Huntington Bank will present scholarships totaling $10,000 to five University of Toledo College of Business and Innovation students at 3:45 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 22 in the Huntington Sales Lab, located on the fourth floor of the college’s Savage & Associates Business Complex.

The recipients are graduate student Cassandra Wenman ($3,000) and undergraduate students Paviele Pena ($2,000); Kaleigh Rapp ($2,000), Jae Huth ($2,000) and Boram Kim ($1,000).

“We were extremely impressed with the recipients, and their respective accomplishments and aspirations – a compliment to the talented students that the University is developing,” said Joel Jerger, senior vice president of Huntington Bank, Toledo. “The scholarships reflect Huntington’s commitment to Northwest Ohio. We look forward to continuing to work with the University as it educates the next generation of leaders.”

Through an expanded banking program between Huntington Bank and UT, Huntington is providing $150,000 in academic programming and scholarships for students and additional convenient banking options on campus.

“Both The University of Toledo and the College of Business and Innovation are extremely grateful to Huntington Bank for their outstanding support of our tremendous students,” said Dr. Gary Insch, dean of the college. “Huntington is serious about its role as UT’s banking partner, and these new scholarships reflect their commitment to provide meaningful financial support to some of our extraordinary business students.”

Rapp, a junior double majoring in accounting and finance, said, “Becoming a recipient of this scholarship shows that my hard work has paid off. It really means a lot that I was chosen out of a pool of recipients to represent the College of Business and Innovation. This scholarship is going to help me achieve my academic goals because I will be able to focus more on my school work rather than the stress of making ends meet.”

Martin Luther King Jr. Day has become a day of service in honor of Dr. King’s passion to serve others.

The Toledo community will gather at The University of Toledo on the holiday for its annual Unity Celebration themed after Dr. King’s words, “Life’s most persistent and urgent question is: What are you doing for others?”

The 14th annual Martin Luther King Jr. Unity Celebration will be 9 a.m. Monday, Jan. 19 in Savage Arena on the UT Main Campus. The event is free and open to the public. A free community luncheon will follow the ceremony.

“As we begin 2015, it is the perfect time to answer Dr. King’s question by volunteering alongside our neighbors to better our community,” UT Interim President Nagi Naganathan said. “By working together and committing to serve others, each of us can honor the spirit of Dr. King and continue on the journey to making his dream a reality.”

“While we may be of different backgrounds, and races, we have a strong sense of faith, family, and community,” Toledo Mayor D. Michael Collins said. “We hold the values of service and volunteerism very high and I think that those are all a part of a very strong quilt that binds us together.”

The 2015 Unity Celebration will feature remarks by President Naganathan and Mayor Collins, as well as performances by the Toledo School for the Arts’ Afro-Caribbean Dance and Drum Ensemble, FU5ION, Madd Poets Society and others.

The recipients of the 2014 MLK Scholarship and MLK Unity Award also will be recognized.

Jerry Anderson, WTOL 11 anchor, and Rhonda Sewell, media relations coordinator for the Toledo-Lucas County Public Library, will emcee the event.

The Unity Celebration is organized by a committee with co-chairs Marcus Sneed, associate director of the UT Alumni Association, and Linda Alvarado, executive director of the Toledo Board of Community Relations.

Media Coverage
The Blade (Jan. 15, 2015)
The Blade (Jan. 19, 2015)
The Blade (Jan. 19, 2015)
1370 WSPD (Jan. 19, 2015)
NBC 24 (Jan. 19, 2015)
The Blade (Jan. 20, 2015)
13 ABC, FOX Toledo and NBC 24 (Jan. 20, 2015)
The Blade (Jan. 20, 2015)
The Blade (Jan. 20, 2015)
The Blade (Jan. 20, 2015)
The Blade (Jan. 20, 2015)

The Keystone XL Pipeline is politically controversial, but the more pressing concern missing from the ongoing debate is how the legislation subverts the important constitutional principle of separation of powers, according to a University of Toledo law expert.

The bill passed by the House approving the pipeline to connect Canadian crude oil to existing pipelines in the United States is “special legislation” because it singles out an individual company for special treatment that is not available to the rest of the population, said Evan C. Zoldan, UT assistant professor of law.

The Keystone legislation permits TransCanada Keystone Pipeline L.P. to construct and operate the pipeline simply by submitting an application without having to comply with environmental or other applicable laws that would apply to any other person or company.

By passing a law that gives a benefit to a single company, Zoldan said, Congress impinges on the constitutional principle of separation of powers by assuming the power to apply the law in derogation of the responsibilities of the executive branch.

“Although advocates of the pipeline may discount the separation of powers concerns that are raised by the Keystone legislation, they do so at their peril,” he said. “A healthy respect for the prerogatives of the different branches of government helps maintain a properly functioning government. The willingness of the House to pass special legislation is both a symptom of governmental dysfunction and cause of concern for the future.

“As the Senate considers the Keystone legislation in the coming weeks, it should consider carefully whether a short-term win is worth the attendant degradation of the important constitutional principle of separation of powers.”

Contact Meghan Cunningham, assistant director for media relations, at 419.530.2410 or meghan.cunningham@utoledo.edu to arrange an interview with Zoldan.

Former presidential adviser and political strategist Paul Begala will continue The University of Toledo’s Jesup Scott Honors College Distinguished Lecture Series speaking in Doermann Theater at 7 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 21.

Begala

Begala is a commentator and member of the CNN political team that won an Emmy for its coverage of the 2006 U.S. elections and a Peabody Award for its coverage of the 2008 presidential election.

In the 2012 presidential campaign, he was a senior adviser for the pro-Obama Super Political Action Committee. As a White House counselor to Bill Clinton, he functioned as one of the president’s closest aides. A consultant for political campaigns across the country and around the world, Begala has advised politicians in Europe, Latin America, the Caribbean and Africa.

Currently an affiliated professor of public policy at Georgetown University, Begala also has taught at the University of Texas and the University of Georgia. He is a member of the Board of Visitors of MD Anderson Cancer Center and the Board of Visitors of the University of Georgia. Along with his professional partner James Carville and GOP strategist Karl Rove, he was a 2012 inductee into the American Association of Political Consultants’ Hall of Fame.

Begala received his bachelor’s degree in government and his law degree from the University of Texas at Austin, where he was the student body president.

Rove, fellow Texan and political adversary, spoke at UT in September as part of the lecture series. Rove was a political adviser for George W. Bush and serves as a political strategist.

Tickets for the event are free, although seating is limited. To obtain tickets, visit utole.do/begala.

Click here to download a photo of Begala.

Media Coverage
The Independent Collegian (Jan. 14, 2015)
The Blade (Jan. 22, 2015)

The University of Toledo’s College of Business and Innovation is again partnering with United Parcel Service (UPS) and the U.S. Commercial Service to provide area small- and medium-sized businesses access to experts who will help their companies enter new global markets through the GlobalTarget program.

This is the fourth year the college is offering this program.

Beginning in March, GlobalTarget participants will meet monthly for nine months in specialized sessions covering relevant topics based on an understanding of current members’ needs. The program then helps companies develop plans to improve their business’ supply chain, identify talent, understand export financing and develop market entry strategies.

“It’s a global world. Facilitating existing or new exporters to enter foreign markets benefits all of Northwest Ohio,” said Dr. Gary Insch, dean of the College of Business and Innovation. “Companies often recognize that expanding to global markets is something they should do. We make it easier for them to do this, because we have the experts who will show them how to proceed. Furthermore, we provide them with all the criteria for success, whether they have a manufactured product or intellectual property.”

“Global Target not only assists companies that are planning to conduct international business, but it also works with businesses already doing business globally who are looking for ways to expand their international presence,” said Debbe Skutch, director of UT’s Center for Family & Privately-Held Business and GlobalTarget Program coordinator. “Furthermore, GlobalTarget is the first organized, focused attempt in this region to not only provide information, but to actually match local manufacturing companies with foreign markets.”

Kurt Miller of Northwood Industries found his recent experience with GlobalTarget very beneficial. “The UT Global Target program covered topics that included understanding business and social cultures, credit policy and getting paid, international marketing and shipping. Topics were led by knowledgeable individuals who work directly in those areas of international business.”

He added, “I think our greatest lesson from the GlobalTarget program was the quality of professional contacts available to us and the vast resources accessible to companies who want to pursue international business.”

Maureen Georgevich of Right Way Safety Equipment said, “GlobalTarget is not only an educational experience, but also a celebration of local businesses. Right Way Safety is better prepared to handle the importing and exporting of goods from other countries. We will utilize shipping strategies to keep costs low and we have a better understanding of international contracts and legalities, which will ensure that business continues to run smoothly.”

“The resources, advice and knowledge offered by the guest speakers are valuable beyond estimation,” she added. “Those who spoke were eager to answer any questions and help with any dilemmas. The experience will surely benefit us for years to come.”

GlobalTarget participants also have access to the International Trade Assistance Center, which provides free export assistance services to small- and medium-sized businesses. Services include market research; an examination of their culture, finances and resources to make sure they are ready to export; locating sources of funding, such as a loan or grant; export compliance education; cultural and language assistance; export documentation, and logistics.

Other features and benefits of GlobalTarget include access to ancillary educational programs offered by the college, such as the Schmidt School of Professional Sales and the Center for Family and Privately-Held Business, and site visits to area companies that have already achieved a level of success in global entrepreneurship.

A limited number of grant and funding opportunities are available for the GlobalTarget series that begins in March. For more information and to download a registration form visit utoledo.edu/business/global or call UT’s Center for Family and Privately-Held Business at 419.530.2068.

BOARD OF TRUSTEES MEETING
Monday, January 12, 2015
Driscoll Alumni Center, Board Room
10:30 a.m. Clinical Affairs Committee Meeting

PRESIDENTIAL SEARCH COMMITTEE MEETING
Tuesday and Wednesday, January 20-21, 2015
The Henry Hotel – Dearborn, MI
8:30 a.m.
Upon convening the meetings, the Committee will enter Executive Session to discuss
the employment of a public employee with Executive Search Firm Witt/Kiefer.

Any questions may be directed to the University Communications Office by calling (419) 530-7832 or via email at jonathan.strunk@utoledo.edu.

The Toledo community will gather together at The University of Toledo on Martin Luther King Jr. Day to commemorate the life and legacy of Dr. King.

The 14th annual Martin Luther King Jr. Unity Celebration will take place at 9 a.m. Monday, Jan. 19 in Savage Arena.

UT Interim President Nagi Naganathan and Toledo Mayor D. Michael Collins will hold a news conference at 2 p.m. Monday, Jan. 12 in the Schmakel Room of the Driscoll Alumni Center on the UT Main Campus to extend an invitation to the greater Toledo community to attend the Unity Celebration.

The theme of the 2015 event quote’s Dr. King, “Life’s most persistent and urgent question is: What are you doing for others?” in celebration of how the holiday has become a day of service in his honor.

The celebration will feature remarks by President Naganathan and Mayor Collins, as well as musical performances by the Toledo School for the Arts’ Afro-Caribbean Dance and Drum Ensemble, essay readings from local students and recognition of the 2014 MLK Scholarship recipients. A free community luncheon will follow the ceremony.

Media Coverage
The Blade (Jan. 10, 2015)
13 ABC, WTOL 11 and NBC 24 (Jan. 13, 2015)
13 ABC (Jan. 13, 2015)
The Blade (Jan. 13, 2015)
The Independent Collegian (Jan. 14, 2015)
The Blade (Jan. 15, 2015)
The Blade (Jan. 19, 2015)
The Blade (Jan. 19, 2015)
1370 WSPD (Jan. 19, 2015)
NBC 24 (Jan. 19, 2015)
The Blade (Jan. 20, 2015)
13 ABC, FOX Toledo and NBC 24 (Jan. 20, 2015)
The Blade (Jan. 20, 2015)
The Blade (Jan. 20, 2015)
The Blade (Jan. 20, 2015)
The Blade (Jan. 20, 2015)

One of the nation’s top educational foundations has recognized The University of Toledo for its focus on community engagement.

UT is among 240 U.S. colleges and universities to receive the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching’s 2015 Community Engagement Classification.

“This is a recognition we chose to pursue because we feel it aligns so closely with the myriad ways we engage with our city and our region,” said UT Interim President Nagi Naganathan. “Thriving and effective institutions of higher learning have countless relationships that are deeply interwoven into the communities they serve. UT has embraced this mission, and we are grateful to the Carnegie Foundation for their recognition of our success.”

Unlike the foundation’s other classifications that rely on national data, this is an elective classification — institutions participated voluntarily by submitting required materials describing the nature and extent of their engagement with the community, be it local or beyond. This approach enabled the foundation to address elements of institutional mission and distinctiveness that are not represented in the national data on colleges and universities.

“The importance of this elective classification is borne out by the response of so many campuses that have demonstrated their deep engagement with local, regional, national and global communities,” said John Saltmarsh, director of the New England Resource Center for Higher Education. “These are campuses that are improving teaching and learning, producing research that makes a difference in communities, and revitalizing their civic and academic missions.”

“This is the first time that there has been a re-classification process,” said Amy Driscoll, consulting scholar for the Community Engagement Classification, “and we are seeing renewed institutional commitment, advanced curricular and assessment practices, and deeper community partnerships, all sustained through changes in campus leadership, and within the context of a devastating economic recession.”

Among first-time recipients of the classification, 47 are public institutions and 36 are private. In terms of Carnegie’s Basic Classification, 28 are classified as research universities such as The University of Toledo. They represent campuses in 33 states and U.S. territories. In order to be selected, institutions had to provide descriptions and examples of institutionalized practices of community engagement that showed alignment among mission, culture, leadership, resources and practices.

UT’s application was spearheaded by the president’s Chief of Staff Office and included contributions and examples of community engagement from all of the University’s colleges. More than 70 individuals on campus provided input and assistance in the almost yearlong application process.

A listing of the institutions that hold the Community Engagement Classification can be found on the New England Resource Center for Higher Education’s website at nerche.org.

Adults who experienced abuse or neglect in their childhood are more likely to develop migraines, according to new research by a University of Toledo neurologist.

“The percentage of people who were emotionally abused or neglected or experienced sexual abuse was significantly higher among people with migraine than in those who had tension-type headache,” said Dr. Gretchen Tietjen, the Clair Martig Endowed Chair in Neurology at UT. “Emotional abuse showed the strongest link.”

Tietjen’s research was published in the Dec. 24 issue of Neurology, the medical journal of the American Academy of Neurology. The article was accompanied by an editorial.

Tension headaches are the most common type of headaches adults experience and produce mild to moderate pain. Migraines, which often include nausea and sensitivity to light and noise, are usually much more painful and can be severely disabling, Tietjen said.

For the study, researchers from UT, Montefiore Headache Center, Albert Einstein College of Medicine of Yeshiva University and Vedanta Research looked at 8,305 people with migraine and 1,429 with tension type headache from the American Migraine Prevalence and Prevention Study. Three types of childhood maltreatment reported by participants were considered: emotional neglect, emotional abuse and sexual abuse.

Emotional child abuse involves intentionally doing or saying things to a child in order to cause harm, such as threatening violence. Emotional neglect, in contrast, involves not doing things that promote emotional well-being and can be intentional or unintentional.

A total of 24.5 percent of those with migraine had experienced emotional abuse during childhood, compared to 21.5 percent of those with tension headache. Even after taking into account factors like age, sex, race, household income, anxiety and depression, people who experienced emotional abuse before age 18 were 33 percent more likely to have migraine than tension headaches. People who had experienced emotional neglect and sexual abuse also were more likely to experience migraine as adults, but after researchers adjusted the results to take into account anxiety and depression there was no difference between the groups.

People who experienced two forms of abuse were 50 percent more likely to have migraine than people who experienced one form of abuse.

The recent study, which was was supported by the National Headache Foundation, builds on Tietjen’s previous research that found that children who are physically or emotionally abused or neglected are more likely to develop migraines and other chronic pain conditions. The stress cause by abuse can alter children’s stress response and predispose them to medical and psychiatric conditions in adulthood, Tietjen said.

The University of Toledo will join colleges across the country for Rape, Abuse and Incest National Network (RAINN) Day, Thursday, Sept. 25.

RAINN Day is held annually to raise awareness and educate students about sexual violence on college campuses.

From 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Centennial Mall, UT students will display umbrellas that carry messages against violence.

“Events such as RAINN Day are a great opportunity for students to become actively engaged in educating their peers about this important issue that impacts women and men on every college campus,” said Angela Daigneault, sexual assault education prevention coordinator in the UT Counseling Center, said. “Students want to make a difference; they want to create an environment safe for everyone. This is just one of many ways that they are able to get involved and do that.”

During the event, campus and community members also can view the Clothesline Project, an initiative in which women affected by violence create T-shirts as part of their healing process.

T-shirt colors show the form of abuse: white for those who died because of violence; yellow and beige for battered and assaulted women; red, pink and orange for survivors of rape and sexual assault; blue and green for survivors of incest and sexual abuse; purple for those who were attacked because of their sexual orientation; and black for women attacked for political reasons.

“The visual expression from women who are affected by violence can be very eye-opening for students,” Daigneault said. “Every year I have students tell me how impactful seeing all of the shirts was for them. And for a survivor, creating a shirt to express their feelings and share with others; it can be a powerful part of their healing process.”

The event also will include a chance to talk with professionals from the University Counseling Center.

“Students can always visit the Sexual Assault Education and Prevention Program in Rocket Hall Room 1810 or call 419.530.3431 for assistance any time day or night,” Daigneault said. “Our goal is to create a campus community free of abuse, harassment and other forms of sexual violence.”

For more information on the free, public event or the UT Sexual Assault Education and Prevention Program, contact Daigneault at 419.530.3431 or angela.daigneault@utoledo.edu.