College of Law

Five Students Selected for SBA Student Involvement Award

by Diana Case | April 19, 2019

Four graduating students and one second-year student were selected winners of the Student Bar Association (SBA) Student Involvement Award. The award is given each year based on student contributions to SBA, student organizations, and student life at the college. Each winner is nominated by fellow students. The final selections are made by a committee consisting of faculty, staff, and students.

Ariel Berger '19 was described by nominators as instrumental in every SBA initiative, including planning SBA’s participation in the college’s Day of Giving efforts and the SBA silent auction. One nominator noted that Berger was committed to adding new and exciting items for bidding at the auction. Berger served as one of SBA's vice presidents this year.

Billy Jeffers '19 was described by one student as "almost always doing something for the law school and its students." He was described as a mentor to other students, helping promote engagement and when needed, providing emotional support. Jeffers "exemplifies the best" of Toledo Law. Serving as SBA's president this year, Jeffers rebuilt the organization's mentorship program.  

Chuck Hatch '19 was described by nominators as having helped ensure that evening student concerns were incorporated into SBA's efforts. First-year night students described him as having provided significant help for them. He served as an SBA vice president.

Zac Shaffer '19, SBA's secretary, worked diligently on communications with students and organization leaders. As someone who was described as receiving "thousands" of emails from other students, Zac responded politely and as quickly as possible.

Katie Tauber '20, the only second-year student selected, was described as having "changed the game" with regard to the SBA social committee. She helped overcome unique planning difficulties associated with organizing the first Law School/Medical School mixer and first SBA Mentor/Mentee mixer. She made the Barrister’s Ball a more sophisticated event, and as president of the Public Interest Law Association (PILA) helped collect donations to support student summer public interest work.

SBA enhances the quality of life for law students at The University of Toledo College of Law by sponsoring academic, social, and community service events, as well as numerous professional networking events. Additionally, SBA is responsible for providing office space and funding for student organizations at the college.