Donna and Steve Frank were born and raised in Seneca County. Steve is from Tiffin, while Donna is from the nearby New Riegel. Both attended college as first-generation students and recall working their way through school with multiple jobs. Donna earned scholarships to aid in covering related expenses, and both now appreciate the sacrifices individuals and families make to fund journeys through higher education.
Donna has dual bachelor’s degrees in accounting and secondary math education. She later earned her CPA certification and has held accounting and finance positions in two national public accounting firms, private industries and higher education institutions in Ohio and Maine. She then joined the staff of Tiffin University in 2012 and spent the next decade working in the Business Office, ultimately serving as the Vice President of Finance and Administration role before her retirement in 2022. She continues to remain busy, serving on the local library’s board, volunteering for nonprofits, gardening and traveling.
Steve received his master’s degree in rehabilitation counseling. Throughout Steve’s career, he has held positions in human resources, nursing home administration and management. His work required him to be on the road extensively, but fortunately, he was able to retire in Tiffin. This said, he hasn’t slowed down in the slightest. Steve is passionate about genealogy and frequently works with friends and family to uncover their historical roots. He and Donna have traveled across the world to many of the villages their ancestors left to come to America.
Donna and Steve have three sons, all of whom holding advanced degrees in their chosen fields. They have also been blessed with grandchildren and love spending time with them. Education is very important to them, so giving back to TU students through an endowed scholarship helps perpetuate that value. Donna believes that the University serves students more effectively compared to similar schools and notes a special fondness for its robust cultural competency programming. The couple appreciates TU’s commitment to both diversity and first-generation college students and seeks to remain similarly committed to the institution and greater community in turn. “Our education has served us well,” they offered. “We are happy to give back.”