List of Endowed Scholarships

The Larry and Jeanne Adelsperger Endowment for Faculty and Staff Development was established for the purpose of providing annual awards to meet the professional development needs of the University and its employees. Established Larry and Jeanne Adelsperger on September 17, 2018.

The Alumni Association established this scholarship. Must be a Tiffin University student with senior standing (82+Credit Hours), must have a cumulative 3.0 GPA, must have a financial need and must submit answers to essay questions. The scholarship is not renewable.

This fund was established by Jillian (Class of 2002 & 2004) and Kevin (Class of 2012) Arnold to forever help those who were adopted into a loving and caring family and/or were an orphan. The student must have been adopted into a family where neither parent in the household is the student’s biological parent. Preference may be shown to graduates of Valley Forge, Seneca East, Carey and New Riegel Schools. Recipients must maintain a 2.0 GPA and demonstrate good university and community citizenship standards.

This fund was established by Jillian (Class of 2002 & 2004) and Kevin (Class of 2012) Arnold in honor of their daughter, Jacoby Hope, who was born premature at 28 weeks. It was established to help those who were born with a birth defect and had to overcome enormous obstacles to reach college. The student must maintain a 2.0 GPA and demonstrate good university and community citizenship standards.

The AVI Scholarship was established for the purpose of providing an annual award(s) to a qualified student(s). The award is to be used to pay academic expenses (tuition and fees). It was established on October 8, 2019. Recipients should have a minimum aggregate 3.0 grade point average in their major, preference shall be given to graduates of Warren Harding High School and Students who wish to be considered for this scholarship must submit all required documents to the Financial Aid Office.

This endowed fund provides upper-level finance students with the opportunity to manage a component of the endowment through the activities of buying and selling securities. The David and Maureen Boyd Student Investment Fund is in the permanent endowment of Tiffin University in honor of the meritorious service provided by David J. Boyd for sixteen years as the University’s Vice President for Business.

This endowed scholarship was established by Brian (Class of 1990) and Karen Brown. It will be awarded to a student who demonstrates financial need.

This endowed scholarship was established by Bobby Petras and the Ciak Family in memory of Aaron Ciak, a 2005 TU graduate. It will be awarded to a native of Michigan who is a football player.

This endowment was established in 2000 by Ivan (Class of 1938) and Maxine Cole. Income from the endowment is being used to provide general scholarship support to students who hail from Seneca County, Ohio, preferably Seneca East High School, who have a grade point average of 3.0 or better and have participated in at least one outside activity. Character references from a religious leader and school official must be provided to supplement the application.

Harold was a trustee of Tiffin University and attended TU in 1950. He had a twenty-seven year career at Marathon Oil. Upon his untimely death, his widow, Brema Colvin, decided to establish a scholarship in his name. Brema is a 1951 graduate of Tiffin University.

Hazel Craycraft Franks, a graduate of the class of 1941, was a spirited entrepreneur. As an alumnus, board of trustee member and community leader, she supported many activities at Tiffin University during her lifetime.

Craycraft Hall was dedicated in 1990 as a memorial to her parents, Charles H. Craycraft and Rose Parsons Craycraft and her brother, Eugene and honors her late husband, Richard Franks. Through her generous bequest, in her Last Will and Testament, Dr. Franks ensures that Craycraft hall will be maintained and replaced if needed. Income derived from the endowment is restricted to maintaining, refurbishing, improving, enlarging or replacing Craycraft as a student dormitory.

This endowed fund was established by The School of Arts & Sciences at Tiffin University. It will forever honor Dr. Crutsinger’s Service to the students, faculty and staff in his role as Associate Professor of English and Dean of the School of Arts and Sciences from 2011-2013. The scholarship supports any student majoring in any program residing in the School of Arts & Sciences at Tiffin University. No academic restrictions are placed on this scholarship.

Established by Dr. Cummins, an accomplished mathematics scholar and music educator. Although Dr. Cummins was a full-time professor at Kent State University, he always maintained a residence in his beloved hometown of New Washington, Ohio. Preference is to be given to academically qualified and deserving students from Buckeye Central High School in New Washington, Ohio and Seneca East High School in Attica, Ohio.

The fund was established by Michael and Nancy Grandillo in memory of Michael’s father, Anthony D. Grandillo and in honor of his mother, Lucy DeLuca Grandillo of Dayton. This scholarship will be used to provide general scholarship support to students from the following high schools only: Cleveland East Tech, Steubenville Catholic Central, Dayton Charminade – Julienne, Dayton Meadowdale and Wadsworth.

The fund was established by Jeff Doepker, a loyal friend of Tiffin University. The scholarship supports a graduate student who meets the following requirements: a) Be accepted into the MBA program at Tiffin University, b) Hold an incoming GPA of 3.0 or better and c) Be an active member of the TU School of Business Club.

The Christopher D. English ’77 Memorial Scholarship was established in May 2021 by Connie English and the Webster Industries Foundation. The scholarships are restricted Accounting majors. Preference shall be given to those with financial need.

The fund was established by First Citizens National Bank, headquartered in Upper Sandusky, OH. The purpose of the fund is to provide general scholarship support to graduates from the following high schools only: Carey, Hardin-Northern, Mohawk, Riverdale, Wynford and Upper Sandusky.

A. Robert Fleet was a native of Seneca County, Ohio and graduated from Tiffin University in 1941 with a two-year degree. He started and grew his own company, Swissomatic Products. This fund is to provide general scholarship support to students who graduate from a Seneca County, Ohio high school.

Dennis and Patty Foster started this endowment book fund during their visit to Tiffin University when Dennis was named Outstanding Business Leader of the Year in October 1998. Mr. Foster was the Vice Chairman of Alltel Communications and the former CEO of 360 Communications. He is a native of rural Fostoria. Income from the endowment is to be used to provide new library books to be shelved in the Pfeiffer Library of Tiffin University.

This endowment was established in 2005 by retired President of Marathon Ashland Petroleum, LLC, J. Louis “Corky” Frank. Mr. Frank is a long-time mentor and friend of Gary R. Heminger, who is an alumnus of TU and TU Board Chairman Emeritus and CEO of Marathon Petroleum Corp. Income from the endowment is being used to provide scholarship support to students at Tiffin University who demonstrate the personality traits and the entrepreneurial skills for success in the business world. Participation in extra-curricular activities and a 3.0 grade point average are also required.

Tiffin University dedicated its new classroom building, Franks Hall on August 25, 1994 in honor of Hazel Craycraft Franks of Upper Sandusky. Hazel was a spirited entrepreneur, businesswomen and a loyal friend of Tiffin University. She was a member of the class of 1941, received an honorary Doctor of Laws degree in 1993 and a member of The Board of Trustees from 1995 to 2011. Dr. Franks was instrumental in providing funding to start varsity football at Tiffin University, reinvigorating and re-establishing the music program, as well as funding two buildings and two endowed funds. Through her generous bequest, in her Last Will and Testament, Dr. Franks ensures that Franks Hall will be maintained and replaced if needed. Income derived from the endowment is restricted to maintaining, refurbishing, improving, enlarging or replacing Franks Hall as a classroom building.

The scholarship was established by family and friends of Rolland Friedley, honored alumnus and loyal trustee of the University. Dr. Friedley served as trustee for 33 years. Rolland was the president of Farmer’s State Bank in New Washington, Ohio.

This fund was established in 1977 by TU alumni, Stephen E. Werling, in memory of his father-in-law, Michael D. Gaietto. The scholarship award is established to provide financial assistance to a full-time student. The student must be a continuing student in good standing, making clear progress towards graduation. Preference shall be given to students with an interest in entrepreneurial activities and who demonstrate financial need.

This fund was funded through the generous support of the GAR Foundation of Akron. Income from the endowment is being used to provide general scholarship support to students from Summit County.

Mildred Hankey established this scholarship in her Last Will and Testament. This scholarship is to be awarded annually to scholastically deserving students from a Seneca County high school for full-time attendance at Tiffin University.

This fund was established by Wilbur Hartman in memory of his only child. Provides low interest loans to TU students in their Junior or Senior year. Income from the endowment is being used to provide emergency loans for special needs of student to help them retain at Tiffin University.

Established by Dr. David (TU graduate 1974, 1976, Honorary Degree 2002) and Patty Hayes. David is a Trustee Emeritus of TU and has enjoyed a successful career as an entrepreneur. He, along with his wife Patty, is honored on campus with The Hayes Center for the Arts. Income from this fund is to be used for a graduating senior of Tiffin University who wish to enroll in TU’s MBA Program. Financial need and evidence of strong work ethic should take precedence in selection process.

Duane and Kathy Jebbett established this fund in December 2018. Duane Jebbett retired earlier this year as the President and Chief Executive Officer of Rowmark,
LLC in Findlay, Ohio. Rowmark is the leading global manufacturer of thin gauge plastic sheet products for the custom engraving and awards markets. Kathy retired seven years ago from Cooper Tire and Rubber Company as the Corporate Fleet Manager.

Duane also serves as an advisory board member for the following companies: The Roppe Corporation, Fresh Products, Keller Logistics, Mediview Technologies, Ballreich Snack Foods and Six Disciplines. Duane and his wife Kathy are owners of a residential building business in Findlay, Distinctive Building Elements (DBE) and also are part owners of two Fast Signs franchise units.

Duane and Kathy have been and continue to be highly actively in charitable pursuits through a variety of roles. Kathy has been a Board Member of Children’s Mentoring Connection for nine years and serves as Chair of their foundation, she has been a Board Member of the Ritz Theater since 2012, and is a member of the Tiffin University Board of Counselors.

Duane is the past Chairman of the Board of Blanchard Valley Health System. He is on the Board of Trustees for the University of Findlay, Chairs of the Raise the Bar Alliance Board for workforce development and is a board member of the Center for Civic Engagement.

Duane was awarded the “Distinguished Volunteer of the Year” for the United Way in 2004 and served as the United Way County Campaign Chair in 2001. He and his wife Kathy have been the Leadership Chairs for United Way in Hancock County, they were presented Rotary’s “Service Above Self Community Award“ in 2017. Duane was also the recipient of the Hancock Leadership
Alumni Association “Distinguished Leadership Award.”

Kathy graduated from the State University of New York at Oneonta with a Bachelor of Science degree. Duane attended the State University of New York and has a degree in Food Service Administration and then graduated from The University of North Carolina’s Advanced Management Program. They have resided in Findlay, Ohio since 1989. They are the proud parents of Keri Jebbett-Taylor who resides in Indianapolis, Indiana with her husband Justin, and two children.

Recipients should have a minimum aggregate 3.0-grade point average in their major. They should also exemplify Fred Kremer’s Leadership Axiom: “Leadership is Best Demonstrated by Giving Back to Others.”

Dr. Prasad Kakarala established a scholarship to mark twenty years of service as a pediatrician in Seneca County. Income from the endowment is being used to provide general scholarship support to students of Seneca County, Ohio. A resident and graduate from a high school with a 2.5 grade point average, who participates in extra-curricular activities and demonstrates good character and leadership.

Ravi Kakarala established this fund in July 2019. Ravi is a 1998 alum. This scholarship is restricted to a student who graduates from a high school in Seneca County and demonstrates financial need.

This fund was established by the Trustees of Tiffin University for George and Diane Kidd, honoring their twenty-one years of service to the college. George Kidd, Jr. was President of Tiffin University from 1981 to 2002. The income is to be used for a speaker’s honorarium and for housing and food for the speaker while he or she is on campus. Each speaker is expected to lecture in both graduate and undergraduate business classes. There is to be a public lecture which is open to both the campus community and the community at large. Each speaker is to be chosen by the Dean of the School of Business.

About the Scholarship

In 2022, Tiffin University received a generous grant to create The Austin E. Knowlton Foundation Endowed Memorial Scholarship.

Preference for awarding scholarships will be as follows: 

1. An applicant who has received a scholarship award in a prior year and who remains in good academic standing
2. Freshman application from Ohio interested in majoring in a discipline included with the definition of STEM, or a related field.
3. A student from Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, or Michigan, again with the preference of a freshman applicant interested in majoring in a discipline included within the definition of STEM, or a related field
4. Student from Ohio

Austin E. Knowlton

Throughout his lifetime, Mr. Austin E. Knowlton, known to his friends as “Dutch” or “Mr. K”, helped build and shape thriving communities. Mr. Knowlton was the owner and Chairman of the Knowlton Construction Company, started in Bellefontaine, Ohio, in 1937. Dutch and his company were responsible for 600 construction projects throughout Ohio and the Midwest, including school buildings, hospitals, libraries and post offices.

Mr. Knowlton was a 1927 graduate of Bellefontaine High School in Logan County, Ohio, and The Ohio State University, class of 1931, where he received a Bachelor of Science degree in Architectural Engineering. Today, both Ohio State’s School of Architecture and its airport terminal and flight school are named in his honor.

An avid sportsman, he was an original founding partner of the Cincinnati Bengals, where he served as Chairman. He also held a major ownership interest in the Cincinnati Reds for many years. He had a lifelong passion for saddle-bred horses and was a Trustee of the Little Brown Jug Society for harness racing in Delaware, Ohio.

Mr. Knowlton was also an aviation pioneer, making extensive use of early business aircraft to efficiently support his far-flung construction projects from the late 1940s. He founded an aircraft sales and charter company, Ohio Aviation, which decades later would become an early part of NetJets.

His lifelong passions for sports, horses and aviation are reflected in the work of the Foundation, including funding football stadiums, fitness training facilities, a state-of-the-art equine center, a health and wellness facility, and a world-class aviation school.

In 1981, inspired by the success made possible by the education he received, Mr. Knowlton established his namesake Foundation to empower future generations of students and to support the institutions dedicated to educating them. Today, through the Foundation, Mr. Knowlton’s beneficial impact on communities throughout the Midwest continues, by helping to prepare future generations of leaders.

Mary Lewis of Tiffin, Ohio established this scholarship in July 2018. Mary is a 1986 alum. The scholarship is restricted to an undergraduate student who is an active member of the TU New Orleans Style Jazz Band. The student shall have at least a 3.0 GPA. Recipients are to demonstrate good university and community standards. Financial need is not a requirement.

Darrell and Karen were both born and raised in northwest Ohio. Darrell graduated from Fremont Ross High School and Karen graduated from Mohawk High School. Darrell continued his education and earned his BCS Business Management degree in 1977 from Tiffin University. Darrell also graduated from the Ohio School of Consumer Lending at Kent State University and ABA National Commercial Lending School at the University of Oklahoma. Darrell worked at the Commercial National Bank in Tiffin as the Vice President from 1977-1988 and then he was the Vice President & City Executive at Fifth Third Bank from 1988-1995. Karen worked at Commercial National Bank and Corbin Corporation in Tiffin. In 1995 Darrell moved to Colorado and worked at Sooper Credit Union as its Executive Vice President until his retirement in January 2020. After moving to Colorado, Karen worked at Liberty Savings Bank and CU Members Mortgage until her retirement in 2018.

Darrell and Karen have 3 daughters and 1 son.  They have 7 grandchildren who range in age from 1 year old to 18 years old. They now enjoy spending their time traveling in their motorhome and also traveling each year to a new place around the world.

This scholarship was established through the generous donations of Dr. and Mrs. Marion and alumni and friends of Tiffin University who wish to perpetuate the Marion’s legacy. The scholarship is to be awarded annually to an undergraduate student who had a high school cumulative GPA average of 3.0 or higher and held one or more leadership positions, and has demonstrated financial need. In order to continue receiving the scholarship, the recipient must maintain a cumulative grade point average of 3.0.

Charles McKillip was a faculty member from 1927-1972. Annually, income from the endowment is to be used to provide academic support for the faculty member named to the chair. The recipient of the endowed chair, named by the Dean of School of Business upon approval of the Vice President of Academic Affairs and the President of Tiffin University.

This fund was established by President Schumacher to honor Dr. John Millar for his 33 years of service to TU at his retirement party in 2016. His passion lives on in our classrooms today and benefits the thousands of student who have passed through our halls. The fund will be distributed by the business office and awarded by the VP for Academic Affairs.

Tom Miller of Cicero, Indiana and John Millar of Tiffin, Ohio met while attending Michigan State University for graduate school in 1965, and have been friends ever since. To honor John’s success of more than thirty years of service to Tiffin University, including serving as Vice President for Academic Affairs, Dean Emeritus and Professor of Management, Tom Miller established The John and Joyce Millar Scholarship, an endowed fund of Tiffin University. The scholarship is restricted to junior or senior students currently pursuing any degree in any Tiffin University program at the undergraduate level. Recipients of the scholarship are to demonstrate good University and community citizenship standards and must be active in campus life and activities and have a minimum of a 3.0 GPA.

This fund established by the National Machinery Foundation supports and undergraduate student who demonstrates financial need, a 3.0 GPA, graduated from a high school in Seneca County and must be a full-time student at Tiffin University in good standing.

The Theresa A. Nibblett ’84 Endowed Scholarship was established for providing an annual award(s) to a qualified student(s). The award is to be used to pay academic expenses (tuition and fees). Established by Theresa A. Nibblett ’84 on March 17, 2021.  Recipients will be Criminal Justice majors. preference shall be given to those with financial needs, students who wish to be considered for this scholarship must submit all required documents to the Financial Aid Office.

The Jack and Joanne Nordholt Endowed Scholarship is an endowed fund at Tiffin University that was started by Tom and Ann Hunnicutt. Ann is currently on the Board of Trustees and her parents were Jack and Joanne Nordholt. This scholarship is restricted to a student who lives in Tiffin, Ohio.

Alfred M. Reichard, along with F.J. Miller, purchased the Heidelberg Commercial College in 1912 and founded Tiffin Business University in 1917 and Tiffin University in 1939. This was funded by a bequest from his wife, Grace Reichard. In honor of one of the founders of Tiffin University, The Reichard Room was dedicated in A.M. Reichard’s honor. Income from the fund is to be used for general support of the University’s operations.

The Reineke Family established this fund for the School of Business student who focuses on entrepreneurial salesmanship.

This significant gift to the permanent endowment of Tiffin University will forever honor the memory of Kyle Garrett Ryman. This scholarship is restricted to a traditional undergraduate golf student. The age of the student must be between 17 and 22. This traditional time period may be expanded by one year only if the University, as part of its curriculum, expands to include an official internship/work-study/co-op program. The academic restrictions placed on this scholarship include a cumulative grade point average of a 2.5 or better. The recipient should demonstrate an inherent financial need. Students are to demonstrate good university and community citizenship standards. The student must meet the minimum requirements to advance in class rank during a four-year period.

The fund was established in 2011 and is part of the campaign Share the Pride. Build on Tradition – A Campaign for Tiffin University by P. Leighton Sayers and is in honor of his parents Paul and Muriel Sayers. P. Leighton is a loyal alumnus of Tiffin University and member of the Class of 1968. This scholarship is to be provided for international traditional undergraduate students to matriculate and retain at Tiffin University. Preference is then given to students from the Country of Canada as P. Leighton is a citizen of Canada and wishes to encourage future generations of Canadian nationals to consider Tiffin University. The student shall maintain 2.0 GPA or higher and demonstrate that an American college education will benefit them as well as the global community.

This fund was established by Dr. Lillian and Dr. Ronald Schumacher in memory of Ron’s late brother, John. The scholarship supports an undergraduate student who maintains a 2.5 GPA, shows financial need and be from Cuyahoga County in Ohio.

This fund was funded through the generous support of Mr. Ernst Selig of Hillsboro, Maryland. Ernst Selig enjoyed a long career in government and specialized in military intelligence. In 2007, Mr. Selig sought to dissolve his foundation which supported criminal justice scholarships and embarked on a national search of criminal justice schools to receive the residual of his foundation. After several visits to the University, he chose Tiffin. Income from the endowment is being used to provide general scholarship support full-time, undergraduate criminal justice student enrolled at TU. A 350 word (or more) essay will be written explaining why he/she wishes to follow a career in the field of law enforcement..

This fund is in memory of Frederick C. Stone, Tiffin native and businessman, and in honor of Daisy Stone Yost, his wife, who has spent her career as an educator encouraging creativity in young minds. This scholarship is limited to a junior or senior student majoring in criminal justice whose permanent residence is Seneca County, Ohio and who holds a 3.0 or better grade point average

This fund was established by the members of The Tiffin Women’s Club. The Tiffin Woman’s Club was a local organization that was established in 1920. They strived to promote public welfare and good citizenship. Income from the endowment is being used to provide general scholarship support to junior students who are residents of Seneca County, Ohio who have earned a 3.0 grade point average through their first two years at the University. Recipient must demonstrate good character and financial need for scholarship assistance.

This fund was established by Jim’s wife, Mimi, after the untimely death of Jim due to a car accident in 2006. Jim was a full-time Professor of Criminal Justice at Tiffin University, and came to Tiffin University in 1995. The recipient shall be an undergraduate, seated, Main Campus student who has completed their sophomore year and is a Law Enforcement major. The student should demonstrate improvement, or maintain, a strong grade point average since the start of their Freshman academic year, provide proof of involvement in campus life, and provide references/examples of strong moral character; all traits exemplified by Dr. James C. Todd, Ph.D.

Webster Industries hereby establishes The Webster Industries Endowed Scholarship as an endowed fund of Tiffin University. This gift will forever honor Webster Industries and their belief in higher education. The scholarship supports students seeking an undergraduate business degree at Tiffin University. No academic restrictions are placed on this scholarship. The student must demonstrate loyalty to Tiffin University and a willingness to continue support for the university.

This fund was established by 1977 TU alumnus, Stephen E. Werling, and his wife Marilyn in memory of Stephen’s father, Edward J. Werling. The scholarship was established to provide financial assistance to a full-time student. The student must be a continuing student in good standing, making clear progress towards graduation. Preference shall be given to students majoring in human resources. Preference shall be given to students who demonstrate a financial need.

Dr. Stephen E. Werling established this fund in September 2018. Dr. Stephen E. Werling is a 1977 alum. Dr. Stephen Werling is an educator and consultant with over 35 years of both consulting and academic experience.  Dr. Werling received his Doctorate in Business Administration with a focus on Human Resource Management from the University of Kentucky, an MBA from the University of Dayton, and a BCS from Tiffin University.  As President of Werling Associates, Inc., Dr. Werling has developed compensation systems and provided advisory support on compensation issues to organizations in the San Antonio, South Texas area, and nationally.  Dr. Werling recently retired from academic after a 45 year career. This scholarship is restricted to a first generation student who demonstrates financial need and preference will be given to those from Tiffin, Ohio or the surrounding area.

George Whitfield, Jr., a loyal alumnus and 2001 graduate of TU established this fund. The scholarship supports students from Stark County, Ohio who are involved in athletics and have financial need and a high school GPA of 3.0 or greater. The student needs to participate in two extra-curricular programs for six (6) semesters in high school.

The fund was established by Jack H. (Class of 1965) and Susan Payne in memory of Jack’s parents, Orville and Irma Payne of Port Clinton and their love and support of golf. Income from this fund is to be used for general scholarship assistance to an undergraduate who participates in intercollegiate golf and shows promise to retain at Tiffin University.

This fund was established by Ginny and Wayne Zahn. Ginny is an alumnus of Tiffin University. Wayne Zahn was the president of National Machinery Company of Tiffin and a long-time community leader. He served as trustee from 1974 to 1992 and now holds the title of Trustee Emeritus. Virginia “Ginny” Zahn is a graduate of the class of 1945 and is a loyal alumnus. Together they funded the construction of Zahn Hall and established the Zahn Scholarship, as well as other philanthropic activities.