The Magazine of Tiffin University Spring / Summer 2010

Commencement 2010visited Scotland and studied abroad in Switzerland. Currently, sheand her fiancé are setting up an importing business to bring alcoholicbeverages into the United States from a vineyard in Spain and abrewery in the Cayman Islands. They anticipate bringing in their firstshipments this summer.Sara, also winner of TU’s 2010 Scholar Athlete Award, is an accomplishedgolfer, a 4-year varsity letter winner, as well as a two timeGreat Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference All-Academic.EXCELLENCE IN THE FIELD OF STUDY AWARDSThe Excellence in the Field of Study Award is given to one graduatingstudent in each baccalaureate program with a GPA of 3.5 or above.Awardees are chosen by the faculty for both their academic performanceand for their contributions to learning and life at Tiffin University.Michael Kiscellus, this year’srecipient for the Excellence in theField of Study Award for the Bachelorof Criminal Justice, Justice AdministrationProgram, has been described byhis instructors as a “serious student.”It’s not surprising that he is graduatingwith honors and is a member ofAlpha Phi Sigma, The National CriminalJustice Honor Society. Michaelis one of a growing number of adultlearners who have obtained theirdegree online. In the online environment,communication and supportare critical elements of a successfulclass. Michael has been specificallyrecognized by his instructors and fellowstudents for his leadership andsupport. He is a certified Anti-Terrorism Specialist, an accomplishmentthat is rare for individuals who have not yet obtained a bachelor’s degree.He is a Senior Aircraft Performance Engineer and Program Administratorfor American Airlines. After graduation, he wishes to focuson national security and intelligence work, and pursuing teaching opportunities.Tammy Tom, this year’s recipientfor the Excellence in the Field ofStudy Award for the Bachelor of BusinessAdministration, OrganizationalManagement major. When facultyand colleagues describe Tammy, twowords we often used---committedto academic excellence and dedication.For example, her dedicationto her educational goals has led toher achieving one of the best overallgrade point averages in the program---notto mention raising a familyand holding down a full-time job.When asked why she excelled in ourprogram, she stated that she believesthat her education will permit her toMichael Kiscellus accepts the Excellencein the Field of Study Awardfrom Dr. Charles R. Christensen, VicePresident for Academic Affairs andDean of FacultyTammy Tom accepts the Excellencein the Field of Study Award fromDr. Charles R. Christensen, VicePresident for Academic Affairs andDean of Facultyincrease her ability to provide for her family. In addition to her studies,this year’s honoree is employed by the Ohio Virtual Academy and isusing her degree to seek job advancement. Her story, and others likeher, represents the best of Tiffin University’s mission.Graduate Degree AwardsThe Graduate Student of the Year Award is given to the outstandingstudent in each graduate degree offered by Tiffin University. The criteriafor this award are completion of the graduate program with acumulative GPA of 4.0, significant involvement in learning, and noteworthycontributions to the workplace, industry, and society.MASTER OF BUSINESS ADMINISTRATIONGRADUATE OF THE YEAR AWARDThis year’s honoree, Earline Thomas,began her career with EnergizerBattery Company in 2001 as an InternationalLogistics Associate, responsiblefor export order management.Her performance has beeninstrumental in Energizer’s achievingthe highest possible rating on theDepartment of Homeland Security’sC-TPAT program. In January 2009,Earline completed a two-year internshipat the renowned ClevelandClinic where she successfully completedfour units of Clinical PastoralEducation while serving as one ofthe Clinic’s chaplains. Earline has certificationsin patient advocacy andgrief recovery. She has a calling forhelping those who are hurting and in need, and currently uses hercounseling skills to help patients and their families in her capacity as avolunteer with Hospice of the Western Reserve.MASTER OF HUMANITIESGRADUATE OF THE YEAR AWARDThis year’s Graduate of the Year Award in the Master of Humanitiesprogram went to William Cleland, a true renascence man. After hefound the Master of Humanities program at Tiffin University, he instinctivelyknew he had found an academic home. Tiffin’s programoffered a wide variety of complementary courses that appealed tohis interests. According to our honoree, Tiffin University has madepossible a dream of graduate education in the Humanities. Williamsays that the Humanities education has sharpened his perception andcomprehension of the challenges facing humanity, and that the programis both timely and timeless.William Cleland was not available to accept his award.Earline Thomas accepts the MBAGraduate of the Year Award fromDr. Charles R. Christensen, VicePresident for Academic Affairs andDean of Faculty34 CHALLENGE | Spring / Summer 2010