UC Alumni Give Thanks: Education Leads Alumnus to Career in NYC

Many UC alumni are thankful for their UC education and experience. Follow along with this series through November (also known as the thankful month) as UC alumni give thanks to UC. If you would like to share your story and show your appreciation for the university, please e-mail proudlycincinnati@uc.edu.  

Justin Grzeszczak is thankful for his UC experience for many reasons. Justin says his education gave him the opportunity to learn in the classroom and gain real-world work experience. Through those experiences, he gained the education, confidence, and abilities to succeed in the 21st century workplace.

"UC's top notch education programs helped me become a top performer in my company," Justin proudly explained. He also credits the diversity at UC for helping expand his world view.

"My time at UC left me with many lifelong friends and memories. Some of the best memories include attending the Orange bowl and Sugar bowl, Rushing Nippert Stadium, moving into Calhoun Hall, listening to lectures given by Fortune 500 executives, and my senior year capstone project," Justin said.

When asked why he is 'Proudly Cincinnati,' Justin said, "Because Cincinnati is a city where world class organizations, top notch academics, and an innovative workforce come together to create a thriving city. And also because the university is the #hottestcollegeinamerica."

Justin graduated from UC in 2012 with BA in organizational leadership, and works in New York City as an executive recruiter. He has also worked with companies such as Anheuser-Busch InBev, Metlife, The Fiat Group (Fiat, Ferrari, and Ashton Martin), Wrigley, BASF, Ferrero, Mars, and Remy Martin.

Why are you thankful for the University of Cincinnati? Let us know by commenting below!

UC Alumni Give Thanks: Alumna Reflects on Non-Traditional College Experience

Tamara Jones and her family show their Bearcat spirit

Many UC alumni are thankful for their UC education and experience. Follow along with this series through November (also known as the thankful month) as UC alumni give thanks to UC. If you would like to share your story and show your appreciation for the university, please e-mail proudlycincinnati@uc.edu. 

Tamara Jones received her associate's degree from UCBA (Formerly RWC) in 1992 as a full time student and her Bachelor's Degree as a part-time student from CECE in 2000. Jones and her family reside in Columbus, Ohio.

Why are you thankful for your UC experience?
Many UC professors helped shape my world view and every one of them taught me life lessons far beyond what could be gleaned from textbooks and classroom lectures. The diversity of my UC classmates made the experience truly unforgettable -- from the days at Ray's Place to the many evenings and weekends spent in Clifton, I enjoyed a fabulous, albeit non-traditional, college experience. Being a Bearcat is something I am truly proud and thankful to acknowledge as an important part of my life past, present and future.
 
How has your UC education helped you get where you are today?
In addition to a terrific education and co-op experience, I also gained the confidence needed to pursue every challenge as an opportunity. That has served me well as I have grown throughout my career tackling every project and assignment as one where I could uniquely make a positive difference.  The high standards set for me by the best professors prepared me for a career in the corporate world far beyond what I could have imagined while at UC.
 
What’s your favorite UC memory?
While I have many fond memories of my years on campus, I'd have to say my favorite UC memory is of cheering on the men's basketball team during the Huggins' era.  There was no greater excitement and energy than from the sold out capacity crowds in "Shoemaker Center" from the official start of Midnight Madness every fall through the tournament runs in March. I still love UC basketball and have enjoyed seeing Coach Cronin bring the support and excitement back to the program.
 
As for a favorite classroom memory, I'd have to say any communications class taught by Lisa-Marie Luccioni combined practicality and technicality together in teaching students how to apply the classroom to real world situations. Classes taught by Victoria Hammer (retired) were also memorable for providing a model for principle-based decision-making in business.
 
Why are you Proudly Cincinnati?
I am Proudly Cincinnati and an ambassador to all who will listen about my affinity for the university. UC is a terrific school and it always feels like I've come home when I am able to return to campus. The students, the faculty and the campus are second to none. While I have long joked that UC stands for "under construction" as it seems to be in a constant state of renovation, I also think that shows a relentless pursuit to never stop improving and making things better for generations to come, a commitment that makes me to proud to be a part of such a wonderful community dedicated to academic excellence.

Why are you thankful for UC? Share by commenting below!

UC Alumni Give Thanks: Gibson Family Starts Bearcat Legacy

Many UC alumni are thankful for their UC education and experience. Follow along with this series through November (also known as the thankful month) as UC alumni give thanks to UC. If you would like to share your story and show your appreciation for the university, please e-mail proudlycincinnati@uc.edu.

Gibson, his wife Jami and Coach Jones

Justin Gibson is the first generation in a family leaving a strong Bearcat legacy. He received his BBA from the Carl H. Lindner College of Business in 2005. His wife Jami earned her master's in nursing in June 2012 and accepted a position with UC Health. His sister received her BS in criminal justice in 2011 and will finish her master's in community planning in 2013. His brother-in-law received his BA in organizational leadership in June 2008. Gibson and his wife look forward to seeing their children and grand children attend UC.  

Why are you thankful for your UC experience?
My UC experience is everything to me!  Everything I have I owe to the cultivation I received during my time as an undergraduate – from my Darwin T. Turner scholarship, to serving as student body vice president, to joining my fraternity, and my service learning trip to build a Habitat for Humanity house in Costa Rica.

How has your UC education helped you get where you are today?

Gibson, his wife and daughter cheering on the Bearcats

My professors and the support staff of the university instilled in me that the only part of a well-rounded collegiate experience is actually spent in the classroom.  Being involved in extra curricular activities, participating in philanthropic efforts, and showing school spirit help students develop their leadership and social attributes. Combined with a world-class education, UC students enter the workforce as very competitive job candidates.

What’s your favorite UC memory?
It is very hard to limit it to just one, but it had to be commencement.  Walking across the stage, donned in my cap and gown, in front of my family, friends and peers, I transitioned from student to alumnus. This was one of the most moving days of my life.  The faculty, staff and UC President were so excited for us. That memory is one of the many reasons why I am engaged with UC today.

Why are you Proudly Cincinnati?
I am Proudly Cincinnati because no matter how much I try to do for my alma mater, she continues to give me more.  I’ve met so many great people in my time here who have enriched my life, and my wife’s life, and our common bond is the University of Cincinnati.  And under the direction of President Ono, I can’t wait to see what my 13-month-old daughter Sydnee has to look forward to when she arrives in about 17 years!

Why are you thankful for the Unversity of Cincinnati? Let us know by commenting below!

UC Alumni Give Thanks: Schuster Credits Co-Op for Career Opportunities

Schuster, Austin Francis ('11), Eileen George ('12)
and the Bearcat at alumni event before the
UC vs. Ohio State Sweet 16 basketball game.

Many UC alumni are thankful for their UC education and experience. Follow along with this series through November (also known as the thankful month) as UC alumni give thanks to UC. If you would like to share your story and show your appreciation for the university, please e-mail proudlycincinnati@uc.edu.

Scott Schuster earned his BBA in marketing in 2010 and MS in marketing in 2012. Schuster is the Director of Development at Moeller High School in Cincinnati, OH.  He formerly worked for the UC Foundation.

Why are you thankful for your UC experience?
The University of Cincinnati has played such a vital role in my life.  What I got out of both my undergraduate degree and graduate degree is irreplaceable.  During my four years of undergrad, I gained valuable knowledge from UC’s great faculty. I gained valuable work experience through the co-op program, which helped me secure a job out of college.  I went on to secure my master’s degree from the Carl H. Lindner College of Business, which gave me the opportunity to work with a great group of professionals in business as well as those pursuing master’s degrees in DAAP and Engineering.  UC has many great partnerships with local and national companies, which gave me the opportunity to work on real life problems and issues with companies across the country.  The university offered me the necessary tools to help me succeed and I am very thankful it.

Schuster in Boston before the UC vs. Ohio State Sweet 16
basketball game

How has your UC education helped you get where you are today?
One of my main reasons for attending UC was to have the opportunity to co-op.  Many other universities did not have a defined co-op program and UC’s has always been rated as one of the best.  As most students will tell you, you learn a great amount in the classroom, but an even greater amount in your chosen field of work.  In my eyes, work experience while in college is one of the most important aspects of being able to secure a job upon graduation.  Employers today want to see real life experience on a resume, and UC gives their students the opportunity to obtain it.  The academic and professional experiences I received at UC helped propel my career and placed me in a great position for growth.

What’s your favorite UC memory?
I have many great UC memories, but one that sticks out is from the 2010 Sugar Bowl. The outcome was not in our favor, but that game showed just how far UC has come, not just in athletics, but as a community.  Our fans vastly outnumbered Florida. I remember walking down the French Quarter and seeing thousands, upon thousands, of screaming UC Fans.

Why are you Proudly Cincinnati?

Scott's mom, Paula, Scott, and sister, Jennifer ('08) at
UC vs. USF Football game in Tampa, FL in 2011

The term Proudly Cincinnati means many things to me, but mostly it means remembering my time at UC and what UC has done for me and my family. I have been a fan of UC since I was a little kid and followed in my sister’s footsteps when I became a student.  I have been amazed to see the transformation of the University in my lifetime.  It has gone from being a bricks and mortar, urban campus, to one of the most beautiful campuses in the world. UC is internationally known for our high academic achievements, as well as our athletic achievements. I am proud, and honored, to say that I am a graduate of the University of Cincinnati.

Why are you thankful for UC? Let us know by commenting below!

UC Alumni Give Thanks: Education Takes Graduate Around the World

Kimmet overlooks Beijing, China

Many UC alumni are thankful for their UC education and experience. Follow along with this series through November (also known as the thankful month) as UC alumni give thanks to UC. If you would like to share your story and show your appreciation for the university, please e-mail proudlycincinnati@uc.edu.

Even though Neil Kimmet, 2011 Carl H. Lindner College of Business graduate, is half way around the world in Shanghai, he still feels the pride of being a Bearcat and the sense of community the Bearcat nation provides. Kimmet is currently pursuing his master of arts in international studies with a focus in international business from Concordia University Irvine in Irvine California. While the pursuit of his master's degree has taken him across the country and around the world, Kimmet stays connected with the UC community online.

"It is truly heartwarming to share my experiences in the Far East on Facebook and receive support from my former classmates, fraternity members, and academic associations like the University Honors Program," said Kimmet.

Even though Kimmet manages a very busy schedule, teaching business courses during the day while studying and writing his thesis in the evenings, he still finds the time to catch the Bearcats football games. Because he doesn't have access to American cable, he watches the games online or catches the updates on ESPN.

During Kimmet's undergraduate career he studied operations management and international business, while pursuing a global studies certificate from the University Honors Scholars Program. His UC education enabled him to participate in numerous study abroad trips including:

• A yearlong student exchange with the Nagoya University of Foreign Studies in Nagoya, Japan (funded by the JASSO scholarship).
• University Honors Association service learning trip to Nicaragua
• Serve Beyond Cincinnati alternative spring break trip to Mexico, Cameroon, El Salvador and Haiti

Serve Beyond Cincinnati group in Cameroon

Kimmet credits UC for giving him a global experience that has shaped his future goals. 

"Thanks to the wonderful education and global studies opportunities that were presented to me at UC, I have decided to devote my life to fostering better relations and stronger ties between the United States and the rest of the world," Kimmet said. "While I am unsure if I would like to enter the private sector as a businessman or the public sector as a foreign officer, I do believe that my experience at Cincinnati has opened up a world of possibilities for me."

Why are you thankful for the Unversity of Cincinnati? Let us know by commenting below!

 

UC Celebrates Veteran's Day

Veteran’s Day. Many of us view this single day as a time to be thankful for the men and women who served our country during times of war; a day for parades and events of remembrance. Some even know Veteran’s Day as an extra day out of the office.

With initiatives like the Veterans One Stop Center in University Pavilion and fundraising opportunities that assist veterans and ROTC cadets, UC keeps veterans in mind year round.

In a ceremony held on McMicken Commons on Nov. 9, veterans with ties to UC were honored for their service. Current members of UC’s Reserve Officers’ Training Corps Color Guard, 50 Air Force ROTC cadets and 50 Army ROTC Cadets stood in formation to be recognized during the ceremony.

As you remember those who served, remember those heading back to civilian life with goals to earn a college degree. No matter where you currently reside, you can honor your Proudly Cincinnati roots and help our veterans at UC through A Salute to Service gift.