Saturday, May 4 was a day to remember as the Class of 2024 donned their caps and gowns for Tiffin University’s 136th Commencement Ceremony. This day marked the culmination of years of hard work, dedication and growth as students gathered to embark on the next chapter of their lives. Families and friends filled the seats, beaming with pride and eagerly awaiting the proceedings. In a moment of tradition, the Tiffin University Marching Band played “Pomp and Circumstance” as faculty and graduates made their way to their seats.
“Welcome to Tiffin University’s 136th commencement ceremony,” were the words echoed through the Heminger Center as President Lillian Schumacher took the stage. “Congratulations to the Class of 2024! This is your day,” she continued. She then took a moment of silence to honor a Dragon lost too soon, Lamar Hannah. “Let us cherish the memories we hold dear and find solace in the knowledge that Lamar’s spirit is here with us today and lives on,” she stated.
President Schumacher continued by giving special congratulations to the traditional undergraduate students, many of whom never received a formal high school graduation ceremony. “Think back to 2020. The world seemed to stand still amidst the chaos of the COVID-19 pandemic,” she said. “That year, the traditional pomp and circumstance of high school graduations eluded them, canceled by circumstances beyond anyone’s control. But today, dear graduates, is a joyous day as we gather in person to celebrate your achievements. This isn’t just a commencement, it is a reunion of resilience, a testament to your unwavering determination and perseverance.”
Acknowledgments were also extended to the Board of Trustees, faculty, staff and TU musical groups for their contributions to the ceremony, emphasizing the collaborative spirit that defines the Tiffin University community.
Following President Schumacher’s remarks, Mr. Andrew Felter, Chairman of the Board of Trustees, offered words of congratulations and wisdom to the graduates. “As you move forward, continue to cultivate leadership skills and make a positive impact on the lives of others,” he offered. “Remember, true leadership is not about authority, but it’s about caring for those entrusted with your guidance. Grit fosters inspiration, builds trust and facilitates the acceptance of necessary changes for collective progress and happiness.”
The spotlight then turned to this year’s commencement speaker, JoAnn Chávez, J.D., as she took the stage. Chávez serves as the Senior Vice President and Chief Legal Officer at DTE Energy. She plays a crucial role in managing legal affairs and advising senior management and the board. With a background as an international tax partner at KPMG LLP, she brings valuable expertise to her role. Chávez is deeply involved in her community, holding board positions in various organizations and advocating for education through initiatives like the Michigan Hispanic Collaborative. She has received recognition for her achievements, including Forbes 50 over 50 and Detroit Crain’s 100 Most Influential Women in Michigan.
“Felicidades! Congratulations, Class of 2024!” she began. Chávez encouraged graduates to express gratitude to those who supported them throughout their journey. Drawing from her personal narrative as the granddaughter of Mexican immigrants and a first-generation college graduate, Chavez highlighted the power of education in opening doors to endless opportunities. She proceeded to share valuable advice: live, seize, relentlessly pursue excellence and succeed.
- Live. “We only get one life, and even in the darkest of moments, I choose to live my best life. Be resilient and pick yourselves up when you fail. Ask for help, because none of us can do it alone. Give yourself grace, as we are humans and make mistakes, but we still have an obligation to humanity to live our best lives. So live,” Chávez urged.
- Seize. “Seize every opportunity no matter where they come from, because your next great moment might come from the unlikeliest of places. Remember, discomfort is your friend, and I guarantee you that it goes away later in life. If your network looks like you, widen it. Do not leave without connecting with every single one of these people on this stage. You will need a broad network of humans to be able to really utilize all of your talents and seize the opportunities,” she continued.
- Relentlessly pursue excellence. “Success requires hard work and you must strive to be your best. Many of us are judged by everything we do. So, ensure that you approach even the modest of tasks with the same fervor and discipline that you approach your high-profile endeavors,” Chávez offered.
- Succeed. “I’m going to quote my favorite poem from Ralph Waldo Emerson’s “Success,” she proclaimed. “Laugh often and much, to win the respect of intelligent people and the affection of children, to earn the appreciation of honest critics and endure the betrayal of false friends, to appreciate beauty, to find the best in others, to leave the world a bit better, whether by a healthy child, a garden patch or a redeemed social condition. To know that one life has breathed easier because you have lived. This is to have succeeded.”
In her closing remarks, Chavez left the Class of 2024 with a message of empowerment: “You are expected to do extraordinary things, so go out and change the world. Si se puede, yes you can!”
In recognition of her accomplishments, Chávez was presented with an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters Degree by Dr. Peter Holbrook, Provost and Chief Operating Officer. “JoAnn Chávez, in recognition of your career and achievements as a strategic risk-taker, a true visionary and leader, Tiffin University confers upon you the honorary degree of Doctor of Humane Letters,” proclaimed Dr. Holbrook.
Dr. Holbrook then congratulated the three recipients of TU’s undergraduate achievement awards, which are awarded to graduating seniors. Catherine Webb received the Student Leadership Award, Jordan Speller received the Scholar-Athlete Award, and Danielle Davis received the Provost’s Award. He encouraged all graduates to recognize the importance of reflecting on who they want to be, not just what they want to achieve. Defining your character and essence is essential in determining your place in the world.
Kit Tiell, a 2008 graduate of Tiffin University’s School of Business and member of the Board of Trustees, ascended to the podium to extend a warm welcome to the newest alumni of Tiffin University. “Your journey does not end here; rather, it evolved into a new phase – one where you have the opportunity to make your mark on the world and to contribute meaningfully to Society,” he began. “As you embark on this journey, remember that you are not alone. You are now part of a vast network of alumni spanning the globe – a network that is as diverse as it is powerful.”
He also offered some words of encouragement to the new graduates: “As you take your first steps into this new chapter of your life, do so with confidence, courage and conviction. Embrace the opportunities that come your way, cherish the memories you’ve made and never forget the values that have shaped you into the remarkable individuals you are today.”
Tiffin University celebrates the achievements of its undergraduate, graduate and doctoral graduates and looks forward to witnessing their continued growth and success. Congratulations, Class of 2024!
The commencement ceremony was livestreamed and the recording can be viewed at tiffin.edu/commencement.
Graduation Day Statistics
- Total graduating students: 825 representing over 29 countries and 39 states
- Total participating: 589
- Graduates receiving Ph.D. degrees: 22
- Graduates receiving master’s degrees: 359 (18 are from Romania)
- Graduates receiving master’s degrees with distinction (4.0 G.P.A.): 163
- Graduates receiving bachelor’s degrees: 425 (16 are global students from Romania).
- Graduates receiving bachelor’s degrees with honors (3.5 G.P.A. or higher): 228