Dressing for the future
Michaune Tillman, Class of 1989
By: T.K. Griffith ’89
February, 2026
When Michaune Tillman ’89 walked the halls of Hoban as a student, she stood out—not because she had to, but because she chose to. In an era when uniforms were not mandated, she showed up each day in a tailored business suit, briefcase in hand, confidently explaining to her government teacher, Mr. Jeff Stetz, that she was “dressing for the job I want someday.”
That vision has become reality. Today, Tillman serves as general counsel and senior vice president of Corning Inc., and on Wednesday, Nov. 5, Hoban was honored to welcome her back to campus alongside her chief of staff and director of communications. During her visit, she attended an all-school Mass, toured the building, shared lunch with former teachers and members of Hoban’s leadership team and spoke with approximately 35 students in the Holy Cross Room.
Her return was more than a visit—it was a masterclass in purpose, resilience, faith and leadership. Through stories from her own journey, Tillman shared lessons designed to help current and future Knights navigate their own paths with confidence and integrity.
1. Act Like the Person You Aspire to Become
Tillman’s now-legendary high school wardrobe wasn’t about fashion—it was about mindset. Long before she held an executive title, she practiced professionalism. Her advice to students was clear: don’t wait for permission or a title to take yourself seriously. Your habits today shape your opportunities tomorrow.
2. Hoban’s Core Values Will Carry You Anywhere
Reflecting on her time back on campus, Tillman emphasized that while Hoban has evolved physically, its heart remains unchanged. She credited Hoban with giving her the confidence to be who she is–something she said continues to ground her in high-pressure environments.
“The more things change about Hoban, the more the core essence of this place stays the same,” Tillman said. “Those basics in life you get from teachers, classmates and parents far outweigh any of the facilities or programs…but the new parts of Hoban are nice, too.”
3. Lean Into Experiences That Stretch You
Tillman’s involvement in Hoban’s mock trial program proved pivotal. When she was reunited during her visit with former teachers Stetz and Dan Cody, emotions ran high. The 1989 mock trial team was the first in Hoban history to advance to the state competition, an experience Tillman remembers vividly. Even the disappointment of losing became fuel for her future success. Writing for The Visor and cheering for football and basketball helped round out Tillman’s resume, and she was able to gain admission into Hampton University in Virginia, where she majored in accounting.
4. Raise Your Game When the Stakes Are High
Tillman set her sights on a top-10 law school and stayed true to that goal, ultimately earning admission to the University of Michigan Law School. She encouraged students to believe in themselves, find strong study groups and never assume they don’t belong in elite spaces.
“That was another intimidating phase of schooling—everyone is smart there,” she said. “You have to raise your game, read a lot and manage your time.”
5. Leadership Is a Team Sport
Tillman’s career in corporate law included roles at Ricoh and Worthington Steele before she joined Corning, where she now leads a legal department of 172 people. With that responsibility comes stress, travel and constant decision-making—but she emphasized the importance of relying on others.
6. Faith, Friendship and Prayer Matter—Especially at the Top
As the first person in her family to graduate from college, Tillman spoke honestly about the loneliness that can come with leadership. She shared a recent story of arriving early for her college homecoming to support a grieving friend, crediting Hoban for teaching her the value of intentional relationships.
7. Gratitude Grounds Success
During Mass, Tillman quietly sent a text to her mother that captured the spirit of her visit. Gratitude may not be an official Holy Cross core value, but it runs deep in Hoban’s DNA:
Mom, thank you for sacrificing so much to send me to this incredible school… I’m here at Hoban now and this feeling is overwhelmingly emotional. Thank you.
Thank you to Michaune Tillman ’89 for sharing her journey, her wisdom and her heart with the Hoban community. Thank you for paying it forward—and for reminding our students what is possible when faith, purpose and perseverance lead the way.
