Seven student-athletes met with College of Engineering Dean Dr. Mohammad Elahinia and administrators on Oct. 14.
Student-Athletes Connect with Engineering Dean Through Dining with the Deans Program
10/19/2026 9:00:00 AM | Athletics
Seven student-athletes took part in the conversation and meal on Oct. 14
TOLEDO, Ohio – Seven University of Toledo student-athletes met with College of Engineering Dean Dr. Mohammad Elahinia and Toledo Athletics administrators on Wednesday, Oct. 14, for an evening of conversation about academics, athletics and the student experience as part of the University's Dining with the Deans program.
Held at Maumee Bay Brew Pub, the dinner gave student-athletes an opportunity to connect with University leadership, share their perspectives and discuss the experience of balancing the demands of collegiate athletics with their academic pursuits.
For student-athletes studying engineering, the gathering also provided an opportunity to connect with peers navigating similar challenges and to build relationships with leadership in their academic college.
"It was really nice to be able to speak to him because we don't really see him at the engineering building," said Jone Ibanez of the women's tennis team. "Being able to share this with other engineering student-athletes is good since it shows us we are not the only ones studying that major and combining it with sports."
Football student-athlete Sam Smith said the dinner offered a valuable opportunity to share his perspective as both an athlete and an engineering student.
"It was a great opportunity to connect with university leadership and share some of my experiences as both a student-athlete and an engineering student," said Smith.
For Alex Martinez of the men's cross country team, hearing directly from University leaders was another highlight of the evening.
"Learning everyone's background and their stories of how they reached Toledo was truly eye-opening," said Martinez. "It's apparent that our leaders are committed to listening to
student-athletes and improving their experiences in and outside of the classroom."
Dr. Elahinia said the dinner provided a valuable opportunity for University leaders to learn from the students as well.
"Dining with the Deans was a wonderful opportunity to connect with our student-athletes, hear their perspectives, and strengthen the relationship between the College of Engineering and Athletics," said Dr. Elahinia. "Our students bring tremendous dedication to both their academic and athletic pursuits, and I enjoyed the thoughtful conversation and the opportunity to learn from them."
Student-athletes attending the dinner were Jessica Costlow (volleyball), Ibanez (women's tennis), Martinez and Peter McMahon (men's cross country), Smith (football), Mirabelle Timmer (rowing) and Hannah Wentzel (swimming and diving).
Athletics administrators in attendance included Tom Moreland, vice president and director of athletics; Kim Nigem, faculty athletics representative; Jillian Lehman, associate athletic director for student-athlete experience; and Duane Welch, assistant director of student-athlete support services.
The Dining with the Deans program creates opportunities for student-athletes to share their experiences directly with University leadership and strengthen connections between Toledo Athletics and the University's academic colleges.
Held at Maumee Bay Brew Pub, the dinner gave student-athletes an opportunity to connect with University leadership, share their perspectives and discuss the experience of balancing the demands of collegiate athletics with their academic pursuits.
For student-athletes studying engineering, the gathering also provided an opportunity to connect with peers navigating similar challenges and to build relationships with leadership in their academic college.
"It was really nice to be able to speak to him because we don't really see him at the engineering building," said Jone Ibanez of the women's tennis team. "Being able to share this with other engineering student-athletes is good since it shows us we are not the only ones studying that major and combining it with sports."
Football student-athlete Sam Smith said the dinner offered a valuable opportunity to share his perspective as both an athlete and an engineering student.
"It was a great opportunity to connect with university leadership and share some of my experiences as both a student-athlete and an engineering student," said Smith.
For Alex Martinez of the men's cross country team, hearing directly from University leaders was another highlight of the evening.
"Learning everyone's background and their stories of how they reached Toledo was truly eye-opening," said Martinez. "It's apparent that our leaders are committed to listening to
student-athletes and improving their experiences in and outside of the classroom."
Dr. Elahinia said the dinner provided a valuable opportunity for University leaders to learn from the students as well.
"Dining with the Deans was a wonderful opportunity to connect with our student-athletes, hear their perspectives, and strengthen the relationship between the College of Engineering and Athletics," said Dr. Elahinia. "Our students bring tremendous dedication to both their academic and athletic pursuits, and I enjoyed the thoughtful conversation and the opportunity to learn from them."
Student-athletes attending the dinner were Jessica Costlow (volleyball), Ibanez (women's tennis), Martinez and Peter McMahon (men's cross country), Smith (football), Mirabelle Timmer (rowing) and Hannah Wentzel (swimming and diving).
Athletics administrators in attendance included Tom Moreland, vice president and director of athletics; Kim Nigem, faculty athletics representative; Jillian Lehman, associate athletic director for student-athlete experience; and Duane Welch, assistant director of student-athlete support services.
The Dining with the Deans program creates opportunities for student-athletes to share their experiences directly with University leadership and strengthen connections between Toledo Athletics and the University's academic colleges.
Sunday, October 18
Tuesday, October 13
Tuesday, October 13
Sunday, October 11
