It’s November, and in the world of college football, that means MACtion, and with MACtion comes the annual showdown between Toledo and Northern Illinois.

The Rockets and Huskies will meet in the Glass Bowl Wednesday, Nov. 13, at 8 p.m. The game will be broadcast on ESPN2.

In every single season since 2010, Toledo and NIU have met in November with the MAC West title still at stake for one or both schools. Despite the fact that both teams have multiple conference losses this season, this year’s matchup could be a factor in determining the West Division representative to the Mid-American Conference Championship Game Dec. 7.

Toledo (6-3, 3-2 MAC) is still in the thick of the division race. The Rockets are a half-game behind Western Michigan and Central Michigan (both 4-2) and tied with Ball State (3-2). Toledo and CMU meet in the season finale in Mount Pleasant Friday, Nov. 29.

For NIU (3-6, 2-3 MAC), on the other hand, a loss to the Rockets would officially knock them out of the race.

Toledo is coming off two consecutive home wins, most recently a 35-33 thriller over Kent State Nov. 5. Junior Shakif Seymour rushed for a career-high 175 yards and two touchdowns to lead the Rockets. Seymour, taking over as Toledo’s main running option due to a first-half injury to sophomore Bryant Koback, gained 40 yards and two first downs in Toledo’s final possession as the Rockets ran out the clock and held on to the victory.

Northern Illinois is coming off a 48-10 loss at Central Michigan Nov. 2. The Huskies rank third in the MAC in total defense, allowing an average 372.7 yards per game. The offense is led by senior quarterback Ross Bowers, who is second in the MAC with 243.4 yards passing per contest.

Toledo leads, 31-15. NIU beat the Rockets, 38-15, in DeKalb last year.

Full-time UToledo employees and retirees may purchase two tickets at half-price. Additional tickets may be purchased at the full price. UToledo students are admitted to home games free with ID.

To purchase tickets, stop by the UT Athletic Ticket Office, located in the Sullivan Athletic Complex at Savage Arena, go to the Toledo Football Ticket Central website, or call 419.530.GOLD (4653).

The University of Toledo Athletic Department has announced its promotional schedule for the 2019-20 men’s basketball season. The Rockets will play 15 home games this season in Savage Arena, highlighted by contests vs. archrival Bowling Green and defending Mid-American Conference Champion Buffalo.

The home schedule will feature fan-friendly events including, theme nights, giveaways and special offers. For a complete listing of promotions, visit the men’s basketball website.

After two road games, Toledo will host Robert Morris Saturday, Nov. 16, and Howard Sunday, Nov. 17, as part of the Men Against Breast Cancer Invitational in its first two home contests.

Listed by date, special events scheduled include:

• Saturday, Nov. 23 vs. Northwestern Ohio — Performance by UToledo twirler Caroline Langfitt.

• Saturday, Nov. 30 vs. Oakland — Thanks for Giving; bring canned goods, toiletries or gently-used clothing to game.

• Sunday, Dec. 8 vs. Marshall — Santa Claus visit, Battery Wholesale teddy bear toss, and a bounce house in the Fetterman Gym.

• Saturday, Jan. 11 vs. Western Michigan — MAC home opener and Scout Night and Sleepover.

• Saturday, Jan. 25 vs. Bowling Green — #PackSavage.

• Tuesday, Jan. 28 vs. Kent State — Military Appreciation Night.

• Tuesday, Feb. 11 vs. Miami — Craft Beer Night.

• Saturday, Feb. 15 vs. Buffalo — Rockets for Life Game; wear neon colors to support Life Connection of Ohio.

• Saturday, Feb. 29 vs. Ball State — Throwback to 1990s.

• Friday, March 6 vs. Eastern Michigan — Senior Night and Dancing Rockettes Performance.

Full-time UToledo employees and retirees may purchase two tickets at half-price. Additional tickets may be purchased at the full price. UToledo students are admitted to home games free with ID.

To purchase tickets, stop by the UToledo Athletic Ticket Office, located in the Sullivan Athletic Complex at Savage Arena, go to the Toledo men’s basketball ticket central website, or call 419.530.GOLD (4653).

The University of Toledo Athletic Department has announced its promotional schedule for the 2019-20 women’s basketball campaign. The Rockets will play 14 home games in Savage Arena this year, highlighted by Dayton, Memphis and Belmont, as well as an ultra-competitive Mid-American Conference slate.

Toledo’s home opener is against Dayton Saturday, Nov. 9, at 2 p.m.

The home schedule will feature fan-friendly events, including theme nights, giveaways and special offers. For a complete listing of promotions, visit the women’s basketball website.

Listed by date, special events scheduled include:

• Sunday, Nov. 24 vs. Memphis — Igniter Day; celebrate the 20th year of the fan club.

• Wednesday, Nov. 27 vs. Valparaiso — Thanks for Giving; bring canned goods, toiletries or gently used clothing.

• Tuesday, Dec. 3 vs. Belmont — Education Day; local schools come to Savage Arena for a day of fun, learning and Rocket basketball.

• Wednesday, Jan. 8 vs. Buffalo — Mid-American Conference opener; Toledo Cheerleading performance.

• Wednesday, Jan. 29 vs. Eastern Michigan — Wine Night and 1970s night.

• Saturday, Feb. 1 vs. Kent State — National Girls & Women in Sport Day and Cheer Clinic.

• Wednesday, Feb. 12 vs. Ball State — Military Appreciation Night.

• Saturday, Feb. 22 vs. Western Michigan — Rockets for the Cure.

• Saturday, March 7 vs. Northern Illinois — Senior Day and Dancing Rockettes Performance.

Full-time UToledo employees and retirees may purchase two tickets at half-price. Additional tickets may be purchased at the full price. UToledo students are admitted to home games free with ID.

To purchase tickets, stop by the UToledo Athletic Ticket Office, located in the Sullivan Athletic Complex at Savage Arena, go to the Toledo women’s basketball ticket central website, or call 419.530.GOLD (4653).

The 15th annual Veterans Appreciation Breakfast and Resource Fair will take place Monday, Nov. 11, at 8 a.m. in Savage Arena at The University of Toledo.

UToledo teams up with the American Red Cross and the Lucas County Veterans Service Commission to pay tribute to area veterans and active service members for the sacrifices they have made for their country.

Dr. Mike Toole, dean of the UToledo College of Engineering, will speak at the event on behalf of the University.

“It is an honor and a privilege to be able to thank the men and women who have served and are serving the United States in the armed forces,” Toole said. “This event is a way for our community members to come together to express gratitude and show respect to these dedicated individuals.”

First Sgt. Nathan Wishard of the U.S. Army will give the keynote address.

A native of York, Penn., Wishard enlisted in the Army in 2003. He attended basic training at Fort Jackson, S.C., and completed advanced individual training in the military occupational specialty of Apache helicopter armament/electrical/avionic systems repair at Fort Eustis, Va.

Wishard’s deployments include Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom, where he served with the 82nd Combat Aviation Brigade, Attach Reconnaissance Battalion, Wolfpack. Currently, he is serving in the Toledo Recruiting Company within the Cleveland Battalion.

His awards and decorations include a Meritorious Service Medal 2nd Oak Leaf Cluster, Army Commendation Medal 5th Oak Leaf Cluster, Army Achievement Medal 17th Oak Leaf Cluster, Military Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal and Good Conduct Medal 3rd Knot.

In addition to the free breakfast, local veterans and members of the military and their families will have access to more than 30 military-friendly community resources.

The program also will feature entertainment by the UToledo Jazz Ensemble and fourth-graders from Waterville Primary School, as well as a historical military vehicle display.

Members of the Rossford High School S.O.S. (Serving Our Soldiers) Club will greet and assist veterans through the breakfast line.

Free parking will be available in lots 3, 5 and 6 near Savage Arena.

For more information on the event, contact the UToledo Office of Special Events at 419.530.2200 or specialevents@utoledo.edu.

The University of Toledo Department of Theatre and Film will present “The Jungle,” an award-winning adaptation of Upton Sinclair’s novel, written and directed by Matt Foss, UToledo assistant professor of theatre.

Performances will take place Friday through Sunday, Nov. 8-10 and 15-17, in the Center for Performing Arts Center Theatre. Curtain time is 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday; Sunday shows are at 2 p.m.

Sinclair’s landmark novel, written in 1906, exposed the appalling working conditions of immigrants employed in Chicago’s meat-packing industry. Originally written to shed light on issues surrounding workers, immigrants and the growing income disparity in America, Sinclair commented that he aimed for the public’s heart, but ultimately only “hit it in the stomach.”

The book prompted transformative changes throughout the industry and led to the development of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, but had little to no effect on immigration, poverty or workers’ rights.

The production features a large cast who stream over a three-story set, using printmaking techniques to create a turn-of-the-century packinghouse. Extensive choreography created by Abby Glanville, academic advisor in the College of Arts and Letters — along with design and technical work by Drew Parmelee, senior film/video major, associate sound designer; Kelly McBane, lecturer of theatre, costume shop manager; Stephen Sakowski, assistant professor of theatre, lighting and sound designer; Daniel Thobias, associate professor of theatre, production designer; and Nathaniel White, assistant lecturer of theatre, technical director and scene shop manager — create a dynamic, 90-minute telling of this classic novel.

Foss adapted and directed Upton Sinclair’s “The Jungle” for Oracle Productions in Chicago in 2014. That production received Chicago Jeff Award Nominations for outstanding production, director, ensemble, and won for best new adaptation.

The cast features Jordyn Beery, sophomore theatre major; Maggie Carder, freshman media communications major; Erin Coyne, sophomore theatre major; Emily Damschroder, sophomore theatre major; Jeffery Enck, freshman theatre design and technology major; Dona Gamblin, freshman theatre major; Sarena Jackson, 2019 UToledo theatre alumna; Shaquira Jackson, senior theatre major; Maya Kinney, freshman theatre major; Andrew R. Kleopfer, senior theatre major; Ben Kunec, sophomore theatre and communication double major; Becca Lustic, senior theatre major; Olivia Manias, junior creative writing major; Grace E. Mulinix, Toledo Early College High School senior and UToledo theatre major; Faith E. Murphy, senior theatre major; Alexandria Rayford-West, junior creative writing and theatre double major; Victoria Rinker, senior theatre major; Ezekiel Roberts, Toledo Early College High School junior and UToledo theatre major; Dillon Sickels, sophomore theatre major; Alec Simon. sophomore theatre major; Eve Smith, sophomore theatre major; Charlotte Vaughn, theatre major; and Kyle Yerg, senior philosophy and literature double major.

Members of the design team are Holly Monsos, interim chair of the Department of Theatre and Film, producer; Katelyn Justice, sophomore theatre major, paint charge; Matthew Kerr, electrical engineering major, assistant lighting designer; Addison Toth, sophomore theatre major, stage manager; Jared Kaplan, freshman political science major, and Elise Pahl, junior, theatre design and technology major, assistant stage managers; Christopher M. Montpetit, lecturer of theatre, theatre/production manager; and Imani Hudson, junior theatre major, house manager.

Tickets are $10 for students; $12 for UToledo faculty, staff and alumni, and military members and seniors; and $18 for the general public. Call 419.530.ARTS (2787) or go to the School of Visual and Performing Arts’ website. Tickets also will be available at the door.

Junior Shakif Seymour rushed for a career-high 175 yards and two touchdowns to lead Toledo to a hard-fought 35-33 triumph over Kent State Tuesday night in the Glass Bowl.

Seymour, taking over as the Rockets’ main running option due to a first-half injury to sophomore Bryant Koback, gained 40 yards and two first downs in Toledo’s final possession as the Rockets ran out the clock and held on to the victory.

With the win, Toledo (6-3, 3-2 Mid-American Conference) gained bowl eligibility, but, more importantly, stayed in the hunt in the MAC West Division. The Rockets are a half-game behind Western Michigan and Central Michigan (4-2) and tied with Ball State (3-2).

“Conference wins are tough to get in November,” said Head Coach Jason Candle. “Everybody wants to be playing meaningful games in November and that’s where we’re at. We played a much-improved team tonight and it was a gritty performance from our guys. I’m really proud of their effort.

“We have a very young football team, and it can be really hard to predict what’s going to happen. I trust the leadership and makeup of our players, we recruit guys who are winners. Pride is a tough thing, it can be a slippery slope. It can bite you or it can propel you to some great things. Our guys have responded the last couple weeks, and they’ve gotten a couple tough wins.”

Toledo held a 28-17 advantage at halftime, but saw the lead go down to one, 28-27, when the Golden Flashes scored late in the third quarter.

Seymour scored his second touchdown of the game to put Toledo up, 35-27, with 11:49 left. But Kent State responded with a 15-play, 70-yard drive that culminated with a five-yard TD pass from QB Dustin Crum to Keenan Orr on fourth down. Trailing by two, 35-33, the Flashes went for two, and Crum came up inches short on the rushing attempt.

Toledo never let KSU have another chance to score by controlling the ball for the remainder of the game.

Toledo’s offense racked up 483 yards of total offense, including 289 yards on the ground. Junior Eli Peters led the passing game, completing 15 of 25 passes for 194 yards and one score.

The defense was led by senior linebacker Jordan Fisher (11 tackles, 1.5 tackles for loss) and sophomore defensive end Jamal Hines (six tackles, 2.5 tackles for loss).

Up next, the Rockets host Northern Illinois on Senior Night Wednesday, Nov. 13, in the Glass Bowl.

Toledo’s innovative Lake Erie Bill of Rights will take center stage with a family of “forever chemicals” during the 19th annual Great Lakes Water Conference at The University of Toledo College of Law.

Approved by voters in February and challenged by a lawsuit in federal court, the new “rights of nature” ordinance that allows citizens to sue on behalf of the lake to address pollution has attracted national and international attention.

The conference, which is sponsored by the College of Law and its Legal Institute of the Great Lakes, will take place Friday, Nov. 8, from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the Law Center McQuade Auditorium.

“Three panels of experts will be tackling issues of local, regional, national and international import,” said Ken Kilbert, UToledo professor of law and director of the Legal Institute of the Great Lakes. “Law and policy are key to the solutions.”

The keynote speaker will be Carrie Sowden, archaeological director of the National Museum of the Great Lakes. She will talk at 8:45 a.m.

The first panel, which will debate the city of Toledo’s Lake Erie Bill of Rights, will start at 9:15 a.m. Kilbert will serve as moderator with speakers Jason Hill, court administrator for the Ohio Sixth District Court of Appeals, who teaches election law; Terry Lodge, a Toledo attorney who specializes in environmental and energy issues and supports the ordinance; and Louis Tosi, attorney with Shumaker, Loop & Kendrick in Toledo, who serves as chair of the firm’s Environmental Practice Group.

The other two panels will explore water quality problems posed by PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) chemicals, a proposed rule affecting the reach of the federal Clean Water Act, Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine’s the new H2Ohio initiative, and a proposed new diversion of Great Lakes water.

The one-day conference is free and open to the public. Registration is $75 for attorneys seeking 4.5 hours of Ohio Continuing Legal Education credit.

For more information about the conference and to register for credit or box lunch, visit the College of Law website.

The Toledo women’s basketball program’s schedule includes a game at 2019 NCAA Championship finalist Notre Dame. The Rockets will play against the perennial power Fighting Irish Nov. 20 in South Bend, Ind.

The Midnight Blue and Gold will tangle with 2018 NCAA Champion Notre Dame (35-4, 14-2 Atlantic Coast Conference) for the fourth time in the last five years. A season ago, the Rockets drew 6,059 fans for their home matchup against UND, the third largest crowd in school history.

“To reach your potential as a team, you have to challenge yourself against the best,” said Head Coach Tricia Cullop, who ranks sixth in league history in overall winning percentage (241-123, .662) and 10th in conference winning percentage (127-61, .676). “Playing Notre Dame has made us better. When you play a team of their caliber, you have to bring a sustained and focused effort.”

Additional highlights for Toledo’s non-league slate are five games against squads that competed in the 2019 postseason.

Toledo will square off against Big Dance participant Belmont (26-7, 16-2 Ohio Valley), Postseason WNIT foe Dayton (17-14, 10-6 Atlantic 10) and Postseason Women’s Basketball Invitational squad Georgia State (17-14, 11-7 Sun Belt) prior to beginning league play. Two of the three aforementioned matchups will take place at the friendly confines of Savage Arena, as the Rockets host the Flyers Nov. 9 and the Bruins Dec. 3.

“Our goal every season is to play in the postseason,” Cullop said. “These five games will give us a chance to improve before MAC play and earn an opportunity to play in postseason.”

Toledo has been outstanding at home under Cullop, compiling a stout 137-40 (.774) ledger. The Rockets have won at least 11 home contests in nine of 11 seasons, including a school-record 19 victories during the 2010-11 campaign.

“We are so grateful for the amazing atmosphere our fans provide in Savage Arena,” Cullop said. “We’ve been top 30 in the country in attendance seven out of the last eight years.”

Toledo also will battle Postseason WNIT participants Troy (22-9, 13-5 Sun Belt) and Pacific (19-13, 10-8 West Coast) as part of the Las Vegas Holiday Hoops Classic Dec. 19-20 at the South Point Hotel & Casino. The Rockets, who will compete against both the Trojans and Tigers for the first time in program history, will venture to Sin City for the first time since the 1995-96 season.

“We’re excited to travel to Las Vegas to play two strong mid-major programs in Troy and Pacific,” said Cullop, whose team is averaging a MAC-best 21.9 wins over the last 11 seasons. “In addition to playing competitive teams, it’s a great chance to show our players a part of the country that many of them have only seen in pictures.”

The Rockets’ season will officially tip off at Georgia State Nov. 5. Toledo will tangle with Dayton in its home opener, followed by a matchup at Notre Dame 11 days later.

A three-game homestand will begin against Memphis Nov. 24, Valparaiso Nov. 27 and Belmont Dec. 3. Toledo defeated all three opponents a season ago on the road, claiming a 58-48 victory against the Tigers, a 65-59 triumph vs. the Crusaders and a 78-69 win against the Bruins.

Toledo then will embark on a four-game road swing with the first stop at Duquesne (19-13, 11-5 Atlantic 10) Dec. 7. A season ago, the Rockets registered an impressive 65-52 home victory over the Dukes.

The women’s team also will face Detroit Mercy Dec. 14. The Rockets will wrap up the non-league slate with a home contest against Canisius Dec. 29.

The Rockets will play two contests against each of the five other Mid-American Conference West Division schools as well as against 2019 MAC Champion Buffalo (24-10, 12-6 MAC) Jan. 8 at home and Feb. 8 on the road, and 2019 Postseason WNIT participant Kent State (20-13, 11-7 MAC) Feb. 1 at home and Feb. 15 on the road from the East Division as part of their 18-game league schedule.

Toledo also will compete against the remaining East Division teams once, with 2019 Women’s Basketball Invitational participant Akron (16-15, 7-11 MAC) Jan. 15 and archrival Bowling Green (9-21, 2-16 MAC) Jan. 18 visiting the Glass City, and the Rockets traveling to 2019 Postseason WNIT participants Miami (23-9, 13-5 MAC) Feb. 5 and Ohio (30-6, 14-4 MAC) Feb. 19.

The Midnight Blue and Gold will commence league play at division rival Western Michigan (10-20, 4-13 MAC) Jan. 4.

The Rockets are slated to return nine letter winners in 2019-20; these include three starters from last year’s squad that posted a 21-12 overall record and an 11-7 ledger in the MAC.

The Rockets, who finished second in the MAC West Division standings, made their 12th overall appearance in the 2019 Postseason WNIT and seventh under Cullop. Toledo defeated Big East member Seton Hall, 71-65, in the first round before falling at eventual tourney finalist and Big Ten foe Northwestern, 54-47, in the second round.

Senior Mariella Santucci (9.2 points per game, 3.8 rebounds per game, 5.1 assists per game), senior Sara Rokkanen (6.3 points per game, 2.8 rebounds per game, 1.8 assists per game), junior Nakiah Black (10.7 points per game, 3.4 rebounds per game, 2.2 assists per game) and junior Tanaya Beacham (3.9 points per game, 3.0 rebounds per game) will be the leading returnees for Toledo in 2019-20. Overall, Toledo welcomes back 54.0% of its scoring, 45.3% of its rebounding, 62.4% of its assists, 30.1% of its blocks, and 56.5% of its steals.

Full-time UToledo employees and retirees may purchase two tickets at half-price. UToledo students are admitted to home games free with ID.

Season and individual tickets are on sale: Visit the Rocket Athletic Ticket Office at the Sullivan Athletic Complex in Savage Arena, contact the Rocket Athletic Ticket Office at 419.530.GOLD (4653), or go to the Toledo Central Ticket Central website.

Highlighting the Toledo men’s basketball schedule is a November matchup at Notre Dame, the first meeting between the Rockets and the Fighting Irish since they faced off in a Sweet 16 battle in the 1979 NCAA Tournament.

“We’re excited about our non-conference schedule,” said Head Coach Tod Kowalczyk. “It’s a schedule that will challenge us and help us prepare for our Mid-American Conference season.”

Toledo tips off its season at Valparaiso Nov. 5 before beginning play in the Men Against Breast Cancer Invitational. The Rockets open the event with a trip to Marshall Nov. 10 before hosting Robert Morris in their home opener Nov. 16 and Howard Nov. 17. Toledo wraps up the event by visiting Notre Dame Nov. 21.

“I think having the opportunity to play at Notre Dame is great for our fans because it’s a short drive that gives them the chance to see us play a high-major school on the road,” Kowalczyk said. “I have a lot of respect for Mike Brey and what their program stands for. We’re looking forward to the challenge.”

After hosting Northwestern Ohio Nov. 23, the Rockets will entertain Oakland Nov. 30 during the Thanksgiving weekend. Toledo will play four of six games in December on the road with its home contests coming vs. Marshall Dec. 8 and Wright State Dec. 21. The Rockets will play at Cleveland State Dec. 4, Detroit Mercy Dec. 14, University of Missouri-Kansas City Dec. 17 and Bradley Dec. 28.

“We have a few new opponents on our schedule, and I really like adding Valpo because of the proximity,” Kowalczyk said. “It makes sense to play them because it’s just a short bus trip. Bradley was an NCAA Tournament team last year, and I think it’s a great home-and-home opportunity for us as well.”

Toledo will open its MAC campaign with a nationally televised contest at Ball State Jan. 3. Following their trip to Muncie, Ind., the Rockets will visit Kent State Jan. 7 before playing their first conference game in Savage Arena vs. Western Michigan Jan. 11.

“I think it’s going to be a season of transition in the MAC,” Kowalczyk said. “Last year we had 17 of 20 all-conference players returning, and this season there are 16 of 20 all-conference players leaving. I feel really good about where our program is headed with the culture of winning we have established. It’s certainly at a high level right now and something we’re going to work hard to continue.”

In addition to their five MAC West Division opponents, the Rockets will host four East Division foes — archrival Bowling Green (Jan. 25), Kent State (Jan. 28), Miami (Feb. 11) and defending league champion Buffalo (Feb. 15). The remainder of Toledo’s conference home games will include matchups vs. Central Michigan (Jan. 14), Northern Illinois (Feb. 4), Ball State (Feb. 29) and Eastern Michigan (March 6).

Toledo’s conference road schedule will be highlighted by a trip to the Stroh Center Feb. 8 for a second matchup vs. the Falcons. The Rockets also will visit MAC East Division foes Akron (Jan. 18) and Ohio (Jan. 21) in addition to traveling to Eastern Michigan (Feb. 1), Western Michigan (Feb. 22), Central Michigan (Feb. 25) and Northern Illinois (March 3).

Kowalczyk has guided the Rockets to four 20-win campaigns in the last six years, marking the first time for this accomplishment since Bob Nichols recorded five straight seasons of 20-plus victories from 1976 to 1981. Kowalczyk has led the Rockets to the second-most overall victories (129) in the MAC over the last six seasons. Toledo registered a 25-8 record with a 13-5 mark in league play last year, and its 68 MAC victories over the last six seasons rank second in the league.

The Rockets captured their second-consecutive MAC West Division title last season and earned a berth into the National Invitation Tournament with the second-most wins in program history. Toledo returns three starters from last year’s squad — junior Marreon Jackson (11.7 points per game, 4.2 assists per game), senior Luke Knapke (10.5 points per game, 6.6 rebounds per game) and senior Willie Jackson (8.5 points per game, team-high 8.9 rebounds per game).

Full-time UToledo employees and retirees may purchase two tickets at half-price. UToledo students are admitted to home games free with ID.

Season and individual tickets are on sale: Visit the Rocket Athletic Ticket Office at the Sullivan Athletic Complex in Savage Arena, contact the Rocket Athletic Ticket Office at 419.530.GOLD (4653), or go to the Toledo Central Ticket Central website.

Eamon King remembers watching an artist working with a fiery-orange blob of molten glass.

“I was a kid on a field trip to Sauder Village in Archbold, Ohio,” he said. “That’s when my passion for glass began.”

When he was 16, he took a glassblowing class at the Toledo Museum of Art.

“My first piece was a very ugly paperweight that only my mother would love, so it was a gift to her while I was in high school,” King said and laughed. “She still has it.”

These days his hot work is turning heads.

Check out “Recycled Reflections Through Human Chemistry,” which is on display this semester on the fifth floor of Carlson Library. King created the fantastical mirrors and glass skeleton for his master of liberal studies degree, which he received in May.

“When I created the figure and the mirrors, I thought about how similar we all are as human beings on the inside. We all have the same needs and are built from similar DNA with the most minute differences in traits,” King said.

From sketching to glassblowing to flameworking, the project took about one year. He needed to bone up on anatomy.

“A typical adult skeleton has 206 bones. In my project, I made some changes to the overall skeleton to incorporate scientific glass pieces into the bone structure,” he explained. “All of the glass bones are welded or sealed together and actually consist of only 12 individual pieces that are supported on the metal armature I built.

“For example, in my figure, the spine doesn’t have each individual vertebrae; I used double manifold systems, or Schlenk lines, that are common in chemistry labs and that I built for the spine instead of duplicating vertebrae. I then blew holes and sealed all the ribs and sternum into the manifolds instead of vertebrae. The only bones that are left out from the skeleton other than the spine are the patellas and the hyoid bone.”

King is familiar with scientific glass: He is a part-time glass shop assistant in the UToledo Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry.

“Eamon King is a very gifted artistic glassblower who has made huge strides in scientific glass,” said Steven D. Moder, master scientific glassblower in the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, who mentored King for his master’s degree project. “The glass skeleton had a variety of scientific pieces that Eamon was able to pull together for a beautiful, artistic, scientific sculpture.”

In addition to being artful, King is all about recycling.

“I built the frames to hold the large glass pieces for this project. I constructed the frames from wood floor joists that were reclaimed lumber from a renovation of a more than 100-year-old building project in downtown Toledo,” King said.

The cool mirrors feature 100-plus glass pieces that received a reflective coating. King then placed the individual pieces around the larger mirrors.

“The University of Toledo allowed me to create my own program through the Master of Liberal Studies Program, and I worked with Steve Moder in the Scientific Glassblowing Lab, where I learned a whole different skill set,” King said.

As an undergraduate at UToledo, King traveled overseas to learn about Murano glass and worked with traditional Venetian artists. After receiving a bachelor of arts degree from the University in 2008, he taught glassblowing and flameworking at the Toledo Museum of Art for 12 years.

“Compared to working as an artist in area studios the past 15 years, this adventure in precision glassware for chemistry apparatus has been a big change for me,” King said.

“Eamon will keep the argument thriving on whether scientific glass is artistic or highly technical,” Moder said.

Over the summer, King traveled to Corning, N.Y., for a weeklong symposium with the American Scientific Glassblowing Society.

“I had the opportunity to work with and meet many skilled scientific flameworkers from around the world,” King said.

The UToledo alumnus is pursuing a career as an artist while working with Moder in the glass shop.

And doors continue to open: King recently was one of seven artists selected to make a glass key for the city of Toledo.

“I enjoy working with glass due to its limited lifespan and fragile nature,” King said. “It is a constant reminder that if it is not treated with care and respect, it could be destroyed, and eventually, it will be, very similarly to ourselves.”