As anticipation was mounting for Commencement, TSU took time out to honor the men and women whose contributions are helping to shape the future of TSU. Dr. Robert L. Jannen, Chair Emeritus, was honored in the naming of the Jannen School of Arts and Sciences at a special ceremony held outside the building on Thursday, May 4. Earl D. Brooks II, Ph.D. presented Dr. and Mrs. Dolores Jannen with a portrait and aerial view photograph of the TSU campus. 

“Here with my family and friends, I feel like the luckiest man alive today,” said Jannen during an acceptance speech. 

Jannen is a distinguished alumnus and long-time supporter of the arts. He established the Jannen Renaissance Award at TSU to be awarded to a teacher and a student that has contributed to the arts on campus.

There are few individuals in the history of Tri-State that have supported their alma mater with as much passion and dedication as Bob Jannen," said Dr. Earl D. Brooks II, president of Tri-State University. "We are indebted to Bob and Dolores for their loyalty and generosity. It is my hope that this recognition will bear witness to the Jannens' contributions to Tri-State and will inspire students of all walks of life to dream and achieve."

In a surprise ceremony, Dr. William Gettig, an alumnus and current trustee, and his wife, Leone, were honored for their gift of a carillon, located in the bell tower at Sponsel Administration Center. The bells will chime on the quarter hour, playing the TSU Alma Mater among other tunes. The Gettig Fitness Center, the Gettig scholarship and the annual golf tournament also bear the family name as recognition for their continued support.

A dedication was also held for the Tri-State University School of Education, which will now bear the name of Dr. Lawrence A. Franks of Sturgis, Michigan.  He is a ‘59 ME graduate and a member of the Board of Trustees since 1984.

“It is an honor for TSU to have the Franks’ family name be a part of our School of Education,” said Earl D. Brooks II, Ph.D., president of Tri-State University. 

Franks was presented with a portrait and an aerial view photograph of the TSU campus. He will join four other distinguished alumni who have earned a place in Tri-State history by virtue of this honor: Dr. Jerry Allen ('78) and Dr. Jorja J. Frasher ('78) Allen, the Jerry and Jorja Allen School of Engineering & Technology; Dr. Robert Jannen (’50), the Jannen School of Arts and Sciences; and Dr. Ralph W. Ketner ('39), the Ralph W. Ketner School of Business.