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!