Class Notes

By Anastasia Ortiz '11

*Annual Alumni Association Member
**Lifetime Alumni Association Member

Alumni Accomplishments

1960

Birdel Franklin Jackson III ’68 has been selected to receive the Thomas W. Dortch Jr. Civic Leadership Award from 100 Black Men of Atlanta, Inc. at the organization’s upcoming 100 Honors Gala. The award recognizes members whose mentorship and leadership have had a transformational impact on African-American youth, honoring Jackson’s enduring dedication to empowering the next generation and strengthening the community.

1970

Dr. Nicholas Santilli ’79 has been appointed Interim Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs at the University of San Diego, effective August 1. His appointment comes under the leadership of fellow UToledo graduate Dr. James T. Harris III, President of the University of San Diego.

1980

Shannetta R. Griffin ’85 was appointed as the new Executive Director and CEO of the Maryland Aviation Administration (MAA), overseeing BWI Thurgood Marshall Airport, Martin State Airport, and Maryland’s regional aviation programs. Griffin brings nearly four decades of engineering and aviation experience, most recently serving as associate administrator of airports for the FAA (2021–2025). She previously held leadership roles with the Indianapolis Airport Authority and Columbus Regional Airport Authority. Griffin holds a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering from the University of Toledo and has earned numerous industry awards for leadership

Ruth Wilson ’88 completed her Ph.D. at the University of Toledo in 1988 and later returned to the institution as a visiting professor. She continues to share her expertise and leadership in her field, contributing to scholarship and higher education.

Dr. Romules Durant ’98 CEO and Superintendent of Toledo Public Schools, was honored with the inaugural Leading Through Innovation Award by AASA – The School Superintendents Association. This national recognition highlights his visionary leadership and commitment to advancing education through innovative strategies that strengthen both students and the broader community.

2000

Christi Ansberg ’06 has been promoted to Chief Philanthropy Officer of the ProMedica Foundation. In this role, she will lead philanthropic strategy and community investment efforts that support ProMedica’s mission to improve health and well-being across the region.

2010

Randolph Thomas ’19 is featured in a Netflix series All the Sharks. The series follows four teams of scientists and highlights Thomas’s journey as a wildlife biologist and marine science advocate working with shark species across six international locations. His conservation efforts, commitment to increasing representation in the sciences, and spirit of adventure, first nurtured at the University of Toledo, are central to the show’s narrative.