Special to The Truth
Lourdes University will honor Thomas J. Winston during its Spring Commencement ceremony on Saturday, May 10, 2025, at 1:00 p.m. The ceremony will occur at the Russell J. Ebeid Recreation Center on the Lourdes campus at 6832 Convent Blvd.
Winston, a Lourdes University Board Member and the president and CEO of the Toledo-Lucas County Port Authority, will be bestowed with a Doctor of Public Service, Honoris Causa degree during the ceremony. He will also grace the event as the 68th Commencement speaker, offering insights from his extensive business and leadership experience.
In his role at the Port Authority, Thomas Winston is responsible for developing and implementing the organization’s strategic direction. He oversees all operations and development activities, including aviation, maritime, economic development, financing programs, brownfield redevelopment, property acquisition, downtown parking operations, and other strategic activities associated with the Port Authority’s multi-modal facilities.
Winston joined the Port Authority in 2010 as vice president, Administration and Chief Financial Officer, leading its accounting, financing programs, legal, IT and human resources departments. He became president and CEO in September 2019.
Before joining the Port Authority, Winston held increasing leadership responsibilities in diverse business capacities with several industry-leading corporations, including Owens Corning, Pfizer, and Nuveen Investments.
A native of Chicago, Illinois, Winston earned his Bachelor of Arts in Economics and Philosophy from Ohio Wesleyan University in 1992 and his Master of Business Administration in Finance and Marketing from Loyola University Chicago in 1998.
Winston is a member of the internationally recognized Association for Financial Professionals (AFP). In addition to his work at Lourdes, he serves on the Board of Trustees for Imagination Station, Boys & Girls Club of Toledo, Toledo Opera Association, The Toledo Museum of Art, The Ohio Minority Supplier Development Council, and is Chair of the Ohio Economic Development Association.
In recognition of his profound contributions to business and leadership, Lourdes University is proud to confer upon Thomas J. Winston an honorary degree, celebrating his dedication to and impact on community service.