The Marlene and Joe Toot Global Learning Center to Open January 2018
Walsh University announced today that the newest academic building will be named The Marlene and Joe Toot Global Learning Center to recognize the Toots’ legacy of support for Walsh as well as their committed interest in education and innovation.
In addition to the Toots’ generosity, The Global Learning Center was made possible through the support of many donors to the largest capital campaign in the University’s history, the $30 million We Believe Campaign.
The two-story, 44,000-square-foot academic facility was designed to promote creativity and teaching excellence with an emphasis on collaboration among different academic disciplines in a worldwide setting.The building will open in January. A formal dedication ceremony is scheduled for February 9, 2018. The community will be invited to tour the new building during a public open house on Friday, February 9, from 3 to 5 p.m. Additional details will be released closer to the event.
Marlene Toot said, "I’m happy we can make this gift to Walsh, a university which gave me an excellent education. As a mid-career undergraduate, I understand the importance of getting an education at any age. I am indebted to Walsh for giving me that opportunity."
A former trustee of Walsh, Joe Toot commented, "The Center offers an interdisciplinary approach to academic innovation on a global scale. That’s groundbreaking stuff. It’s a big step for Walsh and a giant step for the faculty and students who will teach and learn here."
He continued, "My wife graduated from Walsh Summa Cum Laude in 1985. She has served on committees for the University and today is a member of the Walsh Board. I am very proud of her accomplishments as well as her dedication to the University. We are immensely pleased to be part of the creation of this Center."
Marlene Toot is a Nutritionist. Her husband is the retired President and CEO of The Timken Company. Both are ardent and accomplished shotgun shooters. They share their household in Canton with two English Setters, Purdey and Annie.