Jim Hutchins (‘76, ‘93) grew up an Army brat, never living in one place more than 18 months until eighth grade. During his childhood his family lived in Korea, Hawaii and Germany among other far-flung locales, eventually settling in Fostoria, OH. There, Jim quickly found work delivering newspapers, then sweeping floors at a print shop. Over time he learned how to use a camera, strip color and set type, ultimately advancing to running the large offset printing press.
After high school, Jim joined the Army and was stationed in Verdun, France, site of one of WWI’s longest and bloodiest battles. He became conversational in French and immersed himself in the culture. “The key is remembering you’re a guest,” he says. “I never had trouble—people were kind, and often conversation led to new friends.”
Returning to Seneca County in 1964, Jim met his future wife Barbara, embarked on a whirlwind five-week courtship, became engaged, and married her three months later. “We were married fifty-six years and nine days,” he says proudly. Their daughters still live locally and Jim now enjoys time with seven grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.
His path to Tiffin University began when a TU recruiter called to tell him about a veterans benefit program. At the time, Jim was working at Coppus Motors. He earned a degree in business technology in 1976. Years later, while working at National Machinery, he returned to TU to earn a second degree, this time in accounting, in 1993.
For many years, TU faded into the background—until he discovered LIFE@TU.
“I was so impressed that a college would offer a program like LIFE@TU. It’s the best thing TU could do for the community. It’s hard to put into words the joy I get from coming here for two hours on Fridays—I always leave having learned something new,” he says.
It’s hard to put into words the joy I get from coming here for two hours on Fridays—I always leave having learned something new.
A favorite session for Jim includes Women’s History Month- inspired HERstory, featuring TU President Lillian Schumacher, who also brought other TU women in leadership to share their stories. Another was the hyper-realist painter Matthew Cook, whose work was exhibited at the Diane Kidd Gallery, where an artist’s reception was held the night of the LIFE@TU session. “There was one painting I fell in love with,” says Jim. “I just stood there looking at it—it was like a photograph. His technique was incredible. I also enjoyed talking with him and his wife.”
Jim says LIFE@TU rekindled his pride in being a TU graduate. “I walk into the Exchange and always leave with something TU-branded,” he says with a laugh. His family’s TU connection continues—his grandson recently earned a master’s in cybersecurity from TU and now works for GE in Cincinnati. “I’m very proud of what TU is doing,” he says. “They’ve stayed ahead of the curve, launching programs like the Drone Academy that meet the needs of today’s workforce.” To TU alumni who’ve drifted from the university, Jim offers this advice: “Come to LIFE@TU. You’ll see how much TU has grown—and what it means to the community now. People ask me what LIFE@TU is all about and I tell them: lifelong learning. I encourage everyone to sign up, pay your annual fee and then show up every time. You’re never too old to discover something new.”