On Dec. 17, Dakota, Drew and Dillon Tocco will begin a new chapter in their lives.
It’s not just that the three engineering students are graduating from The University of Toledo. It’s also the first time the Toccos — triplets and “built-in best friends” — will head in different directions to their full-time jobs in different companies.
CELEBRATING SUCCESS: UToledo recognizes the Class of 2022 with a series of stories featuring students receiving their degrees at fall commencement.
Dakota Tocco, who will graduate with a bachelor of science degree in electrical engineering, has accepted a full-time position with General Motors in Toledo as a controls engineer.
“My days at The University of Toledo have been nothing short of extraordinary,” he said. “The engineering program at the school is unmatched. The co-op program not only prepares you for full-time employment but increases your chances of being hired right out of school. Professors like Dr. (Raghav) Khanna, Dr. (Roger) King, and Dr. (William) Evans have also had a great impact on my career and success at The University of Toledo.”
King, professor emeritus in electrical engineering and computer science, added, “Dakota Tocco has exhibited the skills that will allow him to excel and tackle any challenges that will arise as a GM controls engineer.”
Drew Tocco, who will receive a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering, has accepted a full-time position at Monroe Environmental Corp. in Monroe as a project scheduler after graduation.
From left, Dakota, Dillon and Drew Tocco.
“Even through the hard times of the COVID pandemic, I was still able to make lifelong friends while attending The University of Toledo and have strong relationships with my professors,” Drew said. “One professor who I have really looked up to throughout my time here at UToledo is professor Dr. (Douglas) Oliver. He has made an impact on my brothers and I here and is always there to give advice whether it’s for engineering or just life in general.
“I would have to say my favorite part of UToledo’ s engineering program is the field experience that I have gained while on co-op,” Drew added. “I am currently in my fourth co-op rotation, doing two of them at R.W. Beckett and two at Gerdau Steel. Being able to see how engineering is out in the field is just as important as the education we are given. This is why I believe UToledo was the best place for me.”
Oliver, professor emeritus in mechanical engineering, described the brothers as, “Competent, diligent, personable, honest — I would hire any one of them on the spot.”
Dillon Tocco, who is graduating with a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering, has accepted a full-time position with General Motors Brownstone Battery in Brownstone, Michigan as a process engineer.
“My experiences at The University of Toledo have been amazing and I will remember them for the rest of my life,” Dillon said. “From football games and design projects to friendships and classroom life.
From left. Dakota, Dillon and Drew Tocco.
“Through the co-op program, I was able to learn a multitude of information that will most definitely help me in my future career,” he added. “I have been able to spend my time in Cleveland, helping the product engineering team of an aerospace manufacturing company, Consolidated Precision Products. I also have been able to spend some of this summer with the quality engineering department at General Motors. Learning from some of the largest companies in their respective industries has helped me grow in my knowledge as well as my relationships. The University of Toledo has done a great job at encouraging me to get connected with the people around me and I believe that it will pay off in the long run.”
Long before the brothers decided in high school that they would all major in engineering, their parents, Dan and Andrea Tocco, were there to help them and cheer them.
“We have watched our sons grow not only in their education but have watched them mature into young men, independent and ready for the world beyond school,” they said. “Our boys have all worked very hard and managed to be on the Dean’s list all four years. We owe that to The University of Toledo and the professors who have devoted their careers to educating our future generations.
“Thank you again for paving a smooth path for our children’s future.”
