Heidelberg commencement takes place May 14

TIFFIN – Heidelberg University's 170 Commencement ceremony will take place on May 14 in Hoernemann stadium. Once again, the Class of 2023 will process from University Hall on Greenfield Street for the ceremony, which will take place at 10 a.m. The featured keynote speaker is Marc A. Stefanski, a 1976 Heidelberg graduate. He is the chairman and chief executive officer of Third Federal Savings and Loan Association of Cleveland. Stefanski joined Third Federal in 1982 succeeding his father, founder Ben Stefanski, as chairman and CEO of Third Federal in 1987. Since he became chairman, Third Federal has grown from $1.8 billion to $14.1 billion today, according to information provided by the university. According to the release, during his 33 years as Chairman and CEO, Stefanski has led Third Federal with the belief that the role of a company goes beyond making a profit; that it also has a social responsibility to make the world a better place. In 2007, he directed the creation of the Third Federal Foundation which has donated almost $60 million to the communities Third Federal serves, supporting education, housing and other community development initiatives. Under his leadership, the Foundation has made significant investments in the Slavic Village neighborhood of Cleveland, solidifying the organization's role as an anchor and steward of the community. In addition, Stefanski's personal philanthropy focuses on the communities and institutions that have impacted his life and the lives of his family, the release stated. In 2015, he and his children founded Rhonda's Kiss, a charity named to honor his late wife, Rhonda. The charity awards grants to hospitals that in turn offer financial aid to cancer patients in need. Funds help pay for patients' non-medical expenses such as rent, utilities, childcare, transportation and more. To date, Rhonda's Kiss has donated more than $2.2 million to hospital partners, including the Cleveland Clinic. Stefanski earned his bachelor's degree with a major in economics from Heidelberg in 1976 and an MBA with a concentration in systems management from Baldwin Wallace, according to information provided by the university. He returns to his alma mater after delivering the Commencement speech 20 years ago, in 2003. That year, he received an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters Degree from Heidelberg. During Commencement, Heidelberg will present master's degrees in business administration, counseling and athletic training. The ceremony will feature the first graduates in the Master of Athletic Training program, Heidelberg's newest graduate program. The university will also present Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Science and Bachelor of Music degrees. In all, about 300 members of the Class of '23 will receive diplomas. Kicking off commencement weekend Heidelberg will kick off Commencement Weekend with a non-denominational Baccalaureate service Saturday afternoon, May 13. Delivering the keynote sermon will be the Rev. Dr. Karen Georgia Thompson, associate general minister for Wider Church Ministries and Operations of the United Church of Christ and co-executive for Global Ministries in the UCC and the Christian Church. Thompson is an inspiring preacher and theologian, who shares her skills and gifts in a variety of settings, nationally and internationally, often using her poetry as a part of her ministry, according to the release. Heidelberg has had a long affiliation with the UCC. Thompson will receive an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters degree during Commencement.