UToledo to Host Panel Discussion on Jeep History

UToledo to Host Panel Discussion on Jeep History

Toledo Jeep Fest, in partnership with the America250 Campaign, will host a special public program titled "Jeep: Forged in Toledo - The People Behind an American Icon" at 10 a.m. Tuesday, April 21, in The University of Toledo's Carlson Library.

The event is free and open to the public.

Local historian and author Tedd Long will lead a multimedia presentation exploring Toledo's vital role in the birth of the Jeep. The program will spotlight the engineers, factory workers, soldiers and Toledo families whose lives were shaped by the vehicle's production.

"Toledo didn't just build Jeep - Toledo gave Jeep to the world," said Whitney Rofkar, event director of Toledo Jeep Fest. "This program is our way of honoring the thousands of workers and families who poured their lives into that vehicle and made it a symbol of American toughness and freedom. As we celebrate 85 years of Jeep alongside the 250th anniversary of our nation, there's no better moment to tell that story."

Following Long's presentation, a panel discussion will bring together community leaders, historians and industry representatives.

Confirmed panelists include:

• Laura Koprowski, CEO of TARTA

• Dr. Ted Ligibel, director emeritus of the Historic Preservation Program at Eastern Michigan University

• Chris Dziubek, deputy director of the Veterans Service Commission for Lucas County

• Jerry Huber, retired Toledo Assembly Complex plant manager and Toledo Jeep Fest board member

• Pete Gerken, Lucas County commissioner

• Diana Spalding, UAW Local 12 curator and Jeep retirees historian

• A representative from the Stellantis Toledo Assembly Complex

The event is co-presented by Mercy Health and hosted by UToledo, with the America250-Ohio Campaign and TARTA serving as key partners. Free parking is available in Area 10.