors who taught abroad in Romania during a memorable barbecue. Careerfocused opportunities, including a campus job fair, left a strong impression on Davis. “Seeing so many options was quite unique,” he shared. David embraced every opportunity at TU. As he reflects on the semester, one thing stands out: “I spent one of the most beautiful periods of my life here, with my friends.”

Vlad Halciug

For Vlad Halciug, moving from Bucharest to Tiffin demanded significant personal growth. Adapting to a new culture and greater independence, he credits his marketing classes and an internship for preparing him to help run his family business back in Romania.

Halciug seized opportunities outside the classroom as well, playing soccer and tennis and making friends with students from various backgrounds. Living with fellow Romanian students, Andrei and Stefan, has made his experience even more meaningful. “It feels more like home and has made the experience more comfortable,” he shared. He particularly cherished living in a small town “where life is less stressful and easier to live.”

Traveling across the U.S. brought a deeper appreciation of American culture, particularly local bars and the food. Vlad looks forward to revisiting Tiffin with a new perspective in the future.

Mara Pavel

For Mara Pavel, American college life was different from the Hollywood movies she grew up watching, though her semester at TU still provided many surprises and joys. Adjusting to daily classes and a different academic schedule gave her the chance to see familiar professors and meet many new friends. Her roommates made her campus apartment feel like home. “From latenight talks to grocery shopping together, I realized how much it means to have people around you,” she shared.

42

Andrei Stanculescu

was accessible, just seven to ten minutes away by bike or foot,” he shared. Popescu was struck by American openness in conversations and the strong work ethic he observed. Cultural highlights included watching the Super Bowl in a local bar, which he described as “exactly American.” He jokes that “you guys should learn more from Europeans quality-wise” when it comes to food. As he returns home, he’ll miss the daily routines, training with teammates and the 24/7 activity on campus, encouraging others from Romania to seize similar opportunities.

Andrei Stanculescu experienced a more immersive and steady-paced learning environment in the U.S., a contrast to the flexibility he has balancing responsibilities in Romania as a CEO. Winning first place in the Business Strategy Game was a standout moment, providing business insights that he can apply professionally. Andrei participated in campus sports and events, gradually adjusting to smaller living spaces while focusing on community life. Travels to places like New York City enriched his understanding of American culture, he explained. As his time at Tiffin concluded, he says, “I’ll miss the community and the unique atmosphere that made every day feel like a new opportunity. This experience has been transformative.”

More Than an Exchange: A Life-Changing Semester

Collectively, these students’ time at Tiffin University led them to adapt to new academic expectations, navigate cultural differences and form meaningful connections.

From attending class in a new environment to enjoying American traditions and daily campus rhythms, each student embraced opportunities for personal, academic and professional growth. Their stories exemplify the spirit of global education: stepping outside comfort zones, gaining independence and forging memories and skills that will stay with them long after they’ve left Tiffin, Ohio.

Stefan Popescu

Tiffin University exceeded Stefan Popescu’s expectations. Experiencing the “purely American” academic approach opened his eyes to new teaching methods, particularly in business finance with Professor Sullivan, which he deemed highly applicable to his future work. He enjoyed forming close friendships within the international student community and reveled in the convenience of campus life. “Everything

43

TIFFIN UNIVERSITY:

CHRIS CHASE’S JOURNEY OF FLAVOR AND COMMUNITY seasoned with his flavor rubs: Griffs, dry rub and social burn. In addition to chips, MST offers dry rub and social burn dry-rub snack sticks.

Chris Chase (‘03, ‘05) didn’t plan to run a restaurant. What began as a part-time job while earning his master’s at Tiffin University grew into a full-time passion.

Today, he owns MST Pub & Grub, MST Sauce Co. and the MST Street Grub food truck.

Innovation drives growth, including the MST Street Grub food truck launched in June 2025. “The biggest reason we opened the food truck was to try to create an opportunity for more people to get Madison Street ,through online or pickup at a faster pace,” Chase said. He also upgraded the point-of-sale system. “Our old system was Jurassic. Now we’ve got analytics, a rewards program, email and text marketing and better insights into our sales and menu,” he explained.

“I started working here when I was getting my master’s at TU,” Chase said.

At the time, Madison Street Tavern did not even serve food. “It was a struggle.

You have times where you sit here for three hours without anybody in here and then all of a sudden you have a hundred people.”

Seeing potential in the community, he stayed. “I saw that there was a need in this town for more places to eat, more places for people to hang out. I invested in myself instead of another company, and here we are.”

Since opening in 2009, MST has grown from a small tavern into a full-service pub, a nationally recognized sauce company and a mobile food truck.

At MST, people come first. “We’re in the people business, not the food business,” he said. “If you treat people right, they’ll come back for the food.” He trains his team to connect with customers. “The more connection you have with the customer, the better chance they’ll enjoy their visit and come back. Even the back of the house guys that don’t see the customers realize that we have a standard to live up to. Having a little bit of vested interest in it, feeling like they’re part of building something bigger than themselves.”

His award-winning sauces are a point of pride. “Kitchen Sink is one of my favorites. It’s won awards and is really unique, nobody else could ever duplicate it. It was one of my first four sauces, and it was created with some of the original guys 15 years ago. To see it win competitions across the country is pretty neat,” he said. Another favorite is Griff sauce, named after a TU classmate. “We were eating wings at one in the morning and just kept mixing stuff. It came out awesome, and we won first place in an international flavor award for that one. It’s cool that it’s not just our hometown that enjoys the sauces, it expands throughout the country.”

Chase also values connections beyond the restaurant.

“I go out of my way to make sure the ladies at the front desk at local hotels know we appreciate them. I drop off gift cards from time to time because those are ones who send people from out of town our way. If I’m at the top of their list, it goes a long way for us. I’ve made a lot of connections just outside of Tiffin because of the people that walk through here.”

Local partnerships remain at the heart of MST. “We make a lot of the sauces in-house. Using that as another revenue stream was huge for us. Then getting the local collaborations involved, that was also huge.” A key example is Tiffin University’s Dipped in Gold: Golden Glaze Sauce, where 100% of proceeds support TU scholarships. He has also partnered with other local schools to raise funds through his sauces. “Creating that family culture extends beyond Madison Street.

We try to reach all of the people around.” Chase also collaborates with local business Ballreich’s to sell chips

He credits TU for much of his journey. “TU kind of started my whole journey of working here. If I didn’t stay for my master’s degree, I would never have started working here. I would have never decided to own the place.” MST continues to support students and athletes and celebrates their achievements.

For first-time visitors to MST, Chase hopes they find more than just good food. “Hopefully they experience the atmosphere and the feeling of family and inclusion.

That it’s more than just a restaurant; it’s a place that we call home.”

44

45

BLAZE’S HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE As the holiday season approaches, there’s no better way to show your Dragon pride than with exclusive Tiffin University merchandise and tasty collaborations crafted just for TU students, alumni, friends and family.

gourmet cook looking for a sauce that will knock your taste buds off, this is it!

Blend #1888: A Coffee Experience Worth Waking Up For Bailiwicks and Tiffin University--the perfect blend! Created with TU students in mind, Blend #1888 is a diverse taste with top-rated flavor. Savor the aroma of the smooth, velvety three-bean blend of South America and African beans, with notes of milk chocolate and honey.

It’s a great day to wake up like a Dragon!

Blaze’s Bites: A Crunchy, Savory Sensation Blaze’s Bites feature Wolfies signature Crunchy Coated Beer Nuggets; extra-large redskin peanuts slow roasted in small batches and finished with the company’s famous crunchy coating. Blaze’s Bites mixes crunchy, savory, salty and nutty together for a unique treat.

Blazin’ BBQ Chips: A Flavor That Brings Us Together Blazin’ BBQ Chips from Tiffin, Ohio’s Ballreich Snack Food Company, offer a delicious, smoky barbecue flavor that’s a fan favorite. These crunchy chips are perfect for snacking, sharing or gifting to fellow Dragons. Plus, a portion of every sale supports scholarships for Tiffin University students, making each bag a flavorful way to give back.

Dipped in Gold: Golden Glaze Sauce Tiffin University, in partnership with MST Sauce Company, offers Tiffin University Dipped in Gold: Golden Glaze Sauce. This collaboration introduces a unique sauce flavor that not only enhances culinary experiences but also supports higher education through scholarships at TU. With every bottle of Dipped in Gold sold, all profits will go toward student scholarships at TU. Whether you are a Tiffin University alumni, student, friend or

The Exchange 1888 Apparel and Post: Your New Campus Store Don’t forget to stop by The Exchange 1888 Apparel and Post, Tiffin University’s brand-new campus store, located at 235 Miami Street conveniently situated between the Welcome Center and the Wall Street Pub and Grille.

to find the ideal Dragon gear for yourself or as a gift this holiday season. Can’t make it to campus? No problem! Shop online anytime at thetuexchange.com

Looking to collaborate with Tiffin University?

We’re seeking local businesses, alumni entrepreneurs and community partners to create unique Dragon-branded products. Partner with us to bring your idea to life, celebrate TU pride and make an impact on the TU community. Share your concept by emailing officeofadvancement@tiffin.edu

The Exchange offers a wide variety of TU-branded apparel, gifts and much more. It’s the perfect place 46

DRAGON FLAMES:

THE STORY OF RYAN AND VICTORIA SPEAKES Ryan and Tori met on the track and field team at Tiffin University, where friendship quickly turned into a lasting partnership. “We met our freshman year on the track and became friends through the team,” Ryan said. “We really started connecting more during our freshman spring break track and field trip at Coastal Carolina University.” Their friendship deepened during their sophomore year, setting the stage for a relationship that has lasted nearly two decades.

SpartanNash in 2023. Tori transitioned from marketing to human resources, eventually earning her master’s degree at TU and advancing into a HR Business Partner at Gartner. “My master’s gave me the confidence to pursue a new role in HR and grow professionally,” Tori said.

Their careers and family life are deeply connected.

Communication and shared goals help them balance demanding jobs and raising four children. “Sometimes it is 50-50, sometimes 80-20,” Ryan said. “We recognize the season we are in and adjust.”

Tori added, “Being honest about when we need help has been a game-changer.” The couple has passed lessons learned at TU on to their children. Their oldest will attend the University of Cincinnati for pre-medicine this fall. Ryan said, “Our greatest accomplishment today is sending her off to college. We feel confident in how we have guided all our children.”

Their time at TU was filled with memorable moments, from spring break trips to volunteering at the Tiffin Carnival. “Some of our fondest memories are just hanging out with friends on the porch or working together at Cedar Point to earn money for our team’s spring break trip,” Ryan said. Tori added, “Even if it was tough or uncomfortable at times, those experiences helped us learn how to connect with people and grow together.” Their time at TU shaped both their personal and professional growth as well. “Tiffin exposed me to a wide variety of people,” Ryan said. “I had to learn how to connect quickly on the track, with teammates and across campus. It taught me how to work with people and grow together.” Tori added, “Life is about choices. That lesson has guided me through my career and personal life.”

Reflecting on their TU experience, both offer advice for current students. Tori said, “Comparison is a thief of joy.

Make your goals, be flexible, enjoy the journey and learn along the way.” Ryan encourages students to focus on strengths and gain experience. “Figure out what you are naturally good at. Then go get experience in that area. Do not worry about the company name or pay. Lean in on your strengths and it will work out.”

While finishing their degrees, the couple faced a major life change. Their first child, Peyton, was born in May 2007, just days before they graduated. “At the time, we were scared and nervous,” Ryan said. “We had a lot of unknowns, but looking back, that moment and raising our family has been our greatest accomplishment.” Tori agreed. “Our children are always our motivation. Seeing them grow and achieve milestones is the best reward.”

From track meets to life milestones, Ryan and Tori’s story is a testament to the enduring lessons of Tiffin University: connection, perseverance and finding your place in the world. As Tori said, “The people, the community and embracing challenges is what shaped us at Tiffin and continues to guide us today.” Their journey shows that the friendships, experiences and mentors found on campus can shape lives long after graduation.

After graduation, both launched successful careers.

Ryan started at Speedway as an intern and rose to become vice president of retail operations at 47

TIFFIN UNIVERSITY:

TU CELEBRATES $33.6 MILLION MILESTONE AS PHASE I OF COMPREHENSIVE CAMPAIGN CONCLUDES transformed from grass to a full turf field providing the Dragons with a modern home playing surface. The softball facility received significant upgrades, including an expanded area around the home dugout and the new Bobby and Brandie Petras Locker Room. These improvements benefit both student-athletes and fans.

Tiffin University has reached a major milestone by completing the first phase of its comprehensive campaign and raising an extraordinary $33.6 million over the past six years. This achievement reflects the remarkable generosity of alumni, friends and community partners and the powerful difference their philanthropy has made for TU’s students and campus.

Launched in 2019, the campaign set out to strengthen academic programs, create dynamic learning spaces and expand opportunities for students to thrive. Six years later, the results can be seen across campus.

The Center for Innovation and Learning, a 30,000-square-foot hub where students collaborate across disciplines and spark new ideas, stands as a signature example of donor impact. Another major addition was the Center for Science and Technology, which opened in 2022. The 18,100-square-foot facility includes three laboratories, two large classrooms, an exercise science lab, the Meshech Frost Charitable Foundation outdoor patio, the Mercy Health Atrium, faculty offices and more. These spaces on campus provide students with expanded lab access, handson learning opportunities and the tools to succeed in rapidly growing fields.

The campaign’s success has reached beyond campus, energizing the entire Tiffin community. The launch of LIFE@TU, in coordination with the President’s Office, offers learning opportunities for community members aged 50 and older. This program reflects TU’s commitment to lifelong learning and community engagement, providing access to educational, cultural and personal growth experiences beyond the traditional student body. Local partnerships have continued to grow stronger, and TU’s campus continues to serve as a hub for events, research and innovation.

The campaign has also allowed TU to expand its academic offerings. Countless new programs have been added to undergraduate and graduate studies, and Tiffin University now offers two doctoral programs: a PhD in Global Leadership and Change and a Doctor of Criminal Justice. These programs position TU as a leader in preparing students for advanced careers and global impact.

Philanthropic support through the campaign has also funded scholarships, internships, global travel experiences and new technology, giving students the tools to compete in a rapidly changing world.

With Phase I complete, TU is looking ahead to the next chapter of the campaign. The University will continue to build on this momentum and ensure that the spirit of generosity that fueled the past six years will keep shaping the future for the next generation of Dragons.

Donor support has extended to athletics, enhancing the student-athlete experience and campus facilities.

The soccer field at the Paradiso Athletic Complex was 48

49

GREEK LIFE:

ALPHA IOTA SORORITY CELEBRATES 100 YEARS OF SISTERHOOD

1937 ALPHA IOTA ORCHESTRA always my favorite. Smashing plates with our fears and struggles on them always helped me and I am thankful for the bonds I made!” one sister said. Another reflected, “Pledging created a bond like no other and I appreciate all the time we got to spend with each other.” Activities like hosting blood drives, Greek formal, Step, making paddles and open houses were also highlights. Many emphasized the support they received academically and personally: “My sisters always motivated me to go to class and do my work. We always worked on homework together which helped a lot,” one alumna said, while another shared, “My sorority sisters were always girls I could count on for help and advice for all things in life.

There was always at least one sister who had a class I had or experienced a similar situation that I needed help in.”

Alpha Iota, Tiffin University’s international business sorority, is marking a remarkable milestone this year: 100 years since its founding in 1925. The Delta Beta chapter at Tiffin was founded in 1936 and since then, it has made a meaningful impact by carrying forward Alpha Iota’s traditions and values. Dedicated to scholarship, loyalty and cooperation among all members, Alpha Iota provides its sisters with opportunities for personal and professional growth, leadership and lifelong friendships. The TU chapter also has a strong commitment to service, actively supporting the American Red Cross and raising awareness for autism through campus and community initiatives.

Greek life at Tiffin University has grown in both membership and the number of organizations. The campus is currently home to two fraternities and three sororities, each contributing its own unique traditions, causes and events to student life. All organizations are required to participate in community service and host campus events and fundraisers, many of which have become enduring TU traditions. Alpha Iota has played an integral role in this community, adding its focus on business, scholarship and service to Greek life on campus.

For many, the bond is family-like. “To this day, some of my closest friends are my AI sisters. They went on my D.C. internship with me, they visited me and other AI sisters while we were in DC, we attended each other’s baby showers, weddings and kids’ birthday parties. We are a network of support in good times and bad. The bond is through it all. We are family,” one alumna said.

Even distance or life transitions did not break the ties.

“Living and going to school in different states was very challenging at times. However, knew I could always count on my sisters to get me through any rough

Alpha Iota alumnae shared fond memories of pledging and bonding. “I enjoyed alpha bonding! That was 50

connection and support: “Be yourself. Don’t change yourself to feel part of something,” one said. Another reflected, “Get connected and take chances. You never want to look back with regret and what if questions.

Put the work in with the relationships now so that you know you have people in your corner after graduation that will help you and guide you when making those hard decisions into adulthood.”

patches,” another shared.

Leadership and personal growth were central to the experience. “Going from a little sister learning what it meant to be an Alpha to being able to be a big sister to the incoming sorority girls was such an exciting and full circle experience. I loved helping plan events and prepare the upcoming sisters to carry on our legacy on campus,” one alumna said. Many described the professional impact: “Leadership skills were so important to learn before graduating. Learning communication skills and organization when working on campus with events and other organizations to get things done helped transfer over into my career after graduation,” one alumna shared.

The centennial celebration on TU’s campus on October 11 brought together members past and present to honor Alpha Iota’s rich legacy. Festivities included a banquet, historical displays and photos and opportunities for alumnae and current sisters to share memories, network and celebrate the organization’s achievements over the past century.

Even after graduation, the sisterhood remains strong.

“We stay connected through social media, texting, visits and phone calls. I cherish the years I had with them at Tiffin and love seeing each of them become wife’s, mothers and hold their own in their careers,” one alumna said. Alumnae also offered advice to current and future members, encouraging authenticity,

From academic excellence to impactful service projects, Alpha Iota continues to be a source of pride for its members and for Tiffin University. The 100-year milestone is not only a tribute to the past, but also an inspiration for the future of the sorority and the young women it serves.

1949 SPRING DANCE

1958

1968

1970

1977

1980

1993

2016

2024 51

GREEK LIFE:

2025 PHI THETA PI CONVENTION THIS ARTICLE WAS WRITTEN BY DENNY FOOS ‘68

Larry “Goofy” Ricker Scholarship Award: $1,000 to Colton Price

Phi Theta Pi Fraternity hosted its annual convention May 28-31 at Hilton Garden Inn in Dayton/Beavercreek, Ohio. Highlights of the convention included a tour of Carillon Historical Park showcasing the history of Dayton, including Wright Brothers, early aviation and much more. We also took in a Dayton Dragons baseball game, a Cincinnati Reds minor league team. The ladies had fun building their own terrarium to take home as a memory.

J. Spencer Borders National Scholarship Award: $1,000 to Kenny Taylor $1,000 to Christian Podhradsky $1,000 to Brayden Courtney Larry “Goofy” Ricker Fraternal Award to Denny Foos John Wilson Award - First year to John Wilson Outstanding Brother and Convention King presented to Kenny Taylor

Saturday morning was our big business meeting where the formal joining of the Columbus Alumni and Tiffin Alumni chapters to form the Ohio Alumni Chapter of Phi Theta Pi. We had an election of officers for both the national board and Ohio alumni. Saturday evening was our formal banquet with many awards presented.

It was voted and approved that next year’s convention will be in Tiffin at Tiffin University from Wednesday, May 27 through Saturday, May 30, 2026. It will mark our 100 Year (1926-2026) as a fraternity, and we hope to have 100+ brothers attending this fun filled celebration.

POOL PARTY AUGUST 30, 2025, PHI THETA PI ACTIVE AND ALUMNI CHAPTERS On August 30, Phi Theta Pi actives, Delta Beta and alumni held their annual pool party at Denny and Gail Foos’ home in Tiffin. The event provided a good time with fun pool time, fellowship and food. It brought together national board members, Delta Beta (Tiffin) active, Ohio Alumni member and guests.

During the event the annual George Dupey Endowed Scholarship was awarded to Brayden Courtney for the year 2025-2026. It was also announced that the fund has reached the goal of $100,000, which should support more scholarships for Delta Beta members in the future.

There was also a brief business meeting discussing next year’s convention. Delta Beta active will be hosting the event with assistance from the Grand Board and Ohio Alumni chapter.

52

CELEBRATING DRAGON EXCELLENCE:

HONORING THE 2025 ALUMNI AWARD RECIPIENTS Each year, Tiffin University celebrates the remarkable accomplishments of its alumni through the presentation of the Alumni Awards. Chosen by the Alumni Association Board’s award sub-committee, the recipients are formally recognized during Homecoming & Family Weekend.

Alumni Achievement Award: Dennis and Gail Foos ’68 The Alumni Achievement Award is awarded to an alumnus for their achievements, leadership and contributions to their profession or field of study, their community and their alma mater.

Dennis and Gail Foos, both 1968 Tiffin University graduates, have devoted their lives to leadership, service and community. At TU, Denny was active in Phi Theta Pi International Honorary Commerce Fraternity, and Gail served as an officer in Alpha Iota Sorority. Married in 1968, they remained in Tiffin and founded Foos Construction Inc. in 1982, which they operated for more than 25 years. Both are deeply involved in the community, with Denny contributing to Tiffin United Way and St. Mary’s Church, and Gail supporting Family of Faith Lutheran Church and The Ritz Theatre Board.

Their bond with TU endures through student mentorship, alumni engagement and the annual Phi Theta Pi “pool party.” In 2024, Denny helped establish the George L. Dupey Endowed Scholarship, serving as the fraternity’s Scholarship Committee Chair. Proud Tiffin Society, LIFE@TU and Golden Graduate members, Dennis and Gail Foos embody the spirit of the Alumni Achievement Award through decades of dedication and service.

Young Alumni Achievement Award: Bryce Riggs MBA ’20 The Young Alumni Achievement Award is presented to honor the achievements of young alumni whose lives exemplify high principles and who are outstanding leaders in their profession and community.

Bryce Riggs currently serves as President & CEO of the Seneca County Collaborative, leading efforts to strengthen the county through business advocacy, economic development, tourism promotion and downtown revitalization. Appointed in 2025, he previously spent nearly five years as Executive Director of the Seneca Regional Chamber of Commerce and Destination Seneca County, where Chamber membership grew by more than 70 percent and Destination Seneca County earned 11 statewide tourism awards and ten record-breaking lodging tax quarters. In 2025, Bryce received the Michael A. Schultz Professional of the Year Award from the Chamber Professionals of Ohio, and in 2023, the Chamber was named Outstanding Chamber of the Year (under 600 members). He serves on the Boards of the Ohio Travel Association and Chamber Professionals of Ohio and remains active in regional and statewide initiatives.

Alumni Service Award: Tracy Almanson ’90 The Alumni Service Award is awarded to an alumni in recognition of their dedication to the University through service in alumni programs, on advisory committees and through efforts made to ensure the welfare of the institution.

Tracy Almanson has dedicated her life to service, mentorship and the continued success of her alma mater. A former Alumni Association Board member and current Hall of Fame Board appointee, she actively supports TU by attending events, engaging the community and encouraging prospective students to consider Tiffin University. A standout student-athlete, she received the Criminal Justice Wilkinson Award in 1990 and was inducted into the TU Athletic Hall of Fame for Basketball in 2000. Tracy retired in 2022 after 31 years with the Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction, where she modeled professionalism, leadership and compassion while mentoring students and colleagues. She now serves as Administrative Assistant at St. John AME Church, teaches women’s self-defense at The Ohio State University and remains active in the National Association of Blacks in Criminal Justice. Her continued support of Tiffin University, especially the Women’s Basketball and Criminal Justice programs, reflects her deep gratitude for the foundation they provided in her career and life.

SHINE A LIGHT ON A FELLOW DRAGON!

Do you know a Tiffin University alumnus who meets this criteria?

Visit tiffin.edu/advancement/alumni/awards/ to make your nomination.

53

CLASS SCENE

Have exciting news to share?

The Class Scene section of this publication was created with the significant help of Olivia Karhoff and Ryan Jensen, student workers in the Office of Marketing and Communications

Whether you started a new job, got married, welcomed a baby or celebrated another milestone, we want to hear from you! Submit your latest updates at tiffin.edu/ advancement/update-your-information.

You may be featured in a future issue of Challenge Magazine!

Jacqueline K. (Ernsthausen) Vaughn Class of 1983 Jacqueline Vaughn is currently working as an RN and Case Manager at Advisacare Home Healthcare. She now has four children and six grandchildren. Jacqueline earned her associate’s degree from Tiffin University in 1983.

1960s Paul Zimmerman Class of 1965 and 1985 Paul Zimmerman is currently retired and serves as a Chaplain for the American Legion 405 in New Washinton, Ohio. In 2024, Paul was awarded Chaplain of the Year for the Fifth District of the American Legion, and he is a U.S. Navy Veteran. Paul has four children, six grandchildren and soon to be seven great grandchildren. He received his degree in accounting in 1965 from TU and later received his second degree from Tiffin in finance in 1985. During his time at Tiffin, he was a member of the men’s basketball team.

Brenda Weslow Class of 1987 Brenda Weslow is currently working part-time at the front desk of the Allen Eiry Center. She worked as a systems analyst for 26 years and spent 15 years as the Director of Christian Education before retiring and taking on a part-time position. She and her husband, John, have two children and five grandchildren. In 2024, they celebrated their 50th anniversary with a Lewis and Clark cruise to the Columbia River. Brenda earned her associate’s degree in business from Tiffin University in 1987.

1970s Daryl Weininger Class of 1974 Daryl Weininger retired from JPMorganChase and the Ohio Department of Transportation, where he worked in budget finance and accounting. In 1993, he became certified as an internal auditor and later became Vice President of the Central Ohio Chapter of the Institute of Internal Auditors in 1995-1996. Daryl served on the Board of Directors for the State Transportation Employees Credit Union and was the Chairman of the Board from 1996 to 2008. He retired from Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) in 2006 as the Department’s Director of Budget and Forecasting. Then worked at JPMorganChase from 2007 to 2017 as a senior analyst and was responsible for managing various clearing and escrow disbursement accounts in the company’s Mortgage Division. Now Daryl and his wife Mary enjoy their retirement years together and often visit relatives in other states. He received a BCS in higher accounting from TU in

1990s Traci Runion Class of 1990 Traci Runion currently works as an integration manager in systems implementation at MD Logistics. She graduated with a BBA in 1990 from TU and was a member of the women’s softball team.

Craig Derr Class of 1996 Craig Derr currently works as the General Manager of Sales and Purchasing at Sumitomo Riko America.

Craig and his wife, Hettie, have two daughters, Livia (19) and Harper (17). He earned his BBA in 1996 from Tiffin University, where he was a member of the football team.

1974 James Paul Hutchins, Jr. Class of 1976 and 1993 James Paul Hutchins, Jr. is a retired corporate safety officer and has been a member of the Lions Club for more than 20 years. He is a past president of the Ohio Bascom Lions Club, serving for two years and currently serves as the club’s treasurer. His favorite hobbies include cardio drumming, singing with the Off Our Rockers Chorus and participating in LIFE@TU. He received an associate’s degree in business technology from Tiffin University in 1976.

2000s Jan Waltmire Class of 2004 Jan Waltmire has worked at Allen County Children Services for 20 years as a foster care and adoption specialist. She received a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from Tiffin University in 2004. She and her husband, Micheal, have two children Maddisyn, 19, who attends Cedarville University

1980s Rosann Arbogast Class of 1981 and 2001 Rosann Arbogast has now retired from her position at Ameriwood as a human resource manager. She is now able to travel to some of her favorite destinations such as Cancun. She and her husband Micheal have three sons, three daughters-in-law and 12 grandchildren. Rosann received her associate’s degree in 1981 and later received her BBA in 2001.

54

book, “Badass Women and Hashtagged Zombies: Gender in the Walking Dead from Screen to Social Media” with McFarland Publishing in October 2024. Her second book, “Holding Television Accountable: Essays on Audience Demands in the Social Media Age” was released in spring 2025. She earned a Master of Humanities in communication from Tiffin University in 2015.

and Mason, 17, who is committed to play soccer at Tiffin University in the fall of 2025.

Micheal Martin Class of 2006 Micheal Martin is currently employed at Buckeye Central as the High School Principal. In 2024, Dr. Martin was named Ohio Principal of the Year. This was awarded by the Ohio Association of Secondary School Administrators (OASSA) for outstanding leadership, innovation and impact on student success. Micheal is committed to experiential learning which extends beyond the classroom, with initiatives like Senior Trop, a carefully planned experience that balances fun, critical thinking and lifelong memories while strengthening class camaraderie. Michael received an MBA from Tiffin University in 2006.

Kayla Lynn (Quillen) Dunstan Class of 2010 and 2014 Kayla Dunstan is currently a transportation specialist at Shiseido Americas.

Outside of work, Kayla has been happily married since 2017 and loves taking road trips with their rottweiler. Kayla is a double alumna of Tiffin University, earning her bachelor’s in criminal justice in 2010 and her master’s in business administration in 2014. While at TU, she was actively involved in the Criminal Justice Club and Alpha Phi Sigma.

Chelsea Hoskinson Class of 2007 and 2011 Chelsea Hoskinson currently works as an accountant at Robert Hald. She earned a B.A. in accounting in 2007 and her MBA in 2011 from Tiffin University. While at Tiffin, she participated in track and field and was a member of the Gamma Chi Alpha sorority.

Tabitha Keim Class of 2007 Tabitha Keim and her fiancé welcomed their daughter, Wrenley, on January 18, 2024. Keim was a member of the Tiffin University band and earned a Bachelor of Business Administration in hospitality in 2007.

Melissa Tiell Class of 2011 Melissa Tiell is currently a senior accountant in financial consolidation at Marathon Petroleum Corporation. She received a BBA in accounting from Tiffin University in 2011.

During her time at Tiffin, she played volleyball and participated in track and field.

Melissa Bowie Class of 2007 Melissa Bowie currently works as talent acquisition lead at Raytheon Technologies (RTX) and recently relocated to Florida for her new role with the company.

She gave birth to her daughter in 2020. Melissa earned a degree in business administration from Tiffin University in 2007 and was a member of the softball team.

Gabriel Burke Class of 2012 Gabriel Burke currently works as a senior inclusion and culture consultant at Nationwide Children’s Hospital. He also owns Jump the Broom LLC, a private practice where he provides telehealth counseling services to Tiffin University students. He is a licensed independent social worker with supervision designation (LISW-S) and earned his master’s degree in social work from Ohio State University. Gabriel is currently learning Portuguese with plans to travel to Brazil this year. During his time at Tiffin University, he was a member of the Phi Theta Pi and Kappa Kappa Psi fraternities, participated in the marching and concert bands, served as a resident assistant, was a sergeant on Nightwatch and served in the Ohio National Guard. He earned his Bachelor of Criminal Justice from TU in 2012.

Kelli Burns Class of 2009 Kelli Burns now works as a case manager at Advanced Pain Solutions. She received a Bachelor of Criminal Justice from Tiffin University in 2009.

2010s Allison Budaj Class of 2010 and 2015 Allison Budaj was promoted to Department Chair of Math and Humanities at Joyce University of Nursing and Health Sciences in August 2024. She published her first 55

Jessica Wirick Class of 2015 Jessica Wirick is currently employed as a service and support administrator at the Wood County Board of Developmental Disabilities. She earned her degree in arts and sciences from Tiffin University in 2015 and was a member of the women’s soccer team.

Mark Thompson Class of 2012 Mark Thompson is currently employed at PPG Industries as an OLED supervisor. He received a Bachelor of Arts in 2012 and was a member of the men’s rugby team and Phi Theta Pi Fraternity at Tiffin.

Keenan Hamilton Class of 2013 Keenan Hamilton is currently a youth program supervisor at River Road and Recreation District. He got married on Aug. 4, 2023. He received a BBA in business administration from Tiffin University in 2013 and participated in track and field during his time at Tiffin.

Elisha Owens Class of 2015 Elisha Owens is currently employed as the Regional Lead of Transportation at Enterprise Mobility. He is also the progenitor of Alpha Transportation and Notary Services and serves on the young adult council for the City of Gary. Elisha is also a firearms instructor and Glock Inc. specialist, training regularly with the Gary Police and SWAT team. He received his criminal justice degree from Tiffin University in 2015, where he was actively involved in student life. At TU, he served as Vice President of Student Government, President and Progenitor of the Tailor Made Swagg Club, Vice President and Secretary of the Student African American Brotherhood. He was also a member of Alpha Phi Sigma Fraternity, the Criminal Justice Club, Circle K Club and the Campus Activities Board.

Krysten Hickman Class of 2013 Krysten Hickman works at Majestic Steel USA as a people operations business partner. She received her Bachelor of Business Administration from TU in 2013.

Emily Ann Wade Class of 2013 Emily Ann Wade works as a flight attendant at Delta Airlines, where she notably got to meet a president on a flight. Emily received a degree in psychology from TU in 2013 and was a member of the women’s track and field team, cheerleading and was a part of Alpha Iota Sorority.

Andrew Simmonds Class of 2015 and 2025 Andrew Simmonds is currently employed at Solarity Health as Manager for Training and Client Care. He received a B.S. in socio-political communications in 2015, and his MBA from Tiffin University in 2025.

Justin Hairston Class of 2014 Justin Hairston is currently employed at the University of Missouri Athletics as the Director of Development. He received his BBA in 2014 from TU and was a member of the men’s basketball team.

Gabrielle Gallagher Class of 2015 Gabrielle Gallagher now works as an adjunct professor at three universities teaching psychology and human services. She previously worked as a mental health therapist. Gabrielle met her husband and had their first date at Tiffin University in 2017 and were married in June of 2020.

She and her husband now have a beagle named Cooper and reside in Amherst, Ohio. She received a BCJ in forensic psychology from TU in 2015 and later received a master’s of science in psychology.

Jill Gosche Class of 2014 Jill Gosche currently works as an outreach coordinator for the Seneca Conservation District. She received a Master of Humanities in Communication from Tiffin University in 2014.

Katie Lynn (Wilber) Hatchew Class of 2014 Katie Lynn Hatchew is currently a case manager at the Youth Attention Center in Big Rapids, Michigan.

Katie graduated from Tiffin University in 2014 with a degree in criminal justice. During her time at TU, she was actively involved in Gamma Chi Alpha, the World Student Association, Greek Council and the softball team.

Darci Thompson Class of 2016 Darci Thompson is currently employed at National Internet Insurance doing underwriting. She received a Bachelor of Criminal Justice in 2016 from TU.

56

Patrick Cornelius Smith Class of 2016 Patrick Smith is currently working in Intelligence Application after a distinguished career with the U.S. Air Force, from which he is now retired.

Patrick earned his master’s degree in homeland security from Tiffin University in 2016.

College. She received a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from Tiffin University in 2018.

Rene Keller Class of 2018 Rene Keller currently works as a faculty member at Keiser University, teaching English literature and writing courses to undergraduate students.

She is currently entering her dissertation for her Ph.D. in Instructional Design and Technology and received her Master of Humanities in English from TU in 2018. While at TU, she was a member of Sigma Tau Delta.

Joshua Arnett Class of 2017 Joshua Arnett Joshua currently works in Operations for the Ohio Army National Guard. He also coaches track and has received multiple military awards. During his time at Tiffin University, he was a member of the track team, participated in band and was involved in the Business Club. He earned his degree in organizational management from TU in 2017.

Austin Adams Class of 2019 Austin Adams works as a Senior Accountant in the oil and gas industry. He graduated in 2019 with an MBA from Tiffin University and was a member of the men’s basketball team.

Eric John Boltz Class of 2017 Eric John Boltz is currently serving as a probation and parole officer with the North Carolina Department of Adult Corrections in Morganton. Eric received a bachelor’s degree in government and national security from Tiffin University in 2017. During his time at Tiffin University, Eric was a member of the men’s golf team.

Arianna Snyder Class of 2019 Arianna Snyder currently works at the Cleveland Clinic as a Senior Supply Chain Analyst. She received her MBA in healthcare administration from Tiffin University in 2021.

Abdulaziz Homidan Almutiri Class of 2017 Abdulaziz Homidan Almutiri is currently the Head of the Department of Hospitality and Tourism at TVTC in Unaizah, Qassim. After graduating from Tiffin University, Abdulaziz began teaching Hospitality and Tourism and later advanced to lead the department until August 2024. He recently pursued a master’s degree in Switzerland, graduating in June 2025. He earned his bachelor’s degree from Tiffin University in 2017.

Paige Mccaslin Class of 2019 Paige Mccaslin is currently employed at NetJets as a Training Capacity Specialist. She loves to travel and has visited Canada and Japan and has an upcoming trip to Italy. She received her bachelor’s degree from TU in 2019. During her time at Tiffin, she participated in Resident Life, was a member of the Equestrian team, participated in the American Marketing Association and first year seminar.

Amanda Wagoner Class of 2018 and 2024 Amanda Wagoner currently works as an HRIS Analyst at ClarkDietrich. She earned her Bachelor of Business Administration in 2018 and Master of Business Administration in 2024 from Tiffin University.

Rakan Shoaib Al-ghamdi Class of 2019 Rakan Shoaib Al-ghamdi is currently employed by the Royal Commission for Jubail as an IT Support Specialist. He received his bachelor’s degree from Tiffin University in 2019.

Kymberlee Wood Class of 2018 Kymberlee Wood became the owner of Kuebler Shoes in Tiffin, Ohio in 2022. She received a master’s degree from Tiffin in 2018.

Brittany Thompson Class of 2018 Brittany Thompson is currently the Executive Director of Enrollment Management at Northwest State Community 57

2020s Amy Brag Class of 2020 and 2021 Amy Brag recently transitioned from Administrative Captain to Operations and Security Captain at the County of Cumberland, where she currently serves as a Correctional Police Captain.

In September 2024, she became a grandmother for the first time. Amy earned a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice with a focus on justice administration in 2020 and a master’s degree in criminal justice with a focus on justice administration in 2021 from Tiffin University.

communications with a $4 billion corporation in the industrial sector while raising her daughter.

After her daughter went to college, she and her husband relocated to the Nashville, Tennessee area, where she began a new career path in the financial services industry. Heather earned a Bachelor of Business Administration from Tiffin University in 2020.

Zachary Campbell Class of 2021 and 2023 Zachary Campbell is currently employed as a bartender at Coastal Swing Golf and Bar. He earned a Bachelor of Arts in chemistry in 2021 and an MBA in leadership and change in 2023 from TU, where he was also a member of the baseball team.

Kayla Trevino Class of 2020 Kayla Trevino works as a lead reporter at the Advertiser-Tribune. In 2024, she was promoted to lead reporter and earned third place in the 2023 International Association of Firefighters Media Awards for best news story/series in print. Kayla is also a representative on the Seneca County Local Emergency Planning Committee and a member of the League of Women Voters of the Tiffin Area. She is a mother of three. Kayla received her BA in government and national security from Tiffin University in 2020.

Robert Wofford Class of 2021 Robert Wofford is employed as an English teacher at the Salem R-80 School District in Missouri. He earned his Master of Humanities from Tiffin University in 2021.

Molly Dutton Class of 2021 Molly Dutton was recently hired as a program manager at Family & Community Services, Inc. in Kent, Ohio. She received her Master of Science in Criminal Justice from Tiffin University in 2021.

Kianna Lavender Class of 2020 Kianna Lavender currently works as a bank examiner for the Federal Reserve Bank. She is the founder of Queen of My Success and also serves as a speaker, podcaster and lifestyle coach. She has published two motivational books and plans to launch a nonprofit organization in 2025. In 2024, she hosted her first community baby shower and hopes to organize many more events to give back. She is also an ordained minister, active in her church and is married with three daughters. Kianna earned a Master of Science concentrating in homeland security in 2020 from Tiffin University and was a member of the Honor Society.

Abbie-Jade Riley Class of 2021 and 2023 Abbie-Jade Riley currently works as a teacher at Calvert Catholic Schools in Tiffin, Ohio. She received a Bachelor of Science in Forensic Science in 2021 and a Master of Science in Criminal Justice with a concentration in forensic psychology in 2023 from Tiffin University. During her time at TU, she was a member of the tennis team.

Varsha Rathore Class of 2021 Varsha Rathore currently works as a Process Developer at Genpact.

She received an MBA from Tiffin University in 2021 Lynda Clopp Class of 2021 Lynda Clopp works as a probate researcher/genealogist at the American Global Heir Search.

She recently published a chapter in Contemporary Asian

Heather Scaggs-Richardson Class of 2020 Heather K. Scaggs-Richardson currently works as a Branch Office Administrator at Edward Jones. She previously enjoyed a 25-plus-year career in marketing 58

Marissa Claburn Class of 2023 Marissa Claburn is currently employed as a Children’s Services Ongoing Caseworker at the Seneca County Department of Job and Family Services. She graduated from TU with a Bachelor of Criminal Justice in 2023. While at TU, she was president of First-Generation Dragons, a member of the National Society of Leadership and Success and a member of Alpha Iota.

Popular Culture Volume 2 (2024 Palgrave Macmillan) entitled “Playing for Life: The Asian Fusion of Netflix and Nostalgic Gaming.”

She received her Master of Humanities from Tiffin University in 2021.

Rebecca Kielbasa Class of 2021 and 2023 Rebecca Kielbasa started as the Social & Multimedia Manager at The College of Wooster in May 2025. Rebecca is a double alumna of Tiffin University, earning her B.A. in communications with a focus in public relations in 2021 and her M.Ed. in Higher Education Administration in 2023. During her time at TU, she was highly involved in campus life, participating in Residence Life, serving as a peer mentor and campus tour guide. She was also an active member of Zeta Pi Beta, NSLS, choir and DSK.

Brook Johnson Class of 2023 Brook Johnson currently works as a Sales Associate at Threads in Tiffin. After graduating, she met her husband Gunnar; a fellow Tiffin alum. They later got married in August of 2024 and had their first child in September 2025. Brook received her bachelor’s in business management in 2023 and was a member of the Business Club.

James Cleveland Class of 2022 and 2025 James Cleveland currently works as a systems and network technician at Pro-Tec Coating Company. He received a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science in 2022 and a Master of Science in Cybersecurity in 2025 from Tiffin University.

Sydney Arredondo Class of 2024 Sydney Arredondo is currently employed at Bridgeview Eye Partners as a Primary Care Scheduling Coordinator. She and her husband, Robert, married in August of 2024 and bought their first house together in February 2024.

Arredondo received her MBA in Healthcare Administration from TU in 2024.

Nick Smythe Class of 2022 Nick Smythe is now employed by Marathon Petroleum Corporation as an Accountant. He graduated in 2022 with a BBA in accounting and finance and was a member of the Men’s Wrestling team at Tiffin.

Alex Sklack Class of 2023 Alex Sklack is currently in her second year as a Graduate Assistant Women’s Lacrosse Coach at Siena Heights University and serves as a Sergeant in the Ohio Army National Guard. She looks forward to continuing her career in coaching. Alex earned a degree in public history from TU in 2023 and was a member of the women’s lacrosse team.

Zach Lowe Class of 2024 Zach Lowe currently works at C-SPAN as an Education Resource Specialist.

Within the last year, Zach was elected the Vice President of the Kiwanis Club of Washington, D.C. and is chairing our large-scale service project committee which will select a new community partner. This new partner will receive $500,000 over five years from their club to support youth and families in the D.C. area. Zach also serves on the City of Bowie as MD’s Education Committe and Board of Elections. He received his Ph.D. in Global Leadership and Change from Tiffin University in 2024.

Grace Winrod Class of 2023 Grace Winrod is currently employed as an Undergraduate Admissions Counselor at Tiffin University. She graduated in 2023 with a Bachelor of Arts in commercial music from TU, where she was involved in TiffinArts, including the band and choir, served as a student ambassador and was a member of Delta Sigma Kappa (DSK).

59

Dalton Meyers Class of 2024 Dalton Meyers is a Strength and Conditioning Coach at Shawnee State University.

He and his wife, Sara, welcomed a baby boy to the world in October 2024.

Dalton received a BA in health, fitness and wellness from TU in 2024 and was a member of the men’s soccer team.

Sree Raavi Class of 2024 Sree currently works as a Project Coordinator for Academic Technology at Tiffin University’s School of Arts, Education and Humanities. In this role, she oversees key academic technology initiatives, including the Lecture Capture Program and the textbook adoption process for online courses. She received her M.B.A. in Data Analytics from Tiffin University in 2024.

Emma Lennig Class of 2024 and 2025 Emma Lennig is currently a Marketing and Communications Coordinator for the Michigan State Youth Soccer Association and is a volunteer coach with her high school girls’ soccer program. She received her master’s degree in digital marketing and strategic branding from Tiffin University in 2025 and earned a bachelor’s degree in sports management with a concentration in sports marketing in 2024. During her time at Tiffin, Emma participated in the Sports Management Club, was a member of the women’s soccer team and worked as an academic consultant at the Murphy Center on campus.

Weston Michael Bollinger Class of 2024 Weston Bollinger is currently an Associate Accountant at Marathon Petroleum Corporation. Weston graduated from Tiffin University in 2024 with a Bachelor of Business Administration in Accounting and Finance. During his time at TU, he was highly involved in campus life, participating in a wide range of musical groups including marching band, concert band, jazz band, Word on the Street (funk band), choir and theatre. He was also a member of the concert production team and the accounting and finance club.

Qiyante Darshell Hurse-Riggins Class of 2024 Qiyante Hurse-Riggins is currently a Program Manager at COA Youth and Family Centers in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. She is being recognized by the Milwaukee County Board of Supervisors for her work with youth. She also has been married for 13 years and has four children and one grandchild. Qiyante earned her Ph.D. in Global Leadership and Change from Tiffin University in 2024.

Rachel Faber Class of 2024 Rachel Farber is currently employed at Fruth & Company PLL as a Staff Accountant. After graduating in May of 2024, she accepted a full-time position at her current employer in their Fostoria Office. Rachel received her BBA in accounting and during her time at Tiffin she was the Vice President of the Business Club, the President of the Accounting & Finance Club and was a member of the Delta Mu Delta International Business Society.

Creshawna Goard Class of 2024 Creshawna Goard currently works for Farmers Insurance as a Property Adjuster. Creshawna and her husband have two children, ages six and 10, and enjoys traveling with her family. She received a bachelor’s in psychology from TU in 2024.

Marie Seaver Class of 2025 Marie Seaver recently started at Tiffin University as a Recruitment Marketing Specalist. She graduated in 2025 from Tiffin University with a Bachelor of Criminal Justice in Forensic Psychology. During her time at TU, Matie was a member of NSLS, VCA, Zeta Pi Beta, Alpha Phi Sigma, TULDP and student government. Marie also worked for TU’s marketing department and was active in MPT, choir, theater and Dr. Victor’s Peace Garden.

60

SPORTS SCENE TIFFIN LEADS NATION IN D2 ADA ACADEMIC AWARDS

gives the Dragons an exciting new playing surface on their home field. The project was done over a 30-day period in early summer and figures to give the teams a durable playing surface throughout the season and into the postseason.

Tiffin University led all National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division II institutions with a record 300 student-athletes earning recognition in the 2024-25 Division 2 Athletics Directors Association (D2 ADA) Academic Achievement Awards. The Dragons’ 300 honorees set a new school record and placed TU at the top of the national list, surpassing second-place Colorado Mesa University with 280. The University of Findlay was the only other Great Midwest Athletic Conference (G-MAC) institution among the national top 14, finishing with 241 honorees. Only 14 schools nationwide had 200 or more student-athletes recognized. This achievement marks the second time TU has led the G-MAC in total selections. The Dragons placed fourth nationally in 2023-24 and previously reached eighth in 2021-22. The D2 ADA Academic Achievement Awards, now in its 18th year, is a program that recognizes the academic accomplishments of student-athletes at the Division II level in NCAA sponsored sports. For the first time since inception, there were more than 22,000 student-athletes recognized from a record 202 institutions for the 202425 Academic Achievement Awards, the highest in the program’s history. Since the awards’ inception, more than 190,000 student-athletes have been honored. To qualify for this honor, a student-athlete must have a cumulative grade point average of 3.5 or higher on a 4.0 scale, have attended a minimum of two years (four semesters) of college level work and have been an active member of an intercollegiate team during his/ her last academic year.

DEL MONACO NAMED DIRECTOR OF TRACK AND FIELD AND CROSS COUNTRY

Mark Del Monaco has been named Director of Track and Field and Cross Country at Tiffin University. Del Monaco, who will enter his fourth year as Tiffin’s Head Cross Country Coach in 202526, worked extensively with the track and field program during his time at Tiffin. He has guided TU athletes to 10 All-American honors, 23 U.S. Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association (USTFCCCA) All-Region honors, 36 G-MAC All-Conference honors, 32 school records and one individual national championship. His teams have also earned 22 All-Academic honors and 58 G-MAC All-Academic honors. In addition, Del Monaco has coached three team conference champions, 16 NCAA Championship qualifiers and six individual conference champions.

TROY MERRIMAN NAMED HEAD BASEBALL COACH

Troy Merriman has been named Head Baseball Coach at Tiffin University.

Merriman previously served as an assistant baseball coach at the University of Findlay from 2018 to 2024, helping guide the Oilers to one of their best seasons in 2023. That year, Findlay finished third in the G-MAC Tournament, advancing to the consolation final after winning three straight elimination games.

The Oilers’ 32 victories in 2023 marked the most in the program’s NCAA Division II era.

SOCCER TEAMS SET TO ENJOY NEW TURF FIELD

Tiffin University’s men’s and women’s soccer teams look forward to the 2025 season for a variety of reasons: one of them relates to their new and improved facilities. The soccer field at the Paradiso Athletic Complex has been changed from a grass field to a full turf field. The field, installed by Maumee Bay Turf, 61

Each child was paired with a TU football player or cheerleader, who served as a mentor throughout the event. Each child participated in skill stations after being introduced over the PA system and running through a tunnel formed by the football team, cheerleaders, parents and other onlookers. Parents were everywhere taking pictures as they ran through the tunnel. A mock defense was set up by the Dragon’s football team. Each child had an opportunity to run for a touchdown. After the game, each child was recognized for their participation.

Victory Day was founded in 2010 by Aaron Segedi, a teacher and varsity football defensive coordinator in Trenton, Michigan. A Riverview, Michigan, native, Segedi was diagnosed with cancer in 2005.

After beating cancer numerous times, Segedi pledged to make our community and the world we all live in a brighter place; and that is exactly how Victory Day came to be.

WOMEN’S BASKETBALL TEAM PLACES FIFTH IN NATION IN GPA

Tiffin University’s women’s basketball team set a program record for team GPA, ranking fifth overall in the Women’s Basketball Coaches Association’s Academic Top 25 Team Honor Roll for 2024-25. The Dragons posted a 3.864 team GPA, the highest in program history and the third-highest placement in TU history. The team led the nation in GPA in 2018-19 and finished fourth in 2019-20. This year’s ranking also marks the program’s best finish since 2020, when TU placed sixth. The Dragons ranked 10th in the nation last season.

SOFTBALL TEAM LANDS ACADEMIC HONORS

Tiffin University’s softball team was among the national leaders in team GPA, posting a 3.63 mark, as the Easton-NFCA announced its annual team and individual academic honors. TU recorded the secondhighest GPA among G-MAC schools, trailing only Kentucky Wesleyan, which posted a 3.68 GPA and ranked 22nd nationally. Individually, 25 Tiffin studentathletes earned academic recognition. Landing academic laurels were Tori Abel, Jadyn Bassi, Kelly Conley, McKenzie Dietrick, Ella Esterby, Alex Hames, Kendra Hammonds, Aubrie Harper, Maci Head, Lexi Key, Kylee Kleiner, Lydia Kobie, Molly Koesters, Tori McPherson, Reagan Mengerink, Maya Miles, Jessica Miller, Isabella O’Brien, Jasmin Speth, Caylin Stevens, Lexi Struble, Brooke Taylor, Ryan Wallace, Ally Wisneski and Scylea Zolman.

WOMEN’S GOLF TEAM POSTS GPA RECORD, PLACE SIXTH IN THE NATION

Tiffin University’s women’s golf team set a program record with a 3.86 team GPA, tying for sixth in the nation in the Women’s Golf Coaches Association’s (WGCA) All-Scholar Team rankings for 2024-25. The Dragons tied with Maryville University for sixth place, matching their previous best finish in 2019-20, when they posted a 3.79 GPA. This is the fourth time TU has been recognized on the WGCA list. The team also finished 14th in 2018-19 and 16th in 2017-18.

DRAGONS FOOTBALL TEAM CELEBRATES VICTORY DAY

Tiffin University returned to Frost Kalnow Stadium for its annual Victory Day celebration, as TU’s football team, band and cheerleaders got together with over 90 area youths to celebrate football and life. Victory Day is an event set up for cognitively and physically impaired children to have an opportunity to play football or cheer and have their moment in the sun.

62

STUDENT-ATHLETES ATTEND DIVISION II APPLE TRAINING INSTITUTE

administrators created an institution-specific action plan to prevent student-athlete substance misuse and promote health and wellness. At the end of the weekend each team also gets the opportunity to get on stage and give a one minute elevator pitch of their action plan.

This year, TU sent five student athletes and one administrator to the Division II APPLE Training Institute. The attendees were nominated to attend by Athletic Director, Kelly Daniel, and then selected by the Great Midwest Athletic Conference.

“I am honored to have been able to accompany another exceptional group of student athletes to the APPLE Training Institute,” said Phillips. “It was amazing to see the response of our student athletes to the information presented at APPLE and how passionate they are about making an impact not only within their own teams and our athletic department but also Tiffin University as a whole. I am excited to see what this team is able to do with the Action Plan they created at APPLE. Our long-term goal is to continue growing our APPLE team on campus and create new goals as we are able to accomplish our initial plan.”

Those who attended this year were: Dominic Giacona (Men’s Lacrosse, TU SAAC President, G-MAC SAAC President), Lauren Walsh (Women’s Lacrosse, Morgan’s Message Ambassador), Ryan Norkin (Men’s Golf), Alivia Taylor (STUNT), Griffin Cady (Baseball) and Assistant Athletic Director/Head Athletic Trainer, Lucas Phillips.

The APPLE Training Institute, developed and coordinated by the University of Virginia’s Gordie Center and funded by the NCAA, is one of the leading national substance misuse prevention and health promotion training programs for student-athletes and athletics department administrators. Over 60% of NCAA institutions have participated in at least one APPLE Institute since 1992. The goal of the APPLE Training Institute is to empower student athletes to make an impact on their campus by giving them the tools necessary and applying the comprehensive APPLE model to their campus environment. Over the course of a weekend, student-athletes and 63

NOTE FROM THE VICE PRESIDENT FOR INSTITUTIONAL ADVANCEMENT AND PUBLIC AFFAIRS

DEAR ALUMNI AND FRIENDS, As 2025 comes to a close, I want to share an important update with our alumni. In July, we said farewell to Vickie Wilkins, who concluded her 12 years of dedicated service as Director of Alumni Relations and advisor to the TU Alumni Association Board. Vickie and her family have relocated to Cleveland to be closer to loved ones. Her passion, care and commitment shaped alumni engagement in meaningful ways, and her impact will be felt for years to come. While the University conducts a national search for her successor, I will be your main point of contact. The Advancement team, including Jeremy Croy, Mike Herdlick, Audrey Heslet, Mimi Johnston and Mikki King are also here to support you.

Looking back on this year, I am grateful for the continued support and enthusiasm you bring to Tiffin University.

Whether you attended an alumni event, contributed on Giving Day or proudly represented TU in your daily life, your involvement makes a lasting difference.

In October, we welcomed alumni, families and friends back to campus for Homecoming and Family Weekend. It was a memorable celebration of Dragon pride, filled with laughter, reconnections and new memories. If you were unable to attend this year, we hope to see you in 2026. We also reconnected with alumni at events across the country when TU Comes to You. These gatherings are a great way to stay informed, strengthen your TU network and support current students. Looking ahead to next year we’re planning a variety of alumni gatherings nationwide. Stay informed about upcoming events near you by visiting our website at tiffin.edu/advancement/ alumni/events and keeping an eye on your email.

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-yourinformation.

On behalf of Tiffin University and the TU Alumni Association, thank you for being a part of our Dragon Family!

Your support is sincerely appreciated. 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.

Mitch Blonde Vice President for Institutional Advancement & Public Affairs/Chief Advancement Officer 64

GOLDEN GRADS – CLASS OF 1976 AND EARLIER

It would be our honor to have our Golden Grads lead the Class of 2026 into their future! 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 138th commencement ceremony on May 2, 2026. We will be recognizing the class of 1976 but any class member from 1976 or earlier is 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 2026 graduating class.

If you are able to join us, please contact alumni@tiffin.edu.

UPCOMING EVENTS & 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.

• Class of 1976 50-Year Reunion Lunch ¬– May 2

The Alumni Association Board continues to meet regularly an advisory body of alumni who use their professional and personal experiences and relationships to engage alumni in the life of the university, support the executive leadership of Tiffin University in achieving its strategic goals and act as a resource in building programs that support lifelong connections for students and alumni.

To view a full list of Alumni Association Board members, visit tiffin.edu/ advancement/alumni/association-board.

• 138th Commencement Ceremony – May 2 • And more…

65

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.

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..

SCAN THE QR CODE TO THE LEFT TO SIGN UP FOR THE DRAGON LEGACY PROGRAM.

66

IMPACT SHIRT REVEALED! For the fifth 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, First Generation Dragons will be the focus.

LAST CHANCE, GET THEM BEFORE THEY ARE GONE, WHILE SUPPLIES LAST.

Scan the QR code to order your Impact Shirt!

67

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 domestic first-year students who have been accepted to TU and who plan to attend TU oncampus in the fall of 2026 receive an academic scholarship ranging from $12,000 to $19,000 toward four years of attendance. This scholarship is awarded based on their cumulative high school grade point average.

First-year students with a parent or 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 $12,000 to $19,000 and must start in the fall of 2026.

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.

68

69

THE ADVENTURE OF LIFELONG LEARNING Tiffin University’s lifelong learning program, LIFE@TU, offers compelling, academically oriented, non-credit programming designed for adults aged 50 and older. With no tests, no grades and no admissions requirements, LIFE@TU is built around the pleasure of learning and the joy of community.

neighbors like Bob Gillmor, a cannon maker and war film advisor and emerging artist Matthew Cook, who shared their fascinating stories and insights into their respective industries.

We are excited to announce that the program will return for a second year starting September 6.

Classes are scheduled on Fridays from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. throughout the Fall and Spring semesters.

Sessions will be hosted at Osceola Theatre in the Gillmor Student Center with designated parking spots and wheelchair accessibility. From art to local history and beyond, there’s always something new to discover with LIFE@TU.

Ten in-person, two-hour interactive sessions are offered each semester, with 20 sessions included in the annual membership. Topics are selected with valuable input from our members through session surveys and the thoughtful choices of the LIFE@TU curriculum committee, ensuring programming that’s always fresh, timely and relevant to our community.

Sign up for an annual membership today to begin your intellectual growth and enrichment journey.

Don’t miss out on the opportunity to be a part of this dynamic community of learners!

Throughout the spring semester, participants also had the opportunity to engage with notable 70

SPRING 2026 SESSIONS

Spring 2026 sessions will run February 6 through April 24. The upcoming line-up features historians, scholars, civic leaders, medical professionals and TU faculty, offering a range of meaningful and thought-provoking topics for members. Please note that some speakers are subject to change.

FEBRUARY 6 - The Underground Railroad in Ohio featuring Valerie Boyer (Historian and Educator; School & Community Programs Coordinator, Ohio History Connection; Speaker, Ohio Humanities Bureau) FEBRUARY 13 - Expert Panel: Downsizing and Simplifying for a Richer Life, featuring Sara Riesen (Realtor, Century 21 Bolte Real Estate), others TBA FEBRUARY 20 - Sounds of the ‘60s: Stax, FAME and Motown featuring Brad Rees (Executive Director of Tiffin University’s Institute of Creative & Media Arts) FEBRUARY 27 - The Shot that Echoed Forever: Unraveling the JFK Assassination featuring Dr. Peter Piraino (Associate Professor of Criminal Justice & National Security Studies; Vice Provost for Academics and Campus Programs, Tiffin University) MARCH 6 - Rebels in Corsets: Stories from the Women’s Suffrage Movement featuring Dr. Susan Trollinger (Professor of English and Rhetoric, University of Dayton) MARCH 13 - An Integrative Approach to Cancer Prevention featuring Dr. Jeanne Ashworth (Radiation Oncologist and Integrative Medicine Fellow, Ohio Health) MARCH 20 - Navigating Medicare & Social Security featuring Dexter Tiell (Registered Assistant Medicare Specialist, Tiell Financial) and Brandon Smith (Public Affairs Specialist, Social Security Administration) MARCH 27 - Breaking the Chains: Human Trafficking in Northwest Ohio featuring David Pauly (Police Chief, City of Tiffin) and Jennifer Kin (Executive Director, Sisters in Shelter) APRIL 10 - Women Spies of World War II featuring Mike Gilbert (historian and educator)

MEMBERSHIP OPTIONS: • Annual Membership - $150 • Semester Membership - $85 • Single Session - $12 ANNUAL MEMBERSHIP INCLUDES: • A welcoming community of smart, curious seasoned adults who appreciate the benefits of lifelong learning • Twenty in-person, two-hour interactive sessions • Reserved parking next to the Gillmor Student Center • LIFE@TU membership card • Access to recordings and presentations after the event via an emailed link • Free admission to athletic events with LIFE@TU membership card • Discounted pricing in Cole Dining Hall • LIFE@TU guest passes at $5 per pass • Wall Street Pub LIFE@TU Discount 15% off Mondays and Tuesdays, 11 – 5 p.m.

• Networking, social opportunities, engagement outside of sessions and more!

APRIL 17 - Cold Case Analysis and Community Impact: Inside TU’s Fellowship Program featuring Dr. Michael Curtis (Tiffin University Cold Case Fellowship Director, Associate Professor of Criminal Law) and Cold Case Fellowship Students

Registration is now open for the spring 2026 semester. Don’t miss your chance to be part of this enriching experience!

APRIL 24 - Destination Seneca County Bus Tour (Tentative)

To sign up or learn more, visit tiffin.edu/LIFE@TU or call 419-448-3421 today.

71

TIFFIN UNIVERSITY:

INTERNATIONAL TRAVEL OPPORTUNITIES Travel with TU to London & Paris June 15 – 23, 2026 Lose yourself in the National Gallery art, Covent Garden culture and Buckingham Palace pageantry.

Then, find your inner Brit during your cricket lesson, afternoon tea and show in the West End. Then cross over to France on the high-speed Eurostar to Paris’s glittering Eiffel Tower, and to explore the Louvre and the Champs-Élyseés.

Visit the Tour Center link for complete itinerary and pricing: explorica.com/Marinis-6375 Questions?Contact Jamie Marinis at marinisjl@tiffin.edu

72

TIFFIN UNIVERSITY:

WELCOMING THE 2025 TIFFIN UNIVERSITY ATHLETICS HALL OF FAME CLASS was also recognized as the All-Independent Freshman of the Year and a First Team All-Independent honoree. She led the nation in saves for three consecutive seasons and in saves per game twice. She remains TU’s career, season and single-game saves leader.

Tiffin University proudly celebrates the newest inductees into the Tiffin University Athletics Hall of Fame. These individuals have left a lasting legacy through their talent, leadership and dedication both on and off the field.

Lonny Allen - Athletic Director/Baseball Coach Lonny Allen served as TU’s Athletic Director from 2008 to 2023 and as Head Baseball Coach from 1991 to 2012, finishing his coaching career with 444 victories. In 2021, he was named NACDA Athletic Director of the Year. Under his leadership, the University captured two team NCAA national championships and 20 individual NCAA titles. He also oversaw significant growth within the athletics department, expanding to 26 varsity sports and leading the development of major facilities including the Heminger Center, Adelsperger Athletic Complex, Hanson Physical Fitness Center, Paradiso Athletic Complex and the Esports Facility. As a student-athlete, Allen earned First Team All-MOC honors in 1989.

Kevin Christman - Men’s Wrestling Kevin Christman competed as a 285-pound wrestler for Tiffin University from 2012 to 2014. In 2013, he became the program’s first NCAA All-American in wrestling. A three-time regional placer and two-time All-GLIAC selection, Christman also excelled academically, earning First Team NWCA Academic All-American honors.

Jeremy Lee - Cross Country/ Track and Field Jeremy Lee competed in cross country and track and field for Tiffin University from 2007 to 2011. He earned First Team All-American honors in 2008 with a third-place finish in the outdoor 1500 meters.

A 2010 NCAA Cross Country National Qualifier and twotime track and field national qualifier, Lee claimed GLIAC titles in the indoor mile in 2009 and in the outdoor 1500 meters in both 2009 and 2011. He also holds the school record in the outdoor 1500 and was part of the 2007 NAIA qualifying distance medley relay team.

Andrea (Bader) Sanders Track and Field Andrea (Bader) Sanders was a six-time national qualifier in four events from 2006 to 2009. She ranks third in career conference outdoor scoring with 67 points.

Sanders won the 100-meter title at the 2007 American Mideast Conference Championships and was a two-time AMC champion in the 4x100-meter relay.

Jessica (Stowers) Stiffler – Volleyball Jessica (Stowers) Stiffler was a four-time All-Mid-Ohio Conference selection from 1995 to 1998. She ranks third in Tiffin University history in career kills and finished in the top five in four statistical categories during her career.

Jessica Bombard Women’s Lacrosse Jessica Bombard was a standout goalkeeper for Tiffin University’s women’s lacrosse team from 2012 to 2015. She was named an IWLCA All-American and AllRegion performer, earning two GLIAC Goalkeeper of the Year honors and three AllGLIAC selections. Bombard

Congratulations to this year’s Hall of Fame inductees!

73

Congratulations

2025 TU GRADS

55

NON-PROFIT ORG. US POSTAGE PAID TIFFIN UNIVERSITY

155 Miami Street Tiffin, Ohio 44883

STAY CONNECTED.

TIFFIN.EDU

@TIFFINU