Rocket student-athletes and administrators recently joined Dean of the Neff College of Business and Innovation Barbara Ritter (third from left) for a dinner and conversation at Rockwell’s at the Oliver House.
Rockets Join College of Business Dean Barbara Ritter for Dinner and Conversation
4/10/2026 11:04:00 AM | Athletics
“Dining With the Deans” is a recurring event that brings together University leaders and Rocket Student-Athletes in an informal setting
TOLEDO, Ohio - Five University of Toledo student-athletes recently joined Barbara Ritter, Dean of the Neff College of Business and Innovation, for a dinner and conversation at Rockwell's at the Oliver House in the latest edition of "Dining with Deans."
"Dining with the Deans" is an event hosted by the Student-Athlete Support Services Office and gives student-athletes an opportunity to meet University deans and other leaders in an informal setting.
Joining Dr. Ritter at the dinner were Associate Athletic Director of Student-Athlete Experience Jillian Lehman, Director of Student-Athlete Development Traci Snyder and Faculty Athletic Representative Kim Nigem.
"We are proud of the student-athletes in the University of Toledo John B. and Lillian E. Neff College of Business and Innovation. It was a privilege to spend time with them and hear about their experiences," said Dr. Ritter. "Their commitment to excellence on the field and in the classroom is clear. They work hard, represent our college with integrity, and exemplify the discipline and determination that define our students."
The five student-athletes attending the dinner were Keira Billis (Women's Soccer), Catherine Rhegness (Women's Tennis), Jacob Tabor (Baseball), Ella Weaver (Women's Basketball) and Grant Zimmerly (Football).
"I thought the conversations were very open and honest. It was obvious Dean Ritter wants to make the College of Business and Innovation better and improve student experience," said Weaver. "I respect her for putting the time and effort into making it happen and listening to what we had to say. I am honored to have been a part of an event surrounded by outstanding athletes and faculty."
Over the past three years, the Athletic Department has hosted 12 dinners with University leaders and 77 student-athletes as part of the "Dining with the Deans" initiative.
"Dining with the Deans" is an event hosted by the Student-Athlete Support Services Office and gives student-athletes an opportunity to meet University deans and other leaders in an informal setting.
Joining Dr. Ritter at the dinner were Associate Athletic Director of Student-Athlete Experience Jillian Lehman, Director of Student-Athlete Development Traci Snyder and Faculty Athletic Representative Kim Nigem.
"We are proud of the student-athletes in the University of Toledo John B. and Lillian E. Neff College of Business and Innovation. It was a privilege to spend time with them and hear about their experiences," said Dr. Ritter. "Their commitment to excellence on the field and in the classroom is clear. They work hard, represent our college with integrity, and exemplify the discipline and determination that define our students."
The five student-athletes attending the dinner were Keira Billis (Women's Soccer), Catherine Rhegness (Women's Tennis), Jacob Tabor (Baseball), Ella Weaver (Women's Basketball) and Grant Zimmerly (Football).
"I thought the conversations were very open and honest. It was obvious Dean Ritter wants to make the College of Business and Innovation better and improve student experience," said Weaver. "I respect her for putting the time and effort into making it happen and listening to what we had to say. I am honored to have been a part of an event surrounded by outstanding athletes and faculty."
Over the past three years, the Athletic Department has hosted 12 dinners with University leaders and 77 student-athletes as part of the "Dining with the Deans" initiative.
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