Rapp

“Three quarters of a billion is certainly an eye-popping number,” said Geoffrey Rapp, Harold A. Anderson Professor of Law and Values at The University of Toledo.

“The settlement is a win for both sides. The NFL hopes to put concussions behind it and move back to the business on the field. And for the players, they obtain a sizable payout, resources for education, and a moral victory, even though the underlying legal claims asserted faced some very real and perhaps insurmountable obstacles,” Rapp said.

Rapp published a paper titled Suicide, Concussions and the NFL in March in the Florida International University Law Review.

About Rapp: With some estimates as high as half a trillion dollars worldwide, sports are a surging industry. At the intersection of the increasing number of legal battles among owners, players, networks and sponsors debating how the money should be divvied up is Geoffrey Rapp. An editor for the popular Sports Law Blog, Rapp is sought by national news organizations for his views on individual legal troubles such as those of Lance Armstrong, contract negotiations and lockouts between player unions and owners, NCAA violations and national sports scandals such as the example of Penn State.

It’s time for fans of The University of Toledo to show Rocky the Rocket how much they appreciate his school spirit by supporting him in this year’s Capital One Mascot Challenge.

Rocky the Rocket

Rocky won the 2012 write-in contest and is one of the 16 college mascots competing in this year’s national competition.

With the outstanding support from Rocket Nation, Rocky received the most votes in last year’s write-in contest when Toledo fans had the opportunity to vote their mascot into the challenge.

“It says a lot about our university and our ability as a community to rally behind a great effort because we beat out schools that were much larger than us,” said Lawrence J. Burns, UT vice president for external affairs. “We were very proud of the fact we won that write-in contest and that also gives us great momentum to win the entire Capital One Mascot Challenge.”

Rocky was created in 1966, but began his tenure as official mascot in 1968 under Director of Student Affairs Dan Seemann, who helped transform him into the powerful, charismatic character known and loved by many today.

The mascot challenge begins today (Thursday, Aug. 29) when voting lines open and the season continues until Sunday, Nov. 24.

If Rocky were to make the playoffs, voting would continue through Sunday, Dec. 15 with the winner announced Jan. 1.

Rocky is going to need all the support he can get as he squares off against the Duck of the University of Oregon in his first matchup Monday, Sept. 2.

Students and fans will have the opportunity to continue to vote for Rocky in weekly head-to-head matchups against other mascots such as Sparty of Michigan State University and Bucky Badger of the University of Wisconsin-Madison.

Capital One Mascot Challenge

“I think it puts us and our brand at the level we deserve to be at,” Burns said. “We have spent a number of years increasing the UT brand recognition in communities such as Detroit and Columbus, and around the world for that matter. This is another visible step in the evolution of the UT brand to the world stage.”

Capital One is providing two new options to vote this year: a weekly 25-point challenge and a weekly 100-point challenge.

Fans wishing to earn 25 or 100 points for Rocky need to complete the challenge and post it on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram using the hash tag #CapitalOneRocket.
The first 25-point challenge is to write a cheerleader-type cheer for their mascot and post it to Facebook or Twitter using the correct hash tag for their school, which for UT is #CapitalOneRocket.

To earn 100 points, fans need to film themselves performing the cheer in public and then upload it.

Additionally, fans can continue to place single votes, submit content, and find information about the weekly challenges by visiting capitalonebowl.com and clicking “vote” for their mascot. Voting multiple times is allowed, so be sure to help Rocky as much as possible.

Click here to download a photo of Rocky and here for a group photo of the mascots in the challenge.

BOARD OF TRUSTEES’ MEETINGS

Wednesday, August 28, 2013
Libbey Hall
5:15 p.m. Special Clinical Affairs Committee Meeting
This meeting will immediately convene into an Executive Session
to discuss privileged information related to the
evaluation of medical staff personnel appointments.

5:30 p.m. Board Social Dinner

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, Board of Trustees

August 27, 2013

The University of Toledo’s Savage & Associates Complex for Business Learning and Engagement, an expansion of the College of Business and Innovation which was dedicated in November, 2009, has received Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Silver certification from the U.S. Green Building Council.

A plaque recognizing the achievement will be placed in the second floor atrium of the Complex during a ceremony at 2 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 22. Speakers will include UT President Lloyd Jacobs and Robert Savage, co-founder and former president of Savage & Associates.

“LEED certification identifies Savage & Associates Complex for Business Learning and Engagement as a pioneering example of sustainable design and demonstrates your leadership in transforming the building industry,” said S. Richard Fedrizzi, president and CEO of the U.S. Green Building Council. ” In honor of this impressive achievement and in appreciation of your participation in LEED, we are pleased to present you the certificates recognizing your accomplishment.”

“Our goal is to acquire at least a LEED silver certification on all UT construction projects, and ultimately to have our environmental impact be zero; to achieve carbon neutrality,” said Charles Lehnert, UT’s vice president of administration. “I subscribe to the notion that if you are doing good planning, good engineering and good architecture, you will be implementing green principles anyway.”

“From the beginning of developing a new facility for the college, we focused on what it takes to have something that was aesthetically appealing, effective and efficient. These were inseparable concepts,” said Dr. Thomas Gutteridge, who was dean of the College of Business and Innovation during the project’s development and construction and currently serves as UT’s senior vice provost and interim dean for the College of Social Justice and Human Service.

“The keys to the new facility were that it would be very functional; dedicated to experiential learning through learning laboratories; would be technologically sophisticated; and that it also would be open to serve the business community,” he added. ”The complex is clearly delivering on all cylinders, as promised. It is a facility that meets the needs of students, faculty and the business community.”

College of Business and Innovation Interim Dean Thomas Sharkey added, “The Savage & Associates Complex is a sophisticated and environmentally friendly building that facilitates the learning and discovery of the students who come here. It contributes, with our faculty and staff, to our growing reputation as the premier business college in this region.”

The $15.4 million, 54,000 sq. ft. Savage & Associates Complex for Business Learning and Engagement includes 10 classrooms; 5 action-learning labs, including the John B. and Lillian E. Neff Trading Room with 15 Bloomberg terminals, and the Huntington Professional Sales Lab; outreach and engagement suites; and the LaValley Family Rooftop Garden.

The University of Toledo is hosting the 23rd Annual International CEA Symposium that is bringing medical researchers from across the world to the city to discuss their work.

The symposium is Friday-Sunday, Aug. 16-18, in the Park Inn Hotel in downtown Toledo. Toledo Mayor Mike Bell is scheduled to provide welcoming remarks 10 a.m. today (Friday, Aug. 16) at the event.

The Carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) was discovered in 1965 and since then has been an important diagnostic and prognostic marker of tumor progression. In addition to their cell adhesion function, CEA proteins regulate diverse cellular processes.

These regular symposia allow scientists to get together to discuss the functions of this family of proteins and generate collaborations.

The conference is organized by the UT Center for Diabetes and Endocrine Research (CeDER). Click here for more information.

Faculty, staff, residents and students will gather on Thursday, Aug. 22 to celebrate the many awards and recognitions received by The University of Toledo Medical Center during the past year. The gathering also will serve as a special welcome to new students and residents.

The celebratory picnic lunch will be 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. outside Mulford Library with a recognition presentation at noon.

“This recognition of the exceptional care provided by The University of Toledo Medical Center’s specialists reinforces the value of a true academic medical center in our community. University-quality care means taking on the most complex medical problems and offering the best patient outcomes,” said Dr. Jeffrey P. Gold, chancellor, executive vice president for biosciences and health affairs, and dean of the College of Medicine and Life Sciences. “We want to sincerely thank our staff and welcome all of our new health professions learners to UT.”

The recent awards for Toledo’s only academic medical center include:

•  Ranking for a third consecutive year by U.S. News and World Report as one of the Toledo metro area’s best hospitals, recognized in six specialties: geriatrics, nephrology, neurology and neurosurgery, orthopedics, pulmonology and urology.
•  Designation by Truven Health Analytics (JD Power & Assoc) as a Top 50 Cardiovascular Hospital. The 50 Top Cardiovascular Hospitals is an annual, quantitative study that identifies the nation’s best providers of cardiovascular service. Selected from more than 1,000 U.S. hospitals, these winners provide top-notch care and set new standards for the healthcare industry.
•  Recognition by the Human Rights Campaign Foundation Healthcare Equality Index as a 2013 Leader in LGBT Healthcare Equality. UTMC earned top marks for its commitment to equitable, inclusive care for LGBT patients and their families, who can face significant challenges in securing adequate healthcare.
•  Get With The Guidelines -Stroke Gold Plus Award from The American Heart Association/American Stroke Association. UTMC also qualified for recognition on the Target: Stroke Honor Roll. The University of Toledo Medical Center is part of an elite group of hospitals recognized by the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association for dedicated treatment of stroke patients according to evidenced-based guidelines.
•  Gold Award from The Ohio Hospital Association for high achievement in the OHA Organ Donation Champion initiative. UTMC’s April organ donation awareness campaign in partnership with Life Connection of Ohio included social media, posters, brochures, a flag raising, informational tables, green chair campaign, screen savers and table tents in the Four Seasons Bistro.

The celebration also will include an evening meal 4-6 p.m. and a breakfast served in the Four Seasons Bistro on Friday, Aug. 23 from 7-9 a.m. to recognize employees who work other shifts.

For additional information, contact Susan Ross Wells at 419.383.4402 or Meghan Cunningham at 419.530.2410.

Media Coverage
The Blade (Aug. 23, 2013)

The Global Business Development Institute at The University of Toledo’s College of Business and Innovation is again partnering with United Parcel Service (UPS) and the U.S. Commercial Service to provide area small and medium sized businesses access to experts who will help their company enter new global markets quickly and with greater knowledge and confidence through the GlobalTarget program. This is the third year UT College of Business and Innovation is offering this program.

Beginning in October, GlobalTarget participants meet monthly for nine months in specialized sessions covering relevant topics based on an understanding of current members’ needs. The program then helps companies develop plans to improve their business’ supply chain, identify talent, understand export financing, and develop market entry strategies.

“It’s a global world. Facilitating existing or new exporters to enter foreign markets benefits all of Northwest Ohio,” Interim Dean Dr. Thomas Sharkey said. “Companies often recognize that expanding to global markets is something they should do. We make it easier for them because we have the experts who will show them how to do this and will provide them with all the criteria for success, whether they have a manufactured product or intellectual property.”

“Global Target not only assists companies that are planning to conduct international business, but it also works with businesses already doing business globally who are looking for ways to expand their international presence, ” said Debbe Skutch, director of UT’s Center for Family & Privately-Held Business and GlobalTarget Program coordinator. “Furthermore, GlobalTarget is the first organized, focused attempt in this region to not only provide information, but to actually match local manufacturing companies with foreign markets.”

Ben McGilvery, Cauffiel Corporation, who participated in the second offering of Global Target at UT, said, “The format and resources provided are excellent to expose participants to international sales/logistics. Although we’ve been conducting international business for many years, the program helped us to better understand the process and utilize resources available to us.”

Other features and benefits of GlobalTarget include access to ancillary educational programs offered by the UT College of Business and Innovation — such as the Schmidt School of Professional Sales and the Center for Family and Privately-Held Business — and site visits to area companies that have already achieved a level of success in global entrepreneurship.

The third GlobalTarget series of programs begins in October and participants are still being accepted. To apply, download an application form at: utoledo.edu/business/global/target, or call the Global Business Development Institute at 419.530.2068.

School is nearly back in session and The University of Toledo is ready to welcome new and returning residents to campus.

New students can begin moving into their residence halls Tuesday, Aug. 13 at Carter Hall East and Parks Tower. New residents will continue to move in to other residence halls on Wednesday and Thursday with returning students moving in Saturday and Sunday. Move in hours are 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. each day. Click here for more information.

Welcome Week, which is coordinated by the UT Office of Residence Life, begins with move in and continues throughout the week with events to help incoming residents prepare for the college experience and connect students with the people, places and resources of the University.

Fall semester classes start Monday, Aug. 19. Some of the Welcome Week events include:

Tuesday, Aug. 13

•  Res Life Kickback BBQ, 5-8 p.m. on the grasslands by Ottawa House. Music will be provided by WXUT and food provided by the Gateway. Verizon Wireless and Great Clips will raffle off prizes, including Beats by Dr. Dre headphones, T-shirts and gift cards.

Wednesday, Aug. 14

•  Taste of Gateway, 5-8 p.m. on the storefront patio entrance of Gateway. 92.5 KISS FM will play music and have a live radio show. Food will be provided by Gradkowski’s, Jimmy John’s, Rice Blvd and Yogurt U. Great Clips will have a hairstyling station. Door prizes and contests will take place inside the UT Bookstore. There’ll be corn hole and other games with raffles and prize baskets, as well as student discounts from all Gateway vendors.
•  Karaoke and VIP Student Shopping Night, 8-11 p.m. inside the UT Bookstore. Karaoke contest with a $100 UT gift basket and Great Clips gift basket prizes. Facebook photo contest for the best UT gear. Student discounts on café drinks and desserts.

Thursday, Aug. 15

•  Greek Life BBQ, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the Flatlands. New students and parents are welcome to partake of a quick lunch — hot dogs, chips, cookies, water — during move-in. There’ll be music and giveaways, and students can learn about fraternity and sorority life.
•  S’Mores with National Resident Halls Honorary, 7-8 p.m. on the grasslands by Ottawa House. Sunglasses and T-shirts will be raffled off.
•  Welcome Bonfire with the Resident Student Association (RSA), 8 p.m. in the Flatlands. Students will learn about the Resident Student Association, meet the Blue Crew, and take part in a UT tradition by painting the spirit rock!

Friday, Aug. 16

•  Amazing Rocket Race, noon to 2 p.m. starting at the Varsity T Sports Pavilion. Teams of four students will navigate campus, completing challenges and learning about UT’s many student resources, with chances to win up to $100 in Rocket Dollars.
•  UT Army ROTC Program Fall Kickoff, 2 to 4 p.m., outside of the Health Education Center. There’ll be a rock-climbing wall, paintball target range, and military vehicle and equipment displays. Find out all about the program from cadets.
•  New Student Convocation, 4 p.m. in Savage Arena. UT President Lloyd Jacobs, faculty, staff and student leaders come together to greet the Class of 2017 as they mark the beginning of their academic journey at UT, followed by an introduction to the Rockets football team and campus success coaches, culminating in an outdoor cook-out.

Click here for more information about these and additional events planned to help students get the academic year off to a great start.

The mash-up/remix duo The White Panda will conclude Music Fest 2013 with their electronic dance beats.

The White Panda

The White Panda was formed in 2009 when boyhood friends Tom Evans (Procrast) and Dan Griffith (DJ Griffi) combined their previously independent mash-up careers. Their first single topped internet radio charts days later.

The duo recently released its fifth full-length album “Bearly Legal” in June and, like all of their music, it is available for free download on their website www.thewhitepanda.com.

The White Panda is the closing act for Music Fest 2013 Friday, Sept. 13 on The University of Toledo Main Campus and the final performer to be announced. The full lineup is:

3 p.m. – The Lonely Friends
4:30 p.m. – The Contours featuring Sylvester Potts
5:30 p.m. – Pep Rally for the first Rockets home football game 7 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 14 against Eastern Michigan
6 p.m. – Alexander Zonjic with The Motor City Horns
7:30 p.m. – Josh Gracin
9 p.m. – Reel Big Fish
10:30 p.m. – The White Panda

For more information about Music Fest 2013 visit utoledo.edu/musicfest or follow the event on Facebook at facebook.com/UTMusicFest.

Click here to download a promotional photo of The White Panda.

Media Coverage
13 ABC (Aug. 13, 2013)
The Independent Collegian (Sept. 11, 2013)

The University of Toledo community is honoring and remembering those affected by domestic violence with events in recognition of Domestic Violence Awareness Month.

Life-sized silhouettes created as solemn displays to commemorate victims known as the Silent Witness Project will be on display from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. today (Tuesday, Oct. 8) on the steps outside the Student Union on the UT Main Campus. The silhouette displays serve as memorials to girls and women whose lives were ended abruptly and violently at the hands of a husband, ex-husband, partner or stalker.

A Survivor Vigil will conclude the day’s events at 6 p.m. to honor survivors and remember those who have lost their lives to domestic violence.

The Domestic Violence Awareness Month events are coordinated by the UT Sexual Assault Education and Prevention Program.