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By: Juan Drown and Aidden Johnson   Lights out on Songfest 2026. The University of Toledo’s second-oldest tradition returned last Saturday for its 89th year with the theme being “Lights, Camera, Rockets”. Participants selected songs used in movies in accordance to the theme.  Songfest initially started as an intra-fraternal competition in 1937; over the decades, it has widened to additional divisions, for the sororities and other student organizations. Songfest is a shared commitment between two honor societies, Blue Key and the Mortar Board. The members are divided into committees to do various tasks.  This year senior Ashton Widenhoeffer is a member of Mortar Board and served as the Director's Emcee. Jaden Bollinger is a member of Blue Key and served as Logistics Emcee.  The two worked tirelessly since last April, on bringing back this important campus tradition. They expressed that it wouldn’t be possible without the hard work of all the organizations involved.  “Every organization is brought closer together by this event. I think it really brings out that [sic] UT pride, a lot of these teams practice 10+ hours every week, most teams practice every day up until the last week of Songfest.” Bollinger states. So what is all this effort for? Charity.  Every year a charity is chosen to be the recipient of the donation funds, this year it was the Ovarian Cancer Connection(OCC). Every fraternity, sorority, and student organization that participated had their own Fundly link to donate money to OCC, collectively they raised a total of $31,036.35.  At the conclusion of Songfest, the team that raised the most money was awarded the Cheryl Thomas People’s Choice award. This year the recipient was Kappa Delta Rho with the amount of $5,047.  “Just an awesome night of bringing campus together, one of the things that I’ve been very passionate about in my time at UT and also in my role of student trustee is just bringing back campus culture and making campus a place where people want to be,” Widenhoeffer says.  “It really does bring together all of the best things which make UT, UT,” says Bollinger.

OPINION Review By: Ray Wisda “Scarlet Hollow”,   developed by Black Tabby Games, the same team behind the popular game “Slay the Princess” delivers a grounded, slow-burning horror experience that blends visual-novel storytelling with light role-playing elements.  It follows an episodic structure in which players navigate a weeklong stay in a small Appalachian town filled with family tension, local folklore, and steadily escalating supernatural threats. The game as of March 2026 has five of its planned seven episodes released. The story centers a fully customizable protagonist who returns to their family’s hometown for a funeral, only to become entangled in the town’s history and strained relationship with their cousin. Each episode builds on the last, gradually revealing more about the town’s past and the forces shaping its present.  The branching narrative design means players see only a fraction of possible outcomes in a single run, encouraging multiple playthroughs and experimentation with different dialogue choices and relationships. “Scarlet Hollow” leans heavily into Southern-Gothic aesthetics with abandoned mines, aging houses, and quiet forests that feel uneasy rather than peaceful.  The hand-illustrated art style gives the game a distinct visual identity, and the pacing allows tension to accumulate naturally. Sound design and music support the tone, creating a consistent sense of dread that fits the setting. As a visual novel with RPG elements, most of the gameplay revolves around dialogue choices, exploration, and managing relationships with the cast. These choices influence not only character interactions but also major story branches, determining who survives, what information becomes available, and how the town’s mysteries unfold.  The structure rewards careful attention and multiple playthroughs, especially for players interested in uncovering alternate routes or hidden scenes. “Scarlet Hollow” offers a focused, atmospheric horror experience built around strong writing and meaningful player choice. For readers who enjoy narrative-driven games with a dark, character-centered tone, it stands out as a well-crafted entry in the visual-novel genre.

Students gathered in the Student Rec Center awaiting BIG Event assignments. - Photo by Lauren York By: Lauren York TOLEDO, Ohio – While most college students may spend a Saturday morning catching up on sleep, hundreds of UToledo Rockets were awake and ready to work at 9:30 a.m. The Student Recreation Center's basketball courts were transformed into a room filled with high-energy chatter and volunteer spirit. BIG Event 2026 the largest service day of the year.  For a majority of volunteers in attendance, ‘One Big Day, One Big Thanks’ isn’t just a slogan; it’s a mission. From local community gardens to the porches of long-time Toledo residents, the impact of the day is measured in more than just hours worked–it is seen in the strong bonds between the university and the city.  Vanessa Heck, President of the 2026 BIG Event, transferred to UToledo during her freshman year, and fell in love with the event. She noted that the day is about giving back the hospitality shown to students.  “The Toledo community supports us all year long, so we really love getting to come together and say thank you to them,” Heck said. “They do so much for us, they show so much hospitality, and so, we're just really grateful for all their support, and it's also just a great way to give back to the community in general.” The event involved dispatching volunteers to about 20 different job sites across the community. A form was provided online for anyone in need of volunteers.  The impact of the day was felt deeply at local community landm arks like the Bancroft Hills neighborhood and various community gardens. At one garden, UToledo alumni Allison Wood’osmun and Curt Osmun watched as students tackled the “labor of love” that keeps their neighborhood gathering space thriving.  “I love the UT BIG Event because they come here and do this work for the neighborhood and the whole city,” Wood’osmun said.  Toledo Grows, which is the non-profit organization Wood’osmun is part of, has served the community since 2011. Their gardens provide open produce beds and a “sharing shack” for the local homeless population. Having younger people show up to help maintain such a crucial resource is, as she puts it, “great.” Some students had a late night with the basketball game the night before, and were up well past midnight. Despite this, the enthusiasm remained high with the volunteers.  “Getting up early just shows my dedication, or my entire chapter’s dedication, to helping out in the Toledo area,” Zach Worden, Vice President of Programming for Sigma Phi Epsilon.  Working in the Bancroft Hills neighborhood, just behind the engineering campus, made the service feel personal.  “In my opinion, all service is good, but service near Toledo is pretty important to me. It makes me feel more connected,” Worden said.  Similarly, Kaydence Sheldon, Community Service Director for Chi Omega, mentioned that the event shifts the perspective of being a student.  “It helps a lot to be able to see the whole community come together to help out for just one big cause,” Sheldon said.  Dr. Sammy Spann, Vice Provost and Dean of Students, has seen the event grow through the years. Inspired by a Texas A&M model, the program started at UToledo in 2001 with around 200 volunteers and has now more than doubled in size.  “The BIG Event connects our students to our community,” Dr. Spann said. “Our mission to improve the human condition and to do more is absolutely what is embedded in these students today. I’m proud of them for showing ‘Rocket Love’ to our community.” As the clock struck 2 p.m. and the tools were packed away, the physical work was complete, but the community connection remained. The impact of the BIG Event is measured in more than just hours worked–it is seen in the strong bonds between a university and the city it calls home.

Students walking around and enjoying the attractions at Sneakerball 2026 - Photo by Lauren York By: Lauren York TOLEDO, Ohio – At the UToledo Rec Center, the sound of squeaking sneakers typically means a basketball game, except for this past Thursday, when the shoes were paired with dresses and sharp blazers for the first Spring Sneakerball. From 7 - 9 p.m, the basketball courts were transformed into a judgment-free zone, trading athletic drills for a semi-formal dance floor. This event, a collaboration between the University Counseling Center and Rec Center, had a goal to provide a high-energy escape during the stressful spring semester while also weaving in essential mental health advocacy. For Dr. Latasha Sullivan, director of the Counseling Center, the inspiration for the Sneakerball was rooted in meeting students where they are–literally and emotionally. “We want to try to engage students as best as we can and do things that are fun,” Sullivan said. “Sometimes, we feel like we have to go to the students so they can get to know who we are. When they get to see us outside of our offices, it increases their likelihood to want to engage with our services.” By hosting the event at the Rec Center, organizers leaned into the natural connection between physical and emotional health. Sullivan noted that the venue was a wonderful partner, offering a space that many students possibly haven’t visited, all while celebrating with a fun twist on traditional formal dances. The event featured a DJ, line-dancing and mocktails, but the heart of the event was within the interactive wellness stations. Rather than a standard lecture on mental health, students had the opportunity to engage in “creative expression” activities, such as decorating therapeutic journals, making creative buttons, and much more. Lisa Moguel, a student attendee, found the creative stations fun and innovative. “I really liked the decorating,” Moguel said. “It’s a good way to decorate your notebook so you can later use it to look at your feelings and see how you feel throughout the day.” Moguel also noted that the relaxed environment made it easier to learn about the resources available. For many students, the Sneakerball offered a rare opportunity to prioritize mental health without the rigid structure of a class lecture. Hannah Goins, another student attendee, appreciated the low-pressure atmosphere. “It’s nice for it to be something fun and you don’t feel like you have to be here,” Goins said. As the night concluded with gift bags and take-home wellness items, one thing among attendees was clear: Mental health doesn’t always have to be a heavy topic. By lacing up their favorite sneakers and having fun, UToledo students showed that self-care can be as stylish as it is essential. “Mental health should be talked about more,” Moguel said. “These kinds of events just open up the conversation.” All university mental health resources can be found at the University Counseling Center website: Counseling Center

Courtesty of The Black Student Union Written By: Allyanna Shaffran Black history isn't limited to February, but it's spotlighted during the month in order to bridge the gaps in traditional American History, which often omit significant events. " Black history is a foundational and fundamental piece of all history, not just the slavery aspects." states Cole Fullen, president of the Black Student Union. Black history is American history, and it goes far beyond what is learned in textbooks. During February, it is important to highlight a variety of Black voices with different backgrounds, stories, and beliefs. According to Fullen, the purpose of Black History Month is: "To teach, grow, and strengthen all minds by way of conversations and celebrations," he states. Teaching and discussing the same few things year after year is not nearly as impactful as spotlighting a variety of voices and ideas. Throughout February, the University of Toledo put on many events in celebration of Black History Month, with a wide variety of activities. Events have ranged from small features such as showcased novels by Black authors in the Carlson Library to the African and Caribbean Cuisine Night. Some Celebrations that UT showcased specifically with the BSU include the Black Pop-Up Shop event and the Black Student Union 56th Annual Fashion Show. These events were highlighted on social media and were advertised throughout the month. When asked if Fullen felt as though the University of Toledo appropriately and inclusively approached Black History Month he says: "The Black Student Union welcomes these spotlights, but, of course, there’s always room for improvement. We would love to see more people come to the events supporting us in person, or shouting out different African American students." It is important for all students to participate the best way they can in these events, in order to continue to establish an inclusive, educated, and diverse community at the University of Toledo. A full list of events is available on the University of Toledo News website .

Opinion Piece Written By: Juan Drown 2025 was a great year for films, of the hundreds of major films that were released last year, three defined the year for audiences and critics.  The first massive film of 2025 was Ryan Coogler’s record-breaking supernatural horror movie Sinners , which Coogler wrote, directed, and produced. His fusion of period-drama and horror garnered 16 Academy Award nominations out of 17 possible categories. Critics and fans alike praised Sinners  for its poignant, blues-inflected soundtrack from Ludwig Goransson, and Michael B. Jordan for his Oscar-nominated dual role of twins.  Prior to Sinners , Coogler directed Fruitvale Station  (2013), Creed  (2015), Black Panther  (2018), and Black Panther: Wakanda Forever  (2022), all which earned Certified Fresh ratings on Rotten Tomatoes.  Sinners  was an audience favorite of last year. Critics, however, did not necessarily see it in high regard–rather their favorite last year was the Paul Thomas Anderson comedy-thriller, One Battle After Another . One Battle After Another  was a dark comedy action-thriller that follows Leonardo DiCaprio's portrayal of an ex-revolutionary father reuniting with comrades to save his daughter from a corrupt officer. One Battle After Another  dominated cinema late 2025, garnering 13 nominations. The film received high recognition for its cinematography by Michael Bauman, Jonny Greenwood’s score and newcomer actress Chase Infiniti.  Throughout the year, there was one film that had generated immense hype with audiences and critics, the absurdist sports-drama Marty Supreme , the first solo feature from Josh Safdie. Timothee Chalamet starred in the role of Marty Reisman, a young, obsessively ambitious table tennis player. The story is loosely based on real-life ping-pong star Marty Reisman. He received universal acclaim for his obsessive-maniac performance. Production Designer Jack Fisk’s immersive production design transported audiences to 1950s New York City, where the commitment to detail won high marks from critics and garnered nominations for Fisk and Adam Willis (set decorator). Altogether the film has earned 9 Academy nominations.  Trier’s meditative drama Sentimental Value  has received high distinction for performance from Stellan Skarsgård, Elle Fanning, Renate Reinsve, and Inga Ibsdotter Lilleaas, of which all 4 received nominations. While these were the films that defined cinema last year in terms of critical and audience appreciation, they were far from the only significant films. Last year also yielded Guillermo del Toro’s long-term passion project, Frankenstein.   The film has received recognition for meticulous production design and costuming, while receiving some derision for its overly artificial look from its flat lighting. His film garnered 9 nominations at the 98th Academy Awards, tying itself with Marty Supreme  and Joachim Trier’s  Sentimental Value .  Other highly distinguished films up for Oscars include Chloé Zhao’s period piece tragedy Hamnet , with Jesse Buckley up for Best Actress, Yorgos Lanthimos’ paranoia-driven black-comedy Bugonia  (remake of the South Korean film Save the Green Planet! By Jang Joon-Hwan), and Kleber Mendonça Filho’s neo-noir political thriller The Secret Agent  set in 1970s Brazil (nominated for both Best Picture and Best International Feature Film). These films were all showstoppers, and there were many more 2025 films that prove that film as an art-form is continuously evolving and breaking new records.

Written By: DC University of Toledo students craving free food and entertainment have prime opportunities this week. Campus events on Feb. 25 and 26 blend snacks, games, and creativity—all open to the public and perfect for a midweek pick-me-up. Starting Wednesday, Feb. 25, the Rocket Fuel Food Pantry adds a healthy twist with its  Pop-Up Pantry  (10:30 a.m.-12 p.m., Gillham Hall), where free snacks will be available along with pantry resources. Swing by for a quick bite and campus support:  https://invonet.utoledo.edu/event/12070427 . Then head over to the  History Department Salon  (1 p.m., University Hall 5260--the History Department Library), for a casual, weekly gathering of lively discussions on historical topics. Free tea and snacks will be served.  Also on the agenda is  Craft & Cheer: UToledo Spirit Night  (4 p.m. - 6 p.m., Student Union 2582). Campus Activities & Programming will host Rocket-themed painting, bracelet-making, and free snacks plus drinks to fuel UToledo pride. Register and details:  https://invonet.utoledo.edu/event/11978671 . Later that evening, hit  Karaoke Night  (7-9 p.m., Ottawa East Conference Room) for glow-in-the-dark vibes, song battles, and complimentary delicious dips. Ottawa House promises laughter, music, and munchies—no talent required. More info:  https://invonet.utoledo.edu/event/12079012 . Thursday, February 26, brings the  Spring Festival Carnival  (11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m., Student Union Auditorium). Center for International Studies and Programs celebrates the Year of the Horse with 15+ activities, prizes, and a free hot lunch. Details:  https://invonet.utoledo.edu/event/12109009 . These no-cost feasts turn ordinary days into highlights—grab friends and dig in before they're gone.

Written By: Ray Wisda TOLEDO, Ohio – The University of Toledo Wind and Symphonic Ensemble is preparing to take the stage Monday, Feb. 23, at 7:30 p.m. in Doermann Theater. For two first-year performers, the upcoming concert is both a challenge and a chance to grow. The group will perform a series of challenging classical pieces, including all four movements of Clare Grundman’s Hebrides Suite, and James Swearingen’s The Light Eternal. Alyx Oiler, a freshman trumpet player, joined the ensemble initially to fulfill an arts credit. But the experience has already become something more. Despite the demanding repertoire, Oiler is feeling great. “I’m not nervous,” Oiler says. For Evan Binette, a freshman flutist, the Wind Ensemble represents a step up in difficulty from high school music. “All the music is hard – it’s college level,” Binette says. Even so, he’s taking the challenge in stride and, like Oiler, isn’t feeling nervous about heading into the performance. Both students say the ensemble has pushed them musically in ways they didn’t expect so early in their college careers. With a program full of classical music and a stage full of determined young musicians, this concert promises to showcase the depth of talent within UT’s music community. For more information visit: https://www.utoledo.edu/bands/ourbands/wind/

Photo Courtesy of Alexis Janiszewski Written By: Megan Matthews TOLEDO, Ohio – Live! From Rocket Hall is back for one last semester. Live! From Rocket Hall is a show that brings in local bands for a performance and an interview. The show is posted to YouTube and broadcasted on WXUT. Live! From Rocket Hall started as an independent study created by Trip Floyd, a media communication major, in his junior year. The show provides an opportunity to be a part of a student- led production, and is open to all majors and skill sets. Live! From Rocket Hall allows interested students to learn more about live sound mixing and directing. There is no prior experience needed to hop on the crew. “I wanted to give students an opportunity to not just solely do a sports-based production,” says Floyd. “I think a lot of students feel like, you're in this department, you can only do this.” Even though Live! From Rocket Hall is in its final semester, that doesn’t mean it's over for good. Since Live! From Rocket Hall is an independent study, there's a blueprint in place for anyone interested in continuing the show.  One of the main responsibilities required to put on Live! From Rocket Hall is connecting with local talent. Over the course of two years, a total of 14 bands have performed with a variety of genres. “I’ve really been fortunate to have some really cool bands come on from places I wouldn’t really expect.” Floyd says There is plenty of work that goes into the production of one performance. Scheduling being one of them as, all 5 shows this semester were booked in advance. Additionally, there is finding crew to help produce the show, and sending out all necessary information to the bands. There is constant collaboration, making sure everyone is prepared for the performance.  Two shows have already been completed this semester, with Beef Noodle Soup and Foxing Day, leaving 3 performances left. With Brevity on March 14th, Tea Set on April 3rd, and Adore After Dark on April 11th.

Written By: Kayleen Cleavenger TOLEDO, Ohio – Competitive online gaming is on the rise at the University of Toledo, where esports is quickly becoming a fast-growing program.    What started as a student-run club has expanded into a university-wide esports program supported by Recreation Services, Information Technology, and Athletics. Esports lets gamers compete through organized online multiplayer video games.     The growth is fueled by high student interest, increasing national recognition of collegiate  esports, and new opportunities that blend technology, teamwork, and academic experience.    The UToledo Esports club is led by sophomore Cohen Lampton, who remains the administrative support and organizer.     “Players practice two to three times a week, play one to two matches per season, and host tournaments and watch parties,” Lampton said. They also compete against schools nationwide, including other Mid-American Conference (MAC) universities.    “The university provides space and equipment, but most of our support still comes from the players themselves,” Lampton said. “Esports takes just as much skill and dedication as traditional athletics. It really is the future of competition.”    As the club gained traction, the university’s recreation center helped turn esports into an official university program, said Gracelyn Jones, who works at the recreation center.     “It has become a key part of student engagement because it attracts both casual and competitive players, especially those who might not connect with traditional athletics,” Jones said.     “Esports has expanded from just varsity play into drop-ins, themed pop-ups, and collaborations that engage students across campus,” Jones said. “Our vision is to build esports into the fabric of UToledo life, with scholarships, academic partnerships, and inclusive opportunities for every student.”    There are now new gaming facilities and academic partnerships for esports. The program continues to grow at UToledo because it connects students across interests and majors. “It used to be a small club, but now a lot more people on campus know about it,” said Jackie Houtchings, a member of the UToledo Esports club.  For more information visit: https://www.utoledo.edu/studentaffairs/rec/esports/