Dec 28, 2010

Looking Back at 2010: Proudly Cincinnati at UC

Can you believe the final days of 2010 are upon us already? New Year’s is a natural time for reflection, as we pause to take stock of the year gone by before turning our focus to the challenges and opportunities that await in 2011. And after considering just some of the wonderful happenings at UC in the past 12 months, there’s little doubt 2010 was a great year to be Proudly Cincinnati.

We want to thank everyone – from faculty, staff and students, to alumni, friends and supporters – for helping make this a year to remember. We hope the New Year brings even more wonderful things to each and every one of you, and we thank you for reading our blog. Be safe and enjoy celebrating the New Year with your family and friends!

As we bid farewell to 2010, here’s our top-10 list of reasons we were Proudly Cincinnati in 2010:
  1. Being part of four of the five Centers of Excellence named so far by the state of Ohio and the Ohio Board of Regents
  2. Being named the only public “Green University” in Ohio by The Princeton Review.
  3. Doubling the number of start-up companies sparked by UC researchers.
  4. Launching of the student-led Proudly Pennies campaign and the "1819" alumni giving effort.
  5. Formation of the new UC Health system.
  6. Launching our new strategic plan, UC2019 – Accelerating Our Transformation.
  7. Ranking among the top 200 World Universities, according to The Times Higher Education magazine in London.
  8. Welcoming the largest enrollment in UC history, with over 41,350 students arriving in fall quarter.
  9. Being named one of the world's most beautiful college campuses by Forbes Magazine.
  10. Reaching the $715-million mark in our $1 billion Proudly Cincinnati Campaign.
 What were you most excited about? Is there something we missed? Weigh in below and let us know!

Dec 27, 2010

UC vs. XU Crosstown Shootout Game-Watches Scheduled Nationwide

Looking for a place to watch the upcoming Crosstown Shootout on Thursday, January 6?  Have no fear! The University of Cincinnati Alumni Association has several scheduled in cities across the country.  Click the links below for information on your city's game-watch.  If your city is not featured below and you're interested in organizing a game-watch, please contact Matt Crone at the UC Alumni Association.

Las Vegas: Crosstown Shootout Game Watch

San Diego: Crosstown Shootout Game Watch

Cincinnati: African American Alum Crosstown Shootout Happy Hour

Chicago: Crosstown Shootout Game Watch

Dallas: Crosstown Shootout Game Watch

Milwaukee: Crosstown Shootout Game Watch

Minneapolis/St. Paul: Crosstown Shootout Game Watch

St. Louis: Crosstown Shootout Game Watch

Boston: Crosstown Shootout Game Watch

Charlotte: Crosstown Shootout Game Watch

Columbus: Crosstown Shootout Game Watch

Dayton: Crosstown Shootout Game Watch

Detroit: Crosstown Shootout Game Watch

Indianapolis: Crosstown Shootout Game Watch

NYC: Crosstown Shootout Game-Watch

Orlando: Crosstown Shootout Game Watch

Philadelphia: Crosstown Shootout Game Watch

Raleigh: Crosstown Shootout Game Watch

Richmond/Tidewater: Crosstown Shootout Game Watch

Tampa: Crosstown Shootout Game Watch

Washington DC: Crosstown Shootout Game Watch

Dec 22, 2010

Unique UC Research Center Fights the Flu

The flu. We’ve all had it: the aching, the coughing, the fevers. For most of us, a bout with the flu can’t be over soon enough. But for researchers at UC, the flu is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to intriguing illnesses.

The University of Cincinnati’s Midwest Center for Emerging Infectious Diseases (MI-CEID) exists for the sole purpose of researching, preventing and containing biological threats throughout the country: bioterrorism, biological threats, pandemic outbreaks and yes, even seasonal flu viruses.

Malak Kotb, Ph.D., chair of the department of molecular genetics, biochemistry and microbiology at UC’s College of Medicine, oversees the MI-CEID program, which is a collaborative effort between several medical disciplines, including researchers within UC, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), local hospitals, regional health departments and more. According to Kotb, the joint approach has been a key to the center’s success:

Solutions to disease treatment and prevention require innovation – and you can’t be innovative and be in silos. And without private support to spur on the ground-breaking research we do day in and day, essential studies – including those that can save lives or reduce medical costs – would not exist.

So if you get hit with the flu bug this year – and we hope you don’t! – take heart; thanks to the unique vision at UC’s MI-CEID, future treatments will be more timely and effective than ever. And that’s nothing to sneeze at!

Dec 17, 2010

UC's College of Medicine Visits DC!

Thanks to all our DC alumni who came out to the Washington Marriott Wardman Park on December 7th for our College of Medicine reception. We hope you enjoyed meeting our host, Dr. Andrew T. Filak, Acting Interim Dean of the College of Medicine and Vice President for Health Affairs.

Did you attend this event? Find your photo below and tell us what you learned about the College of Medicine!











Dec 15, 2010

Nominate an Outstanding UC Alum for an Alumni Award!

Do you know an outstanding UC alum? Now is your chance to recognize a UC alumnus/alumnae for his/her achievements. UCAA is accepting nominations for the annual Alumni Awards. The deadline for all nominations is January 31, 2011. Recognize an alumnus/alumna by nominating them for one of the following awards:
  • William Howard Taft Medal for Notable Achievement - presented to an alumnus/alumna solely on the basis of significant life achievements in his/her chosen field.
  • Jeffrey Hurwitz Young Alumni Outstanding Achievement Award – given to an alumnus/alumna, 35 years or younger on the basis of significant professional achievement in his/her field, and continued involvement with the university.
  • Alumni Distinguished Service Award – given to an alumnus/alumna who has made an outstanding contribution of service to UC.
  • Alumni Association Mosaic Award – presented to an alumnus/alumna who has demonstrated leadership while enhancing our shared community.
The seven 2010 honorees included:

William Howard Taft Medal for Notable Achievement

  • Dr. Nancy Hamant, A&S '57, CECH '61 and '67
Alumni Distinguished Service Award
  • Robert Dobbs, Bus '76 and '88 
  • James Kelly, Sr., CECH '51 and '65 (presented posthumously)
Jeffrey Hurwitz Young Alumni Outstanding Achievement Award
  • Ryan Rybolt, Eng '97
Mosaic Award
  • Dr. Rebecca Lee, RWC '01, Nur '03, '05 and '08
  • Linda Bates Parker, A&S '70 (presented posthumously)
  • J. Erin Riehle, Nur '81 and '92

Read more about these honorees. 
Click here to nominate an alum today!

Dec 14, 2010

Congratulations Class of 2010!

Saturday’s Winter Commencement ceremony launched 2,409 Bearcats into the career world. This graduating class earned a total of 2,456 degrees, including:
  • 312 associate degrees
  • 1,082 baccalaureate degrees
  • 899 master’s degrees
  • 163 doctoral or professional degrees
  • 77 Cum Laude (GPA between 3.60 - 3.7499) degrees
  • 65 Magna Cum Laude (GPA between 3.75-3.8999) degrees
Graduates spanned the age continuum from an 18-year-old earning an associate’s degree to a 74-year-old earning a master’s degree. Missed the record by quite a few years though…Watch these stunning videos of some of the oldest and youngest graduates on record!

Also, be sure to check out a special slideshow and video of this year's ceremony here.

Know any graduates in this year’s class? Shout out your well wishes and career advice in the comments below!

Dec 13, 2010

Dress to Impress To Land That Dream Job

Luccioni is a certified etiquette expert
and one of less than 100 certified image
professionals in the U.S.
(photo courtesy of uc.edu)
We all know you should never wear jeans and a ratty t-shirt to an interview. That's a given. But did you know, even if you think you look really nice and professional, the earrings you wear, or even certain colors you wear to a job interview can actually make or break your chances of being considered for the job? 

LisaMarie Luccioni, Communications professor in UC’s McMicken College of Arts & Sciences and Certified Image Professional, offers some quick and easy tips to help you dress to impress!

1.    Never underestimate the value and strategy of business clothing.
Lisa says: “There is a cost affiliated with your experience and degree, and you want to broadcast that with your appearance.”

2.    Buy fewer, better pieces
Lisa says: “I'd recommend spending more money on one or two good suits (or bottoms and coordinating jackets) than more garments of cheaper, inferior quality.  Not only do cheap garments visibly appear less impressive, they fall apart after several periods of dry cleaning.” On that note, consider using a clothing steamer instead of always dry cleaning.  Continual dry cleaning can wear material quicker.  Also, consider dry cleaning suit items together, so the colors remain consistent throughout wardrobe rotation.

3.    Dress for your industry

Lisa says: “My business students would have the expectation to dress in more conservative attire than perhaps a DAAP (design) student.  That said, even in business environments, there's flexibility in expectation.  An accounting/finance major is expected to cut a more conservative, trustworthy appearance (they deal with people's money and should communicate responsibility).  However, a marketing student in that same college has more flexibility in clothing choices.”

4.    Go with the basics

Lisa says: “Research shows that white and light blue shirts trump other colors in terms of credibility and professionalism.  Moreover, white goes with every color and is beautifully complimented by any color tie.  Women have more options on a job interview.  White and cream work, but pale yellow, peach, light blue, sage green, or even pale pink can work.”

5. Always inquire about dress expectation.
Lisa says: “If they say "business casual is appropriate," I'd follow up with a clarifying question of what that actually means.  Never fear asking questions.”

6.    Make sure you have a nice winter overcoat.
Lisa says: “Consider these investment pieces.  If you cannot afford one, perhaps ask for one as a holiday or birthday gift.”

7.    Shoes and accessories matter
Lisa says: “If you wear an elegant suit, but have scuffed shoes, you're not presenting visual consistency.  Women sometimes wear distractive jewelry (earrings, for example), that twirl and move as they talk.  Don’t. People DO notice shoes, watches and jewelry.  I'd invest in a nice leather or stainless steel watch rather than using a cell phone to tell time.  It's a nonverbal indication of punctuality.”

8.    Tailor your suits
Lisa says: “Very few people fit exactly into off-the-rack clothing.  Invest in a tailor who will make necessary adjustments so your clothes actually fit.”

9.    Invest in a leather portfolio and/or briefcase
Lisa says: “I’m partial to the leather portfolios from office supply stores that have retractable handles.  Not only do you now have visual representation of your work (resume, references, letters of recommendation, etc.), you look utterly streamlined with your polished suit and accompanying portfolio.”

Finally, Lisa offers some quick etiquette tips once you’re in the interview:

1.    Wait for a seat to be offered before you sit. 
The interviewer should send you signals:  "Please have a seat," to which you then respond, "Thank you." 

2.    Interviewers will often engage in small talk to establish rapport. 
Polish your conversational skills so you're perceived as a smooth, engaging conversationalist. If they ask you, "How were the directions?” Respond in a positive manner.  I don't care if you ended up in Idaho and the directions were actually confusing.  You want the interview to begin, progress, and end on a positive note.  Complaining about directions seems petty and gets the interview off to a bad start.

Do you have career search experience?  What are some good tactics you've used in the past?

Happy job hunting!

Dec 10, 2010

DAAP Student Co-ops at Christie's and Lippincott in NYC

How did you decide to co-op in NYC?
My fourth grade teacher ignited my passion for NYC and the summer after my fourth grade year, I actually went to the city for the first time and had an amazing experience. When it came time to my first co-op, I applied to Christie’s and really wanted to work there because my dad worked there while I was in middle school. I was excited to find out I got the co-op at Christies and couldn’t believe I would be spending a whole 3 months in NYC working in Rockefeller Center. On my first day I was overwhelmed walking by the Today Show and I couldn’t stop thinking “I’m only 19 and I’m doing this!”

Where was your co-op/internship located?
I co-oped 3 times in New York – twice for Christie’s and once for Lippincott.

How did the move to NYC go? Did anyone help show you the ropes in NYC?

I had been to NYC many times with my family prior to my co-op so I knew how to take a subway and knew how to get around. The first time I co-oped I lived in Brooklyn and had to get used to the morning commute of 50 minutes on the train – I ended up reading lots of books and listening to music.

Every day after work I couldn’t help but look up and pay attention to the millions of things that New Yorkers had already forgotten. After work I would go on some sort of mini adventure that brought extra life to my co-op. Every Monday morning we would have progress meetings and my Creative Director encouraged me to share what I had been doing in the city. It was neat to see the people in the office see the city in a different way as I shared what I had been doing and how I was falling in love with NYC.

What was your favorite mini adventure in NYC?

I went to the Pierre just for fun. I just wanted to hang out and see what it was all about. I went in there and I was really looking around and admiring the spectacle of it all. The workers started whispering to each other and I started to wonder if I was doing something wrong. Well come to find out, they thought I was a spy from the Waldorf because I was looking so intently at everything. They felt bad about the situation and sat me down. I ended up establishing a relationship with the people that worked at the Pierre. Every once in a while I would go to the lounge and a worker would take my umbrella or bag and put them away and another worker would come and bring me olives, nuts and a 7-up. They would tell me stories about the history of the Pierre. They saw me as a genuine person and not someone that would make them serve them, but the still made me feel like royalty.

Can you explain your experience co-oping/interning in NYC? What types of projects did you complete at your co-op?

There was a catalog project that I did with Christies looking at cross marketing between the post war contemporary and English furniture. I got to work directly with the creative director, the specialist, and with the London office. They ended up doing the same thing we did in London. I also worked on a project with one of the creative directors in Hong Kong. Working with another language and thinking about how the meanings of colors differ in other cultures, was really interesting and forced me to think globally.

At Lippincott, I was thrown into the mix and I got to work on some really big name clients and logos. Their office is on 59th and Park so still being in the heart of the city and all of the action. I got many opportunities. It wasn’t just making copies and cutting out boards, I was right there with all of the designers working to create functional art.

Then through Christie’s I was talking to my creative director and I was saying I was interested in looking more at Swiss design because DAAP is Swiss based. I could fit a quarter in of going to school in Basil. My creative director said, “Oh, well I’m from Basil and I grew up in Basil. I have a ton of people I know in Basil.” He shared with me some friends of his that also went to school for design that are still in Switzerland. I interviewed with one of them and ended up co-oping the next two quarters in Switzerland. Co-op gives you great networking opportunities to make connections and use them to work and think globally.

What did you walk away from the experience with? Can you compare yourself before and after the experience?

During the first co-op I was looking for an apartment for I’d never seen. I was going from the dorm to the apartment in NYC so I was learning how to cook, go to the market and function in an urban environment. I had to grow as a person. I realized I was able to endure the pressure and push of NYC. If I would have stayed just in Cincinnati, I don’t know if I would’ve grown to be the person I am today.

Anything else you wanted to add about your co-op or living in NYC?
The first time I co-oped I created a huge list of everything I wanted to see and then I didn’t finish the list. Then things kept getting added and I realized I will never finish that list. It’s so cool to know when you move to NYC you have the whole world at your fingertips. You’re able to see the world by just hopping on the train, going two stops and entering into a new place. I love NYC because you are able to experience so much and push the way that you think. You can walk down a block every single day and it will keep changing. I love the idea that NYC is this liquid, ever-changing city.

Dec 8, 2010

UC Grad Develops Concept Company to Connect Design Student Freelancers with Businesses

UC DAAP alumnus Adam Treister
wants to help businesses save money by
connecting them with student designers.
(Photo courtesy of
Kenny Kemp, wvgazette.com)
Do you remember finishing big projects in college, only to end up throwing them out or filing them away with the rest of your memorabilia, never to be used again?

My name is Adam Treister, and my time as a DAAP architecture student at the University of Cincinnati included about 10 of these projects. I worked extremely hard trying to impress professors and classmates, later to find that all of my hard work received mere letter grades to denote my successes. My guess is that many recent grads can relate to this.

Since graduation, I have studied this issue and have created an idea for a company that connects talented students with businesses that could push their ideas beyond the classroom. It’s called Student Designed, and it takes the form of a technology firm and social networking website.

Here’s how it works:
•    Companies, organizations and government agencies would create accounts with Student Designed and request proposals for creative work.
•    Businesses would pay design students for their projects -- significantly less than what they'd spend to hire an established design firm.
•    Professors would help to facilitate this process by organizing class projects based on real-life problems, and by guiding students using their proven expertise.
•    Depending upon the size and scale of the project, classrooms could either reinvest the money on the experience, or compensate students directly.

Students have often freelanced with businesses, and businesses have even sought long-term relationships with universities. The problem is that this process is complicated, and most businesses don’t have the resources to pursue it. Student Designed will streamline the interaction, allowing businesses and students to easily collaborate.

Can’t afford a laptop or next semester’s tuition? Are your customers not interested in your classic way of thinking? Just recommend that your professor or boss make your next project “Student Designed.”

Watch the Student Designed YouTube video, and e-mail any questions to treister.adam@studentdesigned.com.



How do you think your company could benefit from a service like Student Designed? Comment below!

Adam submitted his idea into the Pepsi Refresh Project for the month of November, but unfortunately wasn't selected. Treister's idea was one of 1,000 entries competing for $25,000 to jump start their business venture.

Dec 3, 2010

Final Chicago Bearcat Gamewatch of the Year!

This Saturday will wrap up our Final Bearcat Gamewatch. It's Senior Day, it's the Riverboat Rivalry, it's Pitt and it's our game against the ‘stache. Come join us at O’Leary’s as we cheer on the ‘Cats against Wanny and the Panthers of Pittsburgh. Game time is 11am CT.

See you there!
Dave Watkins

Dec 1, 2010

UC Pride Atop Mount Kilimanjaro

University of Cincinnati alumnus Marc J. Scheineson
boasts his UC pride at nearly 20,000 feet on the top of Mt.
Kilimanjaro, along with his colleague, Fionnula Lynch
Marc Scheineson confronted his "mid-life crisis" this past October by committing to climb Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania with some of his former law colleagues. The climb was part of a charity challenge to support the Norwood/Hope Center, a school for autistic and learning disabled children in England.

When asked why he summited to the highest point on the African continent, Marc said (with apologies to George Mallory) "Because it was there and that's what Bearcats do."

Marc earned his bachelor’s degree in Political Science and Biology at the University of Cincinnati College of Arts and Sciences in 1977. He went on to receive a Juris Doctorate from UC’s College of Law in 1980. Currently, Marc is a partner and heads the food and drug practice in the Washington, D.C. office of Alston + Bird, a 1,000+ lawyer law firm based in Atlanta, Georgia. For more information on Marc Scheineson, visit his alumni profile here.

Have you shown you’re “Proudly Cincinnati” in a unique way around the nation’s capital or elsewhere?  Share your story by commenting below!

Nov 30, 2010

UC vs. UCONN Gamewatch


 Thanks to everyone who joined us for the UC vs. UCONN gamewatch! About 60 fans came out to show their support, and we all had a great time! Bummer we lost, but it was fun nonetheless. :) Enjoy the photos!




Nov 23, 2010

Turkey Time in Nation's Capitol

Well, it's turkey time and Bearcats in the nation's capitol are making tracks to spend time with their families. To folks heading out of town: safe travels and try to maintain your sanity on I-66, I-95 and I-270. Just remember, getting out of town is the hardest part! For folks headed to Cincinnati, be sure to mix in some Skyline and Graeters with your turkey and stuffing, or even White Castles as Dean Johnson suggests! ;) I myself am staying local.

On that note... any UC alums staying in town want to cheer on the Bengals and Bearcats with me this weekend? I'm open to location suggestions.

Happy Thanksgiving to all!

Neil

CECH Dean Shares His Secret Thanksgiving Dinner Recipe

The University of Cincinnati's College of Education, Criminal Justice, and Human Services Dean Larry Johnson highlights an unconventional regional ingredient for his turkey-day stuffing.

I am going to give you some tips on how I cook a turkey and make my stuffing. For planning purposes it takes about 1.5 hours to get the stuffing made and the bird ready for the oven. The bird will cook for about 3 to 3.5 hours and then it we take about 45 minutes to get the gravy made and turkey carved. So the whole prep time to service is about 5.5 – 6.5 hours. First let’s get the ingredients:

1 Turkey 18 to 20 Lbs
4 Tablespoons of Soft Spread Butter (Olivio or Canola Oil)
2 Eggs
1 teaspoon Celery Salt
2 to 3 Tablespoons of Ground Bouillon Cube (Kroger has it or you can Substitute Lawry’s Seasoned Salt)
1 Cup Sharp Cheddar Cheese
12 White Castle hamburgers, no pickles (two Boxes in the frozen section of the grocery)
2 cups celery, diced
2 cups onions, diced
The leftover celery stalks (goes in bottom of pan under turkey to make stock)
1 Medium to Large onion (goes in bottom of pan under turkey to make stock)
1 Large Carrot (goes in bottom of pan under turkey to make stock)
1 cup cooked wild rice
1 package of Caesar Croutons
½ cup diced cilantro (or parsley)
11/2 Teaspoon Thyme
2 Tablespoons ground sage
½ teaspoon coarsely ground black pepper
1/2 cup chicken stock
2 tablespoons of cornstarch (for the gravy)
1 pint chicken livers (optional)
Kitchen Bouquet

Stuffing
Sauté onions and parsley in a tablespoon of soft spread in a large frying pan. Add celery salt, a pinch of the sage and pepper. Only sauté this mixture for a short period of time until the onions get slightly translucent and the celery gets deeper green (perhaps a minute or two at most). Next dump all of this mixture into a large mixing bowl and let cool. Cube the White Castle Cheeseburgers, bun and all, and add them to the bowl. Now add the cheese, croutons, wild rice, cilantro (or parsley), sage, and thyme. Mix together with the contents of the frying pan. Now break two eggs into the mixture and mix. Finally, add the chicken stock until you have the right texture (I like it most so I add it all).

Turkey
Empty the gizzards and other parts from the bird and rinse the turkey inside and out with cold running water, drain and pat dry with paper towels. Tuck the wing tips under the body. Now you have to decide if you are going to stuff the bird or cook the stuffing separately. I like to stuff the bird because I believe the stuffing tastes better and helps keep the bird moist. To make sure it is cooked, put the stuffing in the microwave for ten minutes after I take it out of the turkey. If you choose not to stuff the bird, cut up apples and put them in the cavity to help keep the meat moist. Cook the stuffing for 1 hour in a covered dish at 350.

Next, put the gizzards and other parts from the inside in the bottom of the turkey cooking pan. (Sometimes I add a pint of chicken livers – these are good if you want a giblet gravy and they add lots of flavor.) I add what is left over from the celery stalks with a roughly chopped onion and a large carrot in the bottom as well and cover this mixture with water (this all cooks to make a great gravy stock). Then I put the stuffed turkey on the rack and take the rest of the soft spread and I spread it all over the top of the turkey. Finally I sprinkle the ground bouillon over the top of the turkey and put what I don’t use in the bottom of the pan. The oil and the bouillon helps make a very crisp skin and add flavor to the turkey and the gravy.

Roast the turkey by starting at a high temperature and then turning it down. This procedure helps to yield crisp skin and moist meat. First, preheat the oven to 425 and place the turkey in the oven. Keep it at this temperature for 30 minutes and then turn the oven down to 350. When the turkey has cooked for an hour, get some tin foil and loosely tent it over the top of the turkey. Total cooking time should be 3 to 3.5 hours for an 18 to 20 pound bird, but it can vary, depending on your oven. After about 3 hours, check the bird every 15 minutes and take it out when the temperature reads 165. Take the bird out and let it rest for 30 minutes on the carving platter, before carving.

Gravy
While the turkey is resting, make the gravy. Wisk cornstarch in ¾ cups of water, then strain the mixture into a medium-sized sauce pan for cooking the gravy. Next, strain out the water and drippings from the bottom of the turkey pan. I do this in a bowl and then take about two cups of this and add it to the sauce pan. If you want giblet gravy, take out the chicken livers, chop them up and add them to the pan. Next, heat the mixture occasionally, stirring until it thickens. Add a touch of Kitchen Bouquet to get the right color (you can add a little celery salt if it needs it – if it gets too thick, add stock. If it doesn’t thicken after about 5 minutes of cooking, add a little more cornstarch). Once the gravy is made, empty the turkey of the stuffing and microwave it for 10 minutes then cover it and set it aside (it will stay warm for some time). Finally, carve the turkey and serve. If you add cranberries, your favorite vegetable, mashed potatoes, and a good loaf bread – you are home free!! Enjoy!!!!

- Larry

Anyone else have a unique take on this thanksgiving staple? Comment below. Happy Thanksgiving!

Nov 5, 2010

Hello Fellow DC Area Bearcats!

I hope you find this blog useful and entertaining. We Bearcats here in D.C. thought contributing to this blog would be a good way to connect with each other and offer some perspective about life and networking in D.C., with a little Cincinnati alumni twist. 

To kick things off... we are in the midst of another Bearcat football season, and we need to establish a D.C. Bearcat Football and Hoops hub! Any recommendations? Is there an already established locale that I just don’t know about? Did folks catch the show Dion Dixon put on the other night? Would love to get something going for Bengals games as well if anyone's interested. 

And I know it's not very "PC" to talk about politics, but this is a political town. So what do folks think about the action around here on election day? UC will have a new but old representative in the House of Representatives. The state of Ohio has a new Senator in town - Cincinnati’s own Rob Portman. Post your thoughts as comments below!
We're also always looking for new ways to build a more robust UC community and celebrate the Bearcat spirit in the D.C. area. If you have ideas or suggestions – please post them as comments on this blog or feel free to e-mail me directly. 
Go Bearcats!
Neil

Nov 2, 2010

Connecting NY to Cincinnati, One UC Student at a Time!

The dorms are full, the bookstores are packed and students are studying hard for their first quarter of classes at UC. It may be hard to believe, but this year’s total enrollment is the largest ever – with an estimated 41,250 students registered at UC for autumn quarter. The previous record was set in 1980 with 39,772 students – hard to believe that was 30 years ago already, huh?

UC’s incoming freshman class is breaking all sorts of other records as well. Consider this: the 3,900 freshman who will attend UC’s main (Clifton) campus are the most academically prepared ever – with an average ACT score of 25 and a GPA of 3.44. They also boast 58 valedictorians, 21 salutatorians, and a whopping 21.9% graduated in the top 10% of their high school class.

The branch campuses of Raymond Walters and Clermont College are setting new enrollment records as well, with more than 9,000 students projected to attend both regional campuses. So no matter where you look, Bearcats are taking over Cincinnati!

This year, the Big Apple shipped 160 students off to good 'ole University of Cincinnati! Do you know anyone attending UC from the greater New York City area this year? Do you have any first-week of class memories (or horror stories) you’d like to share? Weigh in below and let us know!

Connecting Chicago to Cincinnati, One UC Student at a Time!

The dorms are full, the bookstores are packed and students are studying hard for their first quarter of classes at UC. It may be hard to believe, but this year’s total enrollment is the largest ever – with an estimated 41,250 students registered at UC for autumn quarter. The previous record was set in 1980 with 39,772 students – hard to believe that was 30 years ago already, huh?

UC’s incoming freshman class is breaking all sorts of other records as well. Consider this: the 3,900 freshman who will attend UC’s main (Clifton) campus are the most academically prepared ever – with an average ACT score of 25 and a GPA of 3.44. They also boast 58 valedictorians, 21 salutatorians, and a whopping 21.9% graduated in the top 10% of their high school class.

The branch campuses of Raymond Walters and Clermont College are setting new enrollment records as well, with more than 9,000 students projected to attend both regional campuses. So no matter where you look, Bearcats are taking over Cincinnati!

This year, Chicagoland shipped 96 students off to good 'ole University of Cincinnati. Last year, we sent 19 students to Cincy, with the College of Allied Health Sciences attracting seven, followed by Design, Architecture, Art, and Planning with four and Education, Criminal Justice and Human Services with three.

Do you know anyone attending UC from Chicago this year? Do you have any first-week of class memories (or horror stories) you’d like to share? Weigh in below and let us know!

Oct 6, 2010

Current UC Student Offers Windy City Co-op Perspective

Being a current Bearcat is already a great experience! With recent success on the football field, highly touted basketball recruiting classes, the Proudly Cincinnati campaign, and the ambitious goals and dreams of our new President Gregory Williams, it’s an exciting time to be at the University of Cincinnati! Within weeks of returning from a study abroad in France and Spain, things got even better. I was presented with the opportunity to Co-op in Chicago for the summer! Who wouldn’t want to spend a nice, warm summer in the great city of Chicago?

Hello fellow Bearcats! My name is Mike Niese. I am starting my senior year in the College of Business majoring in Industrial Management. I would like to take the chance to share with you highlights from my journey this summer in the Second-City, the Windy City, the beautiful city of Chicago.

In previous Co-op experiences, I had worked with Chiquita in downtown Cincy. There, I was doing supply chain and network optimization. I wanted to get more hands on, however, so I traveled to the Chiquita owned Fresh Express salads bagging facility in Franklin Park, IL to begin my work for the summer. My position at Fresh Express was as a production assistant. I spent much of my time on the floor observing the production lines and trying to find areas for improvement and to limit the downtime of the bagging machines. It was a great opportunity to learn hands on in a manufacturing environment, something that I had no previous experience with.

Apart from work, I had all sorts of opportunities to get around the city. Because I lived in an apartment in Schiller Park, which is just east of O’Hare,I didn’t get to experience Chicago quite as much as I would have liked. But with my girlfriend, sister, and parents all making weekend visits, they definitely helped me get around town. I went to the Field Museum, top of the John Hancock Center, saw the Broadway show Billy Elliot, played a round of golf at Cog Hill, went on a architectural river tour, saw a White Sox game, went to the beach, and caught the Tim McGraw concert down in Tinley Park…and that was all packed into just three different weekends! My roommate, a Chicago native, also took me out on numerous occasions to experience the city. From horse races to softball to night life, I saw a lot of what Chicago had to offer in my three short months.

On top of all that, I had the fortune to get connected with the UCAA Chicago Chapter. With Dave Watkins’ help, I was able to get in touch with some fellow Bearcats while in town. I attended the UC watch party for the disappointing Fresno State game, went to the UCAA Cubs game at Wrigley (my first time watching a game there), and also attended one of the UC Sendoffs for new freshman where I was able to give a current student’s perspective and refresh my tour guide skills in the process! Dave and I are still in touch to this day, and I am very thankful for everything he did to connect me with other proud Bearcats while I was in Chicago..

Overall, the three quick months I spent in Chicago were immensely valuable to my growth as a student, as a professional, and as a well rounded person. Co-ops are a great way for students to gain professional experience while still in school. Being involved in numerous student organizations back at UC such as the Student Alumni Council, ROAR tour guides, and RallyCats, I have been able to thoroughly enjoy my college experience thus far. Still, living and working in Chicago for the summer was an unforgettable, immensely rewarding experience that has proven to be a great spring board going into my senior year at UC. Go Bearcats!!!

Mike Niese
nieseml@mail.uc.edu
937-935-2961

P.S. If anyone has any questions or would like to hear more on my perspective as a student, feel free to contact me. I love sharing my UC experiences with fellow Bearcats! Thank you!

Sep 15, 2010

UC Bearcat Cruises Clifton - Funny Video!



VOTE BEARCAT CHICAGO! http://capitalonebowl.com

Hello Fellow NYC Area Bearcats!

I hope you find this blog useful. We are excited heading into another Bearcat football season! We now have a regular game watching location at Phebe’s Tavern downtown at the Bowery (on the corner of 4th). In addition to their fantastic location – they have also agreed to offer Skyline Chili on each of our game days (they are also the NYC Bengals bar and do the same on Bengals gameday, fyi). The address and information is posted on the website. We hope to see you there to watch the next UC game.

We have a tailgate party planned for the UC vs. UConn game at UConn. There will be a tent set up with food, soda and beer. It should be a great day – we hope to see a lot of you up in East Hartford (more details are on the website and additional information will be posted as soon as it is available).

Finally – we are excited to be hosting the new Dean of the Business College, Dr. David M. Szymanski, here in NYC. The event will be held on September 29 at the Princeton Club in midtown. Click here for details and registration information.

The NYC Leadership Committee is also working on a number of upcoming events including:
  • An Architectural Forum featuring noted graduates of UC’s program
  • A Women’s Event featuring Dr. Randy Seeley, a UC Professor in the College of Medicine and leading Obesity Researcher

We are always looking for ways to build community and spirit in the NYC area. If you have ideas or suggestions – please post them as comments on this blog or feel free to e-mail me directly.

Go Bearcats!

Patty

Jun 30, 2010

Chicagoland Bearcats! We need your thoughts about upcoming UC events!

The Chicagoland Network is putting together our schedule of events for the next 12 months. Here are some of the events we have planned so far:

  • Afternoon at Arlington Park
  • Cubs Game at Wrigley and Miller Parks
  • Game Watch Party for all Football Games
  • Dinner at Cinner's (Cincy style Chili Lounge in Chicago)

We are also throwing around the ideas of:

  • a musical or another type of show
  • a wine tasting
  • a Texas Hold 'Em Tourney

Do you have any interest in any of these types of events? Some alumni have voiced concern that the majority of our events surround athletic events, but we realize that our UC alumni in Chicago are interested in more than just sports, so we want to make sure we have events that appeal to ALL of our Chicago Alumni. Do you have ideas about other sorts of events not listed here, or feedback on what we have planned already? Fill us in on your ideas by commenting on this post, and we'll do our best to bring your ideas to life!

Jun 4, 2010

Welcome!

Welcome to the brand new Chicagoans for Cincy Blog! Here you'll often find unique and interesting information posted by and for University of Cincinnati alumni residing in the Chicagoland area.

Here we'll be discussing all of the wonderful things happening at our alma mater, discuss and plan upcoming alumni events in and around Chicago, and may even host special feature bloggers, which include some of our most notable area alumni.

This Chicago community of proud UC supporters regularly comes together to network, socialize and make exciting things happen in support of our University. So check back here often, and feel free to join in on the conversations! Together we are Proudly Cincinnati.