Campus Convocation

Re-watch the live stream of the ceremony!

August 24, the Dragon Family welcomed its Class of 2028 at the annual Convocation Ceremony. This cherished tradition brought together students, families, faculty and staff to celebrate the beginning of an exciting new academic journey.

The event kicked off with a first-year processional, featuring a standout participant: Blaze the Tiffin University Dragon, our beloved mascot. This year, Blaze led the procession and made a grand entrance with a new, eye-catching look that added an extra layer of excitement to the ceremony. Students made their way into the Heminger Center, where they were greeted by professors and mentors dressed in academic regalia, enthusiastically cheering as everyone was guided to their seats. The atmosphere was electrified by TU’s marching band, the Roar of the Dragons. In keeping with tradition, the event also featured the color guard, dance and cheerleading teams.

Dr. Peter J. Holbrook, Provost and Chief Operating Officer took to the stage to give opening remarks and thanked everyone for their attendance. He introduced Dr. Lillian Schumacher, President of Tiffin University and welcomed her to the stage. President Schumacher began by expressing gratitude to TU’s Board of Trustees for their support in creating an exceptional learning environment. She then warmly welcomed the new students of the Class of 2028 and their families, celebrating their decision to join the Tiffin University community. President Schumacher also highlighted TU’s commitment to transforming students’ lives through education, aiming to prepare them as professionals who respect and work with diverse perspectives. To conclude, President Schumacher guided attendees through a brief exercise, asking them to close their eyes and visualize a goal they hoped to achieve during their first year as students. Afterward, students were invited to make a silent promise to themselves to pursue that goal and to remember that when times get tough, to think of that promise. “Use this to always keep you motivated, focused and moving in a forward direction for yourself as a student at Tiffin University,” she urged.

Dr. Holbrook offered some additional remarks. He explained to the students that they are now on their path to living like a Dragon. “No two pathways will be the same, and while you will reach your goal of earning your undergraduate degree, it will be a twisty path, but rest assured we will be here to guide you,” he confirmed. He outlined how the Dragon Pathway integrates advisors and mentors to guide career exploration and academic success. He then spoke on Tiffin University’s commitment to celebrating cultural uniqueness and explained that we are a “living and learning community committed to embracing, welcoming and optimizing diversity to include all our students in the Dragon family. That is what our ICARE Value of accountability is all about – being an inclusive, diverse, welcoming and caring community in service to one another.” He also explained our promise that “Tiffin University graduates, regardless of their area of specialty, are innovative problem solvers who can optimize diversity of any type to work more effectively with people who are different from themselves and produce innovative ideas.” Dr. Holbrook concluded by urging students to embrace their individuality, learn from those around them and strive to be the best version of themselves throughout their academic journey.

Michael Pavelich, President for Student Government for Tiffin University, stepped up to the podium next to welcome students. He spoke about his experiences through his time at TU, and how the freshman transition can be tough, but finding what motivates you and sticking with it can make all the difference.

TU music student Spencer Solberg began the ceremony’s closing affairs with the song, “Count on Me.” His performance was followed by additional thoughts from Assistant Professor of English and faculty advisor for the First Generation Dragons organization, Dr. Kylie Skeel. She reminded students that every challenge they encounter is an opportunity to grow and failure is an opportunity to learn. Dean of Student Development and Transformation, Dakel Patterson, took to the stage next to offer some words of encouragement. He reminded students that the next four years will go by fast and to make sure they take time to stop and smell the roses, create fun memories by being active and involved in campus life and to start working on a work-life balance.

Lastly, Emeritus Dean Dr. John Miller provided the closing benediction. Dr. Miller emphasized the importance of hard work and outlined four key principles for success: discourse (engaging deeply in communication and reading), discern (finding meaning in academic material), decide (making clear and timely decisions) and defend (standing up for one’s beliefs and ideas). He urged students to embrace these principles to make the most of their time at Tiffin University. He ended with an invitation to rise for the Tiffin University alma mater and fight song, officially welcoming the new students to the Dragon Family.