GPA: Toledo Zoo to hosts U at the Zoo event for college students

        The Toledo Zoo announced the return of U at the Zoo, a special night dedicated to college students, on Thursday, Oct. 3, from 4-9 p.m.
        This special night offers college students, with a valid ID or course schedule, the opportunity to explore the Zoo’s diverse attractions and exhibits at a steeply discounted rate. In addition to reduced-price admission and memberships tailored for this event, guests will enjoy free parking in the Anthony Wayne Trail lot.
        As part of the Toledo Zoo’s Harvest Fest, students can enjoy the seasonal displays, including massive, intricately carved pumpkins that will be showcased across the grounds; entertainment in the Amphitheatre and a variety of activities designed to make the evening unforgettable.
        Guests can expect:
        • Free food offerings and discounted food and beverages throughout the Zoo.
        • Games, entertainment, and animal encounters that bring the Zoo to life after dark.
        • Special giveaways – the first 100 students will receive a free U at the Zoo t-shirt.
        “The Toledo Zoo is committed to being a space for everyone, and we’re especially eager to connect with the young adults attending college in our community,” said Jen Brassil, director of PR and communications at the Zoo. “U at the Zoo is about more than just a fun night out – it’s an opportunity for students to engage with wildlife conservation, learn about the species we care for, and explore how their Zoo membership can benefit them all year long.”
        Visit toledozoo.org/events/college-night for more information and to register.
 
Sept. 30 deadline set for Outstanding Alumni nominations
        Penta Career Center is accepting nominees through Sept. 30 for its annual Outstanding Alumni Awards.
        Since its inception in 1993, these prestigious awards have been presented to 183 Penta alumni. Former students selected as 2024 Outstanding Alumni recipients will be honored at a banquet at Penta on Nov. 14.
        The Outstanding Alumni Awards are presented to individuals who have completed a career-technical program at Penta Career Center (formerly known as Penta County Vocational School). Potential candidates should demonstrate excellence in their careers with evidence of professional accomplishments and community involvement. Nominees must have completed a high school or adult education program at Penta prior to 2014.
        Applications may be completed online at pentacareercenter.org/OutstandingAlumni.aspx.
        Among past award recipients are Jennifer (Byington) Wilkins (Oak Harbor High School), a 1991 alumnus of the Word Processing program; Edward Stribrny (Lake High School), a 1973 alumnus of the Carpentry program; Jarrad Egert (Woodmore High School), a 1995 alumnus of the Automotive Technology program; William Hammer (Woodmore High School), a 1982 alumnus of the Drafting program; Erin McKnight (Eastwood High School), a 2000 alumnus of the Nurse Aide program; and Diana (Escobar) Rodriguez (Genoa High School), a 1999 alumnus of the Administrative Assistant program.
 
Museum to present Maritime Career Day
        The National Museum of the Great Lakes will host the inaugural Maritime Career Day, presented by Interlake Maritime Services, on Wednesday, Oct. 30, from 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
        This event aims to connect junior high and high school students with a wide array of career opportunities related to the maritime and Great Lakes industries.
        The workforce development initiative, designed for students in grades 7-12, will feature a job fair, panel discussions, and various career-focused activities, providing an immersive experience for approximately 200-400 students. Students who register before Oct. 1 will also receive complimentary lunch.
        Attendees will have an opportunity to explore career paths in shipping, environmental science, industry, meteorology, culinary arts, maritime trades, archaeology and research, water quality, recreation, fishing and tourism. There will also be opportunities to connect with career preparation professionals.
        Schools or students interested in participating may contact Cris Shell, Programs & Events Coordinator, at cris.shell@nmgl.org.
        Local businesses and organizations are invited to participate to inspire the next generation to pursue viable careers that contribute to the economic stability and workforce development of our region. Job fair tables will be located in the Museum Gallery and are available for free. Various sponsorship opportunities are also available to support student lunches and other event needs. Businesses and organizations interested in participating in the job fair or sponsoring the event can reach out to Sara Smith at sara.smith@nmgl.org.
        The National Museum of the Great Lakes is located at 1701 Front St., Toledo.
 
Geology research grant applications
        The Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) Division of Geological Survey is accepting applications for the Ohio Geology Student Research Grant program. For the 10th consecutive academic year, the program will support graduate and undergraduate students who conduct geologic research in the state.
        The ODNR Division of Geological Survey will award grants of $2,500 each to up to three earth science students at Ohio colleges and universities. Grantees will be selected based on the quality of their application, the strength of their professor’s letter of recommendation, and how relevant their proposed research is to the Division’s mission and to furthering understanding of Ohio geology. The deadline for application submission is Friday, Dec. 6.
        The application and complete submission guidelines can be found on the Division’s website, at ohiodnr.gov/buy-and-apply/apply-for-grants/grants/ohio-geology-student-research. Candidates must be enrolled in a full-time graduate or undergraduate earth science studies program at an accredited college or university in Ohio for the 2024–2025 academic year.
        Previous grant recipients have conducted studies that mapped bedrock stratigraphy, characterized groundwater aquifers, and assessed impacts of human activities on soils and surface streams, among other projects.
 
Owens Aspire student, educator win awards
        An educator and former student in the Owens Aspire Program for adult learners each received awards from the Ohio Department of Higher Education during Ohio Adult Education Week.
        Duaa MustafaAli, an instructor in the English for Speakers of Other Languages program, was named the Outstanding Educator of the Year for the Northwest District. She was one of six winners across the state.
        Millicent Carrick, who recently passed all components of the GED test and earned her High School Equivalency credential, was named the Outstanding Student of the Year for the Northwest District. Carrick was one of five statewide winners.
        “We are thrilled to know that, in our region, both the Outstanding Educator and Outstanding Student came from the Owens program,” said Heath Huber, director of the Aspire Program. “Many nominations from all over the state were submitted, each celebrating the efforts of students and staff alike in improving the quality of life for Ohio residents through adult basic education and workforce preparation.”
        MustafaAli, who has been at Owens for more than five years, said her award is a reflection not only of her efforts but those of the entire Aspire program, saying it’s “a recognition of how much we all invest in our students’ success.”
        According to Huber, Carrick, of Toledo, showed strength in overcoming challenges along her way, showing skill and perseverance.
        MustafaAli and Carrick will be recognized during the Ohio Association for Adult and Continuing Education Award Luncheon on Friday, October 25, in Dublin.