The University of Toledo is honoring a successful alumna who inspired generations of students to pursue careers in chemistry and focused her life’s work on improving water quality and the preservation of safe drinking water around the globe.

A dedication ceremony for the new Dr. Nina McClelland Laboratory for Water Chemistry and Environmental Analysis in The University of Toledo College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics will take place Thursday, Sept. 19, at 3:30 p.m. in Bowman-Oddy Laboratories Room 2059.

The namesake of the new chemistry lab will attend the event.

“We are proud to recognize Dr. McClelland’s important contributions to science and to The University of Toledo,” UToledo President Sharon L. Gaber said. “Water quality is a critical area of research at our University, and this new lab will benefit our scientists and students in their search for solutions to protect public health and the environment.”

The lab features state-of-the-art equipment, including novel extraction and microextraction technology and high-resolution mass spectrometry, tandem mass spectrometry, and an advanced imaging system.

McClelland, UToledo dean emerita, retired from the University in 2011 after serving as dean of the UToledo College of Arts and Sciences, as well as working in the Provost’s Office. She began at UToledo in 2003 as an adjunct professor in the Department of Chemistry.

McClelland served as chair of the Board of Directors for the American Chemical Society, the world’s largest scientific organization. She also served as chair, president and chief executive officer during her more than 30 years with NSF International, an independent, not-for-profit organization dedicated to certifying products and writing standards for food, water and consumer goods.

She has served on several major committees, including the National Institute of Standards and Technology in the U.S. Department of Commerce, the National Drinking Water Advisory Council in the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, and the Committee on Water Treatment Chemicals in the National Academy of Sciences’ National Research Council.

McClelland earned bachelor and master of science degrees from UToledo in 1951 and 1963, respectively. She received her doctoral degree in environmental chemistry from the University of Michigan in 1968. UToledo awarded her an honorary doctorate in science in 2003.

In the wake of high-profile sex trafficking charges against financier Jeffrey Epstein and singer R. Kelly, this dark world of modern-day slavery is under an intense spotlight and garnering global attention.

Survivors, researchers and advocates around the world are coming together this week for the 16th Annual International Human Trafficking and Social Justice Conference at The University of Toledo.

This year marks the largest event since the conference began at UToledo in 2004 and for the first time features an art exhibit in collaboration with the UToledo Department of Art to raise critical consciousness for social justice.

“We are proud so many people want to learn about human trafficking,” said Dr. Celia Williamson, Distinguished University Professor and director of the UToledo Human Trafficking and Social Justice Institute. “Our conference brings sex and labor trafficking out of the shadows and helps end abuse. More than ever before, we have the opportunity to educate, collaborate and save lives.”

The conference, which — to date — has welcomed presenters from 42 states and 30 countries, is Thursday and Friday, Sept. 19 and 20, in the Thompson Student Union on Main Campus.

UToledo’s Human Trafficking and Social Justice Institute and the Lucas County Human Trafficking Coalition host the conference.

Williamson recently published a new book titled “A Seat at the Table: The Courage to Care About Trafficking Victims,” which tells her life story and transition from at-risk for trafficking to a world-renown social worker and researcher, working directly with victims and revolutionizing global anti-trafficking efforts.

At this year’s conference, Williamson will unveil her new, free human trafficking risk assessment tool (HTRISK) that she developed with support from the Ohio Children’s Trust Fund, as well as release the findings from her study of 400 Ohio youth. That presentation will be Friday, Sept. 20, at 9 a.m. in the Thompson Student Union Ingman Room. Watch the livestream on the UToledo Alumni Association website.

“With limited time, money and resources, advocates need to know which youth are at the highest risk for sex trafficking and then do their best to prevent it,” Williamson said.

On Wednesday, Sept. 18, from 9 to 10 a.m., 475 high school students from the area will gather in the Thompson Student Union Auditorium for Human Trafficking 101, where they also will learn about dating violence and participate in a poetry slam.

For a full schedule of presentations, visit the conference website.

New this year, the UToledo Human Trafficking and Social Justice Institute and the College of Arts and Letters partnered together for an art exhibit titled “Faces of Trafficking,” which features people from the greater Toledo community who are leading the fight to end trafficking.

“It is an opportunity to bring to life the people impacted by human trafficking and to provide a path for the community to join the fight,” Barbara Miner, professor and chair of the UToledo Department of Art, said.

The tall black-and-white photography installation called “The Pillars” features people on the front lines in the war against trafficking.

“These are warriors holding up the ceiling of hope,” Miner said. “Using an arresting, striking style, we’re showcasing people like Celia Williamson as well as medical and law enforcement professionals among others who work under the radar and often go unnoticed, but who are working tirelessly to protect people suffering through contemporary slavery.”

Artwork created by current and former art students in response to trafficking stories and the global issue also will be on display.

The free, public exhibit can be see from Thursday, Sept. 19, through Friday, Dec. 6, at the UToledo Center for the Visual Arts on the University’s Toledo Museum of Art Campus. Gallery hours are from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, and from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.

The UToledo Center for the Visual Arts also is featuring a special project, “A Thousand Hands, A Million Stars,” a collaboration uniting visual art, poetry, music and dance produced by former UToledo faculty member Denise Ritter Bernardini.

Senior quarterback Mitchell Guadagni threw for a career-high 266 yards and three touchdowns as the Rockets cruised to a 45-0 victory over Murray State before a home-opening crowd of 25,361 at the Glass Bowl Saturday night.

The victory was the first shutout for the Rockets in 19 years, a span of 228 games going back to a 42-0 Toledo win over Marshall Oct. 14, 2000. It also was the first time Murray State had been shut out since 2005.

Guadagni, who suffered a concussion in Toledo’s 38-24 loss at Kentucky two weeks ago, completed passes to nine different players and threw for touchdowns of 8, 11 and 43 yards. Guadagni’s favorite target was junior tight end Drew Rosi, who caught a career-best five passes for 84 yards and one touchdown. Toledo’s offense racked up 538 yards, 348 in the air and 190 on the ground.

Toledo’s defense kept the Racers in check all night, forcing two turnovers and holding them to 331 total yards, just 93 of which came in the second half. The Rockets’ defense came up big when it counted, too, holding Murray State to 4 of 15 on third down and 0 of 3 on fourth down.

In the first quarter, Murray State drove down to the Toledo 28-yard line on its first possession, but was stopped on downs when Jordan Fisher halted a short pass for no gain on a fourth and six. Moments later, MSU had a chance to get on the scoreboard, but Zaden Webber’s 45-yard field goal attempt hit the left upright.

The Rockets got on the board first when freshman Evan Davis nailed a 40-yard field goal with 3:21 left in the first quarter.

Toledo struck on the first play of the second quarter on an eight-yard pass from Guadagni to redshirt freshman Devin Maddox to give Toledo a 10-0 lead. Moments later, Guadagni hit Rosi for an 11-yard strike to increase the lead to 17-0. The drive was set up by a 66-yard bomb from Guadagni to Bryce Mitchell to the MSU 11-yard line.

In the third quarter, Toledo took advantage of a Samuel Womack interception, extending the lead to 24-0 on a 43-yard TD pass from Guadagni to Desmond Phillips.

Murray State missed another chance to score when a 45-yard field goal attempt was blocked by David Hood.

On the very next play, the Rockets made it 38-0 on a 55-yard bomb from Carter Bradley to Danzel McKinley-Lewis.

Toledo added to its lead with a 42-yard TD run by freshman Micah Kelly to make it a 45-0 game in the fourth quarter.

The Rockets travel to Colorado State Saturday, Sept. 21. The game is slated to start at 10:15 Eastern Time and will be broadcast on ESPN2.

More than 70 people will become U.S. citizens during a naturalization ceremony Tuesday, Sept. 17, at 11 a.m. in the Law Center McQuade Auditorium on The University of Toledo’s Main Campus.

Judge Mary Ann Whipple of the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Northern District of Ohio will preside over the ceremony, which will celebrate Constitution Day at the University.

UToledo President Sharon L. Gaber will give welcome remarks at the event, which will feature alumna Grisoranyel Barrios as this year’s guest speaker.

Barrios moved from Venezuela to Toledo when she was 7 years old. She attended Springfield Local Schools before coming to The University of Toledo, where she received a bachelor of arts degree in political science and a bachelor of social work degree in 2018.

She is pursuing a master’s degree in social work specializing in policy at Washington University in St. Louis and plans to graduate in December.

Barrios attended the 2017 naturalization ceremony, where she opened the court, and became a U.S. citizen in March 2019.

“I look forward to participating in the ceremony yet again, but this time as a UToledo alumna and a U.S. citizen,” Barrios said.

“Hosting this naturalization ceremony on campus is a wonderful way to celebrate Constitution Day and to honor our country’s history,” Diane Miller, chief of staff and associate vice president for government relations, said. “It is so moving to watch individuals achieve their dreams of becoming U.S. citizens.”

Constitution Day is annually observed in America to commemorate the formation and signing of the Constitution of the United States on Sept. 17, 1787.

The free, public event is sponsored by the Office of Government Relations and the Center for International Studies and Programs.

For more information on the naturalization ceremony, contact Lisa Byers, executive assistant in the Office of Government Relations, at lisa.byers@utoledo.edu.

The Toledo women’s golf program will host a tournament at the Inverness Club for the first time next week when it tees off its 2019-20 campaign with the Glass City Invitational.

The 54-hole tournament will be played Monday and Tuesday, Sept. 16-17. An 8:45 a.m. shotgun start will open the tournament Monday with an 8 a.m. tee time scheduled for Tuesday.

The event is open to the public with free parking.

The tourney field includes three schools — Florida, Illinois and Northwestern — that advanced to the 2019 NCAA Championships and five more — Baylor, Furman, Michigan State, Ohio State and Texas A&M — that qualified for last year’s NCAA Regionals. In this year’s Women’s Golf Coaches Association preseason poll, Florida is ranked No. 8 and is joined by No. 15 Northwestern, No. 16 Illinois and No. 19 Michigan State. Also receiving votes in the poll were Baylor, Furman and Ohio State.

Joining the Rockets in the event are Coastal Carolina, Michigan, South Florida and Wisconsin.

“Inverness Club is a special place with a membership committed to the highest of quality in the game of golf,” Toledo Head Coach Jenny Coluccio said. “We are thrilled and fortunate to have the opportunity to host the first women’s event at Inverness and welcome a very competitive field. Our relationship with Inverness and hosting a top event will continue to have a lasting impact for our players and program.”

Toledo’s squad this season will feature a blend of youth and experience. The Rockets return three seniors — Thunpijja Sukkasem, Donchanok Toburint and Saranlak Tumfong — this year and welcome four freshmen — Caroline Kane, Amelia Lee, Kathryn Roth and Claudia Sampson.

Coluccio said she is looking forward to the start of the season with a group that is eager to learn.

“Productive is the word that best describes our first two weeks of practice and qualifying,” Coluccio said. “The team is truly learning during each practice session, and I am very happy with their efforts. This year will be a journey, and we are focusing on one step at a time and improving each day. I am excited to watch their overall progress this year. They are excited to be playing at home at Inverness and Toledo for the first event of the season.”

Live scoring for the Glass City Invitational can be found at golfstatresults.com.



Toledo will make its 2019 debut at the Glass Bowl with a matchup vs. Football Championship Subdivision (FCS) opponent Murray State Saturday, Sept. 14, at 7 p.m.

The Rockets opened the season with a loss at Kentucky Aug. 31 and a bye week Sept. 7.

Toledo started strong against the Wildcats, moving out to a 14-7 lead thanks to rushing touchdowns from sophomore running back Bryant Koback and senior quarterback Mitchell Guadagni. But Kentucky outscored the Rockets 31-10 the rest of the way, denying Toledo the chance for its second-ever win against an SEC school.

Guadagni completed 7 of 12 passes for 122 yards before leaving the game due to injury late in the third quarter. He also tied Koback for the team lead with 73 rushing yards. Juniors Danzel McKinley-Lewis and Bryce Mitchell topped the Rockets with three receptions apiece.

Sophomore Saeed Holt led Toledo’s defensive efforts with a career-high 10 tackles to go with a tackle for loss and forced fumble, while junior Tycen Anderson registered a career-best eight stops.

The Racers are 1-1 and coming off a 63-17 loss at No. 3 Georgia Sept. 7. In its opener Aug. 31, Murray State dumped National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics opponent Pikeville, 59-20.

This will be the first meeting between Toledo and Murray State on the gridiron. The Rockets are 24-2 vs. FCS opponents since the NCAA split up Division I in 1978.

Gates will open at 5:30 p.m. The game will be carried by ESPN3.

To ensure a positive game-day experience, fans are advised to arrive early in order to give themselves plenty of time to find suitable parking.

Tickets are still available. Go to the Toledo Football Central website, call 419.530.GOLD (4653), or go to the Athletic Ticket Office at Savage Arena. The office will be open from 8:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. Thursday and Friday, and from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Saturday.

Students are admitted free with their Rocket ID; faculty and staff can buy tickets half price with ID.

The fourth annual Re-Tie the Red Ribbon fundraiser presented by The University of Toledo Medical Center’s Ryan White Program will take place Saturday, Sept. 14, at the SeaGate Convention Centre in downtown Toledo.

Re-Tie the Red Ribbon supports UTMC’s Ann Wayson Locher Memorial Fund for HIV Care, which provides HIV care for adults and children in the Toledo area who have needs not covered by other agencies or programs in the community.

Tickets for the fundraiser are $50 each and include a variety of food stations and entertainment. The event will take place from 6 to 10 p.m.

“The University of Toledo Medical Center has been the regional referral center for HIV care for more than 30 years and has served the needs of the growing populations of persons with HIV,” said Richard Meeker, manager of community engagement and development at the Ryan White Program. “Support of this event makes a difference to the women and men in our community who depend on the services of the Ryan White Program.”

Wayson Locher opened the first grant-funded free and anonymous HIV testing site in northwest Ohio in 1985 and was one of the key organizers for The University of Toledo’s Ryan White Program. The memorial fund was developed in her honor after her death in 2010.

UTMC’s Ryan White Program offers high-quality comprehensive HIV/AIDS care services. The program uses a multidisciplinary model that incorporates healthcare, mental health services and case management for those affected by HIV/AIDS in Lucas County and the surrounding counties in northwest Ohio.

Entertainment at this year’s Re-Tie the Red Ribbon event will be provided by the Toledo School for the Arts Alumni Band, The Overton Project, and jazz vocalists Ramona Collins and Trez Gregory.

The Ryan White Program is seeking sponsorships with opportunities that range from $250 to $5,000 and include VIP tickets and recognition at the event.

For more information or to purchase tickets, visit The University of Toledo Alumni Association website.

An exhibit by Pulitzer Prize-winning photojournalist José Galvez will be the signature event as The University of Toledo celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month, Sept. 15 to Oct. 15.

“We are excited to work with Carlson Library on this display of César Chávez and the farmworker movement,” Aleiah Jones, program coordinator with the Office of Multicultural Student Success, said.

Camera in hand, Galvez began taking photos for The Arizona Daily Star before moving to California to work for The Los Angeles Times, where he was the first Mexican-American on staff. He was part of a team that won the Pulitzer Prize in 1984 for a series on Latino life in southern California.

His lenses also focused on Chávez as he negotiated contracts with farm owners and inspired workers to create the United Farm Workers.

“El Movimiento” will be on display from Tuesday, Oct. 1, through Friday, Oct. 11 on the first floor of Carlson Library. The free exhibit can be seen during library hours: Monday through Thursday from 7:30 a.m. to midnight; Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Saturday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.; and Sunday from 11 a.m. to midnight.

“This year we are exposing our UToledo community to local nonprofits that are doing work in the Toledo area,” Jones said. “Adelante, the Latino resource center, will host a kickoff with Bachata Heightz as the headliner Saturday, Sept. 14. We also will be attending the Sofia Quintero Art and Cultural Center Fall Fest Friday, Oct. 4. Both events require tickets and can be reserved through InvoNet.

“It is more important than ever that the University celebrate the impact and influence of Hispanics and Latinx people during Hispanic Heritage Month,” Jones said.

Listed by date, events facilitated through the Office of Multicultural Student Success and the Latino Student Union include:

• Wednesday, Sept. 11 — Hispanic Heritage Month Kickoff, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., Thompson Student Union table near South Dining Hall. Stop by to learn the history of the month and to hear more about the events that are planned.

• Saturday, Sept. 14 — Adelante’s Hispanic Heritage Month Kickoff, 1 to 11 p.m., Promenade Park in downtown Toledo. Bachata Heightz will headline this event. Tickets: $15 in advance, $20 at the gate; free for children 5 and younger. Get tickets on UToledo’s InvoNet.

• Sunday, Sept. 15, through Tuesday, Oct. 15 — Nuestra Historia Display, first floor of Carlson Library. Works by and about Latinos will be on display. The free exhibit spotlights the social and political impact of Latinos on the United States. It can be seen Monday through Thursday from 7:30 a.m. to midnight; Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Saturday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.; and Sunday from 11 a.m. to midnight.

• Thursday, Sept. 19 — Film Screening, “Roma,” 6 p.m., Thompson Student Union Room 2500. See the Academy Award-winning Netflix original film in Spanish with English subtitles. Snacks from Latin Cravings will be provided.

• Wednesday, Sept. 25 — Ted Talk: Latinx Initiatives, 5 p.m., Thompson Student Union Room 2500. Learn about the office and meet the staff; dinner will be provided.

• Thursday, Sept. 26 — Diamante Awards, 6 p.m., Franciscan Center at Lourdes University. Awards for Latino leadership and achievements in northwest Ohio will be presented at this event, which is co-sponsored by UToledo, Bowling Green State University, Owens Community College and Lourdes University. Tickets are $75 for the public and $25 for students in advance on Eventbrite.

• Friday, Sept. 27 — Fabulous Feminist Friday with ABLE, 2 p.m., Tucker Hall Room 0152. The Catharine S. Eberly Center for Women and Advocates for Basic Legal Equality Inc. will lead a discussion on an individual’s rights when interacting with Immigration and Customs Enforcement and police.

• Tuesday through Friday, Oct. 1-11 — “El Movimiento,” first floor of Carlson Library. See shots by Pulitzer Prize-winning photojournalist José Galvez, who documented César Chávez and the farmworker Mmvement. The free exhibit can be seen during library hours: Monday through Thursday from 7:30 a.m. to midnight; Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Saturday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.; and Sunday from 11 a.m. to midnight.

• Friday, Oct. 4 — Fall Fest, 4:30 to 7:30 p.m., Sofia Quintero Art and Cultural Center, 1222 Broadway St. in Toledo. Tour the center and the Jose Martinez Memorial Galeria, and celebrate the fall harvest with a meal prepared with ingredients from the center’s garden. For more information, go to UToledo’s InvoNet.

• Monday, Oct. 7 — Delano Grape Strike Event, 6 p.m., Carlson Library Room 1005. Learn about the 1965-1970 Delano Grape Strike and Boycott when Filipino-American workers asked César Chávez to help protest poor pay and working conditions. Cultural foods will be served at this event presented by the Filipino American Association and Lambda Theta Alpha.

• Friday, Oct. 11 — Latino Mental Health Forum, 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., Thompson Student Union Ingman Room. The National Association of Mental Illness will host its fifth annual forum; this year’s theme is “Conexion Generacional: Culture and Behavioral Health.” Tickets are free and available on Eventbrite.

• Monday, Oct. 14 — (Un)Documented Study Ally Training, 4 p.m., Thompson Student Union Room 2591. Faculty and staff can learn the unique challenges this student population faces.

— Salsa With the Spanish American and Hispanic Students’ Association, 7 p.m., Health Education Center Dance Studio.

For more information, visit the Office of Multicultural Student Success website.

Support the right to read, speak, create and think freely by donating books to The University of Toledo’s Banned Book Vigil.

The vigil will return for it’s 22nd year Thursday, Sept. 26, in the Health and Human Services Building Room 1711B.

Attendees will have the opportunity to win banned books and other door prizes every 30 minutes.

“We should read banned books and protect them because our democracy depends on us being able to think freely,” said Dr. Paulette Kilmer, UToledo professor of communication and coordinator of the University Banned Books Coalition. “If someone controls what we read, then our thoughts are limited in the same way too much shade kills many plants.”

Every year, more books are banned. These include classics: “To Kill a Mockingbird,” “Catcher in the Rye” and “The Lord of the Flies.”

Become a “Champion of Freedom of Expression” by donating banned or challenged books, which can be found on the American Library Association’s website. A list of recently challenged books can be found here.

Kilmer encourages the donation of banned books to give a voice to content that allows people to think freely — and have fun while doing it.

“Reading freely nurtures our imagination, inspires our best behavior, and teaches us about the world in a way that often engages our hearts as well as minds, helping us to empathize with those who differ from us,” Kilmer said.

Donations are requested by 9 p.m. Monday, Sept. 16. Books may be purchased at the Barnes & Noble University Bookstore. For assistance, contact Jordan Welty at 419.530.2516 or TM573@bncollege.com and copy AM573@bncollege.com.

Cash donations also are welcome.

Fore more information on donating banned books or this year’s vigil, contact Kilmer at paulette.kilmer@utoledo.edu.

The UToledo Military Service Center will host the 22 Push-Up Challenge Wednesday, Sept. 11, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. in front of the Memorial Field House.

Campus and community members can stop by and do 22 push-ups — and learn more about the veteran suicide epidemic in the United States.

“We were looking for a way to raise awareness of veteran suicide on campus, and the 22 Push-Up Challenge model has seen great success in raising awareness across the country,” said Eric Buetikofer, UToledo director of military and veteran affairs.

Representatives from the UToledo Military Service Center, University Counseling Center, UToledo ROTC, the Army National Guard, the Lucas County Veterans Service Commission and the Toledo Vet Center will be at the event to provide information.

“We hope that the UToledo general student population will turn out on 9/11 to help our military-connected students raise awareness of veteran suicide and learn how they can be part of the solution,” Buetikofer said.

The 22 Push-Up Challenge started in 2013 when Veterans Affairs announced an average of 22 veterans committed suicide every day. The campaign was started to promote awareness of veteran suicide prevention.