175 years of Heidelberg

TIFFIN — While the color orange is associated with many things, in Tiffin it represents Heidelberg University. Since opening its doors Nov. 11, 1850, with just five students, Heidelberg has grown significantly. Today, the university serves a student body of 1,050 undergraduate and 130 graduate students. In 2025, the university celebrated its 175th anniversary with a campus-wide birthday bash. During the festivities, past and current students became part of history by signing their names and class years onto structural beams for Frann's Fieldhouse. This new Student Athletics, Academic and Recreation Center officially opened in October 2025. Named in honor of the late alumna Frann Zverina, class of 1974, the fieldhouse commemorates a lifelong champion of Heidelberg athletics and education. Zverina left a lasting mark on campus through her support of the softball program and the creation of Frann's Field. The facility features three basketball courts, a competition-level indoor track, a turf field, classrooms and training rooms. Since its opening, it has become one of the most dynamic spaces on campus. According to campus news, the fieldhouse has already hosted 2,000 guests for wrestling invitationals, along with softball camps, tournaments and large indoor track and field meets. Students are also utilizing the space for recreational use, such as pickleball. This semester marked the first academic classes held in the building. Students in the exercise science program, led by Morgan Kocher, have used the team meeting room, conference space and weight room for hands-on learning. Additionally, the fieldhouse serves the public by opening its indoor track to walkers on weekdays from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Looking ahead, the Athletic Hall of Fame will host its 2026 induction ceremony at the fieldhouse. The event will feature the largest class in four decades and the unveiling of a new Hall of Fame display. Furthermore, Heidelberg has launched a new general studies major designed for students who are close to completing their bachelor's degree but need a flexible pathway to graduation. "The general studies major allows students to optimize previously earned credits with a combination of courses from different academic areas to complete their degrees," said Courtney DeMayo Pugno, vice president for academic affairs and provost. "You can tailor your coursework to fit your interests and career goals. This is a clear and efficient pathway to your diploma."