Defiance College Alumni and Friends

05/29/2026

Thank you to everyone who has already stepped forward to support Defiance College and our students. Every gift is helping build momentum for the future and moving us one step closer to shaping the next 175 years.

Thanks to the generosity of Board of Trustees member Randy Buchman II ’79, the first 200 gifts received by June 30, 2026, will receive an additional $100 added to their impact — regardless of gift size.

If you haven’t made your gift yet, there’s still time to be part of the challenge and make an even greater difference for Defiance College students.

Join us and help shape what comes next by going to: https://www.givecampus.com/schools/DefianceCollege/the-defiance-college-next-175-years-giving-challenge

05/28/2026

Join us for Jacket Summit as we connect with community leaders to discuss the skills graduates need most when entering today’s workforce. This year’s focus: digital technology and oral & written communication.

To register for the summit please contact Kaitlyn Gray at [email protected].

After the summit, attendees can also join a special AI session for $100 to explore how AI is shaping the future of work.

To register for this event, please click the link below:
https://loom.ly/6kPXSgo

05/21/2026

05/20/2026

The next chapter of Defiance College begins now!

As we move into our next 175 years, YOU can help shape the future for generations of Yellow Jackets to come through the Defiance College Next 175 Years Giving Challenge.

Thanks to the generosity of Board of Trustees member Randy Buchman II ’79, an additional $100 will be added to each of the first 200 gifts received by June 30, 2026 — no matter the size of the gift!

Every gift helps strengthen opportunities for our students and supports the mission of Defiance College as we continue preparing graduates to lead lives of purpose, integrity, and service.

Join the challenge. Make your impact. Help shape the next 175 years.

Be one of the first 200 donors and make your gift count even more with an extra $100 added to support the future of Defiance College by going to: https://www.givecampus.com/schools/DefianceCollege/the-defiance-college-next-175-years-giving-challenge

05/14/2026

Congratulations to the Defiance College Class of 2026!

Last week, we celebrated an incredible milestone as our graduates crossed the stage and began the next chapter of their journey. We are proud of all they have accomplished and excited for all that lies ahead. Thank you for your support of our recent graduates and their DC experience!

View graduation photos and watch the commencement speech here: https://www.defiance.edu/commencement-information/

03/31/2026

During Women’s History Month, it’s only fitting that we recognize our own President, Dr. Richanne C. Mankey.

Dr. Mankey made history in 2016 as the first woman elected to serve as president of Defiance College. Her leadership, vision, and unwavering commitment to our students and DC community continue to guide the College forward. As we celebrate 175 years of Defiance College, it seems appropriate to note her belief in working together as a community which reminds us that our strength has always come from the people who care deeply about DC and its surrounding community.

Her thoughtful leadership inspires and empowers the next generation of leaders at Defiance College and beyond.

Thank you, Dr. Mankey, for leading us forward—together!.

03/26/2026

Defiance College's 175th Anniversary celebration began on March 23, 2025, and concluded on March 26, 2026—but the future is just beginning.

Watch the video and join us as we carry that legacy into the next 175 years - together.

03/24/2026

Today, we want to recognize Carolyn M. Small, whose love of music and passion for teaching left a lasting impact on generations of students.

Carolyn came to Defiance College in 1964 as an instructor in music theory and organ. Over the years, she taught in the classroom and provided private music lessons, sharing her gift and love of music with countless students. Her musical talents enriched both the campus and the community. For many years, she accompanied the college and community performances of Handel’s Messiah and numerous productions with the Fort Defiance Players. During the 1970s, she also performed at colleges throughout the region as part of The Defiance College Trio.

Carolyn generously shared her talents beyond campus as well, serving as the organist at St. John United Church of Christ for 65 years. Her dedication to teaching and music was recognized when she received the Distinguished Faculty Member Award for the 1991–1992 academic year. Today, her impact continues through the Carolyn Small Honors Program, established in her name.

Her connection to Defiance College also extends through her family. Both of her daughters, Robyn Small and Judy Dally, attended Defiance College, continuing the family’s strong ties to the institution she served so faithfully.

Now 101 years young, Carolyn continues to reside in the Defiance area. Through her teaching, her music, and the many students she inspired, her legacy lives on at Defiance College—and the music continues.

We invite alumni, students, colleagues, and friends to share your memories of Carolyn in the comments. You are also welcome to recognize another woman who played an instrumental role in your Defiance College experience as we celebrate the many women who have helped shape the DC legacy.

03/12/2026

Defiance County is getting national attention! 🎥

Our community will be featured on “Viewpoint with Dennis Quaid,” a nationally distributed public television program highlighting communities that are driving innovation, opportunity, and growth.

We’re especially proud that Defiance College and our campus are showcased as part of the story, representing the role higher education plays in strengthening our region and preparing the next generation of leaders.

From a thriving manufacturing base and growing businesses to strong schools and a vibrant quality of life, Defiance County continues to prove that small-town communities can make a big impact.

At Defiance College, we’re proud to be part of a community that values collaboration, opportunity, and forward-thinking leadership.

📺 The episode will air nationally beginning in March 2026.
Learn more and watch the segment: https://loom.ly/f571GmA