Learn more about the culture and contributions of Filipino Americans this month at The University of Toledo.

“We celebrate Filipino American Heritage Month in October and host various events throughout the month because it allows us to showcase the Filipino culture to the students on campus and to also showcase the talents of our members,” said Ralph Palad, president of the Filipino American Association and UT student majoring in electrical engineering.

“Our biggest event, Philippine Culture Night on October 21, will have many cultural performances, food, and decorations with the theme of ‘Biyahe Sa Pilipinas,’ which translates to ‘Traveling to the Philippines.’ We hope it will show those who attend a lot of what the Philippines has to offer,” he said.

Listed by date, events will include:

• Wednesday, Oct. 4 — Filipino American Heritage Month Kickoff, noon, Thompson Student Union Trimble Lounge. Stop by to hear Filipino music, sample lumpia and halo-halo, and see a demonstration of Tinikling, a traditional folk dance.
• Tuesday, Oct. 10 — Food Workshop, 7 p.m., Thompson Student Union Room 2500. Learn how to make halo-halo, a popular Filipino dessert.
• Wednesday, Oct. 11 — Dance Workshop, 7 p.m., Health Education Center Dance Studio. Members of the Filipino American Association will teach Binasuan, a folk dance that involves balancing tricks.
• Wednesday, Oct. 18 — Leadership Workshop, 7 p.m., Thompson Student Union Room 3010. Allan Mendoza, past president of the Filipino American Association, will lead the session.
• Saturday, Oct. 21 — Philippine Culture Night, 7 p.m., Thompson Student Union Auditorium. Experience cultural performances and food from the Philippines. Tickets: $10 for UT students with ID, $12.
• Wednesday, Oct. 25 — Language Workshop, 7 p.m., Thompson Student Union Room 2582. Learn some words and phrases.
• Thursday, Oct. 26 — Filipino American Association Meeting, 7 p.m., Thompson Student Union Room 2584.

The University of Toledo is celebrating LGBTQ History Month with several events this October.

The Office of Multicultural Student Success, LGBTQA+ Initiatives and Prism are dedicated to serving the needs of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, questioning and allied students.

“The history and heritage months that come out of the Office of Multicultural Student Success allow for us to educate the greater campus on cultures and communities that students, faculty and staff may not have had a lot of exposure to, as well as support our students, faculty and staff on campus that belong to the cultures and communities that the months celebrate,” Danielle Stamper, interim program coordinator in the Office of Multicultural Student Success, said. “Similarly to other history and heritage months, LGBTQ History Month recognizes the historical marginalization and celebrates the persistence and resiliency of the LGBTQ community.”

Listed by date, events scheduled to increase awareness for LGBTQ History Month include:

• Thursday, Oct. 5 — LGBTQ History Month Keynote Address: “Trans, Queer, Jewish and Fighting for Justice” by Stephanie Skora, 7 p.m., Thompson Student Union Room 2592. On her website, Skora identifies herself as a “speaker, activist, organizer, professional queer.” In 2011, she came out as a trans woman. She is a staff consultant for Brave Space Alliance, an African-American-led, trans-led LGBTQ community center in Chicago; chapter leader of the Jewish Voice for Peace in Chicago; and founding organizer of the Trans Liberation Collective, a Chicago organization open to all trans people.
• Tuesday, Oct. 10 — Rane Arroyo Read-In, 6 p.m., Carlson Library Room 1005. Dr. Arroyo was a Distinguished University Professor of English who taught creative writing and literature at UT from 1997 until his death in 2010. The author of 10 poetry books, six chapbooks of poetry, a collection of short stories, and a collection of plays, Arroyo won an array of writing awards, including the John Ciardi Poetry Prize, the Carl Sandburg Poetry Prize and a Pushcart Prize. Cash and check donations welcome for this free, public event; funds raised will go toward establishing UT’s first LGBT scholarship.
• Wednesday, Oct. 18 — Dialogue on Diversity: LGBTQA+ History Through the Decades, 6 p.m., Thompson Student Union Room 2582. This event is sponsored by the UT Office of Diversity and Inclusion.
• Thursday, Oct. 19 — Prism Drag and Talent Show, 7 p.m., Student Recreation Center Oak Room.
• Wednesday, Oct. 25 —Film Screening, “How to Survive a Plague,” 6 p.m., Thompson Student Union Trimble Lounge. The 2012 film nominated for an Academy Award for Best Documentary Feature looks at how the AIDS Coalition to Unleash Power and the Treatment Action Group pushed for medical treatment.
• Friday, Oct. 27 — Prism Halloween Ball, 8 p.m., Thompson Student Union Room 2591.

This week The University of Toledo Alumni Association will recognize the winners of its most prestigious awards: the Gold T, Blue T and Edward H. Schmidt Outstanding Young Alum Award.

These three recipients will be recognized — along with distinguished alumni from each UT college — at the Homecoming Alumni Gala and Awards Ceremony 6 p.m. Friday, Oct. 6 in the Thompson Student Union Auditorium.

Tickets for the gala are $30 each, $10 for children, and may be purchased by calling the Office of Alumni Relations at 419.530.ALUM (2586) or by visiting toledoalumni.org.

The Gold T is presented to a UT graduate in recognition of outstanding achievement in his or her field of endeavor while providing leadership and noteworthy service to the community.

Dr. Julian Kim

The 2017 of the Gold T is Dr. Julian Kim of Shaker Heights, Ohio. Kim, a renowned expert in the treatment of patients with melanoma, breast cancer, soft tissue sarcomas and gastrointestinal malignancies, graduated from the College of Medicine and Life Sciences in 1986. Chief of oncologic surgery and chief medical officer at the Seidman Cancer Center of University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center and the Charles Hubay Professor of Surgery at Case Western Reserve University, Kim holds the U.S. patent for novel research discovery in adoptive immunotherapy of cancer. His breakthrough process takes immune cells from a cancer patient and activates them in a laboratory in order to infuse them back into the patient to treat the cancer. Clinical trials in patients with advanced melanoma have proven successful, with the treatment helping to slow the advancement of the cancer. His treatment process is being used to assist pancreatic cancer patients. Prior to joining the Seidman Cancer Center in 2006, Kim served as director of the Melanoma Program at the Cleveland Clinic. Seidman Cancer Center is one of only 42 cancer hospitals nationwide.

The Blue T is presented to a UT Alumni Association member and UT graduate who has made outstanding contributions to the progress and development of the Alumni Association and University.

Hon. Nancy Miller

The Hon. Nancy Miller, of Sylvania, is the 2017 honoree.  Chief magistrate of Lucas County Probate Court, Miller holds three degrees from The University of Toledo: a bachelor of arts in psychology/sociology in 1977, a master of education in community agency counseling in 1979, and a juris doctor from the College of Law in 1988. A member of the executive committee of the Alumni Association’s Board of Trustees where she serves as secretary, Miller is also chair of the policy and procedures committee for Women & Philanthropy at UT.  Recipient of the Henry Herschel Commitment Award in 2015 from the College of Law Alumni Affiliate, she is a member of the Dean’s Advisory Board in the College of Law. Miller is a major donor to numerous campus organizations, including the Medical Research Society, Women & Philanthropy, and the College of Law. A past present of the Lucas County Bar Association and the Toledo Women’s Bar Association, Miller was the first ombudsman for Lucas County Children Services. She has received national acclaim for her work in protecting children.

The Edward H. Schmidt Outstanding Young Alum Award is presented to a University graduate who is 35 years or younger in recognition of outstanding achievement in her or his field of endeavor, while providing leadership and noteworthy service to the Alumni Association, University or community. This award is named in memory of Ed Schmidt, a 1942 alumnus and a longtime supporter of the University and its Alumni Association.

Dr. Michelle Carey

The 2017 recipient of this award is Dr. Michelle Carey, of Temperance, Mich. Carey earned a bachelor of science degree from the College of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences in 2011 and was awarded the doctor of pharmacy degree from that college in 2013, when she served as class valedictorian. Clinical pharmacist for St. Luke’s Hospital Anticoagulation Service, Carey is an active community volunteer. Secretary of the Toledo Academy of Pharmacy, she is a member of the American Pharmacists Association national new practitioner communications and networking committee. A member of the UT Alumni Association’s Board of Trustees, she is a regular volunteer at the University community care clinic, Notre Dame Academy, Blessed Sacrament Church and Bedford Goodfellows.

For more information, contact Dan Saevig, UT associate vice president of alumni relations, at 419.530.4008.

Dr. Clinton Longenecker, a leadership expert at The University of Toledo and one of three finalists for the prestigious Robert Foster Cherry Award for Great Teaching from Baylor University, is giving a free, public lecture titled “Career Success and Survival in the 21st Century: A Mandate for Lifelong Learning!”

The event, which is an essential component of the award process and sponsored by the UT student chapter of the Society of Human Resource Management, is 7 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 5 in the Savage & Associates Business Complex Room 1200 on UT Main Campus.

The other Cherry Award finalists are Dr. Heidi Elmendorf, associate professor of biology at Georgetown University, and Dr. Neil Garg, professor of chemistry at UCLA.

In addition to delivering a lecture on his or her home campus, each finalist also presents a lecture at Baylor in Waco, Texas, this fall. Longenecker’s lecture is 4:30 p.m. Monday, Oct. 23.

The eventual Cherry Award winner, which will be announced by Baylor in 2018, will receive $250,000 and an additional $25,000 for his or her home department and will teach in residence at Baylor during fall 2018 or spring 2019.

Dr. Clinton Longenecker

Longenecker, UT Distinguished University Professor and director of the Center for Leadership and Organizational Excellence in the UT College of Business and Innovation, has received more than 60 teaching, service and research awards and numerous industry awards. He was recognized by The Economist as one of the “Top Fifteen Business Professors in the World.”

The Cherry Award is the only national teaching award – with the single largest monetary reward – presented by a college or university to an individual for exceptional teaching.

“To be selected as one of three finalists for this prestigious award is an absolute honor, and I’m very proud to represent The University of Toledo on this national stage,” Longenecker said. “I’ve considered my entire career to be a privilege, an opportunity to make a difference, and a blessing to be able to teach adult learners how to improve their skills and career trajectory.”

Longenecker’s teaching, research and consulting interests are in high-performance leadership and creating great organizations. He has published more than 190 articles and papers in academic and professional journals, as well as several best-selling books. His latest book, “The Successful Career Survival Guide,” was published in March.

The University of Toledo will recognize three local individuals for their work and dedication to the field of emergency medicine in the seventh annual Emergency Medicine Wall of Honor Induction Ceremony.

A reception will start at 11:30 a.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 3 in the Jacobs Interprofessional Immersive Simulation Center on the UT Health Science Campus. The program begins at noon with a welcome from UT President Sharon L. Gaber followed by remarks from Dr. Christopher Cooper, executive vice president for clinical affairs and dean of the College of Medicine and Life Sciences, and Dr. Kristopher Brickman, professor and chair of the Department of Emergency Medicine.

“This ceremony celebrates individuals who have demonstrated a passion for the field and epitomize what emergency medicine is all about,” Brickman said. “Through their leadership and commitment, each has helped advance the field to the next level.”

The Emergency Medicine Wall of Honor, made possible through funding from IPI Insta-Plak, Inc. and The Blade, was established in 2011 to celebrate the achievements of those who committed to service within the emergency medicine community.

Each year, nominations are submitted by a committee of community stakeholders and reviewed by a multidisciplinary selection committee.

This year’s honorees are:

Dr. Todd Brookens, emergency medicine physician. Considered a favorite among hospital staff at ProMedica Toledo Hospital for his approachability, enthusiasm to teach and outgoing nature, Brookens earned his Doctorate of Medicine at Kansas City University of Medicine and Biosciences and completed his internship and residency in emergency medicine at Mercy St. Vincent Medical Center in Toledo. The emergency department physician also is the associate medical director of the ProMedica Transportation Network and medical director for many EMS agencies in the northwest Ohio region,

Marja Soikkeli-Dooner, registered nurse. Soikkeli-Dooner developed extensive experience in nursing and administration throughout her career at Mercy St. Vincent and ProMedica Toledo hospitals, where she was director of emergency services. Prior to her retirement, Marja served as the vice president and chief nursing officer at ProMedica Wildwood Orthopaedic
and Spine Hospital. She earned her associate’s degree in nursing from Pen Valley Community College in Kansas City, Mo., followed by a bachelor’s degree in nursing and a master’s in liberal studies at UT. She is regarded as an “exceptional” mentor who has helped mold many of the great leaders in emergency medicine.

Heidi Hess, emergency medical technician. Hess served 22 years in the Springfield Township Fire Department, before retiring as captain of the EMS department in 2014. She began her career in 1978 as an EMT-basic, and by 1981 had earned her paramedic certificate licensure. Hess played an integral role in EMS education by providing training to thousands of firefighters, EMTs, nurses and physicians throughout her career.

“Aloha Rockets!” will bring a bit of Hawaii to campus for The University of Toledo’s Homecoming.

“We want The University of Toledo community members to feel like they are in paradise as we celebrate the campus’ oldest tradition,” said Cassandra Wood, Homecoming director and fourth-year student majoring in middle childhood education. “Our goal is to include all students, faculty, administrators, alumni and community members in the island activities we have planned for Homecoming Week — even surfing during our Rocket Luau!”

“We want to bring the Rocket Ohana together and have an awesome time,” added Lily Kilpatrick, director of Homecoming programs and second-year student majoring in adolescent/young adult integrated social studies. “Ohana is the Hawaiian word for family, and Homecoming is a such a special time for all of us to come together and display our Rocket pride.”

Hang loose and check out this year’s Homecoming activities include:

Monday, Oct. 2

• Continental Breakfast, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., Student Union South Dining Hall. Kick off the week with a Hawaiian breakfast. There’ll be a variety of foods for everyone — and island tunes, too!
• Poolside Paradise, 7 to 10 p.m., Student Recreation Center. Float in the pool and watch “Lilo & Stitch.” Want to see the movie and not swim? The film also will be shown in the Oak Room, where pizza and snacks will be provided. A complimentary PiYo class will be offered at 7 p.m., the rock-climbing wall will be open from 8 to 9 p.m., and those ultra-adventurous souls can try the High Ropes Course from 9 to 10 p.m.

Tuesday, Oct. 3

• “Eat the Street,” 5 to 10 p.m., Residence Drive, which is located between Presidents Hall and Ottawa House. Come out for UT’s version of Hawaii’s monthly festival. Students, faculty, staff and alumni are welcome to the event for a variety of Hawaiian food that will be provided by local food trucks. Play beach volleyball, corn hole and other games, and have a cup of Kona ice.

Wednesday, Oct. 4

• Flags for Veterans, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., Centennial Mall. There are more than 15,000 homeless people in Hawaii, and 8 percent of them are veterans. This philanthropic event will feature flags that can be purchased in honor of people who have fought for the United States to raise funds to help support them after their service is complete. All money collected will be donated to 1Matters, which helps homeless veterans in the Toledo area.
• Homecoming Royalty Pageant, 7 p.m., Thompson Student Ingman Room. Get to know the 2017 Homecoming king and queen candidates.

Thursday, Oct. 5

• Rocket Luau, noon to 2 p.m., Centennial Mall. Party island-style! Stop by for free food and fun activities.
• Pep Rally, 12:30 p.m., Thompson Student Union Steps. Join the football team, UT Marching Band, dance team, cheerleaders, Rocky and Rocksy to psych up for the Homecoming game.
• National Pan-Hellenic Council Talent Show, 8 p.m., Doermann Theatre. Doors will open at 7:30 p.m.

Friday, Oct. 6

• Bridge, 3:30 to 4:30 p.m., Horton International House Dining Hall. Volunteer to help make sandwiches for those in need in the area.
• Homecoming Alumni Gala and Awards Ceremony, 6 p.m., Thompson Student Union Auditorium. The Alumni Association will present this year’s Gold T, Blue T and Edward H. Schmidt Young Alum Award, and college and affiliate award winners will be honored. There will be a Hawaiian-themed menu this year. Tickets are $30 per person, $10 for children. For more information or to make a reservation, contact the UT Alumni Office at 419.530.ALUM (2586) or shirley.grzecki@utoledo.edu.

Saturday, Oct. 7

• The Edward C. and Helen G. Schmakel Homecoming Parade, 8 a.m. There is a different route for this year’s parade, which is sponsored by Blue Key National Honor Society. The parade will begin at West Bancroft Street and go to Cheltenham Road to Christie Street to Middlesex Drive and back to West Bancroft Street. The grand marshal for this year’s parade will be former UT and NFL quarterback Bruce Gradkowski.
• Alumni Tailgate, 9 a.m., William and Carol Koester Alumni Pavilion. Stop by for free hot dogs, chips and non-alcoholic beverages. There will be a cash bar for those 21 and older with proper ID, and Five O’Clock Rush will play live music.
• Toledo Rockets vs. Eastern Michigan Eagles Homecoming Game, noon, Glass Bowl. Cheer on the Rockets and see the crowning of the Homecoming king and queen. Tickets range from $33 to $68; $19 and $16.50 for children 12 and younger; half off for UT faculty and staff; and free for UT students with IDs. For tickets, go to utrockets.com or call 419.530.GOLD (4653). The game will be televised on CBS Sports Network.

For more information on Homecoming, go to utoledo.edu/homecoming.

The University of Toledo is asking families across northwest Ohio to share their stories or memories of Ritter Planetarium and Brooks Observatory to be used as part of the astronomy program’s 50^th anniversary celebration.

“We are planning to celebrate a major milestone and are in need of the public’s help to share our rich history of education, outreach and celestial exploration,” said Dr. Jillian Bornak, associate lecturer in the Department of Physics and Astronomy and chair of the UT Astronomy 50^th Anniversary Committee. “We’re in search of your stories and memories to better tell our story. What do you remember from your visit?”

Did you attend any of the special events, such as for Apollo 11 and the impact of the Shoemaker-Levy comet on Jupiter? Have you taken your family to experience programs in the planetarium or public viewings with telescopes in the observatories?

“As a child, my first visit to a planetarium involved marveling at one of the old ‘star ball’ projectors, but since then I have enjoyed being transported to black holes and other worlds with increasingly beautiful full-dome movies. These visits certainly had an impact on me, for I went on to earn my doctorate in astronomy,” Bornak said.

The Ritter facility was dedicated on Oct. 13, 1967. It was deliberately planned to blend research and public education for the University, local schools and community. The one-meter-diameter telescope housed on top of the Ritter building is the largest optical telescope in the U.S. east of the Mississippi River.

“One of the joys of astronomy is that people are inherently curious about it, and so sharing our research and our telescopes with the community have been vital in our mission from the beginning,” Bornak said.

Please email stories to jillian.bornak@utoledo.edu or mail a letter to The University of Toledo’s Department of Physics and Astronomy at Mail Stop MS 111, 2801 W. Bancroft St., Toledo, OH, 43606.

The stories submitted from the public will be used at the Astronomy Open House at the Ritter Planetarium on Thursday, Oct. 26 to show the strong connection this community has for astronomy.