Ohio Northern University alumna Tessa (Pitcovich) McVey, BSBA ’22, MSA ’23, prefers life at a fast pace.
“It’s fun to run fast,” she says.
While a student at ONU, she was a decorated cross country and track and field athlete. Now three years post-graduation, she’s treasurer of the Ada Exempted Village School District, an event planning entrepreneur, and a volunteer coach for ONU Athletics.
All three commitments mean her life is eventful and ever-challenging—just how she likes it. But what sets her apart is not just staying busy; but approaching each endeavor with an unfailing determination to be the best she can be.
A transplant from Stow, Ohio, Tessa is a “Double Bear” who has adopted the Ada community as her own and is contributing in impactful ways. In recognition of her professional accomplishments and focus on service, Ohio Northern University is pleased to present Tessa with the 2026 William L. Robinson Young Alumni Award during Homecoming & Reunion Weekend.
Tessa stood out for her ability to achieve at a high level in both accounting and athletics at ONU.
In the Dicke College of Business, she was a leader on the Dean’s Advisory Council, Beta Alpha Psi, and Polar Merchandising. She tutored fellow students as an undergraduate, then became an adjunct instructor while earning her master’s degree in accounting.
In cross country and track and field, she was a five-time NCAA qualifier, OAC Clyde Lamb winner, and two-time NCAA Elite 90 award winner. Running appealed to her desire to push herself, but also lift others up.
“I loved being able to compete for myself, but also for the team,” she said. “Even if you were not having a great day, someone else would pick up the slack and you could lean on each other.”
Initially drawn to ONU because of its peaceful, welcoming environment, she and her Polar Bear Sweetheart, Ian McVey, BSME ’19, decided to make Ada their home after graduation.
She chose to put her accounting skills to work for the public good by becoming the treasurer of the Ada Exempted Village Schools. As a steward of public resources, she feels a responsibility to ensure taxpayer dollars are directly enhancing students’ education. Beyond oversight, she also brings innovation to her role. In her first year on the job, she converted an entirely paper system to digital, greatly improving efficiency.
“Being a school treasurer is a niche within accounting,” she says. “My tasks vary greatly, so I never get bored. I have a lot of day-to-day autonomy to accomplish what I need to do and report back to the board and state and local agencies.”
To indulge her creative side, Tessa runs her own business, Timeless Wedding Planning. She has coordinated weddings across Ohio, Michigan, and Indiana, easing couples’ stress and ensuring that everything runs smoothly on their big day.
And, adding to her jam-packed schedule, she also serves as a volunteer coach with ONU cross country and track and field, training alongside the team and mentoring student-athletes.
“It’s so rewarding to see them improve, to celebrate their accomplishments, and to be there for them when they’re having a bad day,” she said.
A nominator for the award described Tessa as “amazing.”
“She has all the integrity and character that make ONU proud to have her as a graduate.”