Four members of The University of Toledo faculty and staff and seven alumni were named to the “20 Under 40” list, an annual recognition of 20 distinguished community leaders from northwest Ohio and southeast Michigan who are younger than 40 years old.
Bryan Blair, vice president for intercollegiate athletics and director of athletics; Dr. Maria Luisa Corpuz, an assistant professor of Family Medicine and medical director of the Physician Assistant Studies at the College of Medicine and Life Sciences; Aleiah Jones, associate director of the Office of Multicultural Student Success; and Dr. Joey S. Kim, an assistant professor in the Department of English Language and Literature, were among the honorees.
From left, Blair and Corpuz.
“I am both thrilled and humbled to be included in the ‘20 Under 40’ list of Toledo community leaders,” Blair said. “Individual awards are the result of exceptional teamwork. This award is a reflection of our amazing coaches, staff, student-athletes, University and community — or in short, #TeamToledo. In Toledo Athletics, we constantly promote the idea of #TeamToledo because we feel that we are stronger together. As a relative newcomer to the Toledo area, I continue to be amazed at the energy and potential of our community.”
“I am humbled and honored to receive this recognition,” Corpuz said. “The true credit belongs to my mentor and role model Dr. Richard Paat and the students who run the Community Care Clinics. I also want to give special thanks to Dr. Kevin Phelps, and to my chair, Dr. Linda Speer, for their guidance and encouragement during my formative years as a resident and fellow, and now as a junior faculty, and for setting me up for success. I am grateful for the support from the Department of Family Medicine, for my awesome colleagues and mentors.”
From left, Jones and Kim.
“It is a highlight of my career to receive the 20 under 40 award,” Jones said. “I love the work that I get to do with students and in the community. Every day, I am grateful to the people who support and encourage me.”
“I am deeply honored to receive this recognition,” Kim said. “Toledo and Northwest Ohio have provided me with so many opportunities to excel in my career, and I am surrounded by the most supportive network of people who have helped me realize my goals of bringing literature and arts to the larger community. I am committed to serving the university and city for many years to come.”
The seven UToledo alumni named to the “20 Under 40” list:
Tom Burden, who graduated with a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering in 2014. Burden is CEO of Grypmat, a non-slip tool tray he invented that provides mechanics with a safe, handy location to keep their tools when working on surfaces that are not flat. In 2021, Grypmat was ranked 718th in “Inc.” magazine’s 5000 fastest growing companies in the U.S.
Joshua Davies, who earned a master of social work in 2018. Davies serves the community as a member of the Toledo mayor’s office of Neighborhood Safety and Engagement and the Lucas County Community Health Improvement Plan Task Force.
Daniel Dower, who earned an M.B.A. at The University of Toledo in 2012. Dower is KeyBank Market President for Northwest Ohio, leading the bank’s activities and resources, its 200 employees and representing Key in the community. He also serves as head of Commercial Banking.
Allison Fiscus, who earned a bachelor of arts degree in 2009. Fiscus is the adult services coordinator of the Toledo Lucas County Public Library, where she oversees and coordinates partnerships, service, and initiatives for adults across all libraries. Her work focuses on merchandising strategies to increase circulation, patron loyalty, and community connections to libraries.
David Potts, who earned a bachelor of arts degree and a bachelor’s degree in education in 2007. Potts is owner of USA Insulation of Toledo, a business that has grown from $1 million in sales to $10 million in sales and from one to three locations.
Benjamin Syroka, who earned his juris doctor from the College of Law in 2019. Syroka is an attorney in the U.S. federal court. Syroka began a term clerkship with Judge Jack Zouhary of the U.S. District Court of the Northern District of Ohio and now, after his promotion to a permanent “career clerk,” he travels the country helping resolve trials and appeals.
Robert Tucker, who earned his juris doctor from the College of Law in 2009. Tucker is an attorney with Robinson, Curphey and O’Connell Law, where he practices civil litigation. He represents companies of all sizes, trustees and beneficiaries in trust-related disputes and medical and legal providers against claims of negligence.
