A Long-Lasting Legacy of Rocket Pride
Nate Boley, a sophomore studying professional sales within The University of Toledo’s John B. and Lillian E. Neff College of Business and Innovation, has a unique story to tell!
Boley was not just inspired to become a Rocket by stories he heard as a prospective student; he was inspired by the long history of UToledo graduates that came before him. Boley is the eleventh in his family to attend The University of Toledo, an impressive testimony to the pride the Boley family has for the University.
A Sense of Belonging
He stated that, when it came to choosing which college to attend, a rich family history certainly helped. But more than that, “I also wanted to be in a great program. From my experience so far, the John B. and Lillian E Neff College of Business is first class in every way,” explained Boley. “The college pours in so many resources to students so that we can be successful, from Dean Balazs to all the professors. They really care about the students and their future success”.
His family was on board with his decision from the beginning. “When Nate made his decision to carry on our family legacy at UToledo, I couldn’t have been more excited,” said his mother, Ami Zellner-Boley ’90. “While there were other universities that courted him, they all lacked one element, which was the feeling of “home”.
A Passion for Athletics
Involvement at UToledo is also nothing new for the Boley family, especially when it comes to the UToledo Athletic Department. “Seeing the great success of our athletic department has been so much fun to watch and be a part of,” said Boley. The Boley family is filled with former Rocket student-athletes, including Boley’s brother-in-law, Drew Rosi ’20, ’22, who played football for the Rockets from 2017 – 21.
“There are so many memories of the great games we witnessed in the Glass Bowl and also traveling to away games,” he recalled. “I would say my favorite campus memory with my family was Drew’s last home game against Akron on November 27, 2021.”
“Drew scored his last career touchdown in the Glass Bowl; the Rockets won 49-14; and after the game Drew proposed to my sister, Logan Boley-Rosi ’20, ’23, on the sideline surrounded by family and friends!”
Nate Boley is joining that tradition and has been a part of Learfield’s Rocket Sports Properties (LRPS) for almost two years, working with UToledo Athletics’ sponsorship team. Boley says it is a natural fit for a professional sales major and aligns well with his dream of becoming a Division 1 College Athletic Director.
“It was a full circle moment for me on September 1, 2022, when UToledo played Long Island University. That was my first game working for LRPS, and my family was there to support me. They have been at almost every home game since 2017 supporting Drew and then me which is very special.”
When asked what has been the most impactful during his time at UToledo so far, Boley shared, “I would say the biggest experience so far that will always stick with me would be my freshman year introduction to business class.” He recalls Professor Gary Insch speaking to the class, “he told us that we are the future. He told us to be great leaders and talked about honesty and integrity and how no one can take that away from you.” Boley remembers this lecture and reflects on Professor Insch’s words whenever he has a big decision to make.
The experience reminds us all of the impact we can make by encouraging others. Something the Boley family certainly does a great job of, especially when it comes to sharing their pride for The University of Toledo.
Think you’ve got the Boley’s beat? Send us your Rocket Family photos or submit your story!