WEEKENDER I AROUND TOWN

UT, homecoming a winning combination

From left: Grant Roemer, Parker Palcisko, Mikey Jones and Carter Palcisko play catch while tailgating before the game.

THE BLADE/LORI KING
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BLUE and gold and orange and brown were the popular fashion statements for the big I-75 rivalry on Saturday. The University of Toledo Rockets prevailed over the Bowling Green State University Falcons, and the boasting continues.

But there was much more than football that day. Tailgaters overflowed in the main parking lot for one big reunion of fans from both schools, friends, and community supporters. It was definitely the place to see and be seen. Grills were fired up for tailgate treats and spirits flowed. Some had so much fun they never made it to see the game. Hobnobbing in the corporate suites was at a premium, too, but many also watched the game.

In addition to the football rivalry, UT’s homecoming weekend included a parade and an annual gala in the Thompson Student Union. The alumni association recognized three distinguished classmates.

University of Toledo Alumni Award winners Mallory Ladd, Betty Montgomery, and Thomas Wakefield.

Mallory Ladd received the Edward H. Schmidt Outstanding Young Alumni Award for an alumnus under 40 for outstanding achievement in his or her field, while providing leadership and service to the UT Alumni Association, university, or community.

Ladd has a bachelor’s degree from the UT College of Arts and Sciences and the Jesup Scott Honors College, and a PhD from the University of Tennessee. Hired by the federally funded Center for Naval Analysis in Washington, the scientist is internationally recognized for developing mass spectrometry tools to measure the chemistry of soils in the Arctic, viewed as a tipping-point area for climate change. Ladd has also been a panelist at the Lindau Nobel Laureate Meeting in Germany.

Betty Montgomery received the Gold T Award for outstanding contribution to her field and to the university, community, and/​or nation. Ms. Montgomery has a law degree from UT. In 1995, she became the first female attorney general in the state of Ohio, serving for two four-year terms.

Ms. Montgomery also spent seven years as a state senator and served as Wood County’s prosecuting attorney for eight years, during which time she was the only female prosecuting attorney in Ohio. In 2003, she became the first woman to hold the state auditor position in the more than 200 year history of the state.

Dr. Thomas Wakefield received the Blue T Award in recognition of outstanding service to the UT Alumni Association and the university through committee and community involvement. Dr. Wakefield has an undergraduate degree in premed and a medical degree from the former Medical College of Ohio.

Dr. Wakefield is the James C. Stanley professor of surgery, section head of vascular surgery, and director of the Frankel Cardiovascular Center at the University of Michigan. He has received nearly $26 million in funded grants for vascular research.

The past UT alumni association president is a major financial supporter of the College of Medicine and Life Sciences; the athletics department; the UT Alumni Association; and the Catharine S. Eberly Center for Women.

Barbara Hendel is The Blade’s society editor. Contact her at: bhendel@theblade.com or 419-724-6124.