Challenge Magazine (Winter, 2013)

68
TIFFIN UNIVERSITY FALL / WINTER 2010 WINTER 2012/2013 TIFFIN UNIVERSITY Tiffin University — 2013 Military Friendly School Tiffin University — 2013 Military Friendly School TIFFIN UNIVERSITY WINTER 2012/2013

description

Tiffin University's Challenge Magazine

Transcript of Challenge Magazine (Winter, 2013)

Page 1: Challenge Magazine (Winter, 2013)

TIFFIN UNIVERSITY FALL / WINTER 2010

WINTER 2012/2013TIFFIN UNIVERSITY

Tiffin University —2013 Military Friendly SchoolTiffin University —2013 Military Friendly School

TIFFIN UNIVERSITY WINTER 2012/2013

Page 2: Challenge Magazine (Winter, 2013)

Andrew Forsthoefelt Andrew Forsthoefelt

2 |

W

INT

ER

20

12

/ 2

01

3

| C

HA

LLE

NG

E

Page 3: Challenge Magazine (Winter, 2013)

Co

nte

nts

Co

nte

nts

NoteEditor’s

Dear Alumni and Friends of Tiffin University,This issue of Challenge Magazine is special as it represents our student and alumni veterans. Victory Media named Tiffin University to its 2013 “Military Friendly Schools” list.

This list honors the top 15 percent of higher educational institutions in the country for doing the most to embrace America’s military service members, veterans, and spouses as they transition to civilian life as students.

Why Tiffin?Tiffin University is a place of renowned academic strength within a friendly college town surrounded by the natural beauty of Ohio. Many students often find that Tiffin University is an inviting place to pursue academic goals while participating in personal, recreational, and scenic exploration. At Tiffin University, all students study along-side professors who engage and encourage them to help them discover their individual leadership potential.

Tiffin University will continue to represent a new kind of institution in America, the professional university, where the career objectives of traditional college-age students and adult students are optimized through professionally-focused undergraduate and gradu-ate programs that have a broad general education foundation.

Lisa WilliamsEditor of Challenge MagazineExecutive Director of Media Relations & PublicationsPhotographer

How to send news to Challenge Magazine:Mail: Electronically or the Tell Us About Yourself form from the website - www.tiffin.edu (Click “Alumni”), Click “Stay Connected” - and send or mail to: Lisa Williams, 155 Miami Street, Tiffin, Ohio 44883Call for interview appointment or story idea: Lisa Williams at 419.448.3444Email: [email protected] (send a photo!)

Like us: Facebook.com/tiffinuContributing Writers: Geoff Schutt, Elaine Warnecke, Jessica Huffman and Jason GriffinSportsScene: Shane O’DonnellCreative Director/Designer: Mary Ann Stearns

Lisa WilliamsEditor

t Tiffin University is a place where we challenge our students

to become all they are capable of becoming. Hence, the name of the magazine.

4Military Friendly School

13 CampusScene

26 TU Football Fans

38 Homecoming

44 AlumniScene

51 ClassScene

55 In Memoriam

57 SportsScene

If this issue of Challenge Magazine is addressed to someone in your household who has moved, please notify

the Alumni office by calling 419.448.3323 or email [email protected].

WINTER 2012/2013

CH

ALLE

NG

E | W

INT

ER

20

12

/ 20

13

| 3

Page 4: Challenge Magazine (Winter, 2013)

4

|

WIN

TE

R 2

01

2 /

20

13

|

CH

ALL

EN

GE

Page 5: Challenge Magazine (Winter, 2013)

milita

ry frie

nd

lyFA

LL 20

10

| CH

ALLE

NG

E | 2

2C

HA

LLEN

GE

| WIN

TE

R 2

01

2 / 2

01

3 | 5

Left to right:Michael PorterAndrew ForsthoefelVictoria WetzelChad NeedhamTyler Todd

t

Left to right:Michael PorterAndrew ForsthoefelVictoria WetzelChad NeedhamTyler Todd

t

Page 6: Challenge Magazine (Winter, 2013)

Tiffin University Awarded ‘Military Friendly Schools’ Status Victory Media named Tiffin University to its 2013 “Military Friendly Schools” list.

6 |

W

INT

ER

20

12

/ 2

01

3

| C

HA

LLE

NG

E

The 2013 Military Friendly Schools list honors the top 15 per-cent of colleges, universities and trade schools in the country for doing the most to embrace America’s military service members, veterans, and spouses as they transition to civilian life as students.

“Inclusion on the 2013 list of Military Friendly Schools shows that Tiffin University has a strong commitment to providing a supportive environment for military students,” says Sean Collins, Director for G.I. Jobs and Vice President at Victory Media.

The Military Friendly Schools website, www.militaryfriendlyschools.com, features the list, interactive tools, and search functionality to help military students find the best school to suit their unique needs and preferences. The institutions on this year’s list exhibit leading practices in the recruitment and retention of students with military experience. These schools have world-class programs and policies for student support on campus, academic accredita-tion, credit policies, flexibility, and other services to those who served.

VeTeran’s Day CelebraTeDTiffin University celebrated Veteran’s Day by serving lunch and recognizing veterans (including students, faculty & staff) who have served in one of the branches of the United States armed forces.

Dr. Charles Christensen, Vice President of Academic Affairs at Tiffin University, a retired Air Force Colonel and Vietnam War veteran, was the featured speaker.

Focusing on John F. Ken-nedy’s quote “Ask Not What Your Country Can Do For You, But What You Can Do For Your Country,” Dr. Christensen presented, “The Value of Veterans to our Society.” He talked specifically about three veterans whom he knew personally: WWII POW and Bataan Death March survivor, Charley Kaelin; former Vietnam POW Tom Moe; and former Tiffin resident and Marine Corps Vet-eran Joe Dariano.

“There was a sense of teamwork, a sense of together-ness that sometimes gets lost outside of the military, Christensen said. “And that’s one of the things that I wish we, as a country, could recapture.”

He outlined what his time in the service taught him and

Dr. Charles Christensen

Page 7: Challenge Magazine (Winter, 2013)

what he tries to convey to students he works with. “No matter what happens to you, be an optimist, be-

cause that’s going to hold you in good stead,” Christensen said.

Tiffin University’s commitment to Veteran’s has been recognized and will continue to grow. There are several rea-sons for the success of TU with the veteran community. Tiffin University faculty, staff and students work daily to provide the support and guidance returning veterans, and those currently serving, need to acclimate to the college environment as op-posed to the military environment.

sTuDenT VeTerans of ameriCa – Tu ChapTerTiffin University enrolled 148 veterans for the 2012 fall semester.

As a result, two students, Ohio Army National Guard Specialist/BGSU Army ROTC Cadet Michael Porter and Army Reserve Private First Class/BGSU Army ROTC Cadet Tyler Todd, founded the TU chapter of Student Veterans of America.

“The student veterans will work with faculty and staff to help them learn, in depth, how military training translates to higher education,” said Porter and Todd. “We hope to edu-cate the TU community on steps to take to be military friendly and bridge the military/student gap.”

One of the major goals of the organization is to raise awareness of suicide among military returning to civilian life.

Porter and Todd agreed that military training, such as the

requirement to be on constant alert for potential deadly situ-ations, is one of the biggest adjustments that veterans face when reentering civilian life. They also agreed that the feeling of isolation is another issue, and that the Student Veterans of America can help resolve that challenge.

They each had advice for civilian students when ap-proaching a military student.

“Approach them with respect and ask only general ques-tions. Allow them to tell you what they are comfortable with sharing, don’t push them,” said Porter.

Todd added, “People need to realize that we’re just like everyone else, we just have a different background. Don’t hesitate to ask or talk to us.”

The Student Veterans of America organization will meet on the first Wednesday of every month at 5:30 pm in Ch-isholm Auditorium. Porter and Todd encourage anyone to attend who is supportive of the organization and its goals.

Tu’s VeTeran’s affairs offiCialWhen Denise Burkin was asked to become Tiffin University’s Veteran’s Affairs Certifying Official, she said “yes” imme-diately because her interest was personal. Her oldest son, Kevin, had just left for Army basic training and her father, who passed away in 2009, served in WWII and in the Korean War. Kevin was very close to his grandfather and, according to Denise, joining the service was something Kevin always felt he needed to do. “Working with veterans formed a unique connection to my son and my father,” said Denise. “It was

VeTeran’s Day lunCheon Denise Burkin, V.A. Official; Andrew Forsthoefel USMC; Christine Graham USAR; Victoria Wetzel USAF; Kyle Manzella, Army National Guard; Tyler Todd, US Army Reserves; Elizabeth Wetzel, Army National Guard; Todd Hasselbach USMC; Scott Ruttmann USMC; R. James Orr, U.S. Navy Retired; Juan Arbelac USMC; Patrick Finical, Ohio Department of Veterans Services.

Cla

ssSc

en

eC

HA

LLEN

GE

| WIN

TE

R 2

01

2 / 2

01

3 | 7

milita

ry frie

nd

ly

Page 8: Challenge Magazine (Winter, 2013)

VeTeran eDuCaTion aDVoCaTeTU Assistant Professor of Chemistry, Dr. John Schupp, has been an advocate for veteran education since his time at Cleveland State Uni-versity where he started a student veteran program in 2006.

Schupp set out to learn more about the veteran community and realized that those with a military background saw the college environ-ment as a foreign one and needed help adjusting. Schupp decided that the best way to approach the transition for veterans is to change the college environment for the first few months of their return.

Schupp is Creator and Director of SERV (Supportive Education for the Returning Veteran). SERV is a very successful, nationally-recognized program that has been featured on National Public Radio; at the ACE Summit at Georgetown University and the AMVETS National Con-vention; in Inside Higher Education, and in many other national outlets and venues.

SERV provides an outstanding model for colleges and universities to emulate in order to make their institutions veteran friendly and as they design programs and services that will cause returning veterans to find success in the aca-demic communities.

At Tiffin University, Schupp reformed his classes to make one exclusively for veterans. The experiment was successful--the veterans performed very well in the class. This proved that when veterans are put together in college classes, they can adjust and succeed.

Schupp credited this success to the fact that this technique recre-ated the teamwork and camaraderie that is experienced by veterans during their military service.

He also believes that TU has seen successful veteran education because of the high veteran to civilian ratio.

“TU has a good retention rate because of the small campus size,” he said. “Vets can find each other, support each other, and they stay and graduate.”

Schupp is excited by TU staff and students who are working to further his goal of providing a productive atmosphere for veterans. The recent founding of the Student Veterans of America chapter at TU makes him believe that veteran enrollment will increase because of his own research that has shown that the presence of such an organiza-tion at a university proves results.

Author’s Note: Schupp has spoken about the SERV program to over 300 campuses nation-wide. He received the Advocate of the Year award from the Vietnam Veterans of Ohio and was awarded the Zachary Fischer Distinguished Humanitarian award sponsored by the Department of Defense.

something I felt I needed to do.”

To be a Veteran’s Affairs Certifying Official, one must be passionate about the position and its duties. Research has proven that veterans have dropped out of college many times because of the financial difficulty and the stress caused by the process of receiving benefits.

Burkin works closely with each veteran enrolled. She makes sure each veteran is getting the benefits they earned through their service. She is integral to the success of TU student veterans because she makes sure their paperwork is certified and filed properly, and she coordinates benefits payment dis-persal, which takes a lot of stress from the shoulders of the veterans.

At the time of this interview, Denise was pa-tiently waiting Kevin’s return. He had completed his service duties and was due home in less than two weeks.

Military Friendly (continued)

Denise Burkin

Dr. John Schupp

8 |

W

INT

ER

20

12

/ 2

01

3

| C

HA

LLE

NG

E

Page 9: Challenge Magazine (Winter, 2013)

CH

ALLE

NG

E | W

INT

ER

20

12

/ 20

13

| 9m

ilitary fr

ien

dly

Tyler Toddt Tyler Toddt

Page 10: Challenge Magazine (Winter, 2013)

Meet a few of Our Veteran Students

miChael porTerHometown: Batavia, New YorkSpecialist (SPC) - Ohio Army National Guard / Cadet (CDT) - BGSU Army ROTC

Michael is transitioning home from a deployment to Afghanistan and will return to Tiffin University as a full-time student in January to com-plete his final two semesters to earn a Bachelor of Criminal Justice/Forensic Psychology degree.

When asked why he chose TU, Michael said, “Tiffin University has many opportunities to explore new interests and develop already existing ones.

My experience at TU has been pleasurable. Upon graduation, I plan to attend seminary to earn my Master of Divinity in order to become a Chap-lain for the Army. I would also like to one day own and operate a CrossFit Gym.”

Michael wants to encourage all veterans to pursue the next level of education, but more importantly, “To take advantage of the financial benefits, which they have rightfully earned. While a student, maintaining discipline and military bearing makes education easier and a better experi-ence overall,” he said.

ViCToria WeTzelHometown: Foresthill, CaliforniaAirman First Class - United States Air Force - Ohio Air National Guard

Victoria is a full-time student at Tiffin University. She will earn a bachelor’s degree in Government and National Security in two years. She is currently doing on-the-job training at the Camp Perry Joint Training Center (she belongs to the 200th Red Horse Civil Engineering Squadron).

When asked why she chose TU, Victoria said, “As I was browsing through TU’s website, I absolutely loved the variety of criminal justice programs/degrees offered.”

Victoria is happy she chose Tiffin University. “My major is something that has always sparked my interest since I was young and the professors and faculty at TU are very resourceful and knowledgeable in their profes-sions. Many of them are prior service members, or, have many years of background experience in the areas they teach. I consider the friends I have made at TU to be my family.”

Victoria plans to complete her degree, remain in the Air Guard, and then go to active duty for a few years before commissioning as a 2nd Lieu-tenant. “I want to travel and go on as many deployments as I can all around the world,” she said.

If she could advise other pro-spective military students/veterans in

regard to higher education, she says, “Go for it! It never hurts to have a de-gree and it will always be something you can fall back on. I am extremely grateful that the Air Force is helping me pay for school and encouraging me to better myself. In the long run, by having a degree, you will have a better chance at promotions and leadership roles. It is proof that you are continuously striving to learn and eager to obtain as much knowledge as you can.”

ChaD neeDhamHometown: Steubenville, OhioPrivate First Class in the Ohio Army National Guard

Chad is a full-time student with a part-time job. He is majoring in mar-keting at TU and expects to graduate in 2014.

He chose TU because of the campus environment and the business program offered. “The campus is small so you get to know your profes-sors and friends a lot better than at a larger campus,” he said.

Chad says, “I am extremely hap-py with my higher education choice! I have met some fantastic people so far. My dreams are to graduate and, hopefully, obtain a marketing position with Procter and Gamble.”

Chad’s advice to fellow veterans who are thinking about higher educa-tion is, “Do it! Joining the military was

10

|

W

INT

ER

20

12

/ 2

01

3

| C

HA

LLE

NG

E

Page 11: Challenge Magazine (Winter, 2013)

the best decision of my life because I have gained valuable experience and training which includes better time management, more respect for my professors, and I am better at meeting deadlines, and, you get help paying for college.”

Tyler ToDDHometown: St. Petersburg, FloridaPrivate First Class/Cadet Army Re-serves

Tyler is a full-time student at TU and is majoring in Homeland Security/Terrorism and National Security/Gov-ernment.

“I picked TU because of their majors and faculty,” he said. “When I was searching colleges, TU’s programs were unparalleled and still are. Com-bined with the academics and small class size, students have the oppor-tunity to become more personal with the professors if and when something comes up. TU’s professors understand the military, and I have never had an issue with taking time off for military obligations. In fact, TU professors have allowed me extra time to com-plete assignments.”

Tyler knows he made the right decision in choosing Tiffin University. “I have received nothing but warm welcomes even when I came back from school late because of active duty orders,” he said. “The professors go above and beyond what they are

required to do, just to help veterans a little more. Tiffin University profes-sors have so many connections, that no matter where I want to pursue my career, I know they will help.”

For advice to other veterans considering starting or returning to school, Tyler said, “Sometimes, it can be hard to go back to school after coming off of military orders, but after you get back into the classroom, you will find a soothing place to fit in at Tiffin University. The small class size, combined with the professors’ willing-ness to create a safe, trustworthy, and personal environment, makes the transition back into school seamless. Also, Tiffin University’s faculty includes veterans as well—those who will take the time out of their own personal day just to help you. Finally, the current veterans on campus have created the Student Veterans Organization which is also a member of the Student Veterans of America, an organization to aid all veterans with any issue that may arise.”

anDreW forsThoefelHometown: Loudonville, OhioCorporal, United States Marine Corps Reserves

Andrew is a full-time student while preparing for deployment to Afghanistan early next year.

“I chose Tiffin University because of their acclaimed criminal justice pro-

gram,” said Andrew. Tiffin University is in a fairly small town so it somewhat resembles where I am from while of-fering great opportunities to branch out. One of the greatest attributes of TU, in my opinion, has to be the faculty. Almost every single faculty member in the School of Criminal Justice and Social Sciences has lived that life; they have been there and done it all. Many are either former military, law enforcement, or they are still currently serving in some capacity within those areas. They can provide real-world experiences to back up their teachings.”

Andrew is satisfied with his choice in TU. “You cannot ask for a better environment or a more experienced faculty. If you are serious about going into criminal justice and you want great connections to professionals within the criminal justice community, Tiffin is where it’s at.,” he said.

As for his dreams for the future, Andrew said, “I either want to prolong my stay in the military making a career out of it, or, if I do get out, I’m look-ing at becoming a police officer and possibly getting a job with the U.S. Marshals Service.”

For those veterans who are looking to start or go back to school, Andrew says, “I would say go for it as soon as possible. Get proactive and start talking to different universities about what they can offer you as far as financial assistance and degree programs. It is a different world, but hold on to the goal of what you are trying to accomplish. When I first came to TU, it was sort of a reverse shock. Most students get homesick when they go to school for the first time, and universities tend to them for that, and they require all incoming stu-dents to go through those preparatory

Cla

ssSc

en

eC

HA

LLEN

GE

| WIN

TE

R 2

01

2 / 2

01

3 | 1

1m

ilitary fr

ien

dly

Page 12: Challenge Magazine (Winter, 2013)

Meet a few of Our Veteran Students (continued)

classes. When you got on that plane or boarded that bus to basic training or overseas, you had a crash course in that area already. There will be civilians who that will pull/push every single button on your list of pet peeves and you will be forced to go through pro-grams that are designed for incoming students right out of high school who have never been on their own. Do not let that discourage you.

Eventually you will get into the classes you came to study and you will be able to see the finish line. Just believe that once you graduate and are hunting for a job, you are more marketable because of your back-ground so why not guarantee yourself a great professional career by finishing school?”

JT (Jeff) liChTfuss MSCJ Class of 2011Hometown: WisconsinUnited States Army, Wisconsin Army National Guard and United States Army Reserve

JT’s realization that he wanted to earn a Master of Science degree that emphasized Criminal Justice began while he was deployed with the 82nd Airborne Division in Afghanistan. “I saw how important education in Criminal Justice was and how it would be relevant in many different fields of my military service,” he said. “When I returned home from deployment I immediately began to plan out my graduate education that I thought would benefit my future. I found Tiffin University’s Master of Science in Crimi-nal Justice degree in Homeland

Security Administration to be an excellent fit for my present and future needs. I have attended many schools, both online and brick and mortar, but Tiffin has been the only school that I can say I did not have ANY problems--from financial aid to academics, every department at Tiffin handled my needs professionally.”

JT almost finished his MSCJ at Tiffin when he received news that he had cancer and needed to have emergency surgery, which resulted in immediate chemotherapy. “I contin-ued with my courses throughout this difficult time,” he said. “Many would have been encouraged to postpone school, but I continued with my class-es because of the understanding of my professors at TU. Tiffin University’s approach to my situation allowed me to finish my goal of earning the MSCJ, which I will be forever thankful.”

After chemotherapy, JT was medically cleared to return to military service--an assignment with a Military Intelligence unit in the U.S. Army Reserve. “I was able to use the educa-tion that I earned at Tiffin University within my military assignment. Be-cause of my education at Tiffin Univer-sity, I was able to understand concepts and complete tasks that other soldiers did not understand—soldiers who have been in the unit much longer than I.”

Today, JT is an expert in Intel-ligence Collection and Terrorism. One of his functions is advising law enforcement departments and agen-cies on the present and future trends and issues in terrorism.

“I am grateful for the education that I received from Tiffin and look for-ward to interacting with Tiffin alumni in the future,” he said.

ToDD hasselbaChCorporal United States Marine CorpsHometown & Current Resident: Fremont, Ohio

Wars served: Operation Iraqi Free-dom; August 2007 –March 2008 Operation Enduring Freedom; April 2009- December 2009

Todd is a junior at Tiffin Uni-versity and his major is Homeland Security and Terrorism.

Todd Notes: “War is something that you definitely have to experience to be able to relate to someone that has been there,” he said. “It is a one of a kind experience and not a lot of people have done it. I think it takes a special person to be willing to accept the fact that they are going to war and there is a possibility that they may not return.”

“One of my Marine friends said, “A lot of people say that they might be afraid of whom they are when they come back from a deployment, but I’m actually afraid of what I might do when I get back.” That is really what it all boils down to. Most people do not see that they have changed until some-one brings it to their attention.”

12

|

W

INT

ER

20

12

/ 2

01

3

| C

HA

LLE

NG

E

Page 13: Challenge Magazine (Winter, 2013)

CH

ALLE

NG

E | W

INT

ER

20

12

/ 20

13

| 13

Page 14: Challenge Magazine (Winter, 2013)

Largest Freshman Class In Its HistoryTiffin University welcomed 446 new freshmen to the Tiffin campus for the 2012 fall semester, which is the largest freshman class in the history of the University.

According to Tiffin University President, Dr. Paul Marion, “The size of our freshman class has grown each year, and the current class represents a 70% increase over the 262 new freshmen who entered in the fall of 2003. As TU’s academic reputa-tion continues to increase, we find that more and more students are choosing Tiffin.”

Black Student Graduation Rates Increased

A new report from The Education Trust named Tiffin University as one of the private colleges and universities who have shown the most progress in improving the graduation rates of African Americans students.

According to Tiffin University President Paul Marion, “We provide a variety of services to help students succeed, and we are proud of the fact that the graduation rate for our students, including black students, continues to increase.”

Dr. Sharon Perry-Nause is the Director of Institutional Diversity at Tiffin University. “Our ability to increase graduation rates of African-American learners is a result of our dedication and implementation of appropriate structures, which foster organizational commitment to diversity. The recognition confirms the success of our efforts in establishing institutional poli-cies, procedures, and practices that visibly reflect our level of commitment.”

14

|

WIN

TE

R 2

01

2 /

20

13

|

CH

ALL

EN

GE

Page 15: Challenge Magazine (Winter, 2013)

International News

inTernaTional flag CeremonyTiffin University President Paul Marion officially welcomed new and returning international students from 32 countries

during the University’s annual International Flag Ceremony in November. International students new to Tiffin University presented their countries’ flags to President Marion. The new flags

presented were Saudi Arabia, Serbia, Togo, the United Arab Emirates, and Uzbekistan. The event took place during the U.S. Department of State’s, “International Education Week,” a week designed to celebrate the benefits of educational

exchange throughout the world.

inTernaTional sTuDenT panelInternational Student Services provided an opportunity for domestic students to get to know TU’s foreign students in October. Twelve students from countries such as Saudi Arabia, Bangladesh, China, Cameroon, Russia, Brazil, Nigeria,

Pakistan, Germany, and England answered questions about their native country’s culture, traditions, history, and food, to help all students understand each other.

CH

ALLE

NG

E | W

INT

ER

20

12

/ 20

13

| 15

Ca

mp

usS

ce

ne

Page 16: Challenge Magazine (Winter, 2013)

Good Morning WorldJohn briTT –Change managemenT & aCCounTabiliTy

Tiffin University’s first Good Morning World lecture of the season featured co-author John Britt. Britt presented, “Change Management & Accountability” in October at Camden Falls Confer-ence Center in Tiffin.

According to Britt, “Up to 70% of organizational changes fail. While this statistic is accept-able and even admirable in a ma-

jor leaguer’s batting average, it should be considered unac-ceptable and appalling in our organizations.” Britt discussed how to manage through change with a higher success rate.

Britt, a Partner with Mountjoy and Bressler, LLP, has over 20 years of experience in process- driven change and change management. In his business career, he has consulted with over 300 companies to assist with strategic methods to increase profitability.

His first book Who Killed Change?, co-authored with Ken Blanchard, was published in 2009. He has also published articles in leading industry journals, and is an experienced keynoter who shares inspiring methods for leading and managing change based on his own practical experiences. He holds a master’s degree in Organizational Management and a bachelor’s degree in Management of Human Resources.

barbra higgins – “eVeryThing maTTers”Businesswoman and Olympian Barbra Higgins was the featured speaker at TU’s November Good Morning World lecture. Higgins competed for Panama in the 1984 Summer Olympics as a fencer in the women’s foil competition. She has achieved unprecedented suc-cess in sports, entertainment, and business, and is an internationally acclaimed entrepreneur, attorney, and CEO/CFO/President for numerous corporations and community organizations. She has a law degree from the University of Miami and a BBA in Accounting from Florida International University and over 30 years of experience start-ing, operating, and occasionally selling small businesses.

Her message, when you go through life, there are mo-ments every day where you have a choice to make and you must train your brain to overcome mediocrity and realize that everything matters, was simple yet poignant and she has applied this rule throughout her career as an entrepreneur, attorney, and world-class athlete.

Higgins urged those in attendance to have perseverance to get up and do something they may not want to do. “Busi-ness is not for the faint of heart or for someone who doesn’t like taking risks,” she said. In closing, Higgins reminded all in attendance that the keys to success are heart and passion be-cause without the drive and clear vision, you will not succeed.

John Britt

Barbra Higgins

Tiffin University elected Dr. Reginald Wilkinson to its Board of Trustees. Wilkinson is the President and CEO of the Ohio College Access Network. Prior to holding this position, he was the Executive Director of the Ohio Business Alliance for Higher Educa-tion and the Economy. Wilkinson retired in April 2006 after 33 years with the Ohio Department of Reha-bilitation and Correction (ODRC); he served as the agency’s director since 1991. At the time of his retirement, he was the longest serving director of a state corrections agency in the nation. He is the former Chairperson

and current member of the National Institute of Corrections Advisory Board, as well as Chair of the national Prison Rape Review Panel. He is a past president of the American Cor-rectional Association, the Association of State Correctional Administrators, and the International Association of Reentry. Wilkinson’s academic background includes B.A. and M.A. degrees from The Ohio State Univer-sity. He was also awarded the Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) degree from the University of Cincinnati.

Dr. reginalD Wilkinson Joins Tu’s boarD of TrusTees

Dr. Reginald Wilkinson

16

|

W

INT

ER

20

12

/ 2

01

3

| C

HA

LLE

NG

E

Page 17: Challenge Magazine (Winter, 2013)

Ca

mp

usS

ce

ne

Faculty News Jason slone appoinTeD assisTanT Vp for online learningTiffin University named Jason slone Assistant Vice-President for Online Learning. “Jason’s promotion is well deserved and is part of the Tiffin University’s recognition of the im-portance of online learning as part of our long-term future,” says Dr. Charles Christensen, Vice President for Academic Affairs. Dr. Slone also chairs TU’s Academic Affairs Online Learn-ing Council. “This council will define the common processes that are critical to Tiffin University as we build quality online programs,” Christensen says.

Slone holds a BA in Religious Studies from the College of Wooster, an MA in Comparative Studies in Hu-manities from The Ohio State Universi-ty, and a Ph.D. in Comparative Religion from Western Michigan University. For additional information about Tiffin University’s Online Learning Program, email [email protected].

Tu professor spenDs summer in spainTU Market-ing Profes-sor Dr. perry haan completed a guest faculty assignment during the summer of 2012 at the

United International Business School (UIBS) in Barcelona, Spain.

Haan taught a business strategy class to marketing students in the school’s MBA program.

The class included students from Austria, Belgium, Belize, England, the Netherlands, Lebanon, Serbia, Slovakia, Rwanda, Spain, and the United States.

faCulTy parTiCipaTe in naTional ConferenCeSeven faculty members from the School of Business attended and participated in the Accreditation Council for Busi-ness Schools & Programs (ACBSP) An-nual Conference in June in Baltimore, Maryland.

Dr. lillian schumacher, Dean of the School of Business and Associate Professor of Management, and Dr. Gretchen Carroll, Professor of Manage-ment and MBA Program Chair, present-ed “Developing Students and Global Leaders Utilizing GMI and CHIP.”

Dr. laura mays, Professor of Man-agement, and Dr. Perry Haan, Professor of Marketing, presented “Publishing Scholarly Articles.”

Dr. Terry sullivan, Associate Professor of Business Law and Finance, Dr. Jim Padilla, Associate Professor of Business Law/Sport Management, and Kristina Smart, Assistant Professor of Management, also attended the annual conference.

The ACBSP is the national council that has awarded TU’s School of Busi-ness accreditation for the past 22 years. Dr. John millar, School of Business Dean Emeritus and Professor of Man-agement, serves on the ACBSP Board of Directors.

professor publishes paper

Dr. sushmita ghosh, Associate Profes-sor of Science, published her paper, “Increasing Competency In Health Sci-ence Education: Introspection,” in the American Journal of Health Sciences. The paper deals with improving science education. With an increasing popula-tion, economic downturns, rise in the number of elderly people worldwide, and public concerns about health is-sues, health science has a bigger role to play than ever before. However, before health science can play its ex-pected role, health science education needs to be looked at critically and re-vamped. The paper suggests modifica-tions and changes in science education in Grade 1 to Grade 12, in college, and after graduation from college and university and joining the workforce.

Prior to publication in the journal, Dr. Ghosh had presented the paper at the 2012 Las Vegas International Academic Conference and her paper presented there was published in the Health Sciences Proceedings. Dr. Ghosh has published in the leading journals in sciences and presented at conferences nationally and abroad.

Dr. Perry Haan

Jason Sloan

Dr. SushmitaGhosh

CH

ALLE

NG

E | W

INT

ER

20

12

/ 20

13

| 17

Page 18: Challenge Magazine (Winter, 2013)

Faculty News (continued)

professor publishes ChapTer on spiriTualiTy

Associate Professor of Psychology and Criminal Justice, Dr. Jonathan appel, and his wife, Dr. Dohee kim-appel, co-authored the chapter, “Psychology’s View of Religion and Spirituality: A Long, Short History,” in a new book en-titled, Handbook on Spirituality: Belief Systems, Societal Impact and Roles in Coping, published by Nova Publishers.

The chapter explores psychol-ogy and related behavioral sciences’ perspectives on religion and spirituality, which is embedded within a long-stand-ing intellectual tension. According to Appel, “Psychology has had an ongoing and uneasy relationship with issues connecting body, mind, and spirit. Many in the field, at worst, have disregarded spiritual matters as neurosis – or at best, seen religion as a necessary construc-tion that serves psychological, social, and moral structures.”

professor auThors ChapTer in bookDr. Jason slone, TU Associate Pro-fessor of Cogni-tion and Culture and Assistant Vice-President for Online Learn-ing, authored a chapter titled, “Religion is the

Aphrodisiac of the Masses: Darwinizing Marx” in the forthcoming book Mental Culture: Classical Social Theory and the Cognitive Science of Religion. He presented at the American Academy of Religion Conference in Chicago in November.

Slone’s chapter sheds new light on an old question in the social sci-ences, namely why is religion wide-spread in all human cultures. Slone argues that religion may have evolved because it helps to solve problems related to reproduction and childrear-ing, and thereby genetic replication, by promoting commitment to marriage and parental investment.

professor presenTs researCh aT naTional ConferenCeDr. Jonathan appel, Associate Profes-sor at Tiffin University, and his wife, Dr. Dohee kim-appel, presented at the Annual National Association of Forensic Counselors Conference in Las Vegas, Nevada, in September.

The National Association of Forensic Counselors was founded to develop a competent workforce to counsel, treat, and supervise criminal offenders in order to reduce recidivism and increase integration with criminal justice systems.

The first paper, “When Worlds Collide: Therapeutic Jurisprudence: an Ethical Paradigm” explores the trend that therapists are increasingly working with court-ordered individuals and their families.

The second paper, “Culture, Criminal Justice, and Mental Health in Chongqing, China” examines the similarities and differences between the criminal justice systems in the U. S. and China. The paper also suggests points of cooperation and conflict in dealing with transnational views of crime and

mental health within a larger interna-tional framework.

The findings presented by Dr. Appel and Dr. Kim-Appel have mean-ingful implications for understanding the different constructs, theories, and practices between the therapeutic and the criminal justice worlds.

professor speaks aT Counseling ConferenCeDr. erin Dean, Associate Professor of Counseling and Psychology, presented “Sex: Everyone’s Doing It, But Can Any-

body Talk About It?” at the Tennessee Counseling Association Conference held in November.

According to Dean, despite the increase in accessibility of sexual infor-mation, taboos of talking about sex still seem to exist; therefore, people are being mis- and under-informed about important issues pertaining to sex and sexual health. During her presentation, she discussed what counselors need to know when hearing and assisting their clients with these issues.

faCulTy member publishes arTiCleTU faculty member Melanie Trost’s ar-ticle, “Asynchronous Art History,” which promotes the positive aspects of teach-ing art history online, was published in the December issue of “Faculty Focus,” published by Magna Publications.

melanie Trost is an adjunct instructor in TU’s degree completion

Dr. Erin Dean

Dr. Dohee Kim-Appel andDr. Jonathan Appel

18

|

W

INT

ER

20

12

/ 2

01

3

| C

HA

LLE

NG

E

Page 19: Challenge Magazine (Winter, 2013)

Ca

mp

usS

ce

ne

program through the School of Arts and Sciences. Her article deals with the teaching techniques and advantages of teaching art history in an online setting.

“Teaching art history asynchro-nously has the capacity to be very meaningful for students. In fact, it may even be a better way to teach art history. Many students thrive in an online environment, due in part to the familiarity of the Internet as well as the autonomy online education offers,” Trost remarks. “In my experience with online art classes, there are a variety of strategies an instructor can use to teach and assess the historical context and formal/stylistic qualities of art from different periods in art history. With a little preparation and patience, instruc-tors can provide students a meaningful and memorable experience with art history.”

professor presenTs in Columbus Associate Professor of Psychology and Crimi-nal Justice, Dr. fang-mei law, presented at the All Ohio Counselors Conference in November in Columbus, Ohio. Dr. Law is a Licensed Professional Clinic Counselor (LPCC) in Ohio.

For decades, excessive alcohol consumption has been identified as the major risk factor for college students’ physical health. Thus, Dr. Law conducted the research entitled “The Impact of Self-Control and Self-Efficacy on Alcohol-Related Behaviors in College Students” to explore factors that could potentially impact alcohol-related behaviors. She found that having low senses of self-control and self-efficacy can exacerbate a student’s drinking problem.

Dr. Law earned a Ph.D. from Missis-sippi State University, an M.Ed. from the University of Wisconsin and M.Ed. and B.Ed. degrees from the National Chang-hua University of Education, Taiwan.

professor presenTs researCh & ConDuCTs Workshops Dr. fang-mei law, Associate Profes-sor of Psychology and Criminal Justice and Dr. Gwo-Jen Guo, presented two papers at the American Psychologi-cal Association Annual Convention in August in Florida.

The first paper, entitled “A Study of Correlation between Sense of Control and Self-Efficacy of Recovery for Female Drug Offenders,” tested the influence of the sense of self-control on self-efficacy among female drug offenders.

The second paper, entitled “The Effectiveness of Choice-Based Therapy in Sense of Control over Drug Recov-ery,” revealed that after choice-based treatment, female drug offenders had a better perceived sense of control over setting goals and plans for recovery, a greater sense of control in coping with obstacles that might arise during recovery, and a greater sense of control in their emotional management than female drug offenders who did not receive treatment.

Law and Guo had earlier pub-lished the results of a study that will

help guide implementing counsel-ing strategies for overseas Chinese students. Dr. Law was the lead author of the paper, “Does time heal? Coping strategies and depression in overseas Chinese students in Taiwan,” which appeared in the May 2012 issue of The Archive of Guidance & Counseling?

In addition to presenting to the American Psychological Association, Law was invited to lead a workshop entitled “Turning Drug Recovery Goal from Impossible to Possible,” for drug probationers to introduce the concept of hope theory and its application to drug recovery for the Changhua Pros-ecutors Office in Taiwan.

professor moDeraTes panel

Dr. bonnie Tiell moderated a panel focusing on fan engagement and advancement opportunities for women in sport at the NCAA Women’s Leadership Symposium (WLS), held in September in Boston. Tiell, Associate Dean of Graduate Studies and Associ-ate Professor of Management at TU, has co-chaired the WLS since 2001. Ac-cording to Tiell, the WLS has impacted more than 1,000 industry specialists and aspiring professionals in the inter-collegiate athletics industry since 2001 through generous sponsorships and volunteer committee services. Dr. Fang-Mei Law

MelanieTrost

Dr. Bonnie Tiell

CH

ALLE

NG

E | W

INT

ER

20

12

/ 20

13

| 19

Page 20: Challenge Magazine (Winter, 2013)

Faculty News (continued)

neW researCh publisheDDr. bonnie Tiell, TU’s Associate Dean of Graduate Studies and Associate Profes-sor of Management, has published new research as the lead author of an article in the Fall 2012 issue of The Journal for Intercollegiate Athletic Issues.

The article, “Roles and Tasks Of The Senior Woman Administrator Through A Role Congruity Perspec-tive: A Longitudinal Progress Report,” updates Tiell’s research that originally appeared in the 2005 publication, The Journal for the Study of Sport & Ath-letes in Education.

“The purpose of the longitudinal research was to explore the current roles, tasks and support of the Senior Woman Administrator (SWA) from the perspective of both the SWA and the athletic director to note changes over time,” Tiell remarks.

“Results of the current study indicated a staggering increase in the percentage of SWAs holding adminis-trative titles, particularly at the Division II and III levels, which almost doubled from the 2004-2005 study,” she says.

“On a negative note, results of the current study confirmed a continued discrepancy between senior woman administrators and athletic directors regarding the extent to which SWAs are and should be involved in decision-making within athletic departments, with the greatest differences existing in the areas of budgetary planning and management and oversight of all – and especially men’s – programs,” Tiell says.

Research also indicated that finan-cial support for training and mentor-ing is not widely available or used by SWAs to enhance their career skills and advancement.

Tiell does note that the NCAA recently dedicated $50,000-$100,000 in annual funding for the Women’s Lead-ership Symposium (WLS), which is a professional development training pro-

gram Tiell has co-chaired since 2001. The mission of the WLS is to facilitate the recruitment, retention, and support of women in intercollegiate athletics.

professor publisheD in inTernaTional JournalTU Professor Dr. fang-mei law was the lead author of a paper published in the December issue of the Interna-tional Journal of Offender Therapy and Comparative Criminology.

Dr. Law, Associate Professor in the School of Criminal Justice & Social Sci-ences, published new research in the paper, entitled, “Hope and Recovery from Substance Abuse for Female Drug Offenders in Taiwan.” Dr. Law’s co-author is her husband, Dr. Gwo-Jen Guo of the National Changhua Univer-sity of Education in Taiwan.

In the paper, the authors point out that in recent years, a higher percent-age of females have been classified as drug offenders than males. “Female substance abusers felt hopelessness due to their traumatic life stress. Thus, instilling hope should be an important focus for female substance abuse treat-ment programs,” Law explains. “Un-fortunately, to our knowledge, hope theory has not been widely applied in substance abuse treatment.”

“The results of this study could serve as a framework for conducting a hope-based substance abuse treat-ment program to help female drug offenders. Our findings will contribute evidence for this line of research in the field,” Law remarks.

professor publishes researCh on smarTphones & blogsTiffin University faculty member Dr. lisa kahle-piasecki has published new research in the areas of smartphones. Kahle-Piasecki, Assistant Professor of Management & Information Systems, is Program Chair for Undergraduate Management & Marketing at TU, and is a co-advisor for the university’s busi-ness club.

She was the featured management educator for the May 2012 Management Monthly Newsletter for Educators, pub-lished by McGraw-Hill Irwin. She is part of a virtual team of management educa-tors that meets regularly and discusses management topics and technology integration in the classroom.

In the article, “Internalizing Learn-ing Through Blogging Technology,” she discussed her previous research on blogs in the classroom, which highlight-ed an alternative means of teaching by using the technology. “Using blogs gives students a heightened means of interaction with classmates,” she explained “The use of blogs also gives students an opportunity to express their feelings and thoughts on relevant course topics.”

Kahle-Piasecki was also recently published in the Journal of Marketing Development and Competitiveness.

“Managers and the Mobile Device: M-Learning and M-Business – Implications for the United States

and China” was co-authored with Chao Miao of Virginia Commonwealth

Dr. LisaKahle-Piasecki

20

|

W

INT

ER

20

12

/ 2

01

3

| C

HA

LLE

NG

E

Page 21: Challenge Magazine (Winter, 2013)

CH

ALLE

NG

E | W

INT

ER

20

12

/ 20

13

| 21

Ca

mp

usS

ce

ne

University and Sonny Ariss of the University of Toledo.From their research, the authors discussed the use and

abundance of smartphones in the workforce, and ways in which this has led companies to consider how conducting mobile or m-business can improve their organization by in-creasing the productivity and efficiency of the workforce.

The article compared the current usage of smartphones in the U.S. and Chinese businesses, the advantages and dis-advantages of mobile learning and mobile business, and the manager’s part in overseeing their use by employees while understanding the security risks of the devices and protecting company data.

oWens & Tiffin parTner To offer bCJTiffin University, in partnership with Owens State Com-munity College, now offers the Bachelor of Criminal Jus-tice Degree in Justice Administration at the Owens State Community College campus in Findlay. TU’s Bachelor of Criminal Justice program provides students with the skills necessary to analyze threats to the communication infrastructure, and to assess the role of terrorism in world politics, among other skills.

CampusnaTional peaCe Corps assoCiaTion DireCTor VisiTs TuDr. Kevin Quigley, who heads the National Peace Corps Association, visited Tiffin University in Septem-ber and presented to students in Chisholm Auditorium. The event was sponsored by TU’s School of Criminal Justice and Social Scienc-es. Quigley is a Woodrow Wilson Visiting Fellow and a former Peace Corps volunteer in Thailand.

As head of the association, Quigley’s overriding interest is in how non-governmental organizations work together with governments and corpora-tions to address pressing social needs. Quigley visited classes during his visit.

In addition to his work with the National Peace Corps Association, Quigley has also held senior positions in civil society and government, as well as various research institu-tions. Among these are Acting CEO of the Vietnam Veterans of America Foundation, Executive Director of the Global Alli-ance for Workers and Communities, Vice President of Policy and Business at the Asia Society, and Director of Public Policy at the Pew Charitable Trusts.

He has published on a broad array of international issues in the United States and abroad in newspapers, magazines, and edited volumes and serves on numerous boards related to international development issues.

olympian kaTie bell VisiTs Campus After returning from London, Olympian Katie Bell arrived on TU’s campus and shared her story of her Olympic journey. Katie is a member of the USA diving team and was a member of the Ohio State University diving team. After graduating from OSU in 2011, Katie lived her lifelong dream and competed in the London Olympics. She was on the USA National Team in 2005, 2006, 2011, 2012. Katie was also a gymnast, although she began focusing solely on diving at age 14. After her diving career, Katie would like to earn a master’s degree and become a social worker.

Dr. Kevin Quigley

Katie Bell

Page 22: Challenge Magazine (Winter, 2013)

Campus (continued)

annual VolunTeer fair

Tiffin University hosted the annual Volunteer Fair in Octo-ber. Students had the opportunity to sign-up with various local organizations to donate time to contribute to these organizations. Representatives from Tiffin-Seneca Public Library, F.A.C.T., The United Way, and several others were in attendance to explain to those interested what the organiza-tion accomplishes and what students would be doing as a volunteer.

Note: Students must complete 13 hours of service learn-ing (community service) to meet graduation requirements.

fooTsTeps of hope

“Footsteps of Hope: An Agent of Non-Violent Change in Latin America” was the topic of a special presentation in October. Paula Miller, a member of Cleveland’s InterReligious Task Force on Latin America, presented the program in Ch-isholm Auditorium.

“Paula took part in witnessing non-violent change in Co-lumbia in May 2011 with the Christian Peacemakers Coalition as well as working with immigrants on the US/Mexican border through Casa Mariposa in 2012,” says Dr. Matt Bereza, Assis-tant Professor of Psychology and Counseling. “Recently she completed the 75-mile migrant walk in Arizona, tracing the footsteps of those in the desert and experiencing first-hand the struggle and hardship of movement.”

During her talk, Miller discussed the current state of non-violent change across the world and specifically in Latin America. Founded in 1981, the InterReligious Task Force on Latin America is a non-profit group that promotes peace and human rights in Central America and Colombia.

one Dress proJeCT To raise aWareness TU’s V.O.I.C.E. (Voicing Our Insight Creating Empowerment) is in the midst of their second year of participating in the One Dress Project. Six of the organization’s members are wearing the same dress every day in an effort to raise awareness about sex trafficking.

“Once someone notices, we take the opportunity to talk about human trafficking across the nation,” said Heather Messer, V.O.I.C.E. co-president.

The One Dress Project originated in Toledo in 2010. Amy Seiffert learned that Toledo was ranked 4th in the U.S. for arrests/investigations, and rescues of underage victims of sex trafficking. She pledged to wear the same dress for 6 months and donate the money she would have spent on clothes to the Daughter Project, a local organization that was building a shelter for girls rescued from sex trafficking. Seiffert took her cause to the next level by blogging and speaking to others about it. Soon after, others followed her example.

The goals of the worldwide One Dress Project are:• Enablewomenaccesstoinformationandservicesthey

need to enhance and protect their health.• Eliminateviolenceagainstwomen.• Mobilizepoliticalwillandresourcesforwomen’srights

and development.• Increasewomen’sparticipationincivilandpolitical

processes.

22

|

WIN

TE

R 2

01

2 /

20

13

|

CH

ALL

EN

GE

Page 23: Challenge Magazine (Winter, 2013)

Ca

mp

usS

ce

ne

CH

ALLE

NG

E | W

INT

ER

20

12

/ 20

13

| 23

eDuCaTing laW enforCemenT professionals

The Tiffin University School of Criminal Justice and Social Sciences, along with the TU Center for Justice and National Security, sponsored a working conference, “Educating Law Enforcement Professionals for International Policing and Rule of Law Development Missions,” in September on campus. This conference explored the creation of a graduate-level education program aimed at law enforcement and correc-tions professionals.

The conference goal was to bring together a group of people with varying expertise who can assist TU in identifying core competency areas and with curriculum development.

TU received favorable feedback for the conference from the U.S. Institute for Peace, the U.S. Army Peacekeeping and Stability Operations Institute, the US Department of State’s Office of Criminal Justice Assistance and Partnerships, and the U.S. Army JAG Corps, all of which sent representatives to speak at the event on best practices and current issues.

Dragons Den players presenT‘exiT The boDy’ TU’s Dragons Den Players presented, “Exit the Body,” a farce by Fred Carmichael, in November. Directed by Dr. Mary Gren-nen, Associate Professor of English and Director of Theatre Arts, the production was a delightful play that romped across the stage with laughter. Open to the public, performances were held in Osceola Theatre.

The plot: A mystery writer rents a New England house to spend a relaxing four weeks working and resting. She is accompanied by her secretary and they are quickly told by the rental agent about the previous resident who was recently killed in an automobile accident (he had been holding and hiding a stash of diamonds that no one has been able to find).

Theatre

Cast & Director

Page 24: Challenge Magazine (Winter, 2013)

ArtDiane kiDD galleryThe Diane Kidd Gallery located in the Hayes Center for the Arts, is one of the finest exhibition spaces in the area – a drawing card for art lovers in northwest Ohio and beyond.

Regular gallery hours are 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Thursday. Appointments and group tours are also available by contacting Celinda Scherger, TU Alumni Director, at 419.448.3313. More information about upcoming exhibi-tions is available by contacting Marsha Pippenger, Gallery Director, at [email protected].

sepTember“TWisTeD” by arTisT amie aDelman Amie Adelman was the featured artist of the Diane Kidd Gallery’s first show of the season in Septem-ber. Her show, titled “Twisted,” featured fiber installations.

According to Gallery Director Marsha Pippenger, Adel-man is inspired by the process of stretching yarns for weaving on a warping board so that the threads create a massive curving form in space that gradually shifts in color and value. Adelman is an Associate Professor of Fibers in the College of Visual Arts and Design at the University of North Texas. She holds a Master of Fine Arts from the University of Kansas and a Bachelor of Fine Arts from Arizona State University.

oCTober“sTranDs” by arTisT roberT mirek The second show of the season featured “Strands” by Artist Robert Mirek. The imagery of “Strands,” according to Mirek, is a

visual language in the form of self-dialogue that resides in ob-jects, systems and scenarios that are at the edge of abstrac-tion. Understanding them is less important than sensing their intrinsic nature. Mirek says he works on a thought process that keeps as many doors open as possible. The conceptual connections, which eventually become visual signals, are drawn in collaborative moments. The objects have origins in human, geologic, mythic, or universal themes that are meant to suggest.

Mirek received a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from the College for Creative Studies in Detroit. His work has been exhibited widely throughout the United States and internation-ally, and has been included in private, corporate, and museum collections. He has also taught at the College for Creative Studies in Detroit and at Lawrence Technological University’s College of Architecture and Design in Southfield, MI.

noVember“pure arT” by Columbian high sChool

Top-level artists from Columbian High School exhibited their work in Tiffin University’s Diane Kidd Gallery in November. Students in senior portfolio and art investigations classes exhibited more than 30 pieces of artwork in the show titled “Pure Art.” Robert Johnston, art teacher at Columbian and TU, said, “The variety in this show is very dramatic. The mate-rial in the show from the students is on the edge of incred-ible,” he said.

Students worked for three months to finish their work for the show.

Pure Art Alex Kramer poses with one of her pieces titled, Blown Away

Photo by A-T

24

|

WIN

TE

R 2

01

2 /

20

13

|

CH

ALL

EN

GE

Page 25: Challenge Magazine (Winter, 2013)

Ca

mp

usS

ce

ne

MusicThe elemenTs of hip-hopTiffin University Artist-in-Resi-dence J Rawls presented a series of entertaining and fact-filled symposia about the four elements of hip-hop — Rap, DJing, Graffitti, and Dance.

marChing banD shoWCaseThe Tiffin University Marching Band held performances in the Heminger Center in November. The event, free and open to the public, featured all band shows from the football season, which included a variety of songs from Jackson 5 and Led Zepplin to Wicked and American Idiot.

an eVening of musiCIn October, Tiffin University’s musical groups, Sound & Silence, Up in the Air and Higher Ground performed Hip Hop, Pop, Jazz & R&B at Phat Cakes in Tiffin.

Tu kiDs ChoirIn its third season, the TU Kids Choir has expanded to more than 75 young people, representing seven school systems from Tiffin and surrounding communities. “It’s so exciting to see the enthusiasm these kids bring to this group, and we’re very proud to offer them the opportunity to sing popular music in a choral setting,” says Ali Rees, Director.

ChrisTmas aT The riTzTiffin University’s Music Department presented its 8th annual “Christmas at The Ritz” concert in December. The con-cert featured the Tiffin University Choir, Concert Band, Gospel Choir, pop & commercial groups, Dance Team, and the TU Kids Choir, performing traditional and popular Christmas favorites. This was the largest turnout for a TU music event ever -- more than 750 audience members filled The Ritz Theatre in support of 250 performers. All pro-ceeds were donated to the charity, CJ’s Thumbs Up Founda-tion, which provides financial assistance to families of children with pediatric cancer and brain tumors, as well as children with other chronic and life-threatening illnesses.

CH

ALLE

NG

E | W

INT

ER

20

12

/ 20

13

| 25

Page 26: Challenge Magazine (Winter, 2013)

TU Football Fans

lydia & Victoria ardner,Daughters of Charles & Vanessa ardner Donnie Johnson & his son Donavon

niko with his Dad Jeremy marinis

karris marinis, daughter of Jeremy & Jamie marinis

mykah & max borich, daughter and son of Joe & megan borich

26

|

W

INT

ER

20

12

/ 2

01

3

| C

HA

LLE

NG

E

Page 27: Challenge Magazine (Winter, 2013)

Ca

mp

usS

ce

ne

CH

ALLE

NG

E | W

INT

ER

20

12

/ 20

13

| 27

xavier & kevin ardner, sons of Charles & Vanessa

alumni & hall of fame inductee kelly Cavanaugh & Daughter Clare

Josh borich, son of Joe & megan borich

macy allen, Daughter of lonny & Julie allen

Page 28: Challenge Magazine (Winter, 2013)

28

|

W

INT

ER

20

12

/ 2

01

3

| C

HA

LLE

NG

E

Page 29: Challenge Magazine (Winter, 2013)

Ca

mp

usS

ce

ne

CH

ALLE

NG

E | W

INT

ER

20

12

/ 20

13

| 29

Student Newssenior oliVia franTz reCeiVes DelTa mu DelTa sCholarshipTU Senior, Olivia Frantz, was awarded a Delta Mu Delta (Interna-tional Honor Society in Business) scholarship, in September. Olivia, from Kansas, Ohio, is double majoring in Human Resource Management and Account-ing at TU. She is President of the Tiffin University Business Club, President of Delta Mu Delta, a peer leader, and the Becker CPA campus representative.

Delta Mu Delta is an international honor society that recognizes and encourages academic excellence in business administration programs at Association of Collegiate Business Schools and Programs accredited schools. It was founded November 18, 1913. A Delta Mu Delta membership fosters the well-being of its individual members and the business community through life-time membership.

Olivia works part-time as an Accounting and Human Resources Specialist at Webster Industries, Inc. in Tiffin. She will become a full-time em-ployee of Webster when she graduates this spring.

“I chose Tiffin University because it was close to home and it is known as a reputable business school,” she said. “I have really enjoyed my experience at TU and I am happy with my choice.”

“Olivia is an exceptional student and I will miss her leadership when she graduates in May,” says Dr. Lillian Schumacher, Dean of the School of Business, “although, I am really excited to see she will be joining a local orga-

nization and will remain an active TU alum! When anyone thinks of a true definition of student leadership, Olivia is that example in all that she does. She has made us extremely proud in the School of Business and we look forward to our continued relationship with her.”

aCCounTing sTuDenTs VisiT WebsTer inDusTries

Tiffin University accounting students were given the opportunity to explore how the accounting system relates to business processes in October at Webster Industries thanks to the Chief Executive Officer, A.J. Felter and the Chief Financial Officer, Chris English. English held a session that allowed the students to see how a manufactur-ing business processes transactions while focusing on documents and internal control related to accounting. The students were given a plant tour that helped solidify the processes in a manufacturing business.

psyChology Club members aTTenD ConferenCe TU Psychology Club members at-tended the Annual Ohio Psychological Association (OPA) Conference, held in October, in Columbus.

The TU students had the oppor-tunity to attend numerous research presentations as well as the annual awards luncheon and meeting. The club’s advisor, TU Associate Profes-sor Jonathan Appel, accompanied them. The students participated in the OPA’s Poster Session, with the goal of developing future research projects for future conferences.

“The OPA conference provided great insight for an undergraduate student looking to enter the field,” says student Erin Snapp. “I was able to learn about a variety of topics that go beyond classes. Personally, I feel the graduate school workshop was an incredibly useful tool that I will be able to utilize through the next few years.”

firsT annual Dragon leaDership & DiVersiTy aWarDs Tiffin University awarded its first annual Dragon Leadership and Dragon Diver-sity Scholarships this year in support of its actively-involved students.

Fifteen undergraduate student leaders were awarded the Dragon Leadership Scholarship and five stu-dents received the Dragon Diversity Scholarship.

Applicants for the Dragon leader-ship scholarship must be active mem-bers of the campus community with a minimum of a 2.5 cumulative GPA and provide recommendation letters from both faculty and staff members.

“Many students dedicate their time and leadership to various campus organizations and events,” says Jamie

Olivia Frantz

Webster Industries Officialspose with TU Students

Page 30: Challenge Magazine (Winter, 2013)

Student News (continued)

Marinis, Director of First-Year Programs & Student Outreach. “Without the hard work and enthusiasm of these exceptional students, many educational events, social activities, and phil-anthropic opportunities would not exist on campus.

Applicants for the Dragon Diversity scholarship must be full-time, domestic under-represented students with a 3.0 cumulative GPA or better and must be actively involved on campus with activities directly related to campus diversity.

“The five students earned this scholarship for their com-mitment to diversity and diversity awareness at Tiffin Univer-sity,” Marinis says. “As always, we appreciate all students for their endless dedication and passion for Tiffin University.”

fabulous fooD shoW Dishes up fun

When the fifth annual Fabulous Food Show opened up in Novem-ber for a three-day run, five Hospi-tality students were in attendance with thousands of other Northeast Ohioans that were excited to watch some of the food world’s rock stars.

The TU students were able to attend the Chef Michael Simon presentation. Admission included one celebrity chef performance in the show’s Main Kitchen Theater, as well as full-day admission to exhibitions, presentations on the Taste of the Neighborhood and Culinary Celebration stages. Other celebrity chefs that were scheduled to appear were: Guy Fieri, Giada De Laurentiis, Alton Brown, and Anne Burrell.

eTiQueTTe seminar

Mrs. Susan Marion shared her etiquette expertise with stu-dents during the annual Business Etiquette Seminar hosted by the Office of Career Development. Students in atten-dance learn proper dress for interviews and formal occasions and are invited to a formal dinner where they experience first-hand the entire process, from fork to napkin, of well-mannered eating.

30

|

W

INT

ER

20

12

/ 2

01

3

| C

HA

LLE

NG

E

Page 31: Challenge Magazine (Winter, 2013)

Ca

mp

usS

ce

ne

CH

ALLE

NG

E | W

INT

ER

20

12

/ 20

13

| 31

Students Doing GREAT ThingssTuDenT aThleTe aDVisory CommiTTeeraises money for make-a-Wish founDaTionThe Tiffin University Student Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) has found some creative ways to raise money for the Make-A-Wish Foundation—wings and chili.

The SAAC hosted its annual “Best Wings in Tiffin” competition in October which featured five local businesses that each donated 100 wings. The Viaduct Bar and Grill was crowned this year’s champ. Other businesses donating to the event included Madison Street Tavern Pub and Grill, Carmie’s Grill and Bar, Shell Shuckers Restaurant, and TU’s own AVI. Almost $200 was raised during the event, which cost participants $1 to taste each of the wings in the competition.

The annual Chili Cook-Off at TU’s home football game took place in November. Each of TU’s sports teams donated its best pot of chili to compete for the victory. All donations collected were delivered to Make-A-Wish Foundation.

The SAAC is comprised of two representatives from each of TU’s intercollegiate sport teams who are selected by their coaches as leaders both on and off the field. Their primary responsibilities include promoting communication between the athletics administration and the student-athlete, disseminating information, providing feedback and insight into athletic department issues, generating a student-athlete voice regarding campus athletics department formulation of policies, building a sense of community within the athletics program involving all athletic teams, soliciting student-athlete responses to proposed conference and NCAA legislation, organizing community service efforts, creating a vehicle for student-athlete representation on campus-wide committees, and promoting a positive student-athlete image on campus.

alpha ioTa sororiTy aDDresses human TraffiCkingStudents of Tiffin Univer-sity’s Alpha Iota sorority hosted a presentation in November to discuss the continuing topic of hu-man trafficking. “Human trafficking is known as modern day slavery,” said Judy Hofmann, an associate for the Sisters of St. Francis of Tiffin, who presented a lecture on what human traf-ficking is and how to possibly prevent it in the future.

“There are more slaves today than leading up to the Civil War,” Hofmann said.

Students were divided into groups to perform several ac-tivities. Each activity was designed to open up the minds and reveal certain aspects about the human trafficking process.

“The Sisters of St. Francis want to educate as many as possible to make them aware of the problem at hand,” Hofmann said. Human trafficking is not just sexual in nature; it also can be through labor and the victims are men, women, girls and boys of all ages. The life expectancy for these victims is very low, Hofmann said. “Over the years the victims just be-come empty shells,” she said, and urged those in attendance to learn more and teach others by spreading the word.

Several years ago, the Sisters of St. Francis established a program called the Sisters in Shelter for victims of human trafficking and individuals who are immigrants. Now, Sisters in Shelter and the Seneca County Coalition Against Human Traf-ficking, is informing the public and raising awareness about the issue by giving presentations and looking for a new safe house for the victims of human trafficking.

The movement began in 2002. The co-founders traveled to Southeast Asia on a exploratory trip where they witnessed children being sold for sex.

This article appeared, in part, in The Advertiser-Tribune

Page 32: Challenge Magazine (Winter, 2013)

Students Doing GREAT Things (continued)

eQuesTrian poker run raises $800 To benefiT make-a-Wish founDaTionThe Garlo Park Nature Preserve, in conjunction with the Tiffin University Equestrian Team and the Seneca County Park Dis-trict, hosted its 4th annual Equestrian Poker Run/Na-ture Walk event in Septem-ber. The event was open to all nature lovers who wished to ride their horses on a trail or take a short hike through the park.

The event included 42 participants (36 horseback riders and 6 walkers) and proceeds in the amount of $800 (largest amount raised to date), were donated to Make-A-Wish Foundation, Tiffin University, and Garlo Park.

freshmen benefiT WalkTU freshmen students walked at the Heminger Center to ben-efit the Allen Eiry Senior Center of Tiffin. According to Teresa Miller, Tiffin University Assistant Professor of Hospitality and Tourism Management, “This is the 3rd year of the Freshman Seminar classes participating in the Freshman Benefit Walk for the Allen Eiry Senior Center. Over 450 freshmen partici-pated in the walk this year. The center provides social and community activities to local seniors--a place for seniors to meet and interact with each other.

The Walk began in 2010, when the incoming freshmen were required to read the book, “The Immortal Life of Hen-rietta Lacks.” Henrietta Lacks, was a poor Southern tobacco farmer who worked the same land as her slave ancestors, yet her cells became one of the most important tools in medi-cine. The first “immortal” human cells grown in culture, they

are still alive today, though she has been deceased for more than sixty years. Lack’s cells were vital for developing the polio vaccine, uncovered secrets of cancer, viruses, and the atom bomb’s effects, helped lead to important advances like in vitro fertilization, cloning, and gene mapping, and, have been bought and sold by the billions.

“Since we know cancer doesn’t discriminate,” Miller said, “Most of our students’ lives have been touched by it. In 2010, TU freshmen raised money for the local organization, FACT, which stands for Financial Assistance for Cancer Treatment. Last year, the Benefit Walk raised money for the local Mor-rison House.

Tiffin University strives to teach its students to view success not only as a way to improve their lives but as a means to improve the lives of other people by giving back in their local community.

harry’s haunTeD TrailsTiffin University’s Track and Field Team hosted Harry’s Haunted Trails throughout Tiffin University’s Paradiso Athletic Complex during three weekends in October.

The trails consisted of 15 scenes, 50 plus characters, concessions, and other entertainment. A hike through the haunted trails cost $6 and all proceeds benefited the Make-A-Wish Foundation and the Tiffin Track and Field team. “The trails are put together each year as a fundraiser and entertain-ment for students and adults,” said Jeremy Croy, Head Track and Field Coach.

alpha ioTa raises money for auTism & DyslexiaThe sisters of Alpha Iota hosted a Thirty-One Gives party in November to raise money for the Cen-ter for Autism and Dyslexia in Findlay, Ohio. Since launching in 2012, Thirty-One Gives organization has helped thousands of women, girls and families.

32

|

W

INT

ER

20

12

/ 2

01

3

| C

HA

LLE

NG

E

Page 33: Challenge Magazine (Winter, 2013)

Ca

mp

usS

ce

ne

CH

ALLE

NG

E | W

INT

ER

20

12

/ 20

13

| 33

Women’s baskeTball supporTs fighT againsT breasT CanCerThe Tiffin University Women’s Basketball Team has partnered with Play4Kay to help support the fight against breast cancer with two special fund-raising. Play4Kay is an initiative started by the Kay Yow Cancer Fund. Before passing away due to the deadly disease, Kay Yow was the head coach of the North Carolina State Women’s Basketball Team. During her tenure, she was diagnosed with breast cancer, which she fought cou-rageously for 22 years. As she battled breast cancer, she created the cancer fund, whose goal is to raise $5 million dollars for breast cancer research.

free-ThroW-a-ThonIn December, the Lady Dragons participated in a Free-Throw-A-Thon fund-raiser to support the fight against breast cancer. The team encouraged sponsors who made a donation for each successful free throw made.

The money raised from the Free-Throw-A-Thon will be combined with a percentage of proceeds from the Lady Dragons Pink Wave game, held in the spring (another event to support the fight against breast cancer).

men’s anD Women’s Tennis Teams bring holiDay Cheer To seneCa house Tiffin University’s men’s and women’s tennis teams traveled to the Seneca House, an assisted living center, for their annual visitation. Each year the two teams make the trip to sing Christmas carols, help decorate the facility, and visit with the residents.

Seneca House is an assisted living facility featuring apartment-style habitats designed to focus on providing as-sistance with daily living activities. They provide a higher level of service for the elderly and are designed to bridge the gap between independent living and nursing home facilities.

shop WiTh a CopTU student John Leary is pictured during the Shop with a Cop pro-gram which is organized annu-ally by the Fra-ternal Order of Police Harold J. Fraley, Sr. Lodge #128, Tiffin, Ohio. John has been employed with the Bloomville Police Department for the last 15 years. He is enrolled in TU’s Degree Completion Program and is majoring in Criminal Justice/ Emergency Management.

Page 34: Challenge Magazine (Winter, 2013)

34

|

W

INT

ER

20

12

/ 2

01

3

| C

HA

LLE

NG

E

Page 35: Challenge Magazine (Winter, 2013)

Ca

mp

usS

ce

ne

CH

ALLE

NG

E | W

INT

ER

20

12

/ 20

13

| 35

Page 36: Challenge Magazine (Winter, 2013)

36

|

W

INT

ER

20

12

/ 2

01

3

| C

HA

LLE

NG

E

CommunityTu To memorialize neighborhooDThe Board of Trustees of Tiffin University approved a plan for the University to celebrate the rich heritage of the former Italian-American neighborhood to which the campus is located by completing a memorial on campus to recognize the families that called the area home.

TU and a committee of Tiffin residents will work with area vendors to determine the proper structure and location for the memorial.

According to Ron Schumacher, Vice President for Devel-opment and Public Affairs, “This is one way for the university to give back to the community to insure that as we look forward to the future, we never forget our past or those who helped us get there.”

CommuniTy TriCk or TreaT TU’s Office of Student Affairs hosted the Annual Community Trick or Treat activity on campus. Tiffin area children were invited to bring family and friends to the Legacy Courtyard to enjoy the spooky festivities. Some of the festivities included roasting marsh-mellows, coloring in the courtyard, games, and more. Residence Life members passed out candy at several residence halls and campus houses.

CommuniTy Day Tiffin University’s Sports Management Club and Athletic Department hosted its first Annual Football Tailgate and Community Day in November. The event took place in the

Heminger Center and continued to the Frost-Kalnow Stadium where the Dragons faced Lake Erie College.

Focused on “kids,” activities included face painting, games, and

corn hole. At the football game, kids who partici-pated in the activities at the Heminger Center were invited to stand on the field and cheer as the Dragons ran out of the tunnel.

sporT & hospiTaliTy Career DayTiffin University hosted its first Sport and Hospitality Career Day in November at the Heminger Center. The event featured 45 employers and seven representatives from graduate pro-grams. The day was organized by Dr. Bonnie Tiell, Associate Professor of Management and Teresa Miller, Assistant Profes-sor of Hospitality Management and Marketing. The event was sponsored by the financial services firm CF Professional, Inc. of Tiffin.

Page 37: Challenge Magazine (Winter, 2013)

Ca

mp

usS

ce

ne

CH

ALLE

NG

E | W

INT

ER

20

12

/ 20

13

| 37

Professional sports teams attending included the Cleve-land Indians, Browns, and Cavs, Detroit Red Wings, and Toledo Mud Hens and Walleyes. Also discussing opportuni-ties with students were the Detroit and Cleveland Sports Commission, Ohio State University Athletics, Bowling Green State University Strohs Center, Toledo District Golf Associa-tion, and Ohio Sports Radio.

Representatives from the hospitality industry included Kalahari Resort, Panera Bread, Newport Aquarium, Hampton Inn, and Great Lakes Brewing Company. Over 150 students from 11 different area colleges and universities attended the event. Twelve TU alumni were included in those representing the organizations at the fair.

arounD The ToWn

Tiffin University and the Tiffin Area Chamber of Commerce co- hosted the annual “Around the Town” event in the Gillmor Student Center in September. Local employers and organizations utilize this venue to showcase their business, products and services to faculty, staff and students. Each participant is invited to the annual Welcome Back Luncheon sponsored by TU’s Student Government.

Tu WelComes nurse praCTiTioner Frances Ford has joined Tiffin University as its Nurse Practitioner in charge of University Health Ser-vices. Frances has over 30 years of experience in the medical field and is thrilled to join the TU family. The University Health Services facility is located in the Seneca House on Miami Street and is open to all TU students, employees and family members of employees on TU’s health insurance plan.

you Can be a super hero!uniTeD Way Campaign

Tiffin University kicked off its United Way Campaign, “You Can Be a Super Hero,” on Halloween Day. TU’s United Way Committee leader, Lori Hall, Vice President for Human Re-sources & Campus Services, encouraged TU employees to be “Super Dragons.”

“The traits of a Super Dragon are to give to the United Way Campaign, advocate to other employees how important it is to support the United Way Campaign, and to volunteer,” Hall said.

Tiffin University employees have always been generous in their donations and this year’s campaign concluded with $18,489.16 in donations. TU celebrated by treating employees who contributed to refreshments, a super raffle and an assort-ment of super goodies.

Tiffin University United Way Committee members were Lori Hall, Denise Burkin, Becky Fox, Jill Earl, Sarah Johnson and Vickie Galaska.

Tiffin naTiVe DonaTes seiTz hall painTingTiffin resident Marilyn Hartman Seitz, generous-ly donated a water color painting of Seitz Hall to TU President Paul Marion & Susan Marion in November.

In 2002, Mrs. Seitz took a painting course at Tiffin University and she remembers her instructor telling the class to go outside, pick a spot, and paint “anything that comes to you.” According to Mrs. Seitz, Seitz Hall seemed like a perfect subject.

Note: Marilyn’s husband, Norman Hartman, is a Tiffin University gradu-ate (1948) along with their three sons: Steve Hartman (1972), Dan Hartman (1981), and Mike Hartman (1987).

Frances Ford

Page 38: Challenge Magazine (Winter, 2013)

38

|

W

INT

ER

20

12

/ 2

01

3

| C

HA

LLE

NG

E

Page 39: Challenge Magazine (Winter, 2013)

Cla

ssSc

en

eC

HA

LLEN

GE

| WIN

TE

R 2

01

2 / 2

01

3 | 3

9H

om

eCo

min

g

Tu CelebraTes homeComing Tiffin University’s Homecoming took place the weekend of September 21-23. The weekend kicked off with two alumni panels, “It’s Criminal-Tips for Seeking Employment in the Field of Criminal Justice” and “Little Known Facts about a Successful Career Search.” The panels were open to the public. In the afternoon, the Wom-en’s Soccer team hosted Ohio Dominican at the Paradiso Athletic Complex. The day ended with the annual Athletic Hall of Fame Dinner, Silent Auction and Induction.

The 2012 Hall of Fame Honorees include Kelly Cavanaugh, Track Coach 1993-2000; Ali Lukungu ’03; Josh Martin ’01; Katie Siroky ’02; and KC Tener ’97. (See SportsScene, pgs. 64-65)

On Saturday, the day included the Alumni 5K Run, the Alumni Softball Game, and tours of the Nature Preserve, Paradiso Athletic Complex, Living Learning Community, and the Heminger Center. The Alumni Office hosted its annual pre-game tailgate party at the Stadium parking lot. Featured fun included a food tent, children’s game and craft tent, and inflatable fun. Pre-game events included the introduc-tion of the Homecoming Court, king & queen announcement, and recognition of the Athletic Hall of Fame honorees.

After the football game, the Alumni Office hosted a post-game alumni reunion event at Madison Street Tavern. Sunday included the All Alumni Golf Scramble and Lunch at Seneca Hills Golf Course. The weekend ended with a wom-en’s soccer game against Ashland and a men’s soccer game against Saginaw Valley State.

Page 40: Challenge Magazine (Winter, 2013)

40

|

W

INT

ER

20

12

/ 2

01

3

| C

HA

LLE

NG

E

homecoming 2012 – Queen Jessica oliver & king sheldon James burk Tischler, Class ‘62

Page 41: Challenge Magazine (Winter, 2013)

Ho

meC

om

ing

CH

ALLE

NG

E | W

INT

ER

20

12

/ 20

13

| 41eric aller, Class ‘05 alumni football reunites at homecoming 2012

Page 42: Challenge Magazine (Winter, 2013)

John gonya, Class ‘63

steve & nancy gilbert

42

|

W

INT

ER

20

12

/ 2

01

3

| C

HA

LLE

NG

E

Page 43: Challenge Magazine (Winter, 2013)

Carl arnold, Class ‘61, and his wife Theresahall of fame inductee Josh martin, Class ‘01,

and his wife, marissa

frank marchetti, Class ‘70, and his wife, Wendy Worringer russel sorg, Class ‘42, and Jan sorg, Class ‘67

Cla

ssSc

en

eC

HA

LLEN

GE

| WIN

TE

R 2

01

2 / 2

01

3 | 4

3H

om

eCo

min

g

Page 44: Challenge Magazine (Winter, 2013)

44

|

W

INT

ER

20

12

/ 2

01

3

| C

HA

LLE

NG

E

Page 45: Challenge Magazine (Winter, 2013)

CH

ALLE

NG

E | W

INT

ER

20

12

/ 20

13

| 45

Alu

mn

iSC

ene

Steve Hartsel, Class of 1965 Boca Raton FL; Frank Marchetti, Class of 1970 Titusville, NJ; Ted Weaver, Class of 1962 Perrysburg, OH; Gary Zeisloft, Class of 1962, Columbus grove, OH; Harry Burd, Class of 1963, Tiffin, OH

How often do five members of one extended family give to a uni-versity? The Friedley family has been giving for years and recently added a new member.

The first Friedley philanthro-pist was Rolland, who graduated from Tiffin University in 1939. He was a member of the Board of Trustees for 28 years and served on the Budget and Finance Committee.

His brother, Dr. Ellsworth Friedley of Cleveland, Ohio, joined with Rolland to give a large donation to build Friedley Hall, which was dedicated in 1991. Dr. Friedley also gave money to rebuild the Bridgewater House, which was named for Dr. Friedley’s caregiver in the latter years.

Rolland’s daughter, Blythe Friedley, attended in 1968 and 1969 and was re-cently recognized as a 15-year member of the President’s Club at the annual dinner.

A third brother, Clinton Friedley, of Columbus, Ohio, has been a member of the Green and Gold Club for several years. In 2011, he gave the college 25 of his grammar books, “I Feel Badly and I Enjoyed Myself,” and 25 writing books, “101 Dumb Things We Write.”

This year a grandson, Robert Clinton Keplinger, who graduated from Tiffin Uni-versity in 2011, surprised his entire family by becoming a member of the Dragon’s

Club with no encouragement. He is the grandson of Clinton and Charlene Friedley.

The family is optimistic about Tiffin University.

A History of Tiffin University

ONWARD TO THE DAWN By micHAEl ANTHONy gRANDillO Buy your copy of this limited-edition book today. Call 419.448.3282 or visit bookstore.tiffin.edu

Five Family Members Contribute to Tiffin University

SIG’s Reunite at Homecoming 2012 Lunch

Friedley Hall

Friedley Hall Dedication

Clinton Friedley Robert Keplinger

Page 46: Challenge Magazine (Winter, 2013)

Alumni Spotlightbobby peTrasClass of 2003Chief operating officerlamplight Communities

Bobby Petras, from Toronto, Ohio, trans-ferred to TU from the University of Findlay. He played for the Dragon’s football team and majored in business.

Bobby met his wife Brandie in 2002 and they have two children, Bella (3 years) and Bianca (7 months).

Together, with his family, Bobby and Brandie own and operate Lamp-light Communities (five assisted living facilities as well as a skilled nursing

facility in Ohio and Indiana) and are currently bidding on four additional properties to expand.

It all began during the holidays in 2008. “My sister came home for Thanksgiving and informed me, my wife, and my mother that we were all going to quit our jobs and form a management company to run assisted living buildings. My sister was a very successful corporate banker at the time, so I knew if she was willing to give up what she had, than she must have a great plan. Four months later, I quit my job and we started Lamplight.”

They spent all of 2009 looking for a property to buy and then finally found one in Maple Heights, Ohio. “I got my first paycheck from the com-pany the day before Bella was born,” Bobby said.

Today, Brandie is the Director of Social Services over all properties, but

primarily works with each building’s Sales and Marketing Directors on a daily basis. “She has been amaz-ing, and is one of the main reasons all of our buildings have such a high census,” said Bobby. “Brandie has the biggest heart of anyone that I have ever met and I’m amazed at her per-

Brandie & Bobby Petras

With today’s continuing medical advances, people are living much longer. While technology may be able to prolong our lives, the reality is at some point, we will all need assistance. For the most part, we turn to our family for that support. Now that we are living longer, healthier lives however, that responsibility is largely left up to the adult children who are often in the midst of raising their own children. This phenomenon has become so common that it was aptly named the “Sandwich Generation,” referring to these adults who feel squeezed between the needs of their aging parents or relatives and the needs of their own families and careers.

According to Bobby, selecting a community for your loved one is one of the hardest decisions you will make in your life. Lamplight partners with local agencies, such as the Area Agency on Aging, in each community that they serve. “We are an open book and help families

make the best decision for their loved ones, even if it’s not with Lamplight. We employ caring and compassionate people to assist in the process.”

“You better never put me in a nursing home,” according to Bobby, “is something we hear all of the time from children facing the difficult decision of whether or not to care for a parent person-ally or place them in a care facility such as Lamplight.”

“Our assisted living facilities are fun and not a death sen-

tence. The resident’s days are fun filled with activities and outings,” he said. “We have live music at the build-ings regularly, and movie nights. While the fun things are often the center of attention, you have to remember that what it really comes down to is getting the best care for your loved one. Our care givers care for all residents as if they were caring for their own mom, dad or favorite relative.”

Lamplight Communities strive to provide a welcoming home to everyone, regardless of their economic resources. This includes preserving one’s dignity and by partner-ing with family members, caregivers, and health professionals in the surrounding

local communities.

46

|

W

INT

ER

20

12

/ 2

01

3

| C

HA

LLE

NG

E

Page 47: Challenge Magazine (Winter, 2013)

Cla

ssSc

en

eC

HA

LLEN

GE

| WIN

TE

R 2

01

2 / 2

01

3 | 4

7A

lum

niS

Cen

e

sonal relationships with each and every resident. I wouldn’t know what to do without her, she truly is my rock.”

Bobby uses his TU education every day.

“When I was at TU, I knew I wanted to own my own business and not work for someone else the rest of my life, so I draw on a little bit of everything I learned --accounting and employee management, to name a few.”

Bobby says his business is very rewarding. “I’m able to spend a lot of time with my family, and this would not be the case if I was working for someone else, and we take care of people—people who need help to live who would not be able to live alone in their home otherwise.”

In addition to Lamplight, Bobby and Brandie also own a business called Platinum Purchasing. http://ppurchasing.com -- a procurement management company. “We help small to medium sized businesses get better pricing. Our main focus is health care, but we have helped many companies outside of health care,” he said.

In closing, Bobby says, “I have nothing but wonderful thoughts when I think back about my TU experience. I have life-long friends and experiences from TU and I’m beyond proud and grateful to be able to give back to the school, and still be connected.

aaron misTiC Class of 2012air force officer Trainee

In 2008, high school senior Aaron Mistic was charting his life ambi-tions. “I wasn’t really sure what I was going to do. I was interested in going on to study law enforcement,” he says. On his list was the FBI or the U.S. Marshall Service.

Mistic settled on his career direc-tion and stayed with it. For him, the challenge was exactly what degree and where to get it. He chose study-ing international relations, with a stint abroad, at a small Ohio college.

Then, his dad suggested he talk to a friend, an instructor at Tiffin Uni-versity. “When we got there, I showed him my transcripts and talked to him,” recalls Mistic. “He told me about the Homeland Security degree. I knew it would correlate nicely with what I wanted to do in law enforcement.”

Aaron earned his degree in Homeland Security and Terrorism with minor in Intelligence Analysis. He did it while maintaining an overall GPA of 3.97. As a senior at Tiffin University, Aaron earned the prestigious award of Excellence in the Field of Homeland Security/ Terrorism.

Ever the planner, Mistic knew he would need work experience to get a job and a job to get work experience. So, he enlisted in the Air Force ROTC program. In May 2012, he graduated from TU and received his Air Force Officer’s commission. In August, he

headed to Texas for further training as an Air Force officer.

The faculty remains one of Mis-tic’s favorite things about TU. “It was really neat going through the program and having professors with the experi-ences they have. They are retired military, retired U.S. Marshalls, retired FBI, and retired civilian intelligence analysts,” he says. “It’s nice to be taught by people who know what they are talking about because they have been there and done that, especially when you are talking about issues of terrorism and criminal justice. There is only so much a degree can do for you. It’s in the application of the field that you’re really learning.”

One of the more interesting things, he says, was gaining a broader perspective on the world. “It helped me understand the realities of Islam and the Middle Eastern culture. It helped me understand what it was re-ally like through an educated person’s point of view, as opposed to applying stereotypes where it’s not fair.”

He laughs when asked if Intel-ligence Analysis is like the television shows that “profile” suspects. “You gather information, you refine it,” he says. “Then you can give back to the individual who asked for it. It’s not like intelligence analysts can read minds or predict the future. It is more about looking for patterns, trends. Your ultimate goal is to gather as much in-formation on an issue in order to gain the largest perspective possible.”

Mistic is uncertain what the future will bring. “Maybe I will choose mili-tary work or federal law enforcement. I would definitely like to stay in the intelligence arena,” he says. “It really sets you up when you have a degree like mine from Tiffin. You can go into federal law enforcement or other fed-

Page 48: Challenge Magazine (Winter, 2013)

Alumni Spotlight (continued)

eral employment when you get out.” Mistic has been a member of the

national criminal justice honor society of Alpha Phi Sigma and a member of the Tiffin Martial Arts Club. He has been a student of the martial arts for ten years, and has assisted with teaching martial arts to children at the YMCA in Tiffin.

sarah CrosWhiTeClass of 2012flagstaff, arizonapolice officerflagstaff arizona police Department

Sarah was born and raised on a ranch in a small town in Northern California called Pla-cerville, with her parents and younger brother. She now lives in Flagstaff, Arizona.

In 2008, she started classes at TU double majoring in Law Enforcement and Homeland Security. In addition to a full class load, she was a member of the Varsity Equestrian Team and held several jobs on campus. “I worked hard and was on schedule to graduate with the rest of my class.

According to TU Criminal Justice Professor Kevin Cashen, “Sarah was an excellent student at Tiffin Univer-sity and now that she has graduated, she will be an outstanding ambassa-dor for us. She has a strong work ethic combined with an excellent intellect and she is a good person with a strong and focused moral compass. Sarah will succeed in her pursuit of

a law enforcement career. I would not be surprised to one day learn that Sarah has moved up the ranks within her department while earning a graduate degree as well.”

The summer leading up to Sarah’s senior year at TU, she was offered a job with the Flagstaff Police Department in Flagstaff, Arizona.

In order to attend the Flagstaff Police Department Academy (18 weeks of training), Sarah had to leave Tiffin University before Thanksgiving. She was faced with completing fall semester in eight weeks while attend-ing a 50+ hour per week of rigorous police academy training.

“In the Academy, I was educated on topics such as self-defense tactics, handcuffing techniques, the use of firearms, driving tactics, and every as-pect of both criminal and traffic law,” she said. “I was pushed to the limit physically in a military style boot camp of physical fitness. As part of the train-ing, I had to complete an obstacle after being shot with pepper spray, attacked by several instructors in a physical fight (the culmination of my defensive tactics course), and finally, being subjected to a taser stun gun.”

Sarah graduated from the Ari-zona Law Enforcement Academy in April while simultaneously graduating from Tiffin with both degrees. “After I graduated, I returned to Flagstaff where I completed the three and a half month field training program. This program is designed to give new officers practical, in-the-field training, before they become solo officers,” she explained.

After seven months of being an officer, Sarah was nominated for a lifesaving award.

She explained, “I was a solo of-ficer on the road when a toner came

out for a woman who was not breath-ing. I had actually been to the loca-tion the night before for a domestic dispute, so I knew exactly where the residence was. I was also the closest officer so I responded code (lights and sirens active) and was the first emer-gency responder on scene. I found an adult female lying on the floor not breathing. Due to traffic, it was several minutes before the paramedics could arrive so I learned from family mem-bers that the female was believed to have attempted suicide via drug overdose. While waiting for medics, I performed CPR which resulted in the subject taking several shallow breaths. I spoke to the doctor later in the shift and he informed that she would have died if she had not received the emer-gency CPR I provided.”

When asked to describe a typical day, Sarah said, “I’m not really sure there is such a thing. That is why I love this job. For example, a few weeks ago we had a drug dealer who broke into the stash house of another drug dealer. The week before that was calm, but the week after, I was first on the scene of a fatal motorcycle crash after having found a subject who was threatening suicide by jumping in front of a train.”

Sarah said she deals with numer-ous domestic violence situations, fights ‘downtown’ between college kids, crashes, both injury and non-injury, and suicide to name a few. Be-cause her department is small, officers handle everything. “I will fingerprint recovered stolen vehicles, conduct ini-tial investigations of missing persons and sexual assaults, and respond to medical emergencies,” she said.

In addition to everything else, she conducts traffic stops. Accord-ing to Sarah, “The Flagstaff Police

48

|

W

INT

ER

20

12

/ 2

01

3

| C

HA

LLE

NG

E

Page 49: Challenge Magazine (Winter, 2013)

Cla

ssSc

en

eC

HA

LLEN

GE

| WIN

TE

R 2

01

2 / 2

01

3 | 4

9A

lum

niS

Cen

e

Department has the highest DUI conviction rate per capita in the country and a very large emphasis is placed on DUI apprehension due to the high potential for injury/fatality crashes associated with driving while impaired. Every officer is asked to find and process at least one DUI a week,” she explained.

On a personal note, Sarah and Will, her fiancé, plan to get married as soon as he returns from deployment in Afghanistan.

What has Tiffin University meant to you? “Tiffin University has truly been

a life-changing experience. I came to Tiffin as a shy high school grad and left with the confidence to meet my challenges head on and knock them down one at a time. Tiffin was also a home away from home. I was only able to go home once a year due to the fact that I lived so far away, but within the first few weeks at TU, I knew I’d be okay.”

What will you remember most about TU?“I think the thing I will remember

most is the atmosphere. The profes-sors were not only teachers but friends. Classmates were not just friends but family. Tiffin was not just a school but a place where I was given the tools I needed to succeed and then allowed to try the tools until I found the ones that worked best for me.”

niCole WalbyClass of 2012Tiffin, ohioeducation reporterThe advertiser-Tribune

Nicole Walby want-ed to be a veterinar-ian. “I love all animals but I could not bear to think about putting an animal down, even if it was for the best, I didn’t want that over my head.”

I did not always want to be a reporter. I started off on the path of going into criminal justice. While at Tiffin Columbian I was part of the criminal justice program at the Tech Center. I enjoyed it in the beginning but my senior year I lost interest. I thought about where to go next and I had always had a passion for writing and was looking into doing something in PR or marketing and decided to go in a more broad direction and chose journalism.

I owe where I am now to the education I received at Tiffin and Terra State Community College. I attended Terra for two years and transferred my credits from there to Tiffin. The people I met while at Tiffin were great and helped lead me down this path. I also owe a lot to Dr. Vallo. She helped get a better perspective on things as a reporter and I continually stay in touch with her.

Typically, Nicole’s day begins with checking emails and messages. “Mondays are normally my day where I get at least two weeks laid out,” she said. “Things do come up during the

week, but I usually know when things are going to happen. It is not a very spontaneous beat, which I like. I like being prepared so I make lists. I can-not live without my planner or sticky notes. It is busy and I like it.”

John mCCauleymsCJ Class of 2011painseville Township, ohadjunct instructor, Tiffin university

When he was two years old, John McCauley, TU class of 2011, knew he wanted to be like his father and enter the police force. He even dressed like an officer every Hallow-een.

So, when he got out of Wil-loughby South High School in 1992, McCauley enrolled in Lakeland Com-munity College. There he received an associate’s degree in criminal justice and finished his police officer training.

He couldn’t become a police officer until 1995. He had to wait to be 21 years old to carry a firearm. Then, he joined his dad, Jack, on the Eastlake police force. They worked together for almost four years until his father retired.

In 2000, MacCauley decided to finish his bachelor’s degree. In 2002, he enrolled at Myer University in Cleveland studying criminal justice. When that was done, he enrolled at Tiffin University where he received a master’s degree in criminal justice.

By that point he may as well have

Page 50: Challenge Magazine (Winter, 2013)

Alumni Spotlight (continued)

been addicted to education. He’d built momentum and didn’t quit until he earned his Ph.D. in public policy and administration with a specializa-tion in counterterrorism in 2011.

“I started in 2002 and went straight through with no breaks,” he says. “I wanted to get it done so if I moved up down the road I’d have the degree. A lot of it, too, was the desire to do better.”

A non-traditional student with a full-time job and family meant it took more than six years to complete his doctorate work. And, that was made possible by online classes.

“I did my bachelor’s degree half on campus and half online,” he says. “I did my masters’ degree all online and my Ph.D., online with on-campus residency classes.”

Today, as an online instructor at TU and five other institutions, he helps other aspiring graduate students do the same. At Tiffin University, in fact, he is the lead instructor for the coun-terterrorism track.

“I like teaching counterterrorism because a part of our population in the program is police officers,” he says. “We don’t get counterterrorism experience in our service.”

Having advanced degrees says McCauley gives him more insight into people. “You understand cultures and how to deal with people better,” he says.

breTT myers VisiTs CampusTiffin University Alumus Brett Myers, Director of Ballpark Operations for the Omaha (Nebraska) Storm Chasers, spoke to students about careers in profes-sional sports operations and facility management. The presentation was open to the public.

A graduate of Tiffin University, Brett started his ca-reer as an intern in the Baseball Opera-tions Department for the Cincinnati Reds. After com-pleting his intern-ship, Brett became an assistant coach for the Evansville Otters of the Frontier League. After a brief stint as the Assistant General Manager for the Bradenton Juice, Brett moved on to the Amarillo Dillas of the United League, where he was the Director of Stadium Operations and Corporate Sales. Brett’s career then brought him to Lincoln, NE, where he was the Assistant Stadium Operations Director for the Lincoln Saltdogs and the University of Nebraska baseball program.

The Storm Chasers finished the season as runner-up for the Pacific Coast League Championship. The organization won the PC league championship in 2011. The Storm Chasers home field, Werner Park, opened in 2011 under Meyer’s leadership. The stadium accommodates over 9000.

Catch up on the latest Tu alumni news at

www.facebook.com/Tiffinuniversityalumni

Point. Click. Give.

WiTH OuR sEcuRE sERvER, iNvEsTiNg iN TiffiN uNivERsiTy HAs NEvER BEEN EAsiER. Just point and click, and your gift helps TU provide access and opportu-nity for individuals, and facilitates their preparation for successful careers and satisfying lives. We invite our friends and supporters to join us at www.tiffin.edu

50

|

W

INT

ER

20

12

/ 2

01

3

| C

HA

LLE

NG

E

Page 51: Challenge Magazine (Winter, 2013)

CH

ALLE

NG

E | W

INT

ER

20

12

/ 20

13

| 51

Page 52: Challenge Magazine (Winter, 2013)

ClassSceneeDiTor’s noTe: Articles Welcomed! Did you meet at TU and get married? Tell us your story and send us your photo for the next issue of Challenge Magazine. Please feel free to submit news articles, short stories or other literature to Challenge Magazine. Email [email protected]

1930’sgrace romine, Class of 1933, Cen-terville, Ohio, turned 100 years old on October 3, 2012.

harold l. shultz, Class of 1938, Tif-fin, Ohio, turned 95 in September. His educa-tion at Tiffin University served him very well. He joined Huber Motor Transportation Company (later known as Mohawk Mo-tor, Inc.) in 1939 as an accounting clerk and eventually became head of the accounting department. Following the sale of the company in 1970, he joined Seneca Sheet Metal, Inc. as control-ler. He remained in that position until 1992 when he retired at the age of 75. During his working career, he was active in local organizations, including the Moose, Elks, Lions, and United Com-mercial Travelers (U.C.T.). He served as President of the Tiffin Chamber of U.C.T. and was recognized for achiev-ing the greatest membership growth in the nation. Harold has remained active throughout his retirement, including serving as Treasurer of Senior Commu-nity Services during the 1990’s. In De-cember 2010, he moved from his home of 60 years to the St. Francis Home in Tiffin, where he joined his wife, Kathryn, who was already a resident. He is still

enjoying retired life and participates in most activities at St. Francis.

1990’snorman elchert, Class of 1992, Tiffin, Ohio, was recently hired as treasurer of Fostoria schools. Previously, he has been Lakota Elementary principal since 2000, added middle school principal duties in 2007, and has handled central purchasing for the Lakota district since 2010. He and his wife, Windy, have two children.

melissa Woods Coe, Class of 1997, Bowling Green, Ohio, and her hus-band, Nick, recently welcomed a son, Easton, in October.

Derek stanley, Class of 1999, Lacres-cent, Minnesota, and his wife, Kristen, welcomed a son, Alex, in March.

nancy sullivan, Class of 1999 & 2000, Elyria, Ohio represented TU at the Baldwin Wallace University inaugu-ration of President Robert Helmer.

Justin White, Class of 1999 & 2000, Bowling Green, Ohio, was promoted to police sergeant.

2000’sJosh martin, Class of 2001, Lake Tomahawk, Ohio, was inducted into the Tiffin University Athletic Hall of Fame in September. He played basketball at TU from 1998 to 2001. Josh was also recently inducted into the East Liverpool High School Athletic Hall of Fame. “Tiffin University is a special place to me, and it always will be. My induction to the Hall of Fame symbolizes the final chapter of my athletic career. I have a new life now, and my interests lie in starting a family and continuing my work in the field of disabled and disadvantaged individu-als,” Josh said. Since 2002, he has worked for the Columbiana County

board of Developmental Disabilities and currently serves as the Medical Services Manager.

bill Thistlethwaite, Class of 2001 & 2004, St. Marys, Ohio, married Sarah McHenry in June.

brian glenn, Class of 2002, Colum-bus, Ohio, is the market manager for Sherwin Williams. His wife, Katie, works for Victoria’s Secret as a deploy-ment analyst. They have one daughter, Sophia.

Cheryl hill, Class of 2002, Fremont, Ohio, is the new Executive Vice Presi-dent/Chief Financial Officer for the Fre-mont Federal Credit Union. She joined the credit union in June 2008 and has more than 25 years of financial service experience. Additionally, Cheryl serves as treasurer for Old Fort Athletic Boosters. She lives in Fremont with her husband and two children.

Chris Chase, Class of 2003 & 2005, Tiffin, Ohio, mar-ried Heather Hickle in May in Ha-waii. He is a small busi-ness owner.

Dustin harrison, Class of 2003, and angie martorana harrison, Class of 2004, Olmstead Falls, Ohio, welcomed a son, Austin, in August.

Harold Schultz

Chris & Heather Chase

52

|

W

INT

ER

20

12

/ 2

01

3

| C

HA

LLE

NG

E

Page 53: Challenge Magazine (Winter, 2013)

Cla

ssSc

en

e

Tyson pinion, Class of 2003 & mba 2005, Tiffin, Ohio, recently accepted the position of Director of Devel-opment at Bowling Green State University.

Julie metzger sasala, Class of 2003, and her hus-band Jeff, welcomed a baby boy, Emmitt James, in May.

kendra lease shearer, Class of 2003, Tif-fin, Ohio, married Kyle Shearer in May. She works as a juvenile pro-bation of-ficer for Seneca County. Her husband is a trooper for Ohio State Highway Patrol and a member of the patrol’s special response team.

Joan reinhard, Class of 2004, Fos-toria, Ohio, is the executive director of the Fostoria Economic Development Corporation. She worked for the for-mer Fostoria Area Federal Credit Union for nearly 15 years before moving to FEDC.

ryan harpold, Class of 2005, Nobles-ville, Indiana, and his wife, Heather, welcomed a daughter, Halle Adrian, in August.

kelly lindesmith, Class of 2005, Westerville, Ohio, was inducted into the Genoa High School Athletic Hall of Fame.

stephen kenney, Class of 2006, and his wife, Krista, welcomed a son, Lane, in October.

Joe niehaus, Class of 2006, Spring-boro, Ohio, is a veteran police officer and author of six books and numerous articles in police and martial arts maga-zines. His most recent book, “Shadow in the Reflection,” was published this year. He holds certificates in fraud examination and clinical and forensic hypnosis. Joe is an adjunct professor at Ashford University and Sinclair Com-munity College.

Tony scher-ley, Class of 2006, Bel-levue, Ohio, married Ra-chel Mercer in June. He is a trooper for the Ohio State High-way Patrol and Rachel is a dispatcher for the Wood County Sheriff’s Office.

garett bush, msCJ/hs 2007, Los Angeles, California, is an investiga-tor with the Los Angeles Police Depart-ment. He is currently assigned to the Crisis Response Support Section (CRSS) and is a member of the LAPD SWAT Crisis Negotiation Cadre. During his 9 year with CRSS, he has performed over 5,000 crisis interventions, dealing with the mentally ill population. He is published in several law enforcement publications and in the California POST Portal. Along with being a published writer, Garett is an adjunct faculty professor at ITT Technical Institute. He created the TAC*COM Institute and is the Officer in Charge and lead Instruc-tor for its Crisis Communications/Crisis Negotiation Cadre. He has trained crisis negotiations to law enforcement professionals from other countries such as: Israel, Australia, U.K., and Canada, as well as from the Federal, State, and local levels. He was contracted to train the entire Dubai police department on emergency personnel’s response to individuals with mental illness.

lorenzo guess, Class of 2007, Granger, Indiana, recently joined the Michigan State University football team’s strength and conditioning staff. He joins MSU after spending the past two seasons as an assistant strength coach at Notre Dame.

paul sweeney, Class of 2007, Milford, Ohio, and his wife Heather, welcomed a son, Zachary, in July. Zachary joins his sister Emma and two brothers, Caleb and James.

Send us your news & [email protected]

Julie, Jeff and Emmitt Sasala

Kendra & Kyle Shearer

Tony & Rachel Scherley

Garett BushTyson Pinion

CH

ALLE

NG

E | W

INT

ER

20

12

/ 20

13

| 53

Page 54: Challenge Magazine (Winter, 2013)

if you are an ohio resiDenT, you can show pride in Tiffin University through the Collegiate License Plate Program sponsored by the State of Ohio. The cost to participate in the program (in addition to any normal renewal fees) is $35 annually. Of this $35 fee, $25 is directed to Tiffin University in the form of a charitable donation to the General Scholarship Fund in your name.

Due to a change in the Drivers Privacy Protection Act, Ohio Revised Code 4501.27, the release of personal information will not be provided without written consent by the individual. Therefore, you must provide proof of your participation in the collegiate license plate program in order for Tiffin University to recognize your contribution to the TU General Scholarship Fund.

If you have questions, contact TU’s Alumni Relations Office at 419-448-3313 or your local Bureau of Motor Vehicles.

TU Specialty License Plate Program

ClassScene (continued)

parris burt, Class of 2008 & 2010, and Wynter Toland burt, Class of 2007, Find-lay, Ohio, welcomed a daughter, Londyn, in July.

brenda Collins, Class of 2008, Colum-bus, Ohio, was promoted to the rank of captain by Col. John Born, Ohio State Highway Patrol superintendent. She transferred from the field operations office to serve as commander of the critical information and communications center. She joined the patrol in 1985 as a cadet dispatcher. She began training as a member of the 116th Academy Class and received her commission in 1987. In 1996, she was promoted to ser-geant and served as the patrol’s spokes-woman. In 1998, she was promoted to lieutenant and served as commander of the office of recruitment and training. In 2000, she began serving as post com-mander of the Fremont post. In 2006, she was promoted to staff lieutenant and transferred to the field operations office to serve as an inspector. In 2007, she served as the patrol’s recruitment commander, before returning to the field operations office in 2011.

Chad Johnson, Class of 2008, and bridgett kolbow, Class of 2010, were married in July.

mike lento, Class of 2008 & 2010, Fremont, Ohio, and his wife, DeeAnn, welcomed a son, Jaxson Donald, in July.

Jasmine Trenda-filov, Class of 2008, and kaleb Christo-pher Tor-bet, Class of 2009, Wauseon, Ohio, were married in August. Jasmine is a Licensed Profes-sional Counselor for Maumee Valley Guidance and Kaleb is a Patrolman for Archbold Police Department.

Christopher buck, Class of 2009, Gib-sonburg, Ohio, recently graduated from Basic Peace Officer Academy at Owens Community College. He scored second highest at the academy on the state test. He is serving with the auxiliary at the Walbridge Police Department.

Tiniel pinion nickler, Class of 2009, Bucyrus, Ohio, and her husband, Dewayne, welcomed Gaitlin, born in August.

ray robinson, Class of 2010, Tiffin, Ohio represented TU at the Marietta College inauguration of Dr. Joseph Bruno.

John Tenuto, mh 2011, Gurnee, Illinois, presented the results from four years of research into Star Trek at the University of Iowa and Trek Fest in June. He coauthored the book “Social Movement Theory and Research: An Annotated Bibliographic Guide.” For the past four years, he and his wife, Maria, have conducted major research based on the idea that “art thrives on limitations,” using Star Trek as a case study. Their research has been featured on BBC Radio, WGN News, Chicago Tribune, and in the documen-tary film, “The Force Among Us.” John has been a full-time sociology faculty member at College of Lake County since 1998. He teaches honors sociol-ogy and has developed courses such as “That 70s Class: Sociology of 1970’s Popular Culture,” “Star Trek and Soci-ology,” and “Star Wars and Sociology.”

Callie Dewald, Class of 2012, Tiffin, Ohio, joined Corporate One Benefits as the Communications Representative in Findlay, Ohio.

marc fencil, Class of 2012, Delaware, Ohio, is one of Dublin’s newest police officers. He is a U.S. Marine and has served in Iraq.

Londyn Burt

Kaleb & Jasmine Torbet

54

|

WIN

TE

R 2

01

2 /

20

13

|

CH

ALL

EN

GE

Page 55: Challenge Magazine (Winter, 2013)

1930’sCharles swope, Class of 1934, Fort Seneca, Ohio, passed away in October. He was 100 years old. Charles lived nearly his entire life in Fort Seneca and worked in Toledo for nine years, then 34 years at Basic Incorporated at Maple Grove, Ohio, retiring as controller of finance. He was a past president of Basic Management Club, a past president of Basic Quarter Century Club, an avid golfer, and member of Nature Trails Golf Course for many years. He had three holes-in-one and was awarded several trophies over the years.

Carl adams, Class of 1937, Fairhope, Alabama, passed away in July. Mr. Adams served in the US Army during World War II. He was an entrepreneur whose career encompassed banking, communications, real estate development and en-ergy exploration. He was publisher of the Lorain (Ohio) Journal and president of Great Lakes Broadcasting Company, which operated nine radio stations in six states. When he and his wife moved to Fairhope, he was not quite ready to retire so he joined with other local businessmen to invest in Fairhope real estate. In 2004, he was the recipient of a Doctor of Humane Letters from Tiffin University, which he had attended in his youth. On the occasion of his 90th birthday, Mayor Tim Kant proclaimed September First as Carl Adams Day in Fairhope in recognition of his remarkable and interesting career.

Clayton border, Class of 1939, Toledo, Ohio, passed away in September.

1950’sraymond o’Connor Jr., Class of 1959, Albany, Georgia, passed away in June. A native of Tiffin, Mr. O’Connor served in the U.S. Army in Korea and moved to Albany, Georgia, from Newark in 1973. Mr. O’Connor was the purchasing man-ager for MacGregor Golf Co. until he retired in 1991. He was also employed with Thomas and Betts Lighting, Bainbridge, Georgia, and Thrush Aircraft of Albany.

1960’sTom Wilhelm, Class of 1962, findlay, ohio, passed away in October.

James gillig, Class of 1964, Tiffin, Ohio, passed away in September.

In Memoriam

Charles Swope

Tom Wilhelm

James Gillig

1950’sJean (grady) hertzer, Class of 1956, Tiffin, Ohio, passed away in December. Tiffin University’s Hertzer Technology Center was made pos-sible through a generous donation of Jean and her husband, Bill. Jean and Bill spent the last sixteen winters in Lehigh Acres, Florida. She was a member of the board of directors for the Tiffin Rangers and served as their secretary for many years. She was a sixty-year member of Beta Sigma Phi

Sorority. Jean and Bill were members of Tiffin University’s Presi-dent’s Club for many years and she was very active in TU events.

Jean (Grady) Hertzer

Cla

ssSc

en

eC

HA

LLEN

GE

| WIN

TE

R 2

01

2 / 2

01

3 | 5

5C

lassS

ce

ne

Page 56: Challenge Magazine (Winter, 2013)

Tell Us About Yourself @

www.tiffin.edu

1960’s marvin “marv” Cok, Class of 1966, Spartanburg, South Caro-lina, passed away in August. He managed the family-owned Spiffy Clean Coin Laundry and until his recent semi-retirement, he was the owner of Marvin R. Cok’s Tax Service for over 25 years.

sharon boes, Class of 1969, Tiffin, Ohio, passed away in October. She worked in the of-fice for Fleck Electric for 19 years and in the office at K-Mart for 21 years. Sharon cleaned for seven years at St. Francis Convent and North Central Ohio Educational Service Center for 18 years. She was a 4-H adviser for 25 years.

1970’sgary keller, Class of 1976, Bloomville, Ohio, passed away in October.

2000’saaron Ciak, Class of 2005, Southgate, Michigan, passed away in July.

aaron Ciak sCholarship funDThis summer, Bobby Petras, Class of 2003, hosted a golf outing in honor of his late friend and former Dragon teammate, Aaron Ciak. Bobby decided that holding a golf outing every year during TU’s Homecoming celebration in Aaron’s name would give everyone a joyful reason to get together in his memory.

According to Bobby, Aaron was a great person, amazing athlete and awesome friend. After college, Aaron joined the Army and became an Army Ranger. “He served his country, and served it well, deploying several times overseas,” said Bobby.

“For 2013, we are partnering with Tiffin University to make the event bigger and better,” said Bobby. “All of the proceeds from the golf outing will go toward a scholarship fund in Aaron’s name.”

For more information about next year’s golf outing, contact Bobby Petras at [email protected] or TU Development Office at 419.448.3282.

In Memoriam (continued)

Gary Keller

Aaron Ciak

Sharon Boes

Marvin Cok

56

|

W

INT

ER

20

12

/ 2

01

3

| C

HA

LLE

NG

E

Page 57: Challenge Magazine (Winter, 2013)

CH

ALLE

NG

E | W

INT

ER

20

12

/ 20

13

| 57

Page 58: Challenge Magazine (Winter, 2013)

Tiffin University took a solid step forward during the 2012 season, finishing 3-8 overall in Head Coach Gary Goff’s second season. Tiffin picked up wins over McKendree, Notre Dame, and Lake Erie while dropping close games to Malone, North-wood, and Ohio Dominican.

Tiffin University’s Obadiah Dykes was named Second Team All-GLIAC by vote of the GLIAC football coaches. Dykes led all Dragons receivers with 599 yards before his season was cut short due to injury after 9 games. He averaged 66.6 yards per game and hauled in 45 receptions.

Six other Dragons players landed Honorable Mention honors. Wide receiver Marcus Beaurem was joined by offen-sive linemen Dustan Craig and Max Pollom, while defensive lineman Joe Collard and safeties Brandon Person and Stefan Willis were also selected.

Beaurem led the Dragons with 51 catches and totaled 551 yards in 11 games. He averaged 50.1 yards per game while Craig (sophomore center) and Pollom (freshman tackle) helped the Dragons offense.

Collard landed his third consecutive Honorable Mention selection, posting 63 tackles and team highs in tackles for loss (8), sacks (2.5), and forced fumbles (2).

Person led the Dragons overall with 81 tackles along with 3 interceptions and 6 deflections, while Willis had 28 tackles, 3.5 for loss, and also had 3 interceptions and 6 deflections.

Tiffin finished the 2011 season at 7-5-2 in the GLIAC and 9-8-2 overall. The Dragons finished with a flurry, winning the last four regular season games to get into the GLIAC Tournament. What made it more of a Cinderella finish was beating two teams ahead of them, Northwood and Saginaw Valley State, in the last two home matches.

Giulianne Domingues led the team in scoring with five goals and 10 total points. Ashley Davis and Alexandra Sevas-takis led the team with three assists each. In the net, Hayley Coppola was 7-4 with 2.5 shutouts, 81 saves and a 1.16 G.A.A. Lindsey Gallagher went 2-4-2 with 2.5 shutouts and 51 saves and a 1.26 G.A.A. Gallagher finished her career second in saves with 240 and fourth in minutes played at 4001:45.

Sheena Maravich made All-GLIAC Honorable Mention. She started 18 of 19 games she played and had two assists. It

Football

Joseph Collard earned his third consecutive All-GLIAC citation while leading the team in sacks.

Obadiah Dykes was named Second Team All-GLIAC and led all receivers in yards.

Women’s Soccer

58

|

W

INT

ER

20

12

/ 2

01

3

| C

HA

LLE

NG

E

Page 59: Challenge Magazine (Winter, 2013)

Sp

or

tsSc

en

e

was her defensive abilities that helped the Dragons surrender just 24 goals on the season and post five shutouts. Maravich also assisted on the game-winning goal against Saginaw Val-ley State that sent TU into the GLIAC playoffs.

Tiffin went 4-8-1 in the GLIAC and 5-9-2 overall. The Dragons were still in the hunt for a GLIAC playoff spot with four games to go. Unfortunately, injuries contributed to TU losing the last four games. Tiffin beat Mercyhurst 4-0 in the opening game; the Lakers would go to reach the NCAA Semi-finals. The Dragons also toughed out a 1-1 tie against Saginaw Valley State, which would reach the national championship game.

Karl Jones led the team with 10 goals and 21 points while Jon O’Brien tallied seven assists. Jeremy Ashley was 5-8-2

with three shutouts, 80 saves and a 1.58 G.A.A. After just two seasons, he is third in career saves with 207.

Tiffin University’s Emmanuel Adjei was the sole Drag-ons player honored with the announcement of the GLIAC All-Men’s Soccer team. Adjei, a sophomore defender, was an Honorable Mention selection. He started 15 games while scoring one goal. He helped the Dragons post a 1.54 G.A.A. for the season.

Tiffin went 9-20 overall. At the Christian Brothers Invitational, the Dragons went 2-2 beating West Georgia and Ouachita Baptist. Tiffany Buchinger and Danielle McQuade made the all-tournament team. Buchinger averaged 10.80 assists over 15 sets while McQuade averaged 3.60 kills and 2.87 digs per set while hitting .275.

McQuade earned ALL-GLIAC second team honors for the third time. She averaged 3.79 kills and 2.87 digs per set. She is ranked third in the GLIAC and 35th in the country in kills per set. McQuade had 20 double-digit kill and 16 double-digit dig performances along with 14 double-doubles.

Jordan Jenkins made Honorable Mention All-GLIAC. She tallied 555 digs and averaged 6.61 per set, despite missing 18 sets due to an injury. She had 23 double-digit dig matches with 20 in a row. Jenkins led the GLIAC and was fourth in the country for digs per set. She tied the school record with 50 digs against Walsh.

Giulianne Domingues led the women’s soccer team with 5 goals last season.

Men’s Soccer

Volleyball

Emmanuel Adjei earned Honorable Mention All-GLIAC honors for the Dragons in 2012.

Danielle McQuade landed her third consecutive Second Team All-GLIAC honor in 2012 and was third in the conference in kills.

CH

ALLE

NG

E | W

INT

ER

20

12

/ 20

13

| 59

Page 60: Challenge Magazine (Winter, 2013)

It was a solid season for Tiffin as they had 10 additions to the school record list. The Dragons scored 102 points to place fourth at the All-Ohio Championships. Earning All-Ohio hon-ors were Colin Fisher (4th) and David Knack (8th).

At the GLIAC Championships, TU was sixth with 182 points. David Knack earned All-GLIAC honors by placing 13th. His time of 24:45.90 broke the school record. At the Midwest Regional Championships, Fisher earned all-region honors by placing 25th. His 10,000 time of 31.50 was third fastest in school history.

It was a solid season for Tiffin as they had 12 additions to the school record list. The Dragons scored 88 points to place third at the All-Ohio Championships. Earning All-Ohio honors was Ashley Gilroy (3rd).

At the GLIAC Championships, TU was eighth with 205 points. Gilroy placed 10th to become the first female runner to earn All-GLIAC honors. Her time of 21:32.10 was the fastest 6000 time in school history. At the Midwest Regional Champi-onships, Gilroy earned all-region honors by placing 21st.

Tiffin University’s men’s golf team was in first place for most of the 2012 GLIAC Men’s Golf Championships, but a hard-charging Grand Valley State squad went around the Dragons on day three, winning the event with an 880 score. Ferris State finished 9 strokes back with 889, while the Dragons were third with 891.

The Dragons’ five golfers were separated by 10 strokes. Andrew Bolinger led the way with a 223 (74-80-69), including a team-low of 69 in round three. Tyler Maranville was next with 224, shooting consistently with scores of 77, 72, and 75.

Luke Schlicher shot 226 with roller coaster scores of 81, 68, and 77, while Jon Klein had a tough final round in finishing with 229 (74-72-83). John Tidenberg brought up the rear with 233 (78-76-79).

Andrew Bolinger led the Dragons golf team to a third place finish at the GLIAC Champi-onships.

David Knack and Ashley Gilroy both earned All-GLIAC honors at the 2012 GLIAC Cross Country Championships.

Women’s Cross Country

Men’s Cross Country Men’s Golf

60

|

W

INT

ER

20

12

/ 2

01

3

| C

HA

LLE

NG

E

Page 61: Challenge Magazine (Winter, 2013)

Tiffin University had another competitive season, finishing 8-8 after the fall season, 6-8 in the GLIAC.

Malaika Bora Messi landed her third consecutive All-GLIAC selection, this time making the First Team. Messi, who also earned Second Team picks in 2011 and 2010, went 13-3 at first singles and was third in the conference at first singles in winning percentage (.812). She also went 9-7 in first doubles play and has a three-year Dragons career mark of 47-14 at singles. She was also ranked 8th in the Midwest Region in singles play.

Valentina Mazzola finished her freshman season with an Honorable Mention selection. She posted a 9-7 record at second singles along with a 10-6 mark at second doubles. Her singles record was ranked 6th amongst all GLIAC second singles players.

Women’s Tennis

Malaika Bora Messi was named First Team All-GLIAC, her third straight all-conference honor, and was ranked 8th in the Midwest Region.

Cla

ssSc

en

eC

HA

LLEN

GE

| WIN

TE

R 2

01

2 / 2

01

3 | 6

1S

po

rtsS

ce

ne

Page 62: Challenge Magazine (Winter, 2013)

The Tiffin University men’s basketball team started and closed the 2011-12 season with a bang. The Dragons won four of their first five games, hit a rough spot and closed with five wins in the final six contests. Included in that stretch run were wins over Findlay and #24 Hillsdale, the first victories over those schools in over 20 years. Tiffin won the GCI Alaska Invitational en route to finishing 15-14, its first winning season in six years.

The Dragons will have a different look for 2012-13. They lose only five players. However, those five were among the top six on the team in minutes played and included four starters. Among the losses for TU were Karl Finley, an All-GLIAC First Team selec-tion, and the GLIAC Freshman of the Year, Iman Johnson.

Joe Graessle is the lone starter back. Graessle averaged 17.9 points, 3.5 assists and 1.3 steals a game while hitting 3.1 triples a game. Graessle set the school record with 91 3-pointers made and 252 treys attempted and finished 12th in the country in three’s made per game. He was an All-GLIAC second team selection last season.

Sophomores Michael Bouley and Sarwan Khan, both returning letter winners, have good size at 6’7” and 6’9”, respectively. Sophomores Mike Brown and Andrew Bendolph bring experience to the backcourt.

Among the 10 newcomers, Mike Boan, a transfer from NCAA Division I Wright State University, is expected to make an immediate impact. The Dragons also look for contributions from freshmen Mohamed Rage, Khaleal McCormick, Eric Roby and Jonathan Sutherlin.

The 2011-2012 Tiffin University Women’s basketball team enjoyed a record-setting season, shattering the single season wins record by posting a 21-7 mark and reaching the GLIAC Tournament Semifinals, their farthest trip yet into postseason play. As exciting as the year was, the Dragons plan on making just as many waves in 2012-13 as some talented new recruits will blend with solid returning letterwinners.

Leading the charge for the Dragons is 2011 Second Team All-GLIAC standout Karli Mast, who averaged 11 ppg while also finishing last season second on the team with 308 points. She was also the team-leader with 58 three-pointers (.395 pct.). Her three-point totals were fourth overall in the GLIAC.

Also back is two-time Second Team selection Jessica Har-ris. Harris was second in overall rebounding in the GLIAC with 9.3 rpg while also averaging 10.5 ppg in just 23 minutes of action per game. Harris is also currently second in TU history in career rebounds per game with a 8.6 per game average while also staying on pace to become Tiffin’s all-time career rebounding leader during the season.

Also back for TU is senior guard Melissa Gilliland (4.5 ppg) and point guard Steph Kelly (4.2 ppg), while sophomore forward Mary Kate Campbell returns after missing last year due to injury. In the 6-1 junior’s 2010-11 season, she averaged 2.2 ppg and 2.3 rpg. Juniors Jillian Adams (5-9 forward) and Erica Mathis (5-11 forward) also add depth off the bench.

The Dragons will also feature five key new recruits this season, including point guard Mackenzie Storlie of Louisville HS and 5-9 guards Jordan Fraley (Perkins HS) and Macy Byrd (Perry HS). Tiffin will also add depth and size to the post with 6-1 Marisa Liburdi of Lapeer West HS and 6-1 Jessica Farr of Paulding HS.

Joe Graessle became the 29th Tiffin Univer-sity men’s basketball player to eclipse 1000 points in his career, accomplishing the feat early in the 2012-13 season.

BAsKETBAll PREviEWMen’s Basketball

Women’s Basketball

Jessica Harris is clos-ing in on 1000 career points and also looks forward to setting a new career rebounding record this season.

62

|

W

INT

ER

20

12

/ 2

01

3

| C

HA

LLE

NG

E

Page 63: Challenge Magazine (Winter, 2013)

margarTia kamilkoVa nameD heaD sWimming anD DiVing CoaChMargarita Kalmikova has been named Head Men’s and Women’s Swimming and Diving Coach for Tiffin University. Tiffin University will add men’s and women’s swimming and diving to its athletics mix for the 2013-14 athletic season.

Kalmikova arrives at Tiffin after coaching last season at Bowling Green State University. Prior to that, she had coached for four years at Western Kentucky University.

Kalmikova’s teams at WKU enjoyed conference and national success during her four seasons. The women’s swim-ming and diving team won three consecutive Sun Belt Confer-ence championships from 2008-2010 and finished second in 2011. The men’s team won the SBC championship in 2010.

Kalmikova’s swimmers set 11 SBC and 53 school records during her four year tenure. She also helped train butterfly swimmer Claire Donahue, who was the silver medalist in the 100 butterfly at the 2011 NCAA Swimming and Diving Cham-pionships.

Kalmikova’s amateur career included collegiate swimming at Lewis (Ill.) University, where she graduated in 2005. At Lewis, she was named Most Valuable Swimmer twice and served as the team captain. She finished in second place in the 200 breaststroke at the NCAA Division II Swimming and Diving Championships, as she qualified for the national meet three times. She was also named All-American five times.

Kalmikova is a two-time Olympian for Latvia. She was a world championship team member and a four-time World Cup team member. She was named “Best Latvian Female Swim-mer” in 1996 and 2000. She also holds the Latvian national record in the 200 breaststroke.

Tiffin DebuTs neW WresTling praCTiCe faCiliTyTiffin University proudly hosted a ribbon cutting ceremony in October for a new wrestling practice facility located west of the Heminger Center.

The facility will serve as a “wrestling home” for the team and will help build the family environment that the young program has been developing. Intercollegiate matches will continue to be held in the Gillmor Student Center.

The new facility includes eight showers, a laundry room, a locker room, a conditioning room, offices, and a large space for wrestling practice with wall-to-wall mats. There are also areas avail-able for wrestlers to study before or after practice if they wish.

Head Coach Joey Simcoe is in his second season with Tif-fin and is excited about this addition to campus. “It is a great time to be a Dragon and this facility means everything to the program. The student-athletes now have every resource to be successful and we have a place that we can proudly call home. This is a wonderful recruiting tool and puts Tiffin on a whole new level. We are all about family and sticking together and with this great facility, we can all practice at the same time and that is important.”

According to TU President Paul Marion, “We are proud of our athletic program and the new wrestling practice facility is a great addition which should help our team be competitive in Division II of the NCAA.”

“This facility is a welcome addition to our campus and will be a significant asset to our wrestling program as it grows in stature in the region,” said Athletic Director Lonny Allen. “It shows the continuing commitment of President Marion and the TU administration to provide our student-athletes with exactly what they need to grow both in the classroom and athletically.”

Margarita Kalmikova

President Paul Marion is joined by Athletic Director Lonny Allen, Head Coach Joey Simcoe, and the rest of the Drag-ons wrestling program at the opening of the new Wrestling

Practice Facility.

Cla

ssSc

en

eC

HA

LLEN

GE

| WIN

TE

R 2

01

2 / 2

01

3 | 6

3S

po

rtsS

ce

ne

Page 64: Challenge Magazine (Winter, 2013)

kelly CaVanaghFor most coaches, building a college program from scratch is one of the most difficult jobs imaginable. Kelly Cavanagh did just that with cross country and track and field.

Kelly played from 1988-2000, and helped establish Tiffin University’s nationally-recognized track and field program while also serving as compliance coordinator. She helped spearhead the launch of the track program in the early 1990s, coaching from 1993-2000.

Hailing from Tiffin, Kelly’s father, Roger “Buzz” Kirkhart, served as TU’s Athletic Director in the 1980’s as well as first head football coach, so she was a natural fit at Tiffin Universi-ty--but that did not mean she was guaranteed success.

With hard work, patience, and solid recruiting, the program started to see results. She coached Tiffin’s first NAIA National qualifiers in the 4x400 relays while also guiding the school’s first conference champions in the men’s 200 meters and the women’s 100 meter hurdles.

She worked tirelessly in compliance for 11 years, helping nearly all Tiffin’s athletes during that period to reach their academic goals.

She earned a bachelor and a master degree in Sport Ad-ministration and works in higher education in the Columbus area. She and her family live in Columbus, Ohio.

kaTie sirokyFew things can be more challenging for a coach or player than taking a team with a losing record and building a cham-pion out of it. The ability to do that often revolves around having some key players that a championship caliber team can be built around. Katie Siroky was that type of player.

Siroky, who played from 1999-2002, is one of the premier softball players in Tiffin University history. She earned 2002 Region IX Player of the Year honors while also landing two All-Region and three All-Conference citations over her career.

While leading the team to the 2002 American Mideast Conference championship, she finished third in the nation in batting. It was a fitting conclusion to a stunning softball career.

Over Siroky’s career she holds the record for career triples. At the time of her graduation she had rewritten the Dragons softball record book, setting 16 new season and career marks while also leading the team to 107 wins. She earned a bachelor’s degree in Sports Management and currently serves as Facilities Operations Manager for the City of Westerville Parks and Recreation Department. She resides in Gahanna, Ohio.

TU’s Athletic Hall of Fame 2012

Left to right: Kelly Cavanagh, Katie Siroky, Josh Martin, KC Tener, Ali Lukungu

64

|

W

INT

ER

20

12

/ 2

01

3

| C

HA

LLE

NG

E

Page 65: Challenge Magazine (Winter, 2013)

Ha

ll of f

am

eC

HA

LLEN

GE

| WIN

TE

R 2

01

2 / 2

01

3 | 6

5

Josh marTinJosh Martin didn’t start his career as a Dragon, but he cer-tainly ended it as one of the most memorable post players in Tiffin University history.

He played from 1998-2001, and ranks 14th in career scoring for Tiffin University. He earned NAIA All-American honors including three All-Conference selections during his three seasons with the Dragons. He was a NAIA National Player of the Week honoree in 2001 and is sixth in career rebounding average. His accomplishments have stood the test of time as he still appears in the top 10 in seven different offensive categories.

He earned a bachelor’s degree in Human Resources and works as the Medicaid Services Administrator for the Colum-biana County Board of Developmental Disabilities. He and his wife Marissa reside in Negley, Ohio.

kC TenerThe high point for Tiffin University football in the 1990s is indisputable. Tiffin’s two NAIA playoff qualifying teams in 1993 and 1994 established a new level of success for the pro-gram, and many players from those teams have already been inducted to the Tiffin University Hall of Fame.

Tener, who played from 1993-96, played in the trenches on the defensive line during Tiffin’s playoff run. He earned NAIA All-American honors while also earning two All-Confer-ence citations during his career.

Players that play up front on either side of the line often get overlooked despite the fact they are physically the most punished over the course of the season, but Tener’s tenacity on the line left its mark. His intensity on the line is reflected in his ranking amongst the Dragons’ career leaders in assisted tackles with 117 and his single-game high of 23 tackles in a game in 1996, the third-highest single game mark in school history. He was quick to recognize the coaches and team-mates that helped him achieve success.

He earned a bachelor degree in Human Resources and currently serves as an advertising consultant. He resides in Gainesville, Florida.

ali lukunguSuccess isn’t always measured by wins and losses, or by honors and statistics. But in Ali Lukungu’s case, you get the whole package.

Lukungu, who played from 1999-2002, is one of the most honored men’s soccer players in Tiffin University history. He earned three NAIA All-American honors over his career while

also landing four All-Region and All-Conference citations. After getting a good recommendation about Tiffin Uni-

versity’s academic and men’s soccer programs from TU men’s soccer standout Robert Ngumire, Lukungu made the decision to join the Dragons. It didn’t take him long to have an impact both on and off the field.

He is the career leader in assists and is also a three-time First Team All-Ohio standout. He finished his career second in points and fourth in goals while also earning two NAIA Scholar Athlete honors.

He helped lead the Dragons to 59 wins over his career including the 1999 American Mideast Conference champi-onship. For Lukungu, it was the combination of athletic and academic excellence that was most memorable to him.

He earned a bachelor’s degree in Accounting and a Master’s in Management and currently serves as a Quality Assurance Analyst for PNC Bank. He and his family reside in Parma, Ohio.

Send us your nominationfor TU’s 2013 HALL OF FAMEThe Tiffin uniVersiTy aThleTiC hall of fame was instituted to honor former TU coaches; stand-out athletes, with emphasis on All-American, All Conference, All District performers; distinguished administrators; and significant contributors to the university’s mission as well as the mission of the athletic department.

The Athletic Hall of Fame will recognize persons from all sports in which TU competed as a recognized intercollegiate athletic event throughout its history. Eligi-bility for induction is open to both living and deceased members of the TU community.

You are welcome to send a nomination. Nomina-tions can be offered by anyone except the person being nominated. The Selection Committee will discuss each nominee, making sure he/she meets the criteria estab-lished for induction. Those nominated and receiving the approval of the selection committee will be inducted, subject to administrative approval.

For a nomination form, go to: www.gotiffindragons.com/f/Athletic_Info/Hall_of_Fame.php, complete the form, and send it to the address found on the form.

Page 66: Challenge Magazine (Winter, 2013)

Written by Shane O’Donnell, Director of Sports Information

The Tiffin Dragons Track & Field teams had their first official meet in the Heminger Center in November and welcomed alumni to share the excitement.

The Tiffin University Open attracted a crowd of nearly 1,000 people. Over 100 of those enjoying the festivities belonged to former Dragons and their families that came back to campus for this special event.

The latest addition to the 110-acre campus, the Heminger Center features an indoor track and field complex and a 60x50 yard turf indoor practice facility. The facility, named after donors Gary and Jane Heminger, is a magnificent addition for Tiffin University.

“Designed to enhance student life, Heminger Center will provide flexibility for students’ recreational experiences and will improve the level of competition for our athletic teams,” said Tiffin University President Paul Marion. “It also will be avail-able for use by area schools and community groups as well as for conferences, trade shows and other activities. In addition, university commencement ceremonies will be held there.”

One side of the 120,000 square foot building includes an indoor track and four multi-purpose courts that will be used for basketball, volleyball, and tennis. The other large area in the building is equipped with artificial turf and will be used for practices by the TU football, soccer, lacrosse, baseball, and softball teams, as well as intramurals, club sports and other recreational activities. The middle section of the Heminger Center has coaches’ offices, locker rooms, an athletic training room, two classrooms, and a food court.

2012 Tiffin Alum Travis LeFlore (current Jumps Coach at Wingate University) traveled from Charlotte, NC to be a part of the festivities. “It was a great time getting in there and competing! I think I can speak for all of us that we’re proud to be alum of such a great program and Tiffin is lucky to have Jeremy Croy as the leader of the facility and team,” he said. “Looking forward to more meets there!”

Tiffin University’s Head Coach, Jeremy Croy, is in his 13th season with the Dragons and realizes what the Heminger Center means to the program. “After a decade of practicing in the gym, outside in the snow, warehouses, malls, and ev-erywhere in between, it all came to fruition this past weekend. We felt that the alumni should help us celebrate and we were

thrilled with the turnout.”Former Dragons

returned to Tiffin from Wash-ington D.C., North Carolina, Louisiana, and as far away as Romania (Justin Setty just completed time overseas with the Peace Corps). Twenty of the alums that returned even competed in the event proving that their athletic ability hasn’t faded quite yet.

As far as the actual event was concerned, the Dragons fared rather well as

six athletes hit NCAA Division II Provisional marks, 22 results cracked the Top 10 in the school record books, and three school records fell. Other schools competing in the event included: Heidelberg University, Lake Erie College, Seton Hill University, and Trine University.

WomenAshley Dewitt won the 20-lb weight with a toss of 59’.75”.

That throw hit the NCAA Provisional standard. Winning events and hitting the standard were Kiona Anderson in the 60-meter hurdles (8.88) and Katherine Gerhardt in the shot put (47’1.75”). Qualifying provisionally in the shot put was Sarah Clow (2nd – 46’2.5”) and Dewitt (3rd – 44’.75”). Candace Longino-Thomas won the 400m dash with a time of 58.60. That broke the school record of 58.80 set in 2007 by Chelsea Shelnick. Other victories for TU included: Kayla Ellks in the long jump (18’1.75”), Jessica Kern in the mile (5:55.68) and the 1600m relay team of Longino-Thomas, Anderson, Robyn Banks and Taylor Deskins (3:59.69).

menAntonio Combs finished second in the triple jump with

an NCAA Provisional jump of 47’5.25”. This jump broke the school record of 47’3” set by Ikenna Obonna in 2007. The shuttle hurdle relay team of Zach Cernansky, Vyshawn Arnold, Terry Evans III and Caleb Reynolds won with a school-record time of 30.38. Other winning events included: Colin Fisher in the 3000 meters (8:49.31), Ishan Garrett in the 200m dash (22.73) and the 800m relay team of Emmanuel Grembo, Omar Lane, Garrett and Stephon Goodwin (1:32:16).

If you build it, they will come

66

|

W

INT

ER

20

12

/ 2

01

3

| C

HA

LLE

NG

E

Page 67: Challenge Magazine (Winter, 2013)

CH

ar

itab

le gift

CH

ALLE

NG

E | W

INT

ER

20

12

/ 20

13

| 67

as a naTion of generous people anD frienDs of Tiffin uniVersiTy, we all understand the importance of charitable endeavors in our society. As a result, many people support our goals and our academic programs. However, our natural instincts also tell us that we must first be concerned with our personal and family security before we consider being of financial assistance to Tiffin University.

The Charitable Gift Annuity makes it possible for you to satisfy this dual objective of personal and family security and financial support of Tiffin University. Our Charitable Gift Annuity allows you to make an immediate gift to us without loss of income. In many instances, the gift annuity can actually increase your spendable income.

In exchange for your gift of money, real property or securities, Tiffin University will pay you a certain specified annuity for life. The annual amount of annuity is fixed at the time of the gift, usually more than typical dividends or interest and remains stable throughout your life. It will not fluctuate with the economy, so you will know exactly how much income you will receive. What’s more, you have no investment worries because the annuity payments are guaranteed until your death.

Many TU alumni and friends are using this attractive program because it allows you to make a significant gift to the University and still get the equivalent of the income from the money as long as you or your spouse survive. The Charitable Gift Annuity at Tiffin University is highly flexible and very personalized to your needs.

Please call Ron Schumacher, Vice President for Development and Public Affairs at 419.448.3584 or email [email protected].

A Tiffin University Charitable Gift Annuity can:Increase your spendable incomeProvide joint and survivor annuities and deferred gift annuitiesEase capital gain taxes

Earn Income and Help TU Students

Page 68: Challenge Magazine (Winter, 2013)

155 Miami StreetTiffin, Ohio 44883

800.968.6446

www.tiffin.edu

NON-PROFIT ORG.US POSTAGE

paiDTIFFIN

UNIVERSITY