The highly anticipated Gradkowski’s restaurant in the Gateway at The University of Toledo opens to the public today offering contemporary Italian dishes.

Former UT Rocket quarterback Bruce Gradkowski, who now plays in the NFL for the Cincinnati Bengals, wanted to open the restaurant as a way to give back to the Toledo community where the Pittsburgh native calls home.

“It’s going to be a place where everyone – people at UT and the community – can feel comfortable,” said Gradkowski, who played for the Rockets 2002-2005. “We want it to be a special place on campus where you can relax and enjoy great food and great company.

“It’s almost been a dream come true. I love UT, and the idea of tying my name to this campus for years to come just seemed ideal for me and for the University.”

The restaurant, which seats 172 people inside with additional outdoor patio seating for 80 in warmer months, serves contemporary dishes with unique twists, said Mike Graber, Gradkowski’s business partner.

Sure they serve pizza, he said, but they offer one with scallops and pecan smoked bacon with a lemon pepper cream sauce. They have burgers on the menu too, but they are made of specialty dry aged beef and have unique flavor combinations such as peanut butter and pancetta. The full menu includes a dozen appetizers, hand-cut steaks, pastas, pizzas, burgers and desserts.

“We have the spot right now in Toledo. It’s worth coming out,” Graber said, adding that the warm atmosphere is great for a family dinner or to watch a game with friends.

Gradkowski’s opens at 11:30 a.m. each day for lunch and serves dinner until 10 p.m. For more information or to make a reservation, call 419.725.2836.

Gradkowski’s is located on the north end of the Gateway, which also includes Barnes & Noble, Great Clips, Jimmy John’s, YogurtU, Rice Boulevard, and Wireless Zone. For more information about Gateway at The University of Toledo visit gatewaytoledo.com.

Media Coverage
WTOL 11 and FOX Toledo (Jan. 30, 2013)

As your news organization plans coverage of the World Future Energy Summit in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, please note The University of Toledo, known internationally for advancing thin-film photovoltaics research, is participating for the fifth consecutive year.

Dr. Alvin Compaan, UT Distinguished University Professor Emeritus in Physics and Astronomy, is a 2013 World Future Energy Summit speaker.

One of few American universities actively participating in the energy summit that convenes world leaders committed to renewable energy and sustainable development, The University of Toledo, located in Toledo, Ohio, will promote its unique expertise and research, as well as competitive academic programs.

Dr. Alvin Compaan, UT Distinguished University Professor Emeritus in Physics and Astronomy who has been leading a research effort for more than 25 years in thin-film photovoltaic materials and devices, is a 2013 World Future Energy Summit speaker discussing “Solar Energy – The Technologies” on Thursday, Jan. 17.

In addition to his research and partnerships with industry, Dr. Compaan is known for his practical experience with PV applications powering his home for the past eight years with electricity from photovoltaic panels manufactured in Perrysburg, Ohio, by First Solar. His 4.3-KW system generates nearly all the electricity needed for the home as well as for his battery-operated electric truck used for 20 miles of daily commuting.

The University of Toledo Scott Park Campus of Energy and Innovation includes a 1.12 megawatt solar array and 100-foot wind turbine.

The University of Toledo continues to make strides in solar energy with research underway to develop solar modules using earth-abundant elements that will be safer and less expensive than the rare and toxic materials currently used in thin-film solar cells. And UT’s expertise extends beyond solar to include algae as a biofuel source, solutions to “fouling” issue of water filtration, water loss through evapotranspiration as a measurement of climate change, and other environmental and energy research and development.

The University itself is working to reduce its carbon footprint with the Scott Park Campus of Energy and Innovation that features a 1.12-MW solar array and a 100-foot wind turbine.

Prospective students also would be interested to learn of the University’s unique Professional Science Master’s Degree in Photovoltaics, competitive co-op programs in the College of Engineering, and robust environmental sciences programs related to sustainability.

For more than a decade the University has helped alternative and renewable energy businesses get started in an incubation program committed to assist university spin-off businesses and startups. UT’s Innovation Enterprises also answers the call from private industry looking to partner with higher education for economic development.

Larry Burns, UT vice president for external affairs, is a member of the UT delegation attending the World Future Energy Summit. He is happy to provide additional information or assist with interviews. Reach Mr. Burns at (+001) 419-261-3049 or lawrence.burns2@utoledo.edu.

Media Coverage
Inter Press Service (Jan. 15, 2013)
World Future Energy Summit (Jan. 15, 2013)
AME (Jan. 15, 2013)
Khaleej Times (Jan. 15, 2013)
Zawya (Jan. 15, 2013)

BOARD OF TRUSTEES’ MEETINGS

Tuesday, January 8, 2013
Toledo Hilton Hotel, Faculty Club Room
7:30 a.m. Clinical Affairs Committee Meeting

Wednesday, January 9, 2013
Driscoll Alumni Center Schmakel Room
6:00 p.m. Board of Trustees Social Dinner

Monday, January 14, 2013
Driscoll Alumni Center, Schmakel Room
1:00 p.m. Board Meeting

Any questions may be directed to the University Communications Office by calling (419) 530-7832 or via email at jonathan.strunk@utoledo.edu.

Joan A. Stasa
Secretary to the Board of Trustees

January 2, 2013