TIFFIN UNIVERSITY, TIFFIN, OHIO–The Tiffin University Alumni Achievement and Young Alumni Achievement awards were presented on Saturday, April 29, at Tiffin University’s 129th Commencement exercise in the Heminger Center.
The Alumni Achievement Award honors an alumnus for their achievements, leadership and contributions to their profession or field of study, their community and their alma mater. They must display strong personal integrity and character and volunteer service to their community and society.
This year’s recipient, John Lauer, BA 1969, participated in TU’s men’s golf as a student and he is a life member of Phi Theta Pi Honor Fraternity.
After graduation, Lauer served in the U. S. Army from 1969-1971 and is a proud Vietnam Veteran. He earned several medals while serving his country and was selected for the Honor Flight to Washington, D.C. for Vietnam Veterans.
Lauer is president of Fremont Federal Credit Union Board of Directors. He was awarded the 2009 Community Trustee of the Year award and is a proud inductee in the 1st Class of the St. Joseph’s Central Catholic Heritage Award.
Lauer has been tagged as “Volunteer Extraordinaire” in his community and his church. Some examples of the work in his community are: Road to Recovery driver, volunteer coach for youth basketball for 31 years and Usher for St. Joseph Church for more than 35 years.
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. They must display strong personal integrity and character and volunteer service to their community and society.
This year’s recipient, Dr. Irish Spencer, MH 2009, is an award-winning communications and management specialist with 25-plus years of experience in the field of broadcast and management. Spencer is currently the president and CEO of Welfare Reform Liaison Project Inc., which is a federally funded community action agency focused on workforce development and eradicating poverty in Guilford County, N.C.
In 2015, Spencer’s hard work and determination to “Help the least of these,” was recognized nationally by President Barak Obama during a White House ceremony presenting her with the “Champion of Change” award. In 2016, she was nominated for “Woman of the Year” by the city of Greensboro for her tireless work with F.A.S.K. (Families Against Senseless Killings.)