TOLEDO, Ohio – A new initiative at The University of Toledo is bringing together Rocket student-athletes, UToledo deans and other University leaders in an informal dining setting. 

Dining With the Deans will be hosted by Rocket Athletics and occur every few months, according to Vice President and Director of Athletics Bryan B. Blair.  

"The academic experience of our student-athletes is of paramount importance," said Blair. "This new initiative allows our young people to get to know some of our most impressive university leaders, in an informal setting which we hope leads to deepened relationships, new perspectives and fruitful opportunities. I've spoken about Team Toledo from the moment I arrived, and fostering partnerships between Athletics and campus helps make that vision a reality." 

Kim Nigem, a professor in the College of Business and Innovation who serves as UToledo's Faculty Athletic Representative, said that Dining With the Deans will benefit the entire University. 

"Dining With the Deans is an opportunity for student athletes, faculty, Deans, and other administrators to interact and dialogue about campus life, including the academic experience," said Nigem. "Through this opportunity, relationships are built that will help create a climate of understanding, awareness, and engagement at all levels." 

The initial Dining With the Deans took place on Sept. 28 with Vice President for Student Affairs and Dean of Students Sammy Spann, seven Toledo student-athletes, as well as Blair, Nigem and Associate Athletic Director for Student-Athlete Support Services Tony Belt.  

"Having dinner with a group of our student-athletes was an amazing experience," said Spann. "They shared where they were from and all the things they're completing in life. It was truly an honor to meet them and get to know them better. I look forward to future collaborations." 

The following student-athletes participated in the first Dining With the Deans on Sept. 28:  

Yaniah Curry, Jr., Women's Basketball – Spanish  
Ella Doherty, Soph., Women's Basketball – Business  
AJ Edu, Jr., Men's Basketball – Graduate School (MBA)  
Dequan Finn, Soph., Football – Communication
Xavier Gallo, Soph., Men's Cross Country – Entrepreneurship, Family and Small Business
Vanessa Jones, Sr., Women's Soccer – Exercise Science
Sophia Wiard, Sr., Women's Basketball – Finance

"It shows a lot about this University that they are giving a voice to student-athletes and providing us an opportunity to speak to University leaders," said Edu, a junior on the men's basketball team who is currently in the MBA program in the UToledo Graduate School. "We had really good conversations about ways we can all improve the University. We also talked about networking opportunities and opportunities outside of sports for student-athletes. For me, I'm in the business school so it was a chance for me to meet with and speak directly with someone in the business school who can help me."