Tradition Never Graduates – Trish Hausknecht ‘82

Published: August 5, 2025

You would have a hard time finding a bigger fan of the Toledo community than Trish Hausknecht ’82. 

For more than 20 years, Trish has been part of changing the Toledo landscape – literally and figuratively – with Metroparks Toledo. 

After graduating from The University of Toledo, Trish lived in the state of Oregon for several years, where she worked in management and human resources. When she was 8 months pregnant with her first child, Trish and her husband, Gavin Smith, moved back to Toledo. 

She worked as a substitute teacher at Gesu School when her children attended school there, and then started as Volunteer Coordinator with the Metroparks in 2003, managing a volunteer corps of more than 5,000. Over the years, she also has served the Metroparks as Volunteer Services Manager, Marketing and Event Manager, and today is the Community Engagement Manager. In this role, Trish works to connect the individuals, organizations, and the community as a whole with Metroparks Toledo. 

Trish’s NDA roots have helped her in her professional life. “When I was an NDA student, I took a speech class with Mrs. Trish Sanders ‘71, which taught me public speaking skills that I use every day in my role with the Metroparks,” shares Trish. “I also cultivated my love of biology in classes with Mrs. Kathleen Singler and Sr. Mary Stanley SND.” 

But Trish’s favorite part of her journey thus far has been simply, “Toledo! I am thrilled by the changes that have been happening here, and proud of not only the Metroparks, but the entire community that supports our parks,” explains Trish. 

“What we’ve done so far has been a gift unwrapped for Toledo, and I’m proud to have had a piece of that – not just for now, but for the future. The excitement of the people here, and our shared passion and enthusiasm, makes all the difference.”

For Trish, the key to success has been using her skills to do what she loves. “It’s so important to enjoy what you do, especially in your career, since that is how you spend the majority of your time,” she says. 

Trish also believes that it is critical for women to support other women. “I can’t think of anything more important than women supporting one another, in education, and in all that we do.”