Heidelberg University is proud of its 174-year history of providing a quality education in the tradition of the liberal arts. That same philosophy is maintained in professional program offerings. Today, academic excellence and a profound student experience stand at the core of the University.
At Heidelberg, values are central to the collaborative learning process and the University nurtures a strong sense of community. It provides the opportunity for students to sharpen their intellect, explore different cultures and develop a sense of moral and ethical responsibility to their communities and the broader world. Students are highly engaged in their own education and embrace the concept of lifelong learning.
Integration of all of these qualities, imperative for professional and personal success in an evolving and complex world, help Heidelberg’s graduates to define their lives of purpose with distinction.
History
Heidelberg University was founded in 1850, as Heidelberg College, by members of the German Reformed Church who named the institution after the Heidelberg Catechism of 1563.
Seeking to minister to the German population of Ohio, the founders of Heidelberg established a church-affiliated institution staffed by a largely theologically trained faculty. Into the 1890s and beyond, the ideal of training Christian scholars persisted as the goal of a Heidelberg education.
The Evangelical and Reformed Church, formerly called the German Reformed Church, merged with the Congregational Christian Churches in 1957 to form the United Church of Christ. The institution continues its affiliation with the United Church of Christ while welcoming students and faculty from a variety of faith traditions.
As an independent, church-related, liberal arts educational institution, Heidelberg has interpreted the educated person to be an individual who can articulate the relationship between academic learning and learning for life. From five students in its first graduating class, Heidelberg has experienced periods of growth and contraction during its long and rich history. Today, Heidelberg offers 31 undergraduate majors, three master’s degrees, and employs more than 200 faculty and staff. Its total enrollment is more than 1,100 students in all programs.
Mission Statement
Heidelberg University is a community of learning that promotes and nurtures intellectual, personal and professional development, leading to a life of purpose with distinction.
Vision Statement
Heidelberg will be a welcoming, student-centered university where in-class and out-of-class learning is seamless and continuous. Both the undergraduate and graduate curriculums will effectively integrate liberal arts and professional preparation across disciplines to prepare our students to be global citizens who think critically, communicate effectively and serve thoughtfully.
Statement of Educational Philosophy and Values
Heidelberg University, in the Liberal Arts tradition, educates persons who can act effectively and with integrity in a world of change. It cherishes academic excellence, honors knowledge, encourages original research, and promotes a lifelong commitment to free inquiry. Heidelberg is dedicated to being a diverse community that challenges students to understand their cultural heritage and the contemporary world, to explore frontiers of knowledge, and to develop powers of mind and spirit. In keeping with its historic affiliation with the United Church of Christ, students, faculty, staff, and the Board of Trustees work together to understand and respect diverse cultures, religions, and lifestyles. Heidelberg University develops individuals with high moral and ethical standards who are productive in their life’s work, engaged in their communities, and responsible citizens of the world.
Statement of Institutional Goals
At the time of graduation, Heidelberg students will be capable of:
- Demonstrating the breadth of knowledge and creative and critical thinking skills to fully participate as citizens of the changing world;
- Synthesizing theory, knowledge and experience related to their majors;
- Demonstrating the writing and speaking skills to communicate effectively within their disciplines;
- Demonstrating the quantitative and problem-solving skills sufficient for their disciplines and for functioning in an increasingly technical society;
- Demonstrating an awareness of their own cultures and a sensitivity to and appreciation of other cultures;
- Valuing the quest for purpose, integrity, and spiritual growth;
- Demonstrating an engagement with Heidelberg University and the local community, as well as with the nation and the world. In the years following graduation, alumni will find that their experiences while at Heidelberg played an important role in:
- Shaping their understanding and appreciation of the world;
- Developing the abilities and strength of character to achieve their personal goals;
- Developing the capacity and willingness to contribute in a positive and constructive way to the communities in which they live and to Heidelberg University.
Accreditation and Affiliation
Heidelberg University has continuously been accredited by the Higher Learning Commission since 1913 and was included on the Association’s first published list of accredited institutions. The Higher Learning Commission is located at 30 North LaSalle Street, Suite 2400, Chicago, Illinois 60602-2504, and can be reached at (312) 263-0456, (800) 621-7440 or by fax (312) 263-7462, https://www.hlcommission.org. The Ohio Department of Higher Education, https://www.ohiohighered.org, has authorized degrees in Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Science, Bachelor of Music, Bachelor of Science in Nursing, Master of Arts in Education, Master of Arts in Counseling, Master of Business Administration and Master of Music Education.
The University is an institutional member of the American Association of Colleges for Teacher Education, the Ohio Foundation of Independent Colleges, Inc. (OFIC), the Council of Independent Colleges (CIC), the Association of Independent Colleges and Universities in Ohio (AICUO), the National Council for State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements, and the College Board.
The Accounting, Business Administration, and Economics degree programs are accredited by the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP), www.acbsp.org.
The Aris M. Kaplanis Master of Business Administration Program, holds full accreditation with the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP), www.acbsp.org.
The University’s Athletic Training Program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education (CAATE), www.caate.net.
The Master of Arts Degree in Counseling is recognized and approved by the Ohio Counselor and Social Worker Board, and is accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), www.cacrep.org.
The University is a full member of the National Association of Schools of Music (NASM), nasm. arts-accredit.org, and its requirements for entrance and graduation are in accordance with the published regulations of this accrediting agency.
The Education program is accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP) www.caep.org. This accreditation covers initial teacher preparation programs and advanced educator preparation programs. However, the accreditation does not include individual education courses that the institution offers to P-12 educators for professional development, re-licensure, or other purposes. Licenced educators seeking post licensure credit should inquire with their District administration. Information related to Title II, Higher Education Act compliance is available from the Vice President for Academic Affairs and Provost.
The baccalaureate degree program in Nursing at Heidelberg University is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education, www.aacnnursing.org/CCNE.
Campus Buildings and Facilities
Heidelberg University is located on a 125-acre campus with approximately 90 additional surrounding acres in Tiffin (population 18,000), county seat of Seneca County and center of a prosperous agricultural, industrial and business area in northwestern Ohio. The campus is located on the east side of Tiffin on College Hill. Classrooms, laboratories and other buildings are within easy walking distance in the time allotted between classes. Downtown Tiffin is within a half-mile of campus, and the city’s churches are conveniently near. The old and new in architecture at Heidelberg blend harmoniously. From the pure Greek Revival lines of Founders Hall and the Victorian Gothic style of University Hall, the architecture moves toward the more modern English Gothic and to the functional style typified by Beeghly Library. In many of the buildings erected since 1907, gray Bloomville limestone, with cut Bedford stone for trim, gives a sense of unity to the various styles. Ten buildings ranging in age from 91 to 166 years are entered in the National Register of Historic Places.
Adams Hall, formerly Laird Hall which was built in 1913 with funds provided by Della Shawhan Laird, widow of a prosperous Tiffin businessman, was renovated and opened in the Fall of 2010; and was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1979. Through the generosity of Mr. and Mrs. John Q. Adams, Laird Hall, one of Heidelberg’s most distinguished buildings, was transformed into a state-of-the-art center that will drive the academic priority of creating a first-rate business program.
Aigler Alumni Building, purchased in 1961 from the Tiffin City Board of Education, was remodeled and equipped for use as a classroom, office and laboratory building; and was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1979.This Jacobethan-style structure contains the psychology and criminology departments. Its name recognizes the loyal support of Heidelberg alumni, especially Allan G. Aigler, Class of 1902, a trustee of the university from 1926-1960.
Bareis Hall of Science was constructed in 1964 to honor George F. Bareis, president of Heidelberg’s Board of Trustees from 1899-1932, and his daughter, Grace M. Bareis, who in 1935 became the second woman named to the Board. Bareis, Heidelberg’s center for the physical sciences, contains the 80-seat Frost Lecture Hall. Also housed there are offices, the Computer Center and IT Help Desk, general classrooms and labs. Bareis Hall underwent a $4 million renovation in the Summer and Fall of 2005.
Beeghly Library is the intellectual heart of Heidelberg University. Industrialist Leon A. Beeghly provided the major financial gift for the construction of this three story circular building. Dedicated in 1967, and renovated in 2012-13, the library houses over 100,000 print volumes, and many more online resources. Special collections include the Besse Collection of English and American correspondence and the John R. Beale Collection on opera. The library is a selective Federal Depository Library. The building provides a large classroom, a computer lab, and individual and group study rooms. Beeghly is a member of the OPAL and OhioLINK consortia. (See Academic Policies and Resources for further information.) Beeghly Library houses the Beeghly Learning Commons, which includes the Owen Center for Teaching and Learning. The offices located in the Beeghly Learning Commons provide support for undergraduate advising, academic support, student accessibility services, faculty development and instructional technology support.
Brenneman Music Hall is the center for the University’s musicians. The west portion, completed in 1949, and renovated in 2000, was designed for use by the violin, voice, organ, piano and instrumental divisions of the music department. A three-story addition, made possible by a gift from Clara Brenneman of Wadsworth in honor of her husband, Glen, opened in the fall of 1971. The building now contains the 325-seat Ferris and Dorothy Ohl Concert Hall, Pancoast Recital Hall, classrooms, practice rooms, faculty studios, the Beethoven Lounge, a computer lab, offices, and a recording studio.
Edson J. Brown Residence Hall opened in 1960 and accommodates 125 students. It is named for Dr. Edson J. Brown, Class of 1915, a Cleveland physician who considered his entrance into Heidelberg a turning point in his life. He served as a trustee from 1932 until his death in 1972. Brown Hall was renovated in the Summer of 2007.
Bryenton Center for Honors Program, dedicated in June 2007, is a handsome and appealing two-story brick structure, where all Heidelberg Presidents lived until 1969; and was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1979. Built in 1868, it was home to the Development Office until 1996 when it was renovated to accommodate the highly distinguished Heidelberg Life of the Mind Honors Program. A generous gift from Gary Bryenton, member of the Board of Trustees since 1990 and former chair, allowed for restoration of the exterior and additional renovation in 2012-13. Interior renovations and redecoration were completed in 2016. Several comfortable study lounges, a seminar room, a computer lab, offices, and kitchenette serve the needs of students in the program.
The Campus Center is the focal point for student activities and services. The east half of the center was constructed in 1926 to serve as The Commons, a men’s dining hall. After 1966, the Modern English Gothic portion of the building was altered to provide the Wickham Great Hall, a multifunctional room. The opening in 1971 of a two-story wing expanded recreational services for students. The Campus Center was closed for the 1999-2000 academic year for renovations. A 9,000 square foot addition was added to the existing 26,000 square foot building. Housed within the new facility are student organizations, student health services, student affairs offices, student mailboxes, and the campus bookstore.
2 Clinton is a 4 unit complex that was acquired in August 2009 to house students. The one and two bedroom units provide independent living and are fully equipped with appliances and technology.
College Hill Apartments is an 11 unit complex that was acquired in August 2005 to house students. The one and two bedroom units provide independent living and are fully equipped with appliances and technology.
Fine Arts Building, located at 285 E. Perry Street, is a two-story frame house adjacent to Brenneman Music Hall. The house was built in 1852 as a residence by Heidelberg’s first president, E.V. Gerhart; and, was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1979. The house has been used as a guest house. It was converted to student housing in 1997. In the Fall of 2009, it was converted to the Art Department.
Founders Hall, constructed between 1851-1858, holds the distinction of being the first building on the Heidelberg campus. The Greek Revival architecture was designed by one of Heidelberg’s founding fathers, Jeremiah Good. The three-story brick structure, which originally served as a men’s dormitory, was modernized in 1929-1930 and renovated in 1974; and was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1973. It houses a rehearsal theatre, costume rooms, a dance studio, classrooms and faculty offices for communication and media, theatre, and foreign languages. Interior renovations to Founders were completed in 1992 and early 1993.
France Residence Hall, a residence hall for about 70 women, was completed in 1925. It is named in recognition of Luella Blackwell France, a benefactor of the university; and was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1979. France has a meeting hall for five sororities, and the France Great Hall. An addition was added in 2020 along with an interior renovation.
GEM (Gaming, Esports, Media) Center is located in Krieg Hall. At the root level, students have the autonomy to develop ideas and express opinions through the creation, production, and distribution of various media productions. Some students will choose to work independently on a campus radio show, while others may enjoy working with groups of other students by producing the student television newscast. All activities introduce, refine, or master valuable skills and leadership, and generate valuable resumé-building material.
Gillmor Science Hall, opened in January 2005. It combines with Bareis Hall to form the University’s science complex. Named in honor of Congressman Paul E. Gillmor, who had a demonstrated commitment to educational initiatives through his career in public service, the 42,000-square-foot, state-of-the-art Gillmor Hall is home to the biology and chemistry departments, and the Water Quality Laboratory and its National Center for Water Quality Research.
The George P. Gundlach Theatre, which is connected to Founders Hall, was completed and dedicated during Heidelberg’s 125th anniversary celebration in 1975. New renovations were completed in 2016. Its seating capacity is 250. The theatre was built through a financial gift from the late Mr. Gundlach, Class of 1931. He received an honorary degree in 1960. A native of Tiffin who spent much of his life in Cincinnati, Mr. Gundlach envisioned Tiffin and the University as partners in civic and cultural projects. He saw the theatre as one means of strengthening that bond.
Hoernemann Refectory, adjacent to Miller Residence Hall, is the primary dining hall for students. Built in 1966, the dining hall honors Paul H. Hoernemann, Class of 1938, a highly successful football and basketball coach and later Vice President of the University until his death in 1965. Renovated periodically over the years in response to ever changing student dining preferences, the Hoernemann Refectory was most recently renovated during the summer of 2017 to accommodate a new food service provider - Parkhurst Dining. This phase I work featured a complete interior renovation of space for dining, cooking, and servicing and new furniture and decor. The new design makes it possible to feature a “fresh foods” approach to the student dining experience. Phase II work resulted in the construction of The HeidelBean! coffee cafe and loft. Completed in April 2019, The HeidelBean! features a full service coffee bar and fresh baked goods, a loft area for hanging with friends and a second entrance to the Hoernemann Dining Room.
Hoernemann Stadium and The Fox Den Alumni Center, named for Heidelberg legendary coach and former Vice President for Alumni Relations and Fundraising, Paul Hoernemann, Class of 1938, were completed in October 2014. After having played home games at a local municipal stadium since 1945, this marked the permanent return of ‘Berg football to campus. The facility accommodates a seated crowd of 1,300-plus. Built into the hillside on Greenfield Street, the tri-level facility is highly visible and easily accessible, and offers a beautiful view of Rock Creek as it connects the upper and lower campuses. The Fox Den Alumni Center features an indoor reception area with special amenities, an exhibit gallery and viewing deck with access to reserved seating on the 50-yard line of Riesen Field. Hoernemann Stadium is also the outdoor site for annual Commencement ceremonies.
King Memorial Residence Hall, completed in 1954 to provide living space for male students, is now a coeducational dormitory for 188 students. A lounge connects two three-story wings. Construction was made possible by a gift from Alice Rhodes King as a memorial to her husband, the Rev. Owen G. King, Class of 1905. King Hall is located on Main Street.
Sara D. Krieg Residence Hall, also on Main Street, was named in honor of Sara D. Krieg, whose bequest to the University was an expression of her faith in Christian higher education. The fivestory brick building, completed in 1964, has living quarters for 144 men and women, a lounge, four common living rooms, a recreation room and a study room. The building was closed during the fall of 1999 for complete renovations. Students moved into the newly renovated building in January 2000 for the beginning of the spring semester.
Russell R. Krammes Service Center, completed in 1971, is the center for all University maintenance and service operations. Built in 1971 on historic Armstrong Field-site of Heidelberg’s first intercollegiate football game in 1892 - the building is a memorial to Russell R. Krammes, Class of 1906, and his wife, Florence. Adjacent to Krammes is a 200 car parking lot made possible by a gift from the National Machinery Foundation of Tiffin.
Lavely-Shedenhelm Education Center, located between Edson J. Brown Residence Hall and France Residence Hall is the focal point of the education program. The space includes three classrooms representative of modern educational environments that students will experience when entering the profession. The distinctive hand-painted murals by local artist, Beth Sage added in 2016 adds to the uniqueness of the space.
Main Street Townhomes are 15 units in two buildings where each unit has four single occupancy bedrooms, 2.5 bathrooms, kitchen, laundry, and commons space.
Mayer Field, located between Williard Residence Hall and Rock Creek, has an all-weather track and other track and field facilities, and fields for soccer, intramural sports and community activities. This facility was made possible by a gift from the Frederick M. Mayer family. Mr. Mayer, Class of 1920, served as a trustee of the University from 1948-1970 and was a trustee emeritus at the time of his death in March 1993. New turf and track surface renovations were completed the summer of 2018.
Dr. Charles E. Miller Residence Hall, which accommodates 194 upperclassmen on five floors, was completed in 1966. The hall is named in memory of Charles E. Miller, Heidelberg’s president from 1902-1937. Miller Hall is arranged by suites with two rooms sharing a bathroom. Miller Hall was renovated in 2021-2022.
The Octagon House, last inhabited in 2007, is a local landmark and was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1979. Although a part of Heidelberg’s history since its founding, the university did not own the Octagon House until 2007. James Dicke II, a successful executive, art connoisseur and historic preservationist from New Bremen, Ohio, provided a generous donation which the university used to purchase the property and house.
Arthur B. Pfleiderer Center for Religion and the Humanities was constructed in 1912 with a grant of $25,000 from Andrew Carnegie. Under terms of the grant, the University was to match that amount for maintenance of the building, which served as the university library for 55 years; and was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1979. The center was made possible in 1971-1972 through a gift from Dorothy Painter Pfleiderer, Class of 1922, as a memorial to her husband, Arthur, a 1920 graduate who was a Heidelberg trustee from 1953 until his death in 1969. The Modern Gothic structure was adapted to house offices, classrooms and Herbster Chapel, a multi-purpose room with a seating capacity of 180. The center serves all religious groups on campus, filling worship and contemplative needs. New renovations and beautification were completed the summer of 2018.
Saurwein Health and Wellness Center, which opened in July 2012, is named after Heidelberg alumni Cliff and Mary Saurwein. The Saurwein Health and Wellness Center created 22,000 square feet of new and renovated space dedicated to health and wellness. The building supports a new academic program in Health Sciences and also includes a variety of spaces for cardio/weight training and small group fitness activities complementing the facilities of the Tiffin Community YMCA. The building features a Health Technology Suite utilizing the power of new technology to enhance health and a Food Nutrition Center. In addition, it will expand on the existing foundation for health and wellness at Heidelberg, launching “A Road to Health at Heidelberg,” a comprehensive, integrated plan to enhance health and wellness for our campus and the broader community.
Sayger-Hill Court in Seiberling Health and Physical Education Center is named for the late Herman E. Sayger and John D. Hill. Sayger, a successful physical education director and coach at Heidelberg in the 1920s, was responsible for bringing a complete program of intramural sports to the University. Hill was a successful athletic coach and administrator serving as Head Men’s Basketball coach from 1976-2002. The court is used for indoor sports and major events such as commencement and Alumni Day. New renovations were completed in the summer of 2017 and included a new court surface, bleachers, window treatments and paint scheme.
Seiberling Health and Physical Education Center was completed in 1952 after delays during World Wars I and II and the Great Depression. The building bears the name of Frank Seiberling, an 1879 alumnus who became president of Goodyear Rubber Co. and founder of the Seiberling Rubber Co. Mr. Seiberling made the first pledge for the physical education plant in 1917. Other funds were contributed later by alumni, churches, local citizens and friends. After a fire destroyed some athletic facilities in 1985, a major addition to Seiberling was completed to add offices, locker rooms, a weight room and a sports medicine facility.
Stoner Health and Counseling Center, with a complete outpatient clinic, was established in 1966 to honor a long-time benefactor of the University, Dr. L.D. Stoner. The center moved to the renovated Campus Center in August 2000.
Talmage Hall is a student residence hall that features unique learning spaces, which opened in the Fall of 2011. The 120-bed facility primarily for sophomores, includes five, two-story, 24-student “pods”, each with 12 students per floor in bedrooms surrounding an open, two-story living/ gathering space. The living space includes a balcony, loft seating, kitchen, soft seating and study spaces to reinforce the academic mission.
The University Commons opened in the Fall of 2011. It features the Berg Bistro 1850 option for dining in or carry out, a walkout patio for outdoor dining and a Great Room with a 60-seat capacity for lectures or other events. The University Commons also has study spaces, meeting and conference rooms, an Internet room, the Global News Stand, and an indoor/outdoor cozy and fun fireplace.
University Hall, a brick building in Victorian Gothic style, was completed in 1886 with funds raised from the Reformed Church and the Tiffin community. The bell in University Hall’s tower, a local landmark, hung in the Seneca County Courthouse from 1841-1884. The building was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1979. Also known as College Hall and the U-Building, University Hall houses administrative offices, classrooms, fraternity halls and Rickly Chapel, a 625-seat hall named for S.S. Rickly, one of Heidelberg’s founders. In 1992, a carillon, the gift of alumna Marian I. Larkin, was installed in the tower.
Wickham Great Hall, originally known as the Great Hall, was dedicated in 1966 to honor Heidelberg’s 9th president, William T. Wickham; and was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1979. In 2006, the hall was rededicated as the Wickham Great Hall. It is located in the Campus Center and honors Heidelberg’s great alumni by flying the oldest Commencement Class Banner of living alumni and by displaying the 50th Reunion Alumni Plaques.
Williard Residence Hall, a Gothic-style residence hall for 70 men and women, was named for George Williard, the 4th president of the University from 1866-1890. The hall, built with funds given by citizens of Tiffin and Seneca County and dedicated in 1907, was a residence for women from 1907-1974. Connected to Miller Hall, Williard Residence Hall was closed for the 1992-1993 academic year for major renovations. A fire in January 2000 caused extensive damage to the building. The building was demolished in March 2001. Construction of a new 65 bed residence hall was completed in December 2001. The new building maintains the Gothic-style of the original Williard Hall.
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