 | This year, Summer in the City presented by Owens Corning once again proved why the Toledo Region is such an incredible place for emerging talent to grow, connect, and thrive. With 184 interns representing universities from across the country and 24 companies investing in our future workforce, this year’s program was one of our biggest and most engaging yet. Throughout the summer, interns had the chance to explore everything Toledo has to offer, from networking and professional development to culture, food, sports and more Here’s a look at some highlights from our 2025 Summer in the City event schedule: |
Intern Social Series: Showcasing the Toledo Region
Summer Kickoff @ Toledo Pickle Co.
We launched the summer with a bang at Toledo Pickle Co., the region’s hottest new destination for all things fun and active. With 10 indoor courts, two outdoor courts, a rock-climbing wall, cornhole, shuffleboard, and even boat docks, interns had no shortage of ways to jump in and try something new. After a quick pickleball lesson, friendly matches broke out across the courts - laughter, high-fives, and good-natured rivalries included. Great food kept everyone fueled while interns mingled with fellow participants and connected with community partners like Adventus Climbing, Destination Toledo, EPIC Toledo, Franklin Park Mall, the Italian Bowl, Metroparks Toledo, and TARTA.
Pins & Pizza @ Incredibowl Entertainment Center
At our second event, interns got an exclusive look at Toledo’s newest entertainment hotspot, Incredibowl Entertainment Center, for a night that combined friendly competition with unexpected connections. We mixed up the teams to encourage interns to break out of their comfort zones and flex both their bowling skills and networking game right there on the lanes. Between strikes, spares, and a few gutter balls, new friendships formed over hot pizza, laughter, and the excitement of discovering something new in Toledo.
Toledo Mud Hens Baseball Game
Nothing says summer in Toledo like a night at Fifth Third Field, and our interns got the full hometown experience cheering on the Mud Hens under the city lights. From catching fly balls to swapping stories in the stands, the group soaked up the electric energy of downtown and made lasting memories over classic ballpark snacks - hot dogs, nachos, peanuts, and ice-cold drinks - while enjoying America’s favorite pastime in the heart of the city.
River Cruise on the Glass City Pearl
One of the summer’s most memorable nights was our sunset cruise aboard the Glass City Pearl, a stunning 64-foot, multi-level yacht-style boat that gave interns a fresh perspective on Toledo’s waterfront. As we glided down the Mighty Maumee River and out into beautiful Lake Erie, interns soaked up breathtaking skyline views, snapped photos with new friends, and enjoyed cool summer tunes. The laid-back vibe was complete with mouthwatering food from City Barbeque, making this cruise not just an event — but an experience that truly showcased Toledo’s charm from the water.
Summer Kickoff @ Toledo Pickle Co.
We launched the summer with a bang at Toledo Pickle Co., the region’s hottest new destination for all things fun and active. With 10 indoor courts, two outdoor courts, a rock-climbing wall, cornhole, shuffleboard, and even boat docks, interns had no shortage of ways to jump in and try something new. After a quick pickleball lesson, friendly matches broke out across the courts - laughter, high-fives, and good-natured rivalries included. Great food kept everyone fueled while interns mingled with fellow participants and connected with community partners like Adventus Climbing, Destination Toledo, EPIC Toledo, Franklin Park Mall, the Italian Bowl, Metroparks Toledo, and TARTA.
Pins & Pizza @ Incredibowl Entertainment Center
At our second event, interns got an exclusive look at Toledo’s newest entertainment hotspot, Incredibowl Entertainment Center, for a night that combined friendly competition with unexpected connections. We mixed up the teams to encourage interns to break out of their comfort zones and flex both their bowling skills and networking game right there on the lanes. Between strikes, spares, and a few gutter balls, new friendships formed over hot pizza, laughter, and the excitement of discovering something new in Toledo.
Toledo Mud Hens Baseball Game
Nothing says summer in Toledo like a night at Fifth Third Field, and our interns got the full hometown experience cheering on the Mud Hens under the city lights. From catching fly balls to swapping stories in the stands, the group soaked up the electric energy of downtown and made lasting memories over classic ballpark snacks - hot dogs, nachos, peanuts, and ice-cold drinks - while enjoying America’s favorite pastime in the heart of the city.
River Cruise on the Glass City Pearl
One of the summer’s most memorable nights was our sunset cruise aboard the Glass City Pearl, a stunning 64-foot, multi-level yacht-style boat that gave interns a fresh perspective on Toledo’s waterfront. As we glided down the Mighty Maumee River and out into beautiful Lake Erie, interns soaked up breathtaking skyline views, snapped photos with new friends, and enjoyed cool summer tunes. The laid-back vibe was complete with mouthwatering food from City Barbeque, making this cruise not just an event — but an experience that truly showcased Toledo’s charm from the water.
What Our Interns Had to Say
“Summer in the City was an incredible experience that allowed me to build meaningful connections. It gave me a chance to discover more of what makes Toledo special and it pushed me to grow both personally and professionally.”
- Selena Cade, Owens Corning
“I was extremely blessed to have participated in SITC. It was an amazing opportunity to not only meet other interns in the area but find out more about the Toledo area. From pickleball to learning about networking, SITC has been an EPIC feature of my summer. It has made me really appreciate all that Toledo can offer. Thank you to Jeff Schaaf for hosting all of these wonderful events. I had a blast.”
- Ben Kasper, Libbey
Intern Development Series: Growing Tomorrow’s Leaders
In addition to exploring Toledo and making lasting connections, Summer in the City interns also dove deep into professional development through a powerful lineup of workshops and panels designed to build skills, spark ideas, and inspire confidence.
The Connected Leader
At the vibrant TolHouse, interns kicked off the series with The Connected Leader, an interactive session led by Daniel Woodcock, founder of Peacock Social and Drone Works Photo. Daniel shared real-world strategies on how to build genuine connections, earn trust, and expand influence in any industry. Interns walked away with fresh insights and practical tools to lead with authenticity — skills that will serve them wherever their careers take them.
The Ideal Intern Panel
Inside the historic elegance of The Toledo Club, interns heard it straight from the source during The Ideal Intern Panel. Moderated by Craig Turner and DeMya Wimberly from the University of Toledo, this candid discussion pulled back the curtain on what employers are really looking for in their next great hire. From communication tips to real-life examples of standing out in the workplace, interns left ready to raise the bar in every role they take on.
Young Professional Panel
Next, interns gathered at the sleek Welltower World HQ for the Young Professional Panel, hosted by EPIC Toledo. Moderator Riley Runnells guided an honest conversation with EPIC Advisory Members who once stood exactly where this year’s interns stand now. They shared personal stories about why they chose to build their futures in Toledo, the hidden gems that make the region special, and how to turn a summer internship into a launching pad for a fulfilling career — right here at home.
July 8 — Building Resilience for Success
To wrap up the series, interns met at The Andersons World HQ for an inspiring session on Building Resilience for Success. Led by Marriah Kornowa from NAMI Toledo, this session gave interns practical strategies to manage stress, stay focused, and bounce back stronger from life’s inevitable challenges. In a world that demands adaptability, this session reminded interns that resilience is not just a skill — it’s a superpower for both personal and professional growth.
Together, these sessions gave interns more than knowledge — they gave them the confidence and community they need to step boldly into their next chapter.
In addition to exploring Toledo and making lasting connections, Summer in the City interns also dove deep into professional development through a powerful lineup of workshops and panels designed to build skills, spark ideas, and inspire confidence.
The Connected Leader
At the vibrant TolHouse, interns kicked off the series with The Connected Leader, an interactive session led by Daniel Woodcock, founder of Peacock Social and Drone Works Photo. Daniel shared real-world strategies on how to build genuine connections, earn trust, and expand influence in any industry. Interns walked away with fresh insights and practical tools to lead with authenticity — skills that will serve them wherever their careers take them.
The Ideal Intern Panel
Inside the historic elegance of The Toledo Club, interns heard it straight from the source during The Ideal Intern Panel. Moderated by Craig Turner and DeMya Wimberly from the University of Toledo, this candid discussion pulled back the curtain on what employers are really looking for in their next great hire. From communication tips to real-life examples of standing out in the workplace, interns left ready to raise the bar in every role they take on.
Young Professional Panel
Next, interns gathered at the sleek Welltower World HQ for the Young Professional Panel, hosted by EPIC Toledo. Moderator Riley Runnells guided an honest conversation with EPIC Advisory Members who once stood exactly where this year’s interns stand now. They shared personal stories about why they chose to build their futures in Toledo, the hidden gems that make the region special, and how to turn a summer internship into a launching pad for a fulfilling career — right here at home.
July 8 — Building Resilience for Success
To wrap up the series, interns met at The Andersons World HQ for an inspiring session on Building Resilience for Success. Led by Marriah Kornowa from NAMI Toledo, this session gave interns practical strategies to manage stress, stay focused, and bounce back stronger from life’s inevitable challenges. In a world that demands adaptability, this session reminded interns that resilience is not just a skill — it’s a superpower for both personal and professional growth.
Together, these sessions gave interns more than knowledge — they gave them the confidence and community they need to step boldly into their next chapter.
What Employers Are Saying
“The Andersons has been a proud sponsor of the Summer in the City program for several years now because we believe that all interns deserve every opportunity to network with other local, young professionals, and form connections with the community in which they work.”
- Greg Zink, The Andersons, Inc.
“We received great feedback from our student employees about the Summer in the City program. It was a great way for them to connect with other summer interns in the area and see all that Toledo has to offer. By immersing students in meaningful professional experiences and local events, we’re helping cultivate the next generation of talent who will power our region’s growth.”
-Mike Alek, SSOE
| Thank You! Thank You to Our Sponsors Summer in the City wouldn’t be possible without the generous support of our sponsors. Your commitment makes this program a reality and helps us continue to grow the next generation of Toledo’s leaders and innovators. Thank you to:
See You Next Summer! To every intern, employer, community partner, and sponsor - thank you for making Summer in the City 2025 a success. We can’t wait to welcome a new class of talented young professionals next year! Interested in joining or supporting us next year? Contact Jeff Schaaf, VP Talent Strategy & Signature Events, at [email protected] or 567.420.1231. |  |
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