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Tiffin University Celebrates 130th Commencement

bag piper leading graduation procession

Tiffin University celebrated its 130th annual commencement on Saturday, May 5 at the Heminger Center. The class of 2018 included about 397 graduates receiving master’s degrees and 512 receiving bachelor’s degrees.

Dr. Lillian Schumacher, Tiffin University President, welcomed the new graduates by declaring them officially “Dragons for life.” She recognized the members of the Class of 1968, Romanian MBA graduates, international students from 17 countries, veterans and active military members. She congratulated all of the graduates and shared advice from Mahatma Gandhi, “If you choose to, you can be the change that you wish to see in the world.”

Tiffin University Board of Trustees Chair, Claire Johansen congratulated the graduates, on behalf of the Board, followed by Board member Dr. Joseph DiRenzo III, who introduced his sister as the commencement speaker.

Donna Graves, Co-Founder, CEO and President of NCompass International, delivered the keynote address. Graves is a marketing professional with extensive global award winning brand activation experience with Fortune 500 companies. Graves spoke about five life lessons that she holds true: convert your passions and do what you love; great is not good enough – you must be exceptional; learn something new every day; embrace your fears and rejections; and remember and respect all.

Graves said “’Without risk, there is no gain’ was put on the Tiffin University seal decades ago. And yet, it still holds true today.” She went on to say “Your Tiffin degree will be applicable and essential for the next 60 years in business. Today is about you. We’re sending you off into the world – its sounds scary, but it is so exciting.”

After speaking, Graves was presented with an honorary degree of Doctor of Humane Letters, presented by TU Professor Dr. Tom Debbink and confirmed by Dr. Schumacher.

Michael Herdlick, Dean of Students, presented the Student Leadership Awards to Kimberly Grogg and Trent Dundore. Kevin Cashen, Vice Provost and Dean of the School of Criminal Justice and Social Science, presented the Scholar Athlete Award to golfer Jay Green. Dr. Peter Holbrook, Provost and Chief Academic Officer, presented the Provost’s Award to Fernando Nieto.

Dr. Schumacher then presented a Posthumous Degree to the parents of Nick Hughes, a TU student who passed away this fall. She said “You will always be in our thoughts and prayers,” and the crowd stood, clapping to honor Hughes.

Degrees were then presented to the students.

View photos of Commencement

Watch video of Commencement

Take home graduation day stats:

4,000 (approximately) – Total number of people involved in 2018 commencement (including guests)
909 – Graduating students
600 (approximately) – Students who walked
512 – Graduates receiving their bachelor’s degrees
397 – Graduates receiving their master’s degrees
123 – Graduates receiving their master’s degrees with distinction (4.0 G.P.A.)
254 – Graduates receiving their bachelor’s degrees with honors (3.5 G.P.A.)
33+ – Washington D.C. and U.S. states represented
17 – Different countries represented

Over 400 devices were remotely engaged and tuned in from across the world via TUDragonRadio.com