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Written By: Lauren York TOLEDO, Ohio - The American Red Cross hosted a blood drive at the University of Toledo on Jan. 29. They came with the goal to collect 45 units of blood and reached half of this goal two hours after starting.  The success of the blood drive couldn’t have come at a better time. Chelsea Benton, a representative for the American Red Cross, noted that the organization is currently facing a severe blood shortage; the need for types O, A negative and B negative are especially serious. While the blood shortage is a constant challenge, the solution could be as simple as one conversation. “The biggest reason people say they don’t donate is because nobody’s ever asked them to,” Benton said. She also pointed out that while the Red Cross is known for blood donations, they help with so much more. “We’re more than just blood. We’re disaster relief, educational, humanitarian, and so much more.” Another reason people may not donate is a fear of needles. However, student volunteers at the event were on hand to offer both medical and social support. “If you’re nervous or scared of needles, one of the best things to do is try to be social with the person drawing your blood,” says student volunteer Maryam Sheikh. “Ask them about their profession, their hobbies, or anything else you can think of to distract yourself.” Faith Smallwood, another student volunteer, emphasized the importance of preparation before donating. “Make sure to breathe properly during the process, eat a good meal, stay very hydrated, and just try to relax. Most of the time, people only pass out because they haven’t eaten anything and are dehydrated.” If someone wants to help the cause, the process is quick and simple. The entire process can be done in about 45 minutes. To put this into perspective, a person can save up to three lives with 45 minutes of their time–and blood. For those who wish to contribute to the cause, Benton says getting started is easy. Anyone interested in donating blood can go to the Red Cross website to find local drive locations and schedule an appointment.

By: Lauren York Aidden Johnson Megan Matthews OSA UT President, Karina Delgado. Brandon Navarro-Garcia for The Collegian TOLEDO, Ohio– Groups of students came together at the University of Toledo’s Centennial Mall on February 6, chanting and holding signs as part of a massive “No ICE in Ohio” walkout. Organized by the UToledo chapter of the Ohio Student Association (OSA), the demonstration transformed the heart of campus into a protest regarding immigrant rights as many individuals shared personal stories and demanded changes to the university’s safety protocols. While the atmosphere was energized, OSA leaders made sure to issue strict instructions for a nonviolent protest, advising anyone who joins to avoid any interactions with potential counter-protesters. Two UT students holding "We are skipping our lessons to teach you one! No ICE on college campuses!!!" Brandon Navarro-Garcia for The Collegian At the heart of the protest was a specific list of demands aimed at the university administration. The protest was meant to pressure the administration to take a stronger stance on student safety, especially for undocumented students living in Ohio and on campus. OSA President Karina Delgado described a vision for a campus that actively resists cooperation with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). We demand that our administration inform the public of the University's policy and procedures towards ICE through a website page, with all students, faculty, and staff receiving text and e-mail. Delgado continues with the other demands of OSA for the university’s administration include the following: ● Refusal of any and all data sharing with ICE that isn’t legally mandated, protecting the private information of students and staff. ● Deny the entry of ICE to all campus buildings. ● Treat the arrival of ICE agents on campus as the highest level of security by allowing staff and students to receive emergency alerts for their arrival. ● Pledging not to sign the 287(g) agreement, which would deputize campus police as immigration agents. ● Do not allow campus police to assist ICE outside of legally required interactions and don’t commit to voluntary agreements working with ICE. Campus police should be protecting the students, faculty, and staff from ICE agents. “My grandfather came here as an immigrant from Mexico around 1950. Came to America that celebrated diversity and inclusion,” Delgado said. “Where we’re heading now… It's just fascism, and I’m scared for my grandfather now, even though he has his citizenship. If people will judge him based on the color of his skin.” Brandon Navarro-Garcia for The Collegian Many students at the protest focused on the moral implications of immigration enforcement. Aamenah Mohamed, a freshman Pharmaceutical Sciences major and child of an Egyptian immigrants, argued that the current system denies many constitutional values. No one is illegal on stolen land, It's ridiculous, five-year-olds are speaking up for themselves in court. It's infuriating, and I don't think we're angry enough. For many other people who participated, the protest was more about family legacy rather than policies. Rudy Velasquez, President of the Global Latinx Student Union (GLSU) and a U.S. Army veteran spoke about the "identity crisis” caused by the current political climate in the world. I did serve for the United States Army, and I did give back to this community. And just to see the United States want us out of here..it's something that tears me personally Velasquez expresses further by stating, “My family, even though they are documented, still have that fear.” People from many corners of Toledo’s campus came to support the protest, even those who have no personal history with ICE or immigration. Macin Petry, a nursing student, arrived at the mall to support his friends and brothers of color. Responding to a question about "What would you like to say to ICE?" ICE, please leave. Everybody is equal. Dr. Sammy Spann, Vice Provost and Dean of Students , representing the university, arrived in support of everyone protesting. While discussing the protest, Span expressed great pride in the students’ desire to exercise their rights. Telling the reporter, I would tell them thank you for using their First Amendment Right, free speech, and being as cordial and accepting to everyone that have came around and supporting the cause and having their voices heard. I’m very proud of them for that. As the event finished, the main message from OSA was clear: the university must choose between silence and the protection of its most vulnerable students from the situation at hand. OSA vice president, Nevaeh Schaeffer, expresses , School is a privilege that all students should be able to experience safely OSA Vice President, Nevaeh Schaeffer. Brandon Navarro-Garcia for The Collegian

By: Brandon Navarro Garcia Anthony Nassar TOLEDO, OHIO - The Student Film Festival is back this semester, fueling creativity on campus. This year’s selection of films excites me, as I went last year and had good experiences because of the potential I saw in the films. I walked into the center of performing arts last year, expecting a hodgepodge of films submitted, but no, I got handpicked films curated by the faculty. There were a handful of films that I watched and enjoyed, one of them being Connections  by William Gibbs-Heard. I went by myself and was impressed by the overall abstract nature of it; the colors and movement were dream-like with a rhythm to it. It was fascinating to watch and see these forms and shapes come and go, and it was also something you could watch repeatedly and not get bored with. Will’s films, “Connections”  and “It Won't Take Much Longer”  by Mike Budich. This film caught my attention the most because it reminded me of David Lynch’s Inland Empire. I say this comparison because I have seen both, and I have gotten similar feelings while watching them. It was that sense of uneasiness when you are in a place that feels familiar, but everything is not as it seems. The familiar seems strange, and you are lost in your surroundings. Budich’s film left me feeling lost and unfamiliar with my surroundings, as it turns some familiar UToledo hallways into an industrial hellscape. The film shows reality losing its grip, and all seems unfamiliar when it comes to the mundane, mute yellow hallways and the fluorescent lights we have grown accustomed to. These students have studied a medium that is as elusive as it is fascinating. This is why critics speak so highly of certain films, because they believe that there is potential to be moved by moving images. Cinema is a powerful medium for expression as it can overstimulate us with images and sounds that seem all too realistic. I was saddened by the fact that I would have to wait to see what the program is bringing us here in Toledo. I wanted to see what they had in store. The Theatre and Film department’s Festival of New Student Works is back from February 6-7 from 7-9 PM. This festival will include works from students at all levels in the theater and film program. After seeing posters around for this event, I knew I had to save the date for it. With the excitement already brewing inside. I went ahead and asked around to see what would be on the lineup for this year’s festival. There will be a good mix between animation and live action due to the classes available in the program, a showcase that will screen a diverse set of films. This is being hosted by the faculty in the department, like Tammy Kinsey. She, alongside some of the faculty, pushes their films in the classes they teach. They discuss it, and they develop a sort of synergy that flows in the order they come in. Those sorts of things that take plenty of time, and “...it kind of builds itself.” Watching each film carefully is important as the faculty wants to represent as much as possible when it comes to what the program has to offer. The reason why it is called the “New Student Showcase” is to showcase some of the genuine creativity involved when making these films. A lot of the films being screened are from classes like digital cinema production and creative approaches to cinema. Submissions were made by students who are majoring or minoring in the film and video program. I asked Tammy Kinsey if the students responded well to this criticism, as most students dislike that type of confrontation when it comes to their work.   She said that “...it was a great way to build confidence. It is there to show them how to approach criticism from an audience.” This festival is perfect for the film program because the students get to experience what criticism from the audience is like. Showcasing it in a festival and a gallery.   Speaking of the gallery, they will keep the gallery showcase when it comes around early March or mid-March. They will also showcase some of these films at the South Gallery Space in Carlson Library. The faculty is promoting this festival because it is a free show for students. However, you would still need to get those free tickets online. They are excited to have students come and see the film. Especially to come support our fellow students here as they create what is their interpretation of the medium of cinema. The film festival is an opportunity to have entertainment here on campus for free. So why not show up to it? It has been going on for about 30 years in different formats, so why not go?   They have a variety of films to be screened. Maybe one of these films will impact you through its powerful medium of expression.

By: Connor Barrus Connor Barrus for The Collegian TOLEDO, OHIO – Savage Arena celebrated National Girls & Women in Sport Day as Toledo Women’s Basketball took care of business Saturday as the Rockets took down Southern Miss, 76-67 in the second edition of the MAC-SBC Challenge this season. Connor Barrus for The Collegian The Rockets (12-9, 6-4 MAC) were led in scoring by Patricia Anumgba with 25 points, and Faith Fedd-Robison finished with a 20-point, 15 rebound double-double. The Golden Eagles (12-12, 5-7 Sun Belt) were led by Meloney Thames with 25 points and 6 rebounds. Connor Barrus for The Collegian Toledo finishes the MAC-SBC with a 1-1 record after suffering an 88-51 loss to Troy back on November 3rd. Toledo will return to action on February 10th as they host Ohio. The Rockets have already handed the Bobcats a defeat in Athens on January 24th and will look for a sweep.

By: Nardeen Lakatos Images courtesy of UToledo OSA, Jaden Jefferson, and Austin Baldwin-Townsend

Written By: DC Edited By: Aidden Johnson UToledo Bashcon Logo BASHCon 40 storms the University of Toledo Student Union this weekend—Friday through Sunday—celebrating 40 years of pure student-run gaming chaos that's drawn over a thousand nerds in past years and could double that this time around with a vendor boom, retro consoles, and RPG marathons galore. Free for UT students and staff flashing Rocket IDs, the con sprawls across the second and third floors, from the packed auditorium vendors' hall to event rooms buzzing with Pathfinder dice rolls and Battletech stomps. UT BASH president Tom Mason laid it out plain: "It's like Comic Con or Galaxy Con, but it's entirely student run, so it's entirely put together by the people of UT BASH here on campus, all student members, everyone pitches in, helps out, and puts together a convention." Packed Schedule Doors crack open Friday from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m., Saturday blasts from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. (with a vendor dinner break), and Sunday wraps from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Attendee tickets stop selling an hour before close each day. Head Coordinator, Katie Loger, is a fourth-year Music Ed major. "This is my fourth Bashcon. It's my second one as a coordinator, and it's my first one as the head coordinator.” She confirmed the hours while buzzing around early setups: "We do have a small break built in for our vendors tomorrow, just because it is such a long day." Free console gaming lights up SU 2591 all weekend on club-owned Switches, Xboxes, and PlayStations—"Instead of doing an arcade game, we have a lot of consoles as a club ourselves... that have gone unused," Loger said. Karaoke BASH cranks in SU 3020 Friday at 7 p.m. and Saturday at 5 p.m.—"Come on out and sing your heart out in a judgment free zone!"—while foam LARP fighting swings in the Ingman Room Saturday, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. for medieval elf-Hobbit brawls. Milestone Vibes Hitting 40 years since UT BASH launched in 1985—"Super exciting to be kind of a part of history," Tom Mason said, "the company's eyes growth past last year's 1,000-plus toward 2,000. and because of the advertising, we've been able to do online ticket sales this year, we are already predicting more," Loger hopes, via the new website UTBashcon.com . Food's Union-standard like Phoenicia's Mediterranean upstairs, open all weekend. Loger added, "If you're looking for something to do this weekend, come stop by. We'll be here basically the entire weekend. Just hang out a bunch of nerds in a room having a good time." Santa’s Toy Box anchors family fun with 150 boards for $1—"From Candy Land... on up... a huge spread"—and Minis Paint and Take lets you customize minis to keep. Whether you're dorm-bound or a local gamer, BASHCon 40 delivers a winter weekend escape. Vendor Explosion Over 30 vendors cram 42 tables into the auditorium's dual squares and T-section—doubled from last year—forcing a layout shakeup. "Because of our influx of vendors this year... we had to change the layout of our con a little bit... We're trying something new this year," Loger said, naming early birds: "Em by Marissa is the first booth. We've got Loading Crew Crafts. We have Dice N Slice... Kopi Kandiko... Jester Tastic... Mystik Waboose." Highlights span Alley Cat Art's pop culture stickers, Blackswamp 3D's fantasy terrain, Electric Abyss' "glitter, gay, and bad puns." resin pins, Pleasantly Strange's hand-sewn plushies, and Moonrover Games' cozy "Backyard Butterfly." Local spots like Checkmate Games mingle with custom dice from Peddler Potoo and Pixel Perler art from Pixel Bump. Student Green Fund is handing out free Emotional Support Plants in the hall—"To promote the importance of self-care"—and Trimble Lounge hosts Ewok Village photos all Saturday. Bazaar and Swag Saturday's BASHCon Bazaar in SU 2592 turns used games into cash: Drop off by noon at the info desk, bids kick at 1 p.m., 10% to UT BASH. "People will come in, you sign a little form, and you give us your games... Most of it goes back to whoever's selling their stuff," Tom explained. "It's put on by two old BASH members, Kelson and Laura,... Kelson was a former main convention coordinator." BASHCon 40 will also have nostalgic, arcade-style dice and mascot tees merchandise. "We have a Bashcon 40 branded dice... It looks like an arcade game... very nostalgic coloring," Loger said. Tom got specific on the tabletop frenzy: "A lot of our events are tabletop RPG games... We have Pathfinder Society... they bring their group, and they play a bunch of Pathfinder and Starfinder games the whole weekend." The pamphlet details packed Pathfinder/Starfinder slates in SU 2582 ($2-$4 tickets), like Friday's "Invasion’s Edge" where Starfinders defend a crashed alien ship from First Ones, or Saturday's "Shipyard Sabotage" pitting Pathfinders against Cheliax pirates raiding Andoran docks. Free RPG drops-ins fill the Ingman Room, including Nightmare Enemy—"Zombies in this world are not the slow-moving... kind; they are capable of doing what they did in life... if the person knew how to fire a gun... they can pick it up and fire it, but once the gun is empty they can’t reload it"—and 3rd Age medieval fantasy: "Ever wanted to play as a Minotaur? A Dragonite? A Catminion? You can here." Battletech Grinder lets you pilot mechs—"When your 'mech is destroyed, you get a new, bigger and stronger one... the only thing you need to join is the want to fight with big stompy robots!"—and Brick Battles minis hit SU 2579 with themed skirmishes like "DC: Escape from Arkham" or "Firefly: Old Friends."

Written By: Connor Barrus Photos Taken By: Connor Barrus Toledo students celebrate with players after Rockets' 73-72 win over Bowling Green TOLEDO, Ohio - The battle of I-75 truly lived up to its hype as The University of Toledo and Bowling Green State went head-to-head in the 185th meeting between the rivals. The Rockets (11-9, 5-3 MAC) were slow to get going offensively, but the defense held tight, forcing 16 turnovers from the Falcons. The Rockets eventually found their footing halfway into the first half to take a 39-38 lead at halftime. Leroy Blyden Jr. became the hero with 19 points, 5 assists, and the game-winning three to lift Toledo over BGSU, 73-72. There were two other star players on Toledo's team in this game. Austin Parks, with 14 points, 6 rebounds, and 5 blocks, and Sean Craig with 13 points and 7 rebounds. This win now marks Toledo's 100th win over Bowling Green State in the history of this rivalry, with the record now being 100-85. Toledo now sits at 4th place in the MAC standings and will look to improve their standing on the road Tuesday against Akron. The Zips stand at 16-4 and 7-1 in MAC play with that lone conference loss coming from No. 25 Miami (Ohio).

After defeating No. 5 seed Iowa State 80-73 in the first round of the NCAA tournament, the No. 12 seed UToledo women’s basketball team fell to No. 4 seed Tennessee 47-94 in the second round, ending the Rockets’ shot at a national title. The 2022-23 season was one of the most successful in UToledo history, with the Rockets chalking up 29 wins, tying a school record. The team enjoyed a record-setting 17-game winning streak and easily claimed their second consecutive Midwest Athletic Conference (MAC) title by defeating perennial rivals the Bowling Green State University Falcons 62-56 in the final game of the regular season on Mar. 4 and 73-58 in the MAC Championship game Mar. 11. Quinesha Lockett, number 5, helped lead the Rockets on their winning ways and was named MAC Player of the Year. Rockets head coach Tricia Cullop was named MAC Coach of the Year.

With heavy hearts and unwavering determination, the Black Student Union at the University of Toledo stands in firm opposition to the recent Senate Bill 1. This legislation threatens to dismantle the very foundation upon which we have built our community, our advocacy, and our progress. As an organization dedicated to raising the level of consciousness for students of all ethnic backgrounds regarding the Black experience in America, we cannot stand idly by as policies attempt to erase the voices and histories of marginalized communities.   Our mission has always been to celebrate the growth and richness of the Black experience, highlight the resilience and progress of African American people, and foster unity among all. Senate Bill 1 does not just impact the Black Student Union—it strikes at the heart of every marginalized community and student organization on this campus. This bill seeks to undermine the tireless work that we, along with so many other organizations, including all the organizations under BOU (Black Organizations United), have dedicated to creating a diverse, equitable, and inclusive environment.   We are deeply moved and profoundly concerned about what this means for the future—not just of our university, but of the world. This bill threatens to erase the progress we have made in advocating for a Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) plan, one designed to ensure that all students, regardless of their background, have the support and resources necessary to thrive. This is not just about policy; this is about people. This is about students who deserve to see themselves reflected in their education, in their leadership, and in the spaces they occupy on campus.   The Black Organizations United will not be silenced. We will continue to make our voices heard. We call on university administrators, policymakers, and all those in positions of power to take a hard and honest look at the decisions they are making. Understand the weight of this bill and how it will echo far beyond the walls of our university. It is not just about one school, one organization, or one student—it is about the collective future of higher education and the fundamental rights of every individual seeking knowledge, opportunity, and belonging.   We are hurting, but we are hopeful. We know that change is possible, but it requires action.   We will not back down. We will not be erased. We will stand united, in the face of injustice.   In solidarity,   The Black Student Union and Black Organizations United Note: Black Organizations United is a formal alliance between all African American organizations on campus. It includes the National Pan-Hellenic Council, F.I.R.E. Squad, the Black Student Union, Minority Professionals in Business, Black Nursing Students Organization, the UToledo chapter of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, and the Association for the Advancement of African American Women.

The 55th annual Black Student Union fashion show was hosted on Feb. 28, capping off BSU’s programming for Black History Month. Interim President Matt Schroeder and Interim Provost Scott Molitor were in attendance, a first for both according to Molitor. They were invited by BSU President Majesty Ali and Vice President Marquan Denby. The event displayed several fashion pieces created by Black artists, and hosted several Black-owned vendors. Last year, all race-conscious scholarships were paused due to the federal overturn of affirmative action in 2023. This year, BSU awarded six scholarships at the event, ranging from $500 to $1000 each. “It’s heartwarming when we see people come out and actually enjoy what we've actually done to put on a good show for them,” said Cole Fullen, BSU's director of external affairs and co-emcee for the night. Towards the end of the show, the performers and executive board filled the stage with signs and spoke directly to the crowd and to Molitor, as Schroeder left during the intermission of the show. “[Diversity, equity, and inclusion] is not just about the policies or the programs," said Denby, "it’s about creating the environment where every student, regardless of their background, feels like they belong here and that this university values who they are." DEI and its importance were a primary theme of many of the executive members' speeches, with many expressing their disappointment with the university’s lack of commitment to DEI. Ali stated her frustration with the university not providing the funding she requested, and the lack of financial support BSU and other minority-focused organizations receive. Ali says she's requested more funding for BSU to "execute everything that we wanted to do and what's in [BSU's] mission statement" in light of a growing Black population on campus, and Schroeder "did say that he was going to give [it] to [BSU]," but Ali "never heard back from him again on that situation." Ali met with Schroeder several times throughout the academic year, and brought up the unequal distribution of funding to BSU when compared to organizations like CAP. "There was a lack of funding going towards BSU compared to organizations on campus like CAP, and one of those higher ones that a lot of students are able to attend," said Ali. After the elimination of the university's Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in July of 2024, Ali reached out to see if the remaining funding for that area could be given to BSU or other minority focused initiatives, as "they kind of had it just sitting there," she said. “I’m tired of being silent, I’m tired of sitting here and putting my fear and faith into somebody else,” said Ali. “As students, it’s time that you educate yourself. Don’t wait on someone to invite you to the table; you make the table.”