Rocket Athletics Plans Special Surprise for Alumnus
Mr. Bill Bollin ’73, a longtime Rocket supporter and alumnus, received a special surprise during pregame festivities at the Oct. 26 Rocket football game. Bollin has a true passion for The University of Toledo and Rocket Athletics which began long before his student experience, making the moment even more meaningful.
I have been a Rocket fan for literally as long as I can remember
Bill Bollin ’73
Growing up only a few blocks from University Hall, Bollin recalls spending much of his time playing with friends on campus and occasionally sneaking into football games to watch the team. “Both of my parents graduated from UT, I have been a Rocket fan for literally as long as I can remember,” said Bollin.
For Bollin, it was an easy choice when it finally came time for him to select where he would attend college. Although he applied and was accepted to the College of Engineering at both The University of Toledo and Ohio University, Bollin ultimately chose Toledo because of the strength of the engineering program and his existing love for the Rockets.
Bollin eventually transferred to the Neff College of Business and Innovation before graduating in 1973 and had a successful career spanning nearly 45 years. He worked for Bostwick-Braun Company, which was one of the oldest firms in Toledo.
“I started in the warehouse while attending UToledo, with the company paying most of the tuition for my last four years. Bostwick was a great company that gave me many opportunities to grow, moving me to virtually every area of the business over the years. I retired at the end of 2013 as Chairman of the Board.”
While attending UToledo, Bollin also married his high school sweetheart and later had a son and daughter, John and Jenny. John would go on to finish what his father started, earning an engineering degree from the university.
Although Bollin had a wonderful experience that ultimately led to a very successful career and a beautiful family, one item remained unchecked – he never actually received his diploma.
Upon discovering this, the Rocket Athletics team sprung into action to help facilitate a special gift for the decades-long Rocket fan. The Athletics team was able to contact the Registrar’s Office and locate the original copy of Bollin’s diploma. Talk about great record keeping! The UToledo team then had it framed and planned a special surprise during Bollin’s tailgate gathering.
“The NW Ohio community and our loyal supporters provide a competitive advantage for Toledo Athletics. When we can help provide unique experiences to those who continue to pay it forward, we will always take that opportunity. This small gesture is just one way we can express our gratitude to Bill and his family,” said Vice President and Director of Athletics, Bryan B. Blair. “Special thanks goes to Senior Associate Athletic Director, Josh Dittman, and our Rocket Fund team who went above and beyond to facilitate this heart-touching moment.”
In honor of the special occasion, representatives from across the university gathered to show their support and appreciation. Members from Rocket Athletics, Bryan Blair, Josh Dittman and Ryleigh Gordon, in addition to Interim President, Matthew Schroeder ’98,, Vice President for Advancement, Floyd Akins, Associate Vice President for Alumni Engagement and Annual Giving, William Pierce ’99, ’09, and several UToledo Trustees were all present for the unveiling.
Bollin went on to share several of his fondest memories that included driving on campus in his 1970 Mustang fastback, picking up former Rocket quarterback, Chuck Ealey, and defensive tackle, Mel Long, at Carter Hall, while watching Mel comically squeeze into the tiny back seat, cheering on the “Unbeatable Rockets” during the 35-0 season, and pledging Sigma Phi Epsilon fraternity and the memories that came with it. This new memory, however, one more than 50 years in the making, is one the team hopes is also now added to his list.
