Graduates from each of The University of Toledo’s degree-awarding colleges will be recognized Friday, Oct. 14, at the UT Alumni Association’s Homecoming Gala.

The event, which annually draws sellout crowds to the Student Union Auditorium, will begin at 6 p.m.

The program features the recipients of the Alumni Association’s highest honors: the Gold T, the Blue T and the Edward H. Schmidt Outstanding Young Alum.

Williamson

Dr. Celia Williamson, UT professor of social work and director of the Human Trafficking and Social Justice Institute, is the 2016 recipient of the Gold T, which is presented to a graduate in recognition of outstanding career accomplishment.

Williamson earned an associate’s degree from the UT Community and Technical College in 1983 and a bachelor of arts degree in social work in 1988. In 1993, she founded Second Chance, which provides services to women and youth involved in sex trafficking or commercial sexual exploitation. The Second Chance Program has won the prestigious FBI Director’s Community Leadership Award for its service to women and assistance in securing justice. Chair of the Ohio Attorney General’s Anti-Trafficking Commission, Williamson and her colleagues developed the first international academic journal on human trafficking. She founded and serves as president of the National Research Consortium on Commercial Sexual Exploitation. She also developed one of the first conferences on human trafficking in the nation.

Hahn

Ted Hahn, a partner in the Trust Co. of Toledo, is the 2016 recipient of the Blue T, which is presented to an Alumni Association member who has made outstanding contributions to the progress and development of the association and the University.

Hahn received his bachelor’s degree from the College of Business and Innovation in 1965 and his MBA from that college in 1967. President of the Alumni Association during the 2004-05 school year, he also has served on the UT Foundation Board of Trustees. Hahn and his wife, Suzi, a 1970 graduate of the Judith Herb College of Education, have endowed a scholarship at the University and have been generous donors to academics, athletics and Alumni Association projects.

Rob Bleile is the 2016 recipient of the Schmidt Award, which is presented to a graduate who is 35 years of age or younger in recognition of outstanding achievement in his or her field of endeavor.

Bleile

Bleile is president of American Timber and Steel in Norwalk, Ohio, and co-founder of Research Metrics, an international mobile mystery shopping and auditing firm. He has been very active with the Alumni Association. Currently second vice president of the association, he will become president of the organization during the 2018-19 school year. A member of the President’s Club, Bleile is married to Ala, a 2004 College of Business graduate with degrees in international business and accounting.

A limited number of seats remain for the Homecoming Gala. Tickets are $30 per person.

Call the Office of Alumni Relations at 419.530.2585 (ALUM) for more information or to make reservations.

Media Coverage
WTOL 11 (October 9, 2016)

A $1 million donation from a two-time graduate of The University of Toledo Judith Herb College of Education will support generations of future teachers.

Janet Keller, who received a Bachelor of Education degree in 1960 and a Master of Education degree in 1964, made the gift “because I love the University.”

The former high school Spanish teacher said she and her husband, the Rev. Gerald Keller, were inspired to advance the college’s strong reputation as it celebrates its 100th anniversary.

“We wanted to do something to help others,” Keller said. “I had a wonderful career as a teacher, and I want to help others have that opportunity. We want to see more students become good teachers.”

UT alumna Janet Keller and her husband, the Rev. Gerald Keller

This $1 million gift builds upon previous generosity from the Kellers, who in 1985 set up the A. Martin and Ruth Zucker Fund in memory of her parents to support student scholarships and other priorities of the Judith Herb College of Education.

“The thank you notes from the students are a delight to both of us — even my husband who is not a graduate of The University of Toledo,” Keller said. “The notes have been overwhelming. It says a lot about the UT students and the culture.”

“The generosity of the Keller family will not only benefit our students here in the Judith Herb College of Education, but also the future students they touch as educators for an impact that will last generations,” said Dr. Virginia Keil, interim dean of the college. “I cannot think of a more exciting way to celebrate 100 years of our college than for a graduate to make this type of gift to support our strong future.”

Keller said she was inspired by others who have made donations to the University and hopes that their gift will inspire more people to invest in the future of UT’s students.

“I certainly want those who need that extra support through a scholarship to have the opportunity to continue their education,” she said. “It’s such an important investment.”

As part of the college’s 100-year anniversary, a student scholarship drive launched this month to engage alumni in supporting future educators.

“The Kellers’ generosity is a fantastic example of the loyalty and generosity of UT alumni, and the important role that graduates play in supporting current and future students,” UT President Sharon L. Gaber said. “We are grateful for this gift and the Kellers’ willingness to tell their story to inspire others to follow their lead and contribute to the University’s future.”

Media Coverage
13 ABC (October 10, 2016)

Get your party hats on: “Rocky’s 50th Golden Birthday Celebration” is the theme of The University of Toledo’s Homecoming.

Homecoming is something different for everyone, according to Katie Smith, UT senior and Homecoming director.

“For students, it is a chance to learn more about UT traditions and to make memories. And for alumni, it’s a chance to return to UT and reminisce about the memories they made years ago,” Smith said.

“I hope that the community gets a better understanding of The University of Toledo and its rich history and traditions. There are many opportunities to participate in this year’s Homecoming, and I’d love to see people out making memories of their own.”

Gather with students, alumni, faculty, staff and community members to commemorate the UT mascot’s big day.

Homecoming week activities planned for this year include:

Monday, Oct. 10

• Casino Night, 7 to 10 p.m., Student Union Auditorium. Kick off Homecoming week with a night of Las Vegas-style entertainment. Exchange fun money for tokens to use to play at blackjack and Texas hold ’em tables, money wheels and slot machines. Or swap tokens for Chinese auction raffle tickets for a chance to win prizes.
• Midnight Breakfast, 9 to 11 p.m., Student Union South Dining Hall. Countdown to Rocky’s birthday during this midnight breakfast. Ice Cream Militia will perform. Admission is a meal swipe or monetary donation for the Make-A-Wish Foundation.

Tuesday, Oct. 11

• Outdoor Roller Skating Rink, 6 to 8 p.m. in parking lot 8 behind Carter Field. Roller skate with Rocky during his disco birthday party that will feature classic hits such as The Village People’s “YMCA” and a limbo competition.

Wednesday, Oct. 12

• UT Founding Date Celebration and Pep Rally, noon to 2 p.m., Centennial Mall. Celebrate Rocky’s 50th birthday and UT’s founding date with obstacle courses, corn hole, can jam and more. Sing the traditional birthday song to Rocky, have a slice of cake, and bring presents that he will donate to the Make-A-Wish Foundation. The food trucks will be back on campus, and the football team and marching band will be there to psych up for the Battle of I-75!
• Pageant, 7 to 9 p.m., Student Union Ingman Room. Get to know the 2016 Homecoming king and queen nominees. Hear about their interests, talents, and favorite UT moments and traditions. Vote on awards, including Miss/Mister Congeniality and Miss/Mister Rocket Pride.

Thursday, Oct. 13

• National Pan-Hellenic Council Talent show, 7 to 9 p.m., Doermann Theater. Come see UT students compete for the title of UT’s most talented.
• Cupcake/Cookie Decorating and Trivia Night, 7 to 9 p.m., Student Union Room Auditorium. Compete in UT’s own version of Cupcake Wars: Show off your creativity by decorating cupcakes and cookies for Rocky’s birthday. Judges will select a winner based on uniqueness, presentation, imagination and neatness. How much do you know about UT’s history? Join students, faculty, alumni and community members to see who knows the most about the University.

Friday, Oct. 14

• Homecoming Alumni Gala and Awards Ceremony, 6 p.m., Student Union Auditorium. The UT 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. 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 15

• Judith Herb College of Education Parade Reception, 9 a.m., tent on north side of Gillham Hall. In celebration of the college’s 100th anniversary, join education alumni to march in the Homecoming Parade.
• The Edward C. and Helen G. Schmakel Homecoming Parade, 10:30 a.m. Sponsored by Blue Key, the parade will begin at West Bancroft Street and go to Middlesex Drive to Hughes Drive to Cheltenham Road and back on West Bancroft Street. The grand marshal for this year’s parade will be Rocky.
• Homecoming Football Pregame Party, 12:30 to 3:30 p.m., William and Carol Koester Alumni Pavilion. Stop by for free hot dogs, chips and pop; live music from Five O’Clock Rush; a cash bar; and appearances by the UT Marching Band, cheerleaders and Rockettes!
• Toledo Rockets vs. Bowling Green Falcons Homecoming Game, 3:30 p.m., Glass Bowl. Cheer on the Rockets and see the crowning of the Homecoming king and queen. Tickets range from $30 to $65; $17.50 and $15 for children 12 and younger; half off for UT faculty and staff; and free for UT students with IDs. For tickets, call 419.530.GOLD (4653).

Sunday, Oct. 16

• Rocket Race, 11 a.m., UT Main Campus. Register for a 5K run/walk from Carter Field around Main Campus. $20 for students, $30 for community members. Proceeds will benefit the UT Rec Council. Registration will start at 10 a.m. or online at https://webforms.utoledo.edu/form/50271458871
• The Golden Alumni Society Homecoming Luncheon, Inverness Club, 4601 Dorr St., Cost: $25. UT Men’s Basketball Coach Tod Kowalczyk will be the guest speaker. For more information, call the UT Alumni Office at 419.530.ALUM (2586).

For more information, go to utoledo.edu/homecoming/events.html or call the UT Alumni Office at 419.530.ALUM (2586) or the UT Office of Student Involvement at 419.530.4944

Media Coverage
13 ABC (October 13, 2016)

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

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

“Celebrating honors the historic leaders of the LGBTQA+ community; celebrating offers an opportunity to highlight LGBTQA+ history and culture; celebrating creates awareness of the LGBTQA+ community for all people; and celebrating reminds us all that LGBTQA+ history is part of larger history,” said Danielle Stamper, graduate assistant in the Office of Multicultural Student Success.

“As an LGBTQA+ student at UT, the fact that The University of Toledo is celebrating LGBTQA History Month demonstrates that UT is continually striving to be an ally that welcomes, respects and celebrates its LGBTQA+ students.”

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

Monday, Oct. 10

• “Self-Hatred Is Not Therapy,” a panel discussion on conversion therapy, 6:30 p.m., Law Center McQuade Law Auditorium.

Tuesday, Oct. 11

• All Love Photo Shoot, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Student Union Room 2500. Free professional shoot that will provide prints to all participants.
• Escucha Nuestras Voces/Hear Our Voices Panel, 7 to 8:30 p.m., Student Union Room 2582. Sponsored by LGBTQA+ and Latino initiatives, this event that is also part of Hispanic Heritage Month will feature Latinx individuals sharing their coming out stories.

Wednesday, Oct. 12

• “Queering Reproductive Alliance,” panel discussion presented by Spectrum and the UT Feminist Alliance, 6:30 p.m., Student Union Room 3020.

Friday, Oct. 14

• Toledo Pride Nite Glo 5K Run/Walk, 7 p.m., Ottawa Park. Preregister at http://toledopride.com.

Tuesday, Oct. 18

• Spectrum Hate Crimes Candlelight Vigil, 8 to 9 p.m., Student Union Steps.

Friday, Oct. 21

• Keynote Address and Performance by Mal Blum, singer-songwriter, 8 p.m., Student Union Ingman Room.

Wednesday, Oct. 26

• “It’s Not All Rainbows and Glitter,” discussion presented by the UT Sexual Assault Education and Prevention Program, noon, Student Union Room 2579.
• Film Screening, “A Litany for Survival: The Life and Work of Audre Lorde,” 6:30 p.m., Student Union Room 3020. Learn about the life of the poet who wrote about sexuality, civil rights, family politics, nature, love and anger.

For more information and a full list of events, visit utoledo.edu/studentaffairs/omss/lgbtqa or call the UT Office of Multicultural Student Success at 419.530.2261.

The University of Toledo has received a competitive grant from the U.S. Department of Justice to enhance efforts to prevent and address sexual assault and victimization on college campuses.

The UT Center for Student Advocacy and Wellness will use the $299,202 grant to create a coordinated community response team to develop prevention, education, and intervention policies and practices for sexual assault, domestic violence, dating violence and stalking.

Kasey Tucker-Gail, left, and Megan Stewart

“Addressing victimization on college campuses is a national discussion right now and we want to be at the forefront of successfully addressing these issues and serve as an example to other universities on how to do it right by investing in education, prevention and intervention programming that are unique to a campus community,” said Dr. Kasey Tucker-Gail, associate professor of criminal justice and director of the Center for Student Advocacy and Wellness.

The response team would include the UT Police Department, the Toledo Police Department, YWCA Hope Center and other University and expanded community partners working together to strengthen existing education and prevention programming and also the delivery of comprehensive strategies that help survivors heal.

“This is an aggressive community education initiative to encourage a culture that is comfortable talking about and identifying sexual and domestic violence so that we can better prevent and address these crimes that occur far too often on college campuses,” said Dr. Megan Stewart, assistant professor of criminal justice and the program coordinator for the project.

The grant will support training on sexual assault, domestic violence, dating violence and stalking for members of the University community, the creation and implementation of a campus-wide bystander intervention program, and an awareness campaign with various activities and events throughout the school year to engage students.

The Justice Department’s Office on Violence Against Women awarded grants totaling $25 million to address this important issue. Only 45 institutions of higher education in the country received funding for these initiatives. This announcement was made at the conclusion of September as National Campus Safety Awareness Month

“Schools that individualize their response to sexual, dating and domestic violence are better able to meet the unique needs of their student populations, especially underserved groups,” OVW Principal Deputy Director Bea Hanson said. “Coordinated, comprehensive responses allow college communities to develop sustainable strategies to address these crimes.”

Media Coverage
13 ABC (October 6, 2016)

Any questions may be directed to the University Communications Office by calling (419) 530-2410 or via email at meghan.cunningham@utoledo.edu.

Ben Morales will sign copies of his book, Hindsight: Northwest Ohio Through the Lens of Time, at 3 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 24, at Gathering Volumes, 196 E. South Boundary St., Perrysburg.

Published by The University of Toledo Press, Hindsight features historical black-and-white photos that Morales held and lined up in front of the same locations to take new seamless shots that meld time.

It all started four years ago when the graphic designer was working at a local ad agency and was looking for inspiration for the “You Are Here Toledo” project. He searched for an old photo of the Washington Street Bridge.

“I found a really nice old shot of the bridge and, along with that, I found a lot of old shots of the Toledo area that I’d never seen before,” Morales recalled. “I was just kind of amazed by the richness of Toledo’s history and how interesting it looks and how different it looks, but at the same time, we could still see a glimpse of that today that I hadn’t really taken notice of until then.”

Something compelled him to print out a couple of the black-and-white shots. He cut out the images of the former Key Bank on Madison Avenue and a shot looking down Madison and tucked them into his pocket.

“On my lunch break, I was just walking around downtown and thought it would be cool to go to the actual locations and compare and contrast — look at the photo compared to how it looked in real life,” he said. “So I took the opportunity to walk to those locations and do my best to line them up, and I took my first shots with my old iPhone 4.”

Then he posted the photo of the old-timey snapshot framed in the present on Instagram.

“The photos got a really resounding response, and people suggested more locations,” Morales said. “I thought it would be interesting to try to see if I could find more of these photos and continue it as a series.”

Photos and historical information on The University of Toledo, Ohio Theatre, Toledo Zoo, Holy Rosary Cathedral, Oliver House, Toledo Museum of Art, Side Cut Metropark, and other landmarks are included in the 145-page book.

“There’s just something about old photos — there’s just sort of a haunting beauty behind them,” Morales mused.

Hindsight: Northwest Ohio Through the Lens of Time is $39.95 and is available at at Gathering Volumes, as well as online at utoledopress.com and at Rockets Bookstore, 3047 W. Bancroft St. Review copies are available by contacting Yarko Kuk, managing editor of the UT Press, at yaroslav.kuk2@utoledo.edu.

“The past is all around us, but we don’t always notice it because it is often tucked away in between modern structures, and it may not be quite as visible as it once was,” Morales said. “I want people to be able to see, notice and appreciate the beauty of the past and take ownership of it.”

The Student Union at The University of Toledo will be renamed in honor of a 55-year UT veteran who dedicated his career to helping students succeed.

The building will be renamed the Lancelot Thompson Student Union, pending approval by the UT Board of Trustees at its next meeting, UT President Sharon L. Gaber announced Monday evening at a memorial service for the late University leader.

The Lancelot Thompson Student Union honors the professor emeritus of chemistry who served 20 years as the University’s first vice president for student affairs.

Dr. Lancelot C.A. Thompson, professor emeritus of chemistry who served 20 years as the University’s first vice president for student affairs, died Sept. 10 at age 91.

“Generations of future students will know his name and the impact he has had on our University,” Gaber said. “I could not be more proud to continue his legacy in this way.”

The President also announced a new Dr. Lancelot Thompson Student Activities and Diversity Fund that will support programming to enhance the student experience and advance diversity and inclusion initiatives.

A true trailblazer, Thompson was the first African-American full-time faculty member at the University when he joined UT in 1958 and the first black faculty member to receive tenure. He went on to become the first African-American vice president.

A committed classroom teacher, he was one of the first four recipients of the University’s Outstanding Teacher Award. To inspire the next generation of college students, Thompson helped organize UT’s annual Aspiring Minorities Youth Conference, which continues to this day.

Throughout his career and after retirement in 1988, when he was named professor emeritus, Thompson mentored a large number of students and student-athletes.

In 2014, the Dr. Lancelot C.A. Thompson Meeting Room was dedicated in his honor in the Student Union that will now bear his name.

At the time, Thompson noted his passion for helping students. He said, “If anything is said about me, just let it be that I cared about people, especially students, so they had all the help available to them.”

Click here to download photographs of Thompson.

The number of students taking classes at The University of Toledo in the fall semester increased by 267 students, marking the first enrollment gain in six years.

Total enrollment for fall semester 2016 is 20,648, according to official 15-day census numbers. UT had 20,381 students enrolled in fall semester 2015.

Along with adding students who came directly from high school or transferred from other institutions, the University also increased by 2.2 percent the first-year to second-year undergraduate retention rate.

“We are thrilled with the increase in enrollment,” President Sharon L. Gaber said. “UT provides an excellent education, and we are proud to offer that experience to more students. We have now reversed the previous declining trend and look forward to continuing a positive momentum moving forward.”

This is the third year that UT has experienced an increase in its retention rate. As part of the University’s efforts to retain and graduate more students, Dr. Brian Ashburner was named recently to the new position of vice provost for retention and undergraduate studies. He is responsible for coordinating the many programs UT offers to its students to ensure their success.

The fall 2016 enrollment includes an increase in both undergraduate and graduate students. There are 16,247 undergraduate students currently enrolled, an increase from 16,068 this time last year. There are 4,401 graduate and professional students, an increase from 4,313 in fall 2015.

Significantly, the fall 2016 enrollment is not only higher than fall 2015, it also is higher than the 20,626 students enrolled two years ago in fall 2014.

The Division of Enrollment Management, led by Interim Vice President Stephanie Sanders, continues to work with consultant Ruffalo Noel Levitz on a strategic enrollment plan to develop long-term strategies to position UT for continued growth.

Media Coverage
13 ABC (September 2, 2016)

The University of Toledo is celebrating an increase in enrollment for the first time in six years.

UT President Sharon L. Gaber will host a reception at 10 a.m. Friday, Sept. 2 in Libbey Hall to thank members of the University’s enrollment team who worked throughout the year to recruit and retain more students.

“It is important to take a moment to celebrate the hard work of the team who dedicated their time and energy to share the many great opportunities available here at UT and to encourage students through the enrollment process,” Gaber said. “This is a University-wide achievement that reverses the recent trend of enrollment decline and we all should be proud of this success.”

Preliminary numbers show an increase near 200 students for the fall semester following five previous years of enrollment decline. The official enrollment numbers will be available Tuesday, Sept. 6.

For the third year, the University also is celebrating increased retention of students who continue their studies at UT after a successful first year.

Media Coverage
13 ABC (September 2, 2016)