Franklin University Honors 2026 Core Values Award Recipients

Contact:

Sherry Mercurio
Executive Director, Office of Community Relations
(614) 947-6581
Email: [email protected]

Annual awards recognize employees who exemplify integrity, respect, opportunity, learning and excellence while advancing student success

Franklin University has announced the recipients of its 2026 Core Values Awards, recognizing faculty and staff members who embody the principles that define the University's culture and commitment to student success.

Presented annually, the awards honor employees who go above and beyond in demonstrating Franklin's five core values of Integrity, Respect, Opportunity, Learning and Excellence through their work, service and dedication to students and colleagues. In addition to the recognition, recipients receive a professional development stipend, reinforcing the university's commitment to lifelong learning and continuous growth for both employees and students.

"As an institution built on the power of education to transform lives, Franklin believes learning doesn't stop at graduation or at employment," said Dr. David Decker, president, Franklin University. "One of the reasons Franklin is such a rewarding place to work is our commitment to investing in our people. We encourage faculty and staff to continue learning, growing and pursuing their own professional goals while helping our students achieve theirs. These award recipients exemplify that culture of continuous improvement, demonstrating what it means to invest in others, pursue excellence, and create opportunities that strengthen our university, our students and our communities."

Franklin University's culture is rooted in the belief that supporting employee development ultimately strengthens the student experience. Through professional development opportunities, continuing education and leadership growth, the university empowers employees to expand their knowledge, enhance their skills and contribute to a learning-centered environment.

2026 Core Values Award Recipients
Integrity Award - Tiffany Freeman: Recognized for her commitment to transparency, accountability and student success, Tiffany Freeman has strengthened advising resources, supported Earn + Learn students and contributed to proactive outreach efforts that help students navigate challenges and achieve their goals.

Respect Award - Alyson Murphy: Alyson Murphy was honored for fostering a supportive and collaborative environment. Known for her professionalism, responsiveness and willingness to assist others, she consistently helps faculty, staff and students feel valued and respected.

Opportunity Award - Marc Jaffy: Marc Jaffy received the Opportunity Award for expanding access to scholarship, research and professional growth opportunities. Through his leadership of Franklin University's Scholarly Exchange and support of student and doctoral research, he has helped learners showcase their work and advance their academic goals.

Learning Award - Dr. Kemal Aydin: Dr. Kemal Aydin was recognized for creating meaningful learning experiences that extend beyond the classroom. Through his leadership of Franklin University's ACM student chapter, he has connected students with mentoring, professional development and hands-on opportunities that prepare them for career success.

Excellence Award - Anthony Schreiter: Anthony Schreiter earned the Excellence Award for delivering exceptional results that support student success and institutional effectiveness. His expertise in data analysis and reporting helps university leaders, faculty and advisors make informed decisions that enhance the student experience.

Investing in People, Advancing Student Success
The Core Values Awards highlight the people who bring Franklin University's mission to life every day. By recognizing employees who model the University's values, and investing in their continued professional development, Franklin reinforces its commitment to being a place where both employees and students can learn, grow and thrive.

Award recipients were formally recognized during the University's June Assembly, where their contributions and achievements were celebrated by colleagues from across the institution.

About Franklin University

Accredited, nonprofit, and dedicated to educating adults since 1902, Franklin provides onsite course options at our Main Campus in downtown Columbus, Ohio, and is an innovator in providing personalized online education. The University offers applied in-demand undergraduate, masters, and doctorate programs that enable adult learners to achieve their educational and professional goals. Through agreements with partner institutions, the University also offers international academic programs, including its top-ranked MBA.

Franklin University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and holds specialized accreditations for specific academic programs through the International Accreditation Council for Business Education, the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education, the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation, and the Commission on Accreditation of Health Informatics and Information Management Education. The National Security Agency and the Department of Homeland Security have designated Franklin University as a National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense Education (CAE-CDE).

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