Wendy Zucal, Executive Director of the Dennison Railroad Depot Museum has been selected as the recipient of the annual Alumni of the Year award.
Says Wendy’s nominator, Ethan Zucal, “It’s an honor to have had the opportunity to nominate Wendy Zucal for the 2025 Leadership Tuscarawas Alumni of the Year Award. As a graduate of the inaugural class, Wendy deeply values the mission of Leadership Tuscarawas and its role in shaping strong, community-focused leaders.”
Wendy's contributions to Tuscarawas County over the past 36 years have been nothing short of extraordinary. As Executive Director of the Dennison Railroad Depot Museum, she has not only preserved and promoted local history but brought it to life—especially for children, through creative initiatives like the Patriot Rally. She has served as a driving force behind programs such as the Women’s Success Series, the 40 Leading Ladies of Tuscarawas County, and the cherished Christmas Tour of Homes. A leader in tourism and economic development for over 25 years, Wendy has activated hundreds of volunteers and welcomed thousands of families and train enthusiasts to the region through Ohio’s only Polar Express train excursion. Under her leadership, the county earned its first national historic landmark designation with the Dennison Railroad Depot Museum, and she has overseen the operation of three museums.
She also made history as the first and only female board president of the Tuscarawas County Community Improvement Corporation, continuing her lifelong commitment to breaking barriers and building opportunity. In addition, Wendy has served on numerous state, regional, and local boards and commissions—always leading with vision, collaboration, and heart.
Wendy Zucal exemplifies the highest qualities and personifies the very definition of servant leadership.
For more information, please contact Dr. William H. Beisel, Leadership Tuscarawas executive director, at 330-308-7437 or wbeisel@kent.edu.