Tiffin University welcomes Class of 2030

TIFFIN — Tiffin University officially welcomed its newest students during Convocation Monday, Aug. 24, in the Heminger Center. The ceremony happened during RISE Week, Tiffin University's welcome program for new and returning students which includes academic sessions, a downtown walk, a student organization fair and a closing rally. . First-year students moved onto campus on Thursday, Aug. 20, and RISE week runs until Friday, Aug. 28. Before the ceremony, members of the Class of 2030 took part in a procession down Miami Street. Faculty, staff and returning students lined the route to cheer on the newest class of Tiffin University students as they made their way to Convocation. During the Convocation, students heard from university leadership as they were officially welcomed to Tiffin and begin the 2026-27 academic year. Dr. Pete Piraino, Vice Provost for Academics, opened the ceremony by informing the incoming class of freshmen about the University's core themes for the upcoming academic year: "Grow, Connect, Lead, and Adapt." Then Tiffin University President Lillian Schumacher spoke to the crowd. She asked one thing of the new students — to be present. "My message to you is simple. Make it count. Make it count every single day," said Schumacher. Student involvement was a major theme across the speeches held at Opening Convocation on Monday. The crowd was treated to a Tiffin Music Students' performance of "You Get What You Give", by New Radicals, tying the message of the song to the theme of the ceremony. Dean of Student Development and Transformation Dakel Patterson encouraged students to say "yes" to any opportunity that comes their way. The same message was conveyed by Student Government President Kendall Hammersmith, who spoke of her experience at the University and the impact saying "yes" has had on her. Dr. Peter Holbrook, Provost and Chief Operating Officer, talked to the incoming class about what it means to be a Dragon for life. "You are here to discover what makes you distinct," Holbrook said. "At Tiffin University, everyone has a place at the table of learning … that's what it means to be a Dragon." Holbrook also encouraged students to be courageous to be themselves, quoting Maya Angelou who said, "If you are always trying to be normal, you will never know how amazing you can be." The Opening Convocation also included a pinning ceremony. Dr. Pete Piraino explained the significance of the pins that incoming students put on. "These pins are a symbol that represents your commitment to this journey, your pursuit of growth, and your connection to something greater than yourself," said Piraino. To end the ceremony, the crowd sang the alma mater and "Green and Gold," the university's fight song, with a performance from the TU Marching Band.