^{The Hiram College Board of Trustees has named Thomas V. Chema the 21st president of the liberal arts institution. Chema has served as interim president of Hiram since last June.}

"The Board’s decision is based on the overwhelming support expressed for Tom from faculty, staff, students, and alumni," said Vincent A. DiGirolamo, Chairman of the Hiram College Board of Trustees. "His performance during the last seven months as interim president has been outstanding. Tom’s strengths and experience match up well with Hiram’s efforts in recruitment, fundraising, and visibility."

Prior to his appointment as interim president, Chema served Hiram for 11 years as a board member and chairman of the Institutional Advancement Committee, which oversees fundraising, enrollment management and the institution’s overall reputation. He brings to Hiram extensive experience leading large and highly visible organizations including the Gateway Development Corporation, the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio (PUCO), and the Ohio Lottery Commission.

As interim president, Chema’s accomplishments include:

· enhancing a campus climate of service to students

· successfully completing fundraising and breaking ground for a new $12.2 million Sports, Recreation and Fitness Center

· launching the innovative Hiram College Tuition Guarantee

· generating national visibility for the institution

· and strengthening initiatives to increase enrollment in Hiram’s traditional program and Weekend College.

"The campus community has responded favorably to Tom’s high energy, consensus-building style," said DiGirolamo. "The result has been a dynamic exchange of ideas and momentum which will help us achieve all that we have planned for the College."

Chema earned his undergraduate degree at the University of Notre Dame and a law degree from Harvard University.

"I’m honored to have the opportunity to work with a talented group of people to advance Hiram to the next level of excellence," said Chema. "My time as interim president has confirmed my belief that Hiram is an extraordinary institution with a bright future."

Founded in 1850, Hiram College is recognized as a National Liberal Arts College by the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching. The College’s academic calendar, known as Hiram Plan, is unique to the nation and offers extensive opportunities for study abroad and hands-on learning experiences.