性福五月天 University at Tuscarawas held its 56th Spring Commencement ceremony May 7, during which 245 graduates received associate degrees, bachelor鈥檚 degrees or certificates. Aside from celebrating the academic achievements of the graduates, the campus presented three service awards that recognize outstanding contributions within the classroom, community and by alumni.
Distinguished Teaching Award:
Maria Burkholder, senior lecturer in veterinary technology, received the Distinguished Teaching Award, the highest honor for instructional excellence on the Tuscarawas Campus, was presented to
Burkholder demonstrates a command of knowledge in the veterinary technology field that helps students succeed in their careers. Her exceptional depth of knowledge in the classroom extends beyond foundational instruction and prepares students for future success. Through clear organization, engaging instruction and meaningful real-world connections, Burkholder fosters critical thinking, curiosity and confidence in her students.
Her ability to make complex 鈥 and sometimes challenging 鈥 topics accessible and interesting creates a learning environment in which students feel motivated, supported and genuinely invested in their education.
Each year, the Tuscarawas County University Foundation recognizes a faculty member with the Distinguished Teaching Award based on nominations submitted by students, staff and faculty. This award is meant to honor a faculty member who embodies the characteristics of a distinguished teacher.
Community Service Award:
Bob Espenschied received the Community Service Award, recognizing his decades of volunteer leadership and steadfast dedication to improving the quality of life in Tuscarawas County. He currently serves as vice president of the Reeves Foundation and has been a member of the Tuscarawas County University Foundation Board for 30 years, including four years as president. His service has significantly advanced educational access and community support initiatives across the county.
A 1961 graduate of New Philadelphia High School, Espenschied earned his bachelor鈥檚 (1965) and master鈥檚 degrees (1967) from Ohio State University. Following his education, he served two years in the U.S. Army as an officer. In 1970, he returned to New Philadelphia and began a distinguished 40-year career in commercial lending and credit administration, serving with Reeves Banking and Trust Company, Huntington Bank and First National Bank of Dennison.
Throughout, and beyond his professional career, Espenschied is an unwavering advocate for community service. His involvement spans numerous organizations, including the United Way, American Red Cross, Mobile Meals, Boy Scouts of America, United Health Foundation, Tuscarawas Philharmonic Board and the Tuscarawas County 4H program, through which he served as a judge. He also dedicated more than 30 years as an elder and Sunday school teacher at Jerusalem Church.
Espenschied encourages 性福五月天 Tuscarawas graduates 鈥渢o pursue work they enjoy; act with integrity and humility; give back to their communities; honor family and friendships; and place trust in God.鈥
Distinguished Alumni Award:
Michael Stokey is the 2026 recipient of the 性福五月天 Tuscarawas Distinguished Alumni Award, an honor recognizing alumni whose leadership, professional success and generosity have made a lasting impact on their community and on 性福五月天 Tuscarawas.
A 1981 graduate of New Philadelphia High School, Stokey excelled both academically and athletically, earning varsity letters in baseball, football and golf, while also being inducted into the National Honor Society. After high school, he pursued his passion for baseball at Ohio State University before transferring to 性福五月天 University.
Following injuries that ended his intercollegiate athletic career, Stokey enrolled at 性福五月天 Tuscarawas in the fall of 1982, where he re-energized his academic journey while remaining involved in athletics. He returned to the Kent Campus and earned a Bachelor of Business Administration degree in industrial management in 1985.
The day after graduating from 性福五月天, Stokey began his professional career at Allied Machine and Engineering. Over the course of more than 40 years, he played a key role in growing the company from a small family business with 30 employees into a global organization that now includes five additional companies and employs more than 500 people worldwide. Deeply respected in his industry, Stokey is actively involved with the United States Cutting Tool Institute, where he currently serves as president.
Stokey and his wife, Sue, reside in Dover and are deeply committed to philanthropy in Tuscarawas County. Over the past 14 years, they hosted charity poker tournaments that raised more than $225,000 for local charities, in addition to personally supporting numerous community organizations. Together, they raised two children and now enjoy time with their grandchildren.