Student of the Week Profiles
Danisha Ray
Immersing herself in her culture has been a vital part of Danisha Ray’s college experience.
As the President of the Indian Student Cultural Organization, Danisha has had the
opportunity to not only better connect with her own roots but to also create a space
for her fellow Rockets to do the same!
Danisha joined the ISCO in the Spring of 2022 and began serving as the organization’s
Director of Marketing responsible for promoting its events to students and the wider
community. She then became the Director of Administration the following Spring before
being asked to assume her current role of President. Danisha now oversees all initiatives
and events planned within the group. This included the recent Diya ceremony celebrating
the Hindu holiday Diwali. It both offered Indian students at the university an opportunity
to feel at home and to share their culture with other students and community members.
Preparing for Diya was “a whirlwind,” but Danisha said it was worth it to host such
an incredible event. Since she was on co-op during the planning process, the Bioengineering
major had to collaborate with her Executive Board members virtually – whom she thanked
for their outstanding service.
Though attending college as an international student can be intimidating, ISCO helped
Danisha feel safe and comfortable by connecting her with other students possessing
similar apprehensions. She hopes as President that she can continue to make international
and domestic students alike feel included within the organization.
Campus Involvement: “UToledo has played a pivotal role in nurturing my personal and academic growth, helping
me adjust to the changes in my environment. In a relatively short period, I found
myself not only adapting to this new place but also genuinely calling it home. My
desire is for other students to feel the same warmth and connection that I have experienced,
and I believe that ISCO plays a crucial role in making this happen!”
Ramya Talla
While her Biology major will equip her with the content knowledge and technical expertise
needed to heal others, Ramya Talla’s confidence as a future physician will be inspired
at least as much by her experience in Greek Life as a Rocket. Ever since her second
semester on campus, Delta Delta Delta has served as a safe and welcoming space to
explore her passions and express her true self.
The lingering pandemic restrictions in the Spring of 2021 made it difficult to form
social connections at the time but joining Tri Delta and making friends there felt
effortless for Ramya. The community has continued to nurture her self-confidence,
allowing her to network with fellow students and alumni of the sorority. She even
met her best friend as a “big sister” and mentor in the group!
Just as important as fellowship and growing one’s professional brand in Greek Life
is giving back to the community. Ramya is no exception and currently serves as Tri
Delta’s Director of Philanthropy. She is entrusted with planning and executing fundraising
events such as Delta House of Pancakes, Sincerely Yours, and the Stars and Crescent
Gala. The sorority just recently hosted Wrap-Up Toledo, an event that raised money
and blankets for those in need in the metropolitan area.
Though her dreams of practicing medicine stretch at least back to high school, when
she began researching with Dr. Jennifer Hill at UToledo’s Health Science Campus, Ramya’s
time in Greek Life has helped her further define her aspirations. She hopes to continue
her service to the vulnerable as a doctor at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital
after graduation.
Major Inspiration: “My choice to major in Biology with a pre-med concentration stems from the inspiration
I draw from my mother. Her remarkable journey of being born and raised in India to
now practicing family and geriatric medicine at the Department of Veterans Affairs
in Texas, despite numerous adversities, has ignited my passion to follow in her footsteps.”
Tanner Schultz
Though it began as just another way to get involved on campus with his friends, Tanner
Schultz’s time in Student Government has evolved into something so much more – a defining
feature of his college years and a powerful outlet to advocate for his fellow Rockets.
After all, as the student body Vice President, his voice carries weight.
Following his first meeting with the organization, Tanner immediately knew that Student
Government was the place for him. A Biology major, he was appointed as a representative
for the College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics and was overcome by motivation
to make positive changes on behalf of those he represented. As he progressed, Tanner
gained more leadership and was elected as the Campus Culture Chair at the end of his
first year on campus. Then, after another session of hard work, he was elected as
student body Vice President alongside his running mate, President Lucas Will.
Tanner’s time is now consumed by meetings with campus officials such as UToledo President
Gregory Postel voicing the needs, values, and perspectives of his undergraduate peers
to the administration. It is this service to his university community that inspires
Tanner – the connections he has made with its students, faculty, and alumni working
to elevate their shared experience. Reflecting on all that has been accomplished,
Tanner is proud of his effort and the progress Student Government has made since he
joined it.
Campus Involvement: “I’d like to thank everyone that has helped me to get to this point. Alumni, faculty,
and most importantly my fellow students have supported me throughout my experience
in Student Government and my tenure as student body Vice President.”
Morgan Schuld
As a member of the swim team and a student researcher carrying a few minors and as
many leadership roles in student organizations, Morgan Schuld somehow manages to keep
her head above water. She wouldn’t have her life as a Rocket any other way, though:
never dull, and always challenging!
The Chemical Engineering senior hopes to move back to Cleveland after completing her
undergraduate degree to pursue her career – possibly in the personal care products
industry. Morgan’s Honors thesis offered the opportunity to blend her related Cosmetic
Science & Formulation Design minor with her major work in Dr. Matthew Liberatore’s
rheology lab. They are studying the mechanical characterization of anion exchange
membranes for fuel cell applications, focusing on crosslinking a copolymer that forms
membranes typically used in hair conditioners. After recently receiving a patent on
their work, Morgan and her teammates are now aiming to publish a paper about the research.
When she isn’t making waves in the pages of academic journals, Morgan is hard at work
exercising the values of teamwork, communication, and time management skills as a
member of UToledo’s swim team. She also serves as the treasurer for HOPE, an organization
that raises awareness and educates others about organ donation. Morgan additionally
sits on the Executive Board of the UToledo Engineering Council as the group’s Diversity,
Equity, and Inclusion Liaison. This position has given her the opportunity to lead
efforts improving DEI initiatives on campus and in the community, including their
recent Women in STEMM Panel event.
Value of Honors: “Being in the Honors College has really helped me expand my outlook on my education
and knowledge outside of just my major. HON 3010 was one of the coolest classes I
have ever taken because I got to do meaningful work in the community with the nonprofit
organization my group chose to collaborate with. The lessons and skills I have learned
in my Honors classes are transferrable to so many different contexts!”
Vanessa Hernandez
Of the six “C”s that ground the Honors curriculum, few Honors Rockets embrace the value of “community
engagement” more thoroughly than Vanessa Hernandez. Whether it is through the folk
dance group that keeps her connected to her Mexican heritage, her work on campus as
a supportive resident advisor, or her Early Childhood Education classes that are training
her to inspire young minds, Vanessa enriches the Toledo region and this campus every
day.
A passion of hers since an early age, Vanessa has been dancing with El Corazon de
Mexico Ballet Folklorico for years. The group was founded in 1996 by her mother, Elaina,
and has flourished ever since. Now its Assistant Director, Vanessa’s role in the group
includes teaching choreography, curating cultural performances, and working with students
of all ages who dance with them. She cherishes her involvement in the art for how
it celebrates traditions and informs her identity. In fact, Vanessa is excited to
perform in the group’s annual Día de los Muertos showcase on Nov. 1st at Lourdes University!
She encourages anyone who is interested in seeing the group to come check out their
exhibition.
Though Vanessa is much newer to her role as a resident advisor, she has found the
experience to be similarly uplifting. Working with her residents has helped her practice
patience and understanding – a cue she has taken from her helpful and caring peer
advisors. Vanessa has also relished the opportunity to implement programming for the
“diverse and wonderful group of people” living in the Honors dorms. “Everyone brings
something different to the table, and I enjoy hearing about all of their activities,
studies, and interests,” she said.
Extracurricular Involvement: “El Corazon de Mexico Ballet Folklorico is a unique environment where my students
and I have the ability to embrace ourselves and Mexican culture through traditional
dance. However, the group is open to all persons – not just Mexican Americans!”
Mary Gstalder
Mary Gstalder has always possessed a knack for numbers. She understands that when
you take an Accounting major, add in Economics coursework, and multiply by experience
managing the finances of student organizations on campus, you get a budding professional
ready to excel in her future career as a Certified Public Accountant!
Mary serves as the Treasurer for Student Government and as the Chair of the Student
Allocation Committee. The latter, often referred to as “SAC,” is a group of appointed
students whose responsibility it is to parcel out to all other campus organizations
a budget for their programming. She joined SAC her freshman year as a general member,
was promoted to Vice Chair in her sophomore year, and now works as Chair of the Committee
as a junior. In this position, she handles correspondence with all other campus organizations
that deal with budgets, runs SAC meetings, helps to recruit members, and presides
over debates. Even though she is not a voting member, she still wields significant
influence within the organization.
Mary was prepared well for these hefty duties in her Accounting and Business Administration
classes. They didn’t just equip her with the technical know-how needed to project
costs and reconcile expenses with available funds. Her courses also trained her to
exercise her authority ethically and wisely. In both her Student Government Treasurer
and SAC Chair positions, Mary must be careful to operate fairly while protecting the
best interests of the student organizations she helps to support. “All of the professional
development I have received from my major has really helped me become the best chairperson
I can be,” she said.
Leadership Style: “I have really enjoyed making a difference on campus quietly while in the background.
I’d rather have an impact without being in the spotlight!”
Cale Wright
While the Fall semester is an exciting time for many students, few other than Cale
Wright know the thrill of entertaining thousands of screaming fans from the sidelines
of a packed Glass Bowl. The Honors sophomore isn’t a hard-driving linebacker or an
agile wide receiver, though. Cale is instead one of the dozens of talented musicians
who help build excitement for each touchdown and turnover as a member of the Rocket
Marching 
Band.
This year is Cale’s second participating in the Rocket Marching Band as a first part
on the alto saxophone. He has performed in every UToledo football game since he joined
the group – including against the University of Illinois last month and at the Boca
Raton Bowl last year. The schedule can be grueling, but the buzz of energy the band
elicits among fans and players through their music keeps Cale motivated to attend
each practice session and game.
The energy that Cale feeds his fellow Rockets on game days is returned twofold on
any given day by his supportive bandmates. He has met most of his closest friends
through the Rocket Marching Band – none of whom would hesitate to lend him a helping
hand. Playing in the band also led Cale to join Phi Mu Alpha, a music fraternity that
has strengthened the ensemble’s creative bond.
Though joining the Rocket Marching Band as an Honors Pre-Pharmacy student has set
a demanding tempo for Cale’s life, he is committed to achieving harmony between the
two. He chose the major to help those in need, drawing inspiration from a mission
trip to Haiti he took when he was fourteen. Seeing how impactful simple medications
could be there encouraged him to do all that he could to heal others through his future
profession. He will take an important step toward that career in cardiovascular pharmacy
next year when he enters UToledo’s Pharm.D. program.
Campus Involvement: “Balancing band with school can be very difficult, especially if there are multiple
games back-to-back – mostly because we have to learn a whole new show each week. It
takes a lot of personal accountability and working ahead of schedule for me to stay
semi-balanced.”
Sean Hanna
Honors Rockets won’t be celebrating this year’s UToledo Homecoming Parade simply by
lining the streets that carry the promenade or by just joining its merry ranks. Students
like Sean Hanna have been hard at work for months planning its every detail and registering
all of the participants who will be winding their way around campus and through the
Old Orchard neighborhood tomorrow.
Sean serves as the Added Attractions Chair for the Homecoming Parade – a position
he earned through his participation in Blue Key National Honor Society. His role is
to involve in the parade notable figures and organizations from the Toledo community
as well as a diverse array of student groups from campus. Sean and his Blue Key collaborators
even play a part in determining the route for the parade. In short, their efforts
are crucial to achieving a robust attendance and lively ambience for the event – work
that began during and stretched through the Summer! “All of my Blue Key brothers have
done a phenomenal job preparing for the parade this year,” Sean said.
In addition to acting as the Community Service Chair and Alumni Outreach Chair for
Blue Key, Sean is also the Vice President of Programming for Sigma Phi Epsilon. Though
Homecoming is a highlight, the Biology major’s campus involvement and support of philanthropic
initiatives runs all year long. What Sean has valued most about his time with Greek
Life and Blue Key has been the opportunity to surround himself with others like him
who are motivated to invest in their university and community.
Campus Involvement: “It was an absolute honor to be chosen as a member of Blue Key. I’ve loved participating
in Homecoming and Songfest the past two years, so it is extremely exciting to have
an impact on them again this year!”
Allyson Givens
Passionate about educating young minds while aspiring to travel the world, Allyson
Givens wasn’t forced to choose between a career-simulating internship and a semester
of study abroad – despite her tightly packed program of study. The tandem ambitions
of this plucky Adolescent and Young Adult Education and English dual-degree seeker
would find serendipitous satisfaction in UToledo’s Rocket Kids
program.
As a participant, Allyson was able to teach the children of American military personnel
for two months over the Summer in Brunssum, Netherlands. Filled with fond memories
of the instructors who made her own schooling experience such a positive one, she
wanted to pay the feeling forward and inspire a love of learning among the world’s
youth.
The highlight of the internship for Allyson was collaborating with the other Rocket
Kids interns, all of whom shared her enthusiasm for teaching. They gave her a sense
of belonging in a new environment, a gift she treasured. “I went into the internship
as part of its first cohort, not knowing what to expect,” Allyson said. “I traveled
to my base with a group of strangers in the program and returned home with lifelong
friends.”
Her Rocket peers were not alone in making the trip an enriching one, though. “The
children I took care of surprised me with their unique and vibrant personalities every
day,” Allyson said. “Outside of work, I found a home in my placement community and
made connections with locals I will never forget.”
Apart from the professional skills she gained through the program, Allyson cherishes
the boost of confidence it offered in her ability to make decisions and explore the
world around her. The trip also taught her to be more open-minded and flexible in
new environments, encouraging her to learn more about cultures while making time for
things that bring her joy.
Life’s Next Steps: “I plan to earn a Master’s degree in Comparative International Education and teach
abroad after graduation, but for now I am pursuing a graphic design internship with
a cultural nonprofit organization.”
Malachi Fruits
When college students move on to campus and exchange introductions with their roommates
for the first time, they are often meeting their new best friends. But the squad that
Malachi Fruits gained in the fateful Fall of 2020 wasn’t just an entourage for late
night fast food runs or a supportive study group. The crew would one day comprise
a decorated spikeball team!
Malachi along with Tyler Bishop and Raymond Loyal were all taught the game by fellow
College of Engineering Honors student Cedric Bosi as first-year students. Not long
after that, Malachi and Cedric entered themselves into a spikeball tournament and
walked away as winners! The group has since been playing as much of the game as their
schedules will allow.
Following the end of the pandemic, Malachi noticed that no student organization dedicated
to the growing sport existed at UToledo and decided to start his own – the Roundnet
Club. He worked diligently to launch the club by researching similar ones across the
country, recruiting other members, writing a constitution, and planning tournaments.
By October 1st, 2021, it was officially recognized on campus.
“This club has allowed me to not only be more active, but to make more friends and
meet more people than I would have otherwise,” Malachi said. It has even earned this
Computer Science and Engineering student a paid position with the American Spikers
League helping make spikeball more accessible to communities around the country.
The Roundnet Club practices on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays from 6:00 pm until
7:30 pm at Carter Field on UToledo’s Main Campus. If you are a student interested
in spikeball, you are invited to join!
Fun Personal Fact: “I have a twin sister, Mylee Fruits, who also attends UToledo – but I am a foot and
a half taller than her.”
Zoe Bauman
Zoe Bauman had barely started her first semester at UToledo when her focus shifted
from exploring life as a college student to traveling with the Honors College to see
the world. Despite the challenges of planning for an international excursion on a
whirlwind timeline, her persistence paid off when she joined a group of Honors students
and faculty over Spring Break last year on a service learning trip to Riverton City,
Jamaica.
As a Bioengineering major aspiring to a career as an orthopedic surgeon, Zoe was drawn
to the opportunity to help others in need. The group worked with the residents of
Riverton City and members of International Samaritan, a global nonprofit dedicated
to improving the lives of those in dump communities across the world, to create works
of “found art” that could be sold online. The resultant revenue streams will help
lift out of poverty those who earn their income scavenging in the Riverton City dump.
For Zoe, the experience was life-changing – its undeniable highlight the school children
and the families she met along the way. “They showed me what it means to work hard
and to be a part of a community,” Zoe said. “They taught me how to work towards achieving
a better world for all of humanity.”
Her gratitude doesn’t stop there, though. “I would like to thank the Honors College,
Dr. Ashley Pryor, International Samaritan, and the donors who supported our travel
for making it all possible,” she said.
New Perspective: “So often we complain that we have to go to school in the mornings – that 8 a.m. classes
are the worst. What I experienced in Jamaica was so different. School was cherished
as a precious opportunity – a chance to better yourself and to build your life.”
Caitlin Heinze
As a member of the swim team on campus and a marketing intern for UToledo Athletics,
Caitlin Heinze has sure made a splash in her first two years as a Rocket! This Marketing
major is gaining real-world professional experience while also blending a passion
for athletic competition with her drive to promote powerful messages that improve
the lives of others.
Caitlin’s responsibilities include maximizing fan awareness of and attendance at UToledo
athletic events while also hyping the atmosphere at games. You might see her on the
football field or basketball court this season promoting fan engagement by throwing
t-shirts into the stands, picking contestants for games, or handing out giveaway items.
She also does a lot behind the scenes and in the office. The experience has been so
enjoyable for Caitlin that she now hopes to work in a marketing role for college athletics
following graduation.
When Caitlin isn’t inspiring Rocket pride on the sidelines, she is gliding through
the water in competition for it. She has loved getting to meet and engage with others
on the swim team who enjoy the sport just as much as she does. The group is defined
by a supportive camaraderie where each teammate is seen as a person and a student
before they are an athlete, Caitlin says. This encouraging environment reduces the
pressure to always win and allows the team to focus on enjoying the sport rather than
becoming overwhelmed.
Value of Athletics: “Being on the swim team has provided me with numerous opportunities to grow as a person.
I have gained independence, confidence, and further cultivated my work ethic. I love
being able to still surprise myself when I improve my times or swim different events
than usual!”