Chapter, Affiliate and Volunteer of the Year To Be Recognized at Annual Meeting, May 10
The University of Toledo Alumni Association will award the Affiliate of the Year, Chapter of the Year and Volunteer of the Year during the 2025 annual meeting next month. The affiliate and chapter of the year awards are based on the groups’ efforts to engage their audiences, support scholarships and host events. The award recipients are selected by the awards committee, comprised of Alumni board members and alumni volunteers.
Volunteer of the Year
Kevin Szyskowski ’85 was named the Alumni Association’s 2024 Volunteer of the Year.
When Szyskowski first started volunteering with The University of Toledo Alumni Association, he was simply looking to recapture the joy of Rocket football games. Little did he know this would be the beginning of a rewarding journey that would earn him the 2024 title.
“I have had season football tickets since 1989, and had a group that I tailgated with,” Kevin explains. “Over the past five years, that group has disbanded. I started volunteering at the pregame tailgate parties to capture the fun and camaraderie that I previously got through tailgating.”
What started as a way to stay connected to the game day experience soon expanded as Szyskowski discovered more opportunities to serve the University community. “After becoming familiar with that group, I started looking for other opportunities as time allowed.”
Having recently retired in November 2024, Szyskowski now has more flexibility to dedicate to his volunteer work. “It was more difficult before retirement,” he admits. “Now, volunteering is a very important part of my personal life, so I schedule it whenever my time is available. I’m proud to say I am keeping myself busy, if not busier, than I was when I worked!”
Szyskowski remains humble. “I am honored and humbled. I believe I get more out of being around the great people associated with the Association than they get benefit from my help.”
Interested in volunteering with the Alumni Association? Click here to learn more.
Chapter of the Year
The Cleveland Chapter has earned the Chapter of the Year award for its exceptional commitment to fostering community, collaboration and growth among its members. Through innovative initiatives and a strong focus on building connections, the Cleveland Chapter has set a high standard for excellence within the UToledo network. Their efforts have significantly contributed to the success and visibility of the chapter, making it a leader within the larger organization.
Affiliate of the Year
The Engineering Affiliate has been recognized with the Affiliate of the Year award for its persistent dedication to advancing the mission of UToledo through its specialized focus on engaging Rockets in the engineering sector. The affiliate’s initiatives have provided valuable opportunities for members to network, learn and grow professionally, strengthening the overall impact of the University’s engineering community.
Both the Cleveland Chapter and the Engineering Affiliate will be honored during the Alumni Association’s annual meeting, where representatives from the organizations will accept the awards and offer brief remarks on behalf of their groups.