Tiffin University welcomed the Class of 2030 and celebrated the start of the 2026-27 academic year during Convocation on Monday, August 25. Students, faculty and staff gathered to recognize the beginning of a new chapter and the opportunities that lie ahead.
Vice Provost for Academics Dr. Pete Piraino opened the ceremony by reminding students that whether they were beginning their first semester or returning to continue their studies, Convocation represented “connection, tradition and the promise of what lies ahead.” He also offered students three pieces of advice for the year: “Show up, do the work and ask for help when you need it.”
President Lillian Schumacher connected the first day of classes to the possibilities that can emerge throughout a student’s time at TU. “There is something special about the first day of classes. No matter whether this is your first semester at Tiffin University or your final year with us, today gives each of us a fresh beginning and a chance to think about what we want to make of the year ahead,” Schumacher said. She encouraged students to remain open to experiences they cannot yet predict, from meeting a lifelong friend to discovering a new interest or career direction. “Your education will certainly happen in the classroom, but your Tiffin University experience will be much bigger than any one classroom, course or semester,” Schumacher said.
Board of Trustees Chair Dr. Andrew Felter emphasized the people and experiences that can shape students long after their time in the classroom, he said,
“Years from now, you may not remember every class you took or every assignment you completed. But you will remember the people who invested in you, the opportunities that challenged you, the relationships you built and the moments that helped shape the person and professional you became.”
Provost and Chief Operating Officer Dr. Peter Holbrook focused on the journey ahead and the resources available to help students move from where they are today toward graduation and beyond. He highlighted the Dragon Pathway, which connects students with academic advising, career development, faculty mentoring, hands-on learning and comprehensive student support. “It is not simply a checklist. It is a map, a set of supports and an invitation to take ownership of your growth,” Holbrook said. He also left students with three takeaways: be courageous enough to be yourself, build community with intention and use your Dragon Pathway.
Student Government President Kendall Hammersmith offered a student perspective on making the most of the TU experience. She reflected on arriving at the University expecting to focus on her studies and return home each weekend, but said getting involved helped her form close friendships, participate in campus life and become part of the broader Tiffin community. “With every uphill battle, I turned it into an opportunity and a chance at growth,” Hammersmith said. She encouraged new students to “Change your perspective from failure to growth, from limitation to possibility, from challenge to opportunity,” and reminded them that “Four years from now you will be walking across this very stage, with a diploma in hand, and I hope you remember how your perspective created your resilience to get you to that point.”
Members of the Class of 2030 also took part in the University’s pinning ceremony. Each student received a Tiffin University pin featuring the official seal and the University motto, “Without Risk, There Is No Gain.” Dr. Piraino described the pin as a symbol of students’ commitment to their journey, pursuit of growth and connection to the TU community. “Wear this pin with pride. Let it remind you of the risks you’ve taken to be here, the opportunities ahead and the support that surrounds you. You are now, and always will be, a Dragon,” he said.
Dean of Student Development and Transformation Dakel Patterson introduced four pillars for the student experience: Connect, Grow, Lead and Adapt. He encouraged students to build relationships, step outside their comfort zones, make a positive impact and continue moving forward when challenges arise. “My challenge to each of you is simple: Say yes,” Patterson said. “Say yes to getting involved, say yes to meeting new people, say yes to asking for help when you need it and say yes to trying something new.”
In his closing remarks, Dr. Piraino reminded students that they will have support throughout their time at TU, including professional academic advisors and faculty mentors who can help them explore opportunities and connect their education to their future goals. He said
“Take advantage of the people, opportunities and experiences that surround you. Challenge yourself, get involved, make connections and make your time here count.”
Dean Emeritus Dr. John Millar offered the benediction, and the ceremony concluded with the Alma Mater and Fight Song performed by the TU Marching Band.
As the 2026-27 academic year begins, Convocation offered students a first look at what lies ahead: opportunities to learn, build relationships, challenge themselves and discover where their TU experience may lead. For new and returning Dragons, the year marks another beginning and another chance to make the most of the possibilities ahead.