On Saturday, May 2, Tiffin University celebrated its 138th Commencement Ceremony, honoring 1,033 graduates from 24 countries and 43 states, including Washington, D.C. This year’s class included 13 doctoral, 502 master’s and 510 bachelor’s degree recipients. New in 2026, the University hosted two ceremonies: a graduate ceremony for students earning master’s and doctoral degrees and an undergraduate ceremony for students earning bachelor’s degrees.
The morning graduate ceremony opened with remarks from University President Lillian B. Schumacher, who emphasized both the achievement and the journey behind it. “Today, we recognize not only the academic achievements of our master’s and doctoral graduates, but also the discipline, focus and purpose that have guided you here,” Schumacher said. “Many of you have balanced careers, families and countless responsibilities while pursuing advanced degrees, demonstrating a level of commitment that truly sets you apart.” Reflecting on the impact of the day, she added,
“At the heart of that commitment is our purpose to transform lives through education. Today, we see that transformation realized through all of you.”
Graduate Commencement speaker Shawn R. Smith encouraged graduates to lead with purpose and intention. “You are entering a world that is not lacking success. It is lacking leaders who make a meaningful difference in the lives of others,” Smith said. He challenged graduates to “chase significance, not success,” adding, “The question is no longer can you succeed. You have already proven that. The question is how will you choose to matter?” Drawing from personal experience, Smith emphasized perseverance. “Losing is not failing. Quitting is failing,” he said, urging graduates to remain grounded in purpose and resilience. Smith was also awarded an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters degree during the ceremony. Peter J. Holbrook recognized his impact, stating, “We recognize not only your accomplishments, but the example you set that success is most meaningful when it uplifts others.”
Before the presentation of graduate and doctoral candidates, the University paused to recognize four undergraduate student athletes from the women’s lacrosse team, who were also receiving their bachelor’s degrees. “Later this afternoon, our women’s lacrosse team will compete in the conference championship game against Ashland University,” Peter J. Holbrook said. “It is my distinct honor to congratulate these four senior student athletes on a job exceptionally well done, both in the classroom and on the field.” The moment reflected the University’s student-first philosophy and its commitment to supporting success across academics and athletics.
The ceremony then moved into the formal hooding of doctoral graduates, led by Dr. Rickard Briggs, who presented each candidate along with their dissertation work. The recognition highlighted the depth of research and scholarship completed across disciplines, marking a significant academic milestone for each doctoral graduate. Following the hooding, graduate candidates were recognized as their names were read and they crossed the stage, celebrating the culmination of their academic journeys.
Graduates were formally welcomed into the University’s alumni community by Jacob Zinn. “This took discipline, late nights, early mornings, sacrifice and more persistence than most people ever see from the outside,” he said.
“Today isn’t just a celebration of what you’ve accomplished, it’s a launch pad for what you will do next. Being a Tiffin University alumnus is more than a LinkedIn title. It’s about connections. It’s about mentorship, collaboration and sharing your journey with the next generation of Dragons.”
In the afternoon, the University celebrated its undergraduate class, with Schumacher again addressing graduates and emphasizing their growth and perseverance.
“Graduates today is about you. It is about the work you have put in, the challenges you have faced and the perseverance that has brought you to this moment,” she said. “Many of you have balanced coursework, jobs, athletics and personal responsibilities along the way. That level of commitment is what makes this achievement so meaningful.” She continued, “You are not the same individuals who began this journey. You have grown in knowledge, perspective and resilience.”
The undergraduate commencement address was delivered by Andrew J. Felter, chair of the Board of Trustees, who reflected on his personal connection to the University and encouraged graduates to embrace opportunity. “When I step onto Tiffin University’s campus, I feel something that is hard to put into words. It feels like home,” Felter said. He challenged graduates to recognize both their achievement and their responsibility moving forward. “Graduates, you are stepping into a world hungry for your talent, hungry for your ideas, hungry for your courage to challenge what is comfortable and create what is possible,” he said. Emphasizing effort and growth, he added, “You did not just earn a degree. You earned confidence. You earned perspective. You earned the right to say, I did something hard and I succeeded.” Felter was also awarded an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters degree in recognition of his leadership and service to the University and community.
Student Government President Demi Brown reflected on the shared journey of the Class of 2026.
“Standing here today is something I do not take lightly because none of us got here by accident. Every person here has a story filled with late nights, early mornings, stress, doubt, growth and perseverance.”
She encouraged her peers to continue forward with determination, adding, “You do not need everything figured out. You do need to keep going.”
Alumni representative Sheila Fryson welcomed graduates into the alumni community and reminded them of their ongoing connection to the University. “Being a Tiffin University alumnus is not just a title, it is a responsibility and a privilege,” Fryson said. “Go out and build up others, make a difference every day and never forget those who helped you get here.”
Degrees were formally conferred during the afternoon ceremony, marking the transition of graduates into the University’s alumni network. Across both ceremonies, the Class of 2026 was recognized not only for academic achievement, but for the resilience, growth and purpose that will shape their next chapter.