Tiffin University will host its 138th annual commencement Saturday, May 2. This year, a total of 1,033 students will graduate from the University’s diverse academic programs. Of those, 510 will receive bachelor’s degrees, 502 will receive master’s degrees and 13 will be awarded Ph.D. degrees. The graduating class of 2026 represents 43 U.S. states, including Washington D.C., and spans 24 countries around the world, highlighting the University’s broad global reach and commitment to academic excellence.
The University will host two ceremonies on May 2. The graduate ceremony for students earning master’s and doctoral degrees will begin at 10 a.m. at the Heminger Center on campus. The undergraduate ceremony for students earning bachelor’s degrees will begin at 3 p.m. at the Heminger Center on campus. Tickets are not required for guests at either ceremony, and guests should plan to be seated 15 minutes prior to each ceremony start time.
The undergraduate commencement speaker is Andrew J. Felter, a visionary business leader, mentor and community champion with more than 40 years of experience in industrial manufacturing and organizational transformation. He began his career at Webster Industries, Inc., rising through the organization before spending six years at Findlay Industries and later returning to Webster to lead a period of growth and cultural renewal. He served as President and Chief Executive Officer and currently serves as a Director on the Board of Managers. During his leadership, Webster transitioned from an employee-owned company to private equity ownership in early 2024, enabling new strategic growth. He led the acquisitions of Action Vibratory Equipment and Allor Manufacturing and later spearheaded the 2025 acquisition of Renold plc, growing Webster into a global enterprise with nearly $500 million in revenue, 14 global locations and more than 2,200 employees. Felter holds a BSBA in Accounting from The Ohio State University and an MBA from Tiffin University. He joined the Tiffin University Board of Trustees in 2014, currently serves as Chairman of the Board, has supported student mentorship and internship opportunities and is a recipient of Tiffin University’s Alumni Achievement Award. He also serves as Director of The Old Fort Banking Company. His past leadership includes serving as President of the Conveyor Equipment Manufacturers Association, Tiffin-Seneca Economic Partnership, Calvert Catholic Schools Board of Education and the Betty Jane Memorial Rehabilitation Center, along with leadership roles with the Tiffin Community Foundation, Tiffin YMCA, Tiffin Stadium Endowment Fund and multiple regional academic and community organizations.
The graduate commencement speaker is Shawn Smith, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Dedicated Financial GBC. Under his leadership, the company has grown between 50 percent and 200 percent year over year in nine of its first eleven years. Dedicated Financial GBC’s approach has earned strong team member loyalty, deep industry relationships and a growing client base of like-minded companies, including organizations within the Fortune 500. The company is widely recognized for its values-driven model that integrates business performance with community impact. Smith has also built a philanthropic framework that leverages the resources of Dedicated to improve the lives of people in need around the world. The company contributes both financial support and volunteer time to help nonprofit organizations advance their missions. Shawn and his wife, Stephanie, along with their four children, focus their family’s philanthropy on children’s health and well-being, education and hunger, aligning closely with the company’s broader commitment to serving those in need. A 20-plus-year veteran of the financial services industry, Smith is committed to using business as a force for good. He leads with a focus on serving all stakeholders, including clients, team members, partners and communities. Smith joined Tiffin University’s Board of Trustees in 2022.
Graduation Fast-Facts
- Total graduating students: 1,033
- Graduates receiving bachelor’s degrees: 510
- Graduates receiving masters’ degrees: 502
- Graduates receiving Ph.D. degrees: 13
- Graduates receiving master’s degrees with distinction (4.0 G.P.A.): 247
- Graduates receiving bachelor’s degrees with honors (3.5 G.P.A. or higher): 272
- Washington D.C. and U.S. states represented: 43
- Countries represented: 24
- Total Military students: 53
For more information and to watch the livestream of the event, please visit tiffin.edu/about/commencement/.