The University of Toledo is turning heads in the MAC conference by turning up the volume on its outreach in Northeast Ohio through a partnership with the Cleveland Cavaliers. The partnership is designed to entice prospective students who are looking to be far enough away from home, but not too far, by promoting UT’s large selection of affordable, top-tier academic programs. Details of the partnership and UT’s objectives will be announced at a news conference Thursday, Aug. 28 at 2:00 p.m. at Quicken Loans Arena.

“Northeast Ohio has always been important for recruiting students and we’re excited to be partnering with the Cavs, one of the region’s most influential organizations, to let students know about the outstanding educational opportunities available at The University of Toledo,” said Larry Burns, vice president for external affairs.

“It’s clear that Cleveland is going to be one of the best teams in basketball this year and in the coming years and I can’t think of a better place for the Rocket Nation to be than in Quicken Loans Arena,” Burns said. He noted that partnerships with professional sports teams in Detroit during the past eight years have resulted in a doubling of the UT student population from southeast Michigan and is hoping for the same from northeast Ohio.

The Cavaliers and University of Toledo’s partnership features integrated elements that includes season-long signage and in-game digital messaging aimed at future UT Rockets. In addition, details about how the Cavs and UT will team up to support prostate cancer awareness, a cause that is important to the UT medical community, will be shared at Thursday’s news conference.

UT Mens’s Basketball Coach Tod Kowalczyk and his team have embraced “Tie One On,” an annual event where bow ties are worn by coaches and handed out to fans in attendance at UT basketball games to support the fight against cancer. “To have the Cavs join us in this cause helps put the UT Medical Center’s anti-cancer work on the national stage,” Burns said, adding that this year’s bow tie design will be unveiled at the news conference.

“On top of having bragging rights to talk about a nationally-ranked university that’s just a few hours away from Cleveland, there is a lot of good that comes with welcoming the University of Toledo to the Cavaliers family of partners,” said Kerry Bubolz, Cavaliers president of business operations. “We applaud UT’s efforts to be a difference maker in the fight against prostate cancer and the Cavs are “All for One. One for All.” to help support the cause against a disease that touches millions of families across the country.”

Burns also said that as important as recruiting students to UT is, The University of Toledo is also committed to engaging with the community in Northeast Ohio. “We want to connect with businesses and non-profits in the Cleveland area to help UT students with internships to complement their classroom education and ultimately have the professional experience needed to get a job in Cleveland or at least in Ohio right after graduation,” Burns said.

UT sponsors Intern in Ohio, a free program matching students and businesses that is available to students across the state at interninohio.com.

If attending, please enter Quicken Loans Arena at the Media/Team Member Entrance located on south side of The Q (facing Progressive Field). Paid parking is available in the Gateway East Garage.

For exclusive interview opportunities, photo requests and more information please contact: Lawrence Burns, Vice President of External Affairs The University of Toledo at 419.530.1228 or lawrence.burns2@utoledo.edu, or Paul Nagel, CEO Nagel Advertising at 330.764.9229 or nagelad@zoominternet.net.

Media Coverage
The Blade (Aug. 21, 2014)
13 ABC and WTOL 11 (Aug. 29, 2014)