Stepping Up for Future Generations

Growing tuition fees. A troubling job market. Mounting student loan debt. These are the realities of higher education, which can play a significant role in the decisions young adults make when deciding how to pursue their education.

Those of us who graduated decades ago didn't face these same challenges. Higher education was, at that time, more attainable. More affordable. The job market was more stable. In short: we were lucky.

Today, we cannot be complacent about the extreme challenges college students face. For those of us who have experienced how a college education can put you on the trajectory to success, we have a responsibility to empower future generations by giving them access to the same opportunities we had.

Universities are sources of innovation. Universities are where entrepreneurial spirits are encouraged, groundbreaking findings are discovered, minds are opened and critical thinking skills are honed.

As we experience our own successes, we must remember to invest in the future through higher education. When we entrust funds to a center of learning we provide resources so that the next generation can pick up the baton and run with it. We are setting the stage for even greater accomplishments.

This is a theme I've called upon many times in the last several years, as I've served as the Washington, D.C. campaign committee chair for the University of Cincinnati’s billion-dollar Proudly Cincinnati campaign. As a 1982 graduate of the university’s College of Design, Architecture, Art and Planning (DAAP), I’m proud of UC as an institution and as the place that helped me shape my future. I surely wouldn't be where I am today were it not for UC.

And I am not alone. I've had the opportunity to engage with hundreds of UC alumni in the region, and I've realized we have one thing in common: deep respect for our alma mater. In sparking those fond memories of our formative college years, it became clear for many, the time to give back is now.

When talking with donors who have generously contributed to the University of Cincinnati, it is obvious they see the bigger picture. A gift to a great university makes it possible for students to succeed and helps the university attract and retain the best teaching talent. Higher education is a cause that undoubtedly deserves our support.

With the help of my fellow D.C.-based alumni, the University of Cincinnati recently reached its billion-dollar fundraising goal. These donations will accelerate the university’s transformation into a world-class institution. I am proud of what the university has accomplished and what I and my compatriots have been able to contribute. We believe in the work that is happening on the campus and beyond.

While the system of higher education has issues that need to be overcome, it is not in our best interests to stand idle. So I would challenge all readers of this post to do what many UC grads have done. Take up the responsibility to support your alma mater. Heed the call to support the university that supported you in your most formative adult years. You may not even fathom what your investment can make possible.

About the Author

DAAP Alumnus Todd DeGarmo

Todd DeGarmo is a University of Cincinnati alumnus (DAAP ’82) and served as the Proudly Cincinnati Washington, D.C. Campaign Committee Chair. He has been a UC Foundation Trustee since 2008. DeGarmo is the principal and CEO of STUDIOS Architecture, an international design practice recognized for innovation in both buildings and interiors.

UC’s Proudly Cincinnati Campaign Tops 100,000 Donors

Today, the University of Cincinnati announced it surpassed President Santa J. Ono’s ambitious challenge to reach 100,000 unique donors by the end of UC’s Proudly Cincinnati billion-dollar campaign. The campaign will officially end Sunday, June 30, with more than $1.05 billion raised and more than 100,000 unique donors.

“With such strong support from the UC community, we have made history yet again. I want to express my sincere thanks to the generous donors who helped the Proudly Cincinnati campaign finish strong,” President Ono said. “I couldn’t be more Proudly Cincinnati than I am today.”

By meeting President Ono’s challenge, the Proudly Cincinnati campaign surpassed two of the most ambitious goals in UC’s history: raising more than $1 billion and securing more than 100,000 donors in a single campaign. Only one percent of the nation’s colleges and universities have ever raised a billion dollars in a single campaign.

President Ono issued the “100K Strong Challenge” in February, when the billion-dollar milestone was announced. The campaign had roughly 92,000 donors at the time.

“Private support has transformed UC into a world-class institution,” said Rod Grabowski, newly installed president of the UC Foundation. “We are fortunate to have such a committed and generous network of donors, alumni, students, faculty, staff and community partners.”

According to both Ono and Grabowski, the impact of this private support will be felt on UC’s campus for generations to come. Funding for scholarships for the best and brightest UC students, improvements to the UC campus and facilities, and support for renowned faculty and endowed chairs remain priorities for the university. To that end, the UC Foundation will continue to fundraise for UC to the tune of $125 million per year.

“It’s a very exciting time to be a part of the Bearcat family,” Ono continued. “The conclusion of Proudly Cincinnati is really just the beginning for UC, the #HottestCollegeInAmerica.”

For more information about UC surpassing the 100,000 donor and $1 billion goals, including photos and video of the announcement, visit proudlycincinnati.org or track the conversation on Twitter: @ProudlyCincy #UC100KStrong.

UCF Welcomes New Development and Alumni Relations Leader

Rod Grabowski

This past week has been an exciting breath of fresh air for the UC community.  On June 3, 2013, Rodney Grabowski began his role as the President of the University of Cincinnati (UC) Foundation and Vice President for Development and Alumni Relations, and acquainted himself with his colleagues at the UC Foundation All-Staff Meeting on June 10, 2013.

He comes from the University of South Florida (USF) with over 20 years of fundraising experience, where he served as the Senior Associate Vice President for University Advancement and Campaign Director.  He was responsible for the branding and successful completion of the USF Unstoppable Campaign, the university’s largest fundraising and outreach effort ever with an annual giving program in excess of $85 million.

Prior to his tenure at USF, Rod held key development positions at the University of North Florida, Jacksonville University, and Alfred University in New York.  In addition to his 23 years of fundraising, leadership and management experience, and charisma, he brings a strong understanding of higher education’s unique fundraising landscape.

“I am pleased to welcome such an accomplished, energetic and enthusiastic individual to the UC family,” said UC President Santa J. Ono.  “Rod’s fundraising expertise and ambitious attitude will be an asset to the university.”

The senior team, including Rod Grabowski (featured second
on left) recognizes staff with a thank you lunch. 

In other words, he’s perfect for the job.  The Proudly Cincinnati campaign pushed UC into the top one percent of all colleges and universities when it reached its goal of $1 billion four months ahead of schedule, and plans to break another record by reaching 100,000 donors  before the campaign’s end.

“Rod possesses the visionary leadership needed to help us achieve our strategic goals for the university, and I am honored to call him my colleague.”

Visit our website for more information about Rodney Grabowski or the 100k Strong Challenge. Welcome Rodney to the university with a comment below!

President Ono and Proudly Cincinnati Co-Chair Participate in Hot Yoga Class

If you don't live in Cincinnati, you may not have heard about the most recent partnership that is bringing the university closer to the 100,000 campaign donor goal. President Ono and Proudly Cincinnati campaign co-chair, Buck Niehoff will celebrate men’s health month by participating in a hot yoga class at Yoga Alive in Clifton on Wednesday, June 5.

As part of President Ono’s drive to reach 100,000 donors by the end of the Proudly Cincinnati campaign, Yoga Alive will donate $5 on behalf of each person who participates in the free June 5 class. The class is open to alumni, faculty and staff, but the space is limited to 40 people. Registration is on a first-come, first-served basis.

If you will not be in Cincinnati for the free yoga class, you can still get involved in the 100,000 donor effort by supporting the Proudly Cincinnati campaign. If you've already donated, share the information with your friends and encourage them to give to the campaign!

Former Bearcat Brings Gourmet Grilled Cheese to Cincinnati

Emily Frank, owner of C'est Cheese

 In the past few years, food trucks have popped up in cities across the U.S., including Cincinnati.  An alumna from UC recently started her own food truck – one specializing in gourmet grilled cheese called C’est Cheese (pronounced say cheese).

After working in the corporate industry in Chicago, Emily decided to leave the Windy City and start her own business in 2011 in the Queen City. “I loved the idea of a food truck because it can reach an entire city versus a single brick and mortar location,” Emily explained. “This is how C’est Cheese was born.”

As a student at UC, Emily was involved with a sorority and student alumni council. She credits these groups for teaching her how to be a leader and providing her with skills to manage a budget.

Emily’s undergraduate experience isn’t her only connection to UC. Many of her biggest customers are UC grads, eating up the most popular menu item, the bee sting – a sweet and spicy combination of mozzarella, pepperoni, basil-infused honey, and chili flake butter.

Emily in the C'est Cheese bus

“I’m proud to be a part of such a diverse and accomplished university.  I love that we are famous for our top-notch schools such as DAAP & CCM and our athletics,” Emily said. “Going to UC is a family affair for us. I’m proud of my grandfather for being in the first class to earn a degree in broadcasting from CCM, and my sister for earning her undergrad and masters in education.  Hopefully, my nephews are future Bearcats!”

C’est Cheese occasionally stops close to UC’s campus, and even parks outside of the UC Alumni Association before all home football games, bringing cheesy goodness to alumni tailgating at the Bearcat Blitz. To find out if C’est Cheese will be in your neighborhood, visit her Facebook and Twitter pages!

Did you start your own business? How did your UC connections help you get started?

Be a part of the Proudly Cincinnati Campaign

On February 20, 2013, the University of Cincinnati  announced that it surpassed the $1 billion goal of its Proudly Cincinnati campaign, the most ambitious fundraising effort in the university's history.

Though the Proudly Cincinnati campaign has surpassed its billion-dollar goal four months ahead of schedule, there’s still more work to do. Proudly Cincinnati has made a major impact on the University of Cincinnati, but the billion dollars is just the beginning of UC’s fundraising ambitions.

In addition to striving after the goals outlined in UC’s strategic plan, President Ono announced a new goal to reach 100,000 donors by the end of the campaign in June 2013.

Read more about the campaign's positive impact and the future of the campaign. Don't forget to be a part of it!

Have you already donated to the campaign? Share why you are Proudly Cincinnati below.

President Ono Announces UC’s 100,000 Donor Goal for Proudly Cincinnati Campaign

To date 87,000 donors have donated to the campaign since its silent phase in 2005. The campaign launched publicly in 2008 and ends in June 2013.

President Santa Ono has announced the University of Cincinnati’s goal to reach 100,000 donors to Proudly Cincinnati by the end of the campaign in June 2013. As of December 2012, more than 87,000 donors have contributed to the campaign, which currently stands at $966,609,180. This historic drive to reach 100,000 donors and $1 billion will position UC among the nation’s most elite universities.

“I’m calling on our UC family to help the university conclude the Proudly Cincinnati campaign 100,000 strong,” said President Ono. “I’m confident alumni, faculty, staff and friends will accept this challenge and help us reach 100,000 donors and our $1 billion campaign goal, placing UC among only 1 percent of public universities to ever achieve such a significant milestone. We truly are the #HottestCollegeinAmerica.”

As part of an upcoming holiday campaign and to celebrate the new goal to reach 100,000 donors, President Ono will be giving away a t-shirt to every UC alum who donates at least $18.19 between Dec. 14-21, 2012. As a special holiday bonus, alumni and UC graduating seniors who donate to President Ono’s featured fund each of the 8 days will also be entered to win Santa’s daily giveaway.  Alumni should follow the UC Alumni Association on Facebook or Twitter to learn more about the exclusive daily giveaways.

All alumni who support UC during the 8 special days will also be automatically entered to win the grand prize drawing – a ‘Party with the Prez,’ including 8 tickets to the Jan. 7 UC Men's Basketball game and an evening with President Ono in the President's Box.

For more information about this historic drive to 100,000 donors and Santa’s 8 Days of Giveaways, click here.

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.

There’s No Place like Home: Cincinnati Meets DC and Atlanta

The Bearcat “Bagstreet Boys”, who took
home the fall 2011 league trophy, pose with
other UC alums in the Atlanta cornhole
league. Left to right: Jose Barratt
(University of Florida), Ethan Dunkle,
Troy Easterday, Jeff Brawand
(Cornhole ATL Founder), Sarang Patel,
Stephen Young, Richard Bodner
and Matt Hoyng. 

For Jeff Brawand (Business ‘07) and Caroline Page (Allied Health Sciences ‘09), the savory tastes of home to counter their Cincinnati cravings were simple: kickball and cornhole. Just a few years after their first jobs landed them in Washington D.C. and Atlanta, respectively, Caroline and Jeff had remarkably similar ideas for how to reconnect with their alma mater despite the distance between them.

Alum Jeff Brawand founded the first
cornhole league in Atlanta, satisfying
his and many other native Cincinnatians’
craving for a familiar taste of home. 

Jeff, who missed the Bearcat tailgating scene in the Lindner College of Business parking lot, guessed he wasn’t the only alum in Atlanta with the same longing for a good game of cornhole. So he decided to resurrect the lost tradition among his fellow Cincinnati Atlantans. He worked alongside two fellow Bearcats to form the very first Atlanta cornhole league in the city, an idea that would catch on and spawn at least two other recreational leagues across Atlanta.

D.C. Bearcats represent Cincinnati
in the “D.C. Thunder Spring League”
at the National Mall. Front: Michal Hammond;
Back (left to right): Tim Lolli, Sean Huff,
Adam Thurn, Caroline Page, Todd Damren

“Even in the heart of SEC country, we definitely represent UC well down here in Atlanta. Plus, it’s really helped form a strong sense of community for Bearcats and Cincinnatians alike,” said Jeff of the league, which purposefully does not discriminate between UC alumni and non-alumni. Since it was formed in 2011, the league has grown from 80 to 120 active team members, serving as a subtle reminder to everyone of their Cincinnati roots. For others, it’s more of an introduction to one of Cincinnati’s favorite recreations.

Allegiances aside, Jeff still proudly points out that last winter’s “Bagstreet Boys” league champions were one of the Bearcat alumni teams. They’ve returned this season as the “Bagstreet’s Back” to defend their title. “It’s definitely nice to see the Bearcats coming out on top,” Jeff joked.

The founding group of D.C. Bearcats remains,
but the kickball team has picked up several
non-Bearcat team members along the way, too. 

The league has brought local UC alums out of the woodwork, too, including Jeff’s freshman next-door neighbor, with whom he surprisingly reconnected through the league. The league has even grown enough to take on charitable partnerships, most recently hosting two tournaments to help raise more than $17,000 for the Susan G. Komen Foundation and the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. See the league in action through Jeff’s interview with UrbanPeephole.

With similar intentions, Caroline and fellow Lindner College of Business alum Tim Lolli dreamed up a Bearcat kickball team to help make their get-togethers with local D.C. alums more consistent. While the team has picked up several non-Bearcats along the way (and even converted some of them into Bearcat fans), the founding group of alumni friends has remained constant and even led to new friendships.

The D.C. kickball team helped grow
their local Bearcat community
even more by making the Penn Quarter
Sports Tavern their official
Bearcat game watch spot.

“D.C. is a very fast-paced and busy part of the country,” Caroline said. “There’s not always a lot of time to just enjoy one another’s company. That’s something I really missed about the Midwest, and the kickball team has been a great way to strengthen old friendships and make new friends in a new city.”

Fortunately, the kickball team’s gatherings have expanded beyond the National Mall, where the team plays every spring Saturday beneath the Washington Monument. When the group discovered D.C.’s plethora of college-specific bars didn’t include one for UC, they quickly found a home base for Bearcat fans. Up through the basketball team’s victorious trip to the 2012 Sweet Sixteen, close to 40 D.C. alums gathered consistently at the Penn Quarter SportsTavern to cheer on the Bearcats.

For both Caroline and Jeff, what started as a recreational pastime has grown into a social circle. Even with years and miles now separating them from their days at UC, familiar faces and shared memories of “home” are just a kick or toss away.

Jeff’s advice for alums who think this sounds like something their local alumni community needs: “Don’t be afraid to just give it a shot. You can’t fail unless you try.

---

Email Caroline or Jeff to join their Bearcat rosters or let your Alumni Association help you get your own intramural team started in your city.

UC Co-op Program and Admissions Office in Chicago

On April 16, 2012, the University of Cincinnati’s Division of Professional Practice partnered with Goettsch Partners to host the “UC Goes Chicago” event in the 18^th floor penthouse of the Santa Fe Building on Michigan Avenue. The goal of this event was to increase awareness of the UC Co-op program and network with potential employers to develop co-op jobs in the Chicago area.  

UC is the founding institution of the co-op program – a 5 year collegiate program that incorporates academic learning with real-world work to better prepare students for the working world upon graduation.  Co-op students alternate terms between attending school and working in their field of study, enabling students to apply what they are learning in the classroom to real world situations, all while gaining experience and developing professionally.

The event in Chicago had a great turnout – over 35 people attended with over 20 Chicago-area companies represented.  Four UC students who are presently co-oping in Chicago – Sarah Pride, Chas Weiderhold, Alex Gormley, and Andrew Fox – gave testimonials about how the Co-op program has been beneficial in their academic and professional careers. Learn more about the UC Co-op program.

UC is also finalizing details for opening an Admissions Office in Chicago, featuring a full-time recruiter who will actively tour high schools and attend college fairs.  More details will be coming soon to our website.

Don't forget to take a look at the UC Goes Chicago photos!

Alumni Celebrate a Proudly Cincinnati Holiday with a Cherry on Top!

The UC Alumni Association, in partnership with Graeter’s Ice Cream, treated UC alums from across the country to a familiar taste of Cincinnati this past holiday season. Alumni had the opportunity to submit their best UC-themed holiday photos onto UCAA's Facebook page, and by doing so were entered to win a six-pint supply of free Graeter’s Ice Cream!

There were more than 70 entries over the holidays, and because it was so deliriously difficult and painful for the Alumni Association staff to have to choose only 1 winner for each of the 6 categories, each contest participant was offered an I ♥ UC car window decal just for participating. Check out all the fantastic photo entries on Facebook here.

The Alumni Association wants to sincerely thank all who participated in this fun contest, and CONGRATS to the winners featured below!

Best Inclusion of Graeter’s
Arthur Wall and his family are really drooling over that Graeter's ice cream!

Best Dressed Baby
Baby Bearcat Maggie, submitted by  Heather Borchers Rogers

Most Spirited UC Clan
Ed Paff Sr. and family.
This is just one of the many spirited photos Ed submitted.

Best Dressed Pet
Kimberly Stone's cat Luna is a huge UC fan!

Best Dressed in Red & Black
Alison Petru Mendralski’s family of six UC graduates and five future Bearcats!

Most Multi-Generational Group
Elisabeth Mattingly Kuhlman's family has multiple Bearcats from
three generations! And check out the dogs' Bearcat spirit!

UC Students Faculty and Staff Sing for Pennies

Students, faculty and staff are warming up their vocals and selecting their songs for the first-ever Proudly Pennies Karaoke Night. Perform with fellow students and cheer on faculty and staff as they sing for Pennies Thursday, Dec. 1, 2011 from 4:30pm to 6:30pm in Alumni Hall of the Myers Alumni Center.

Performers include:

• Alan Hagerty and Michael Linger
• Nicole Mayo and Nicole Ausmer, PhD
• Daniel Cummins
• Yolanda Cooper
• Michael Magazine and Edward Winkofsky with students Stephanie Kenning and John Lame
• Jason Heikenfeld, PhD
• Kathy Brown and Kurt Schellinger
• Shintara Carpenter
• Jane Sojka, PhD

A newly formed ensemble called Random Sample will also perform at the event. Random Sample includes the following UC faculty members: Erynn Casanova, PhD, Omotayo Banjo, PhD, Lattisha Bates, PhD, Danielle Bessett, PhD and Corinne Reczek, PhD.

Come and be serenaded by the great, and not-so-great, voices of UC while enjoying delicious appetizers and refreshing beverages. Cost is $10 for faculty, staff and friends and $5 for students. All contributions will count toward the 2011-2012 faculty/staff campaign and support Proudly Pennies, the SDC-led fundraising campaign to raise one billion pennies ($10 million) for UC. Register to attend.

Billy Martin, Brig Owens, UC President Broadcast LIVE from the US Capitol

UC legend Brig Owens and famous DC attorney Billy Martin are speaking at the US Capitol this Thursday at 6:30 pm, and YOU can participate LIVE no matter “Where You Are!” (pun intended). The UC Foundation will be streaming this event live for UC alumni and donors who cannot physically attend.  During the event you’ll be able to “share” the stream to invite your friends, post it to your Facebook, chat live, and tweet your thoughts both during and after the event. Hope you’ll join us! Watch it right here on this blog, on Facebook, the UCF website, or the Proudly Cincinnati livestream channel. Don't miss it!

Summer Send-Off Welcomes Newest Central Ohio Bearcats

Increasing numbers of Columbus high school grads are heading down I-71 to Cincinnati for a great college education. Many members of the newest class recently participated in the largest UC Summer Sendoff ever in Central Ohio.

The August 24 Summer Send-off brought together 130 incoming freshmen and parents from the Columbus area, joining about 15 Central Ohio alumni who formally welcomed them to the UC family just weeks before their official campus move-in. The event was held at the Dublin headquarters of Ashland, Inc.

Besides greeting old and new friends among their Columbus-area peers, students and parents heard from UC Alumni Association Executive Director Myron Hughes, Proudly Cincinnati Columbus Campaign members Scott Simmers and Bob Mayer, and current UC Student Body Vice President Michael Linger. The common message: You made a great college choice, there’s a long and strong connection between UC and Central Ohio, and we’re thrilled to welcome you to the Bearcat family.

Pizza and ice cream was followed by a raffle, where four lucky freshmen won $250 gift cards to the UC Bookstores and another received a UC hat signed by Football Coach Butch Jones.

About 6,000 alumni live and work in Central Ohio, making it one of the largest concentrations of Bearcats anywhere outside of Cincinnati. The regional alumni network is one of the UC Alumni Association’s most active in the U.S.

Chicagoans for Cincy Support UC's College of Engineering and Applied Science

Artist Rendition of Learning Center Coffee-Cafe

Approximately 300 miles from their alma mater, at the W Hotel in downtown Chicago, a group of UC alumni and supporters gathered for breakfast at the Wave restaurant. This group of alumni along with the Dean of the College of Engineering and Applied Science (CEAS), Carlo Montemagno, his wife Pam, and Senior Director of Development at CEAS, John Lagow, discussed the Proudly Cincinnati campaign for the college. The alumni in attendance at the breakfast were Denny DeMoss (’77), Bob Fealy (’73), Blake Layda (’99),  Chris Mekus (’72), Spes Mekus (’72), and Bob Schneider (’70).

Artist Rendition of Learning Center Mainstreet Corridor

Dean Montemagno reported that CEAS has helped raise close to $23 million since the launch of Proudly Cincinnati.  Two priorities of CEAS are building a Learning Center and creating an Honors X Engineering Program. The new Learning Center will be located on the eighth floor of Rhodes Hall.  It will include two reconfigurable classrooms, three “project” rooms, space for small group and individual study, space for tutoring and advising, faculty offices, entry lobby, info center, and a coffee bar. The Honors X Engineering Program will have an accelerated curriculum and enhanced co-op experience, allowing high caliber students to graduate in four years, instead of five.

Artist Rendition of Learning Center 8th Floor Plan

Chicagoans for Cincy! leader, Bob Fealy has been instrumental in raising $6.9 million toward the $10 million goal; $1.8 million has been raised specifically for CEAS with a college goal of $2.75 million.  Bob’s generous support and leadership has encouraged other UC grads to join his mission of supporting current and future UC students.

Sharing Bob’s passion to give back to the college is Denny DeMoss, who received a BSNE in Nuclear Engineering, and subsequently an MS degree from the University of Illinois.  While Denny was an undergraduate, he co-oped with Sargent & Lundy, where he is currently Senior Vice President and Project Director.  Denny, along with another Chicago UC alum, Tom Behringer, set up a Sargent & Lundy Scholarship fund for UC Engineering students.

Blake Layda, present at the breakfast and a member of Chicagoans for Cincy!, has generously created an endowment fund with his college roommate, John Wagner.  Blake graduated with a BSCE in Civil Engineering from UC, where he participated in co-op and was a competitive swimmer.  Blake presently is Vice President and National Director of Commercial Real Estate at Jones Lang LaSalle.

Chris and Spes Mekus are co-owners and Managing Principals of Mekus Tanager, Inc., and have been supporters of UC for over 20 years.  Even though they are both graduates of DAAP, Chris with a BArc in Architecture, and Spes with a BSDe in Interior Design, they are on the CEAS Advisory Council and are supporters of CEAS.

Bob Schneider was also in attendance for the breakfast.  Bob graduated from the College of Engineering with a BSME in Mechanical Engineering and then went on to earn a JD in Law.  He and his wife Janice, also a UC graduate, now live in Chicago where Bob is a trial lawyer, partner, and head of the Intellectual Property Department of Chapman and Cutler LLP.

Check out more opportunities to support CEAS and participate in Chicagoans for Cincy!

UC alumnus makes lemonade out of lemons

Clark Beck "turns lemons into lemonade."

"There are so many things you can't control in life, so you just have to play the hand you're dealt and trust that being positive and persistent will pay off in the end."

Now an accomplished engineer living in Kettering, OH and proud UC alum, it's evident Clark's positive and strong-willed approach to life did, in fact, pay off. But the road to success certainly wasn't an easy one for Clark, who graduated in UC's first class of African American Engineering students in 1969. More than 40 years later, he looks back at UC as the "something better" that came along after so many other doors were closed on him.

After earning a math degree from the Virginia Union University, Clark's repeated rejection from engineering programs near his home in Indiana only intensified his ambition to pursue his dream.  He eventually found himself in the office of UC's Dean of the College of Engineering, where he was admitted into the mechanical engineering program, despite being told he'd likely "catch hell" as one of the first African American students in the program.

At times, Clark wonders how he made it through those days. He struggled through an intense engineering program with few friends, a weak support system and undesirable, yet more affordable, living conditions off- campus. Finding a co-op job was a difficult trek too, but he eventually landed a position with the Wright-Patterson Air Force Base two weeks prior to the deadline – an opportunity that paved the way for the rest of his career.

Today, Mr. Beck’s grandson Emory is following in Clark's footsteps, pursuing a degree in mechanical engineering , but at a completely different UC than Clark experienced forty-plus years ago. Emory lives on campus. He has friends, roommates, and a huge support system through the Darwin T. Turner Scholars Program and Emerging Ethnic Engineers (E3) Program - both of which were not available to Clark.

“UC has grown leaps and bounds since I was in school,” Clark says, “Not just academically and physically, but intellectually. UC has made tremendous changes – all for the better – and I’m proud of that.”

“I’ve always looked up to my grandfather as an engineer, as a person, especially intellectually, and I wanted to follow in his footsteps,” Emory says. “I’m even working at Wright Patterson and plan on working there as an engineer for my career.”

Tell us what you know about turning lemons into lemonade! What was your biggest educational challenge and how did you overcome it?

Jack Laub: WWII Vet, Basketball Star, and Lifelong Bearcat

Jack Laub (A&S 1950) is a proud, lifelong Bearcat with some amazing talents. Since his time at UC, Jack has traveled the world and gained some incredible life experiences, but he will always treasure the time he spent both on and off the basketball courts at UC.

Most famously known for his basketball career, Laub began as a varsity player for Abraham Lincoln High School in Brooklyn, NY, joining the City College of New York after graduation. Laub played from 1943-1945 under coach Nat Holman, and has been recognized for his impressive performance, being elected to the City College of New York Basketball Hall of Fame in 2002.

Laub during World War II

After attending City College of New York, Laub joined the Merchant Marines during World War II in 1944.  For his service and devotion to the United States in the liberation of France during WWII, Laub was conferred the honor of “Chevalier” of the Legion of Honor, one of the highest honors awarded in France, this past June. After being discharged as a Lt. Sr. grade in 1946 as a Staff Officer in the U.S. Coast Guard, he was awarded a basketball scholarship at the University of Cincinnati to pursue medical school as a psychology major.

Laub, nicknamed the "Black Cat", helped lead UC Bearcats Basketball to four conference championships, putting Cincinnati on the map as one of the top college basketball teams in the nation.  Since Laub played two years of basketball at City College and four years at UC, he is the only player in NCAA history to play for six varsity years.

After graduating from UC, Laub was one of the first two Bearcats to be drafted into the NBA in 1950.  Laub was recruited by the Baltimore Bullets, but was soon traded to the Minneapolis Lakers and eventually Scranton Miners.  While he was with the Miners, Laub helped the team win two championships.

"Black Cat" Laub

Laub stayed true to his connection with UC however, as he was eventually asked to be the university’s first assistant basketball coach. Laub was ecstatic to return to his alma mater, later serving as head scout for UC. As an assistant coach, Laub helped UC earn its first appearance in the National Invitation Tournament in 1951.

Laub left basketball for a time, joining Pfizer & Co. in 1954. Laub devoted his business career to reducing prescription costs for consumers, and together with business partners, helped pioneer the idea of discount drugs. He helped open the first discounted drug store chain in the New York area, and later helped open the first mail-order pharmacy, streamlining the purchase of generic drugs. Because of these achievements, UC's McMicken College of Arts & Sciences honored Laub with the 2010 Distinguished Alumni Award.

In 1959, Laub returned to his basketball roots as head coach of the U.S. Kings Point Merchant Marine Academy at age 32, but has remained a proud Bearcat ever since!

Read more about Jack in UC Magazine.

Do you know Jack? What are your fondest memories of him or the basketball program during his time at UC? Post your comments below!

UC Alumni Advice Part 2

With UC's Commencement ceremonies beginning today, here are some more pieces of advice for new UC Grads!

Ken Keilholz Cincinnati, Ohio
BBA, Information Systems / Entreprenuership, Lindner College of Business, Class of 1999
Don't be afraid to pursue a niche, but make sure you can always see the big picture. Those that can integrate technology to solve business problems or boost productivity are of exceptional value - making them difficult to replace/outsource.

Greg Frazier Detroit, Ohio
MS, Quantitive Analysis, Lindner College of Business
Thank all of the people that helped you. Take your degree, set it aside for a little while. Do something that you enjoy that is also a benefit to your community. In other words, chill for a moment to reflect on where you want to go in life. Try out a few new experiences and when (if) the opportunity presents itself, apply what you have learned. If the opportunity doesn't, learn from that experience.

John Drennan Cincinnati, Ohio
BBA, Operations Management & Entrepreneurship, Lindner College of Business
Get out and network. Make time to meet new people in different industries and learn from their experiences. This is a great way to stumble across a new opportunity, continue learning, and give back to your community. Volunteer your time and meet some new people. Plus you can add it to your resume and it gives you something to talk about during an interview!

Drew McKenzie Cincinnati, Ohio
BBA, Marketing, Management, Lindner College of Business
Be flexible and open to doing things that might not have been part of your planned path, you might find that you really love doing something other than what you planned.

Also be sure to check out Alumnus Justin Gibson's latest blog entry, "Pomp and Extreme Circumstance..."  He offers further advice to new UC grads on how to apply their college experience to the real world's job markets.

Thanks to all who offered such brilliant advice! Check out the UC Alumni Association's Career Services section for additional resources.

DAAP Student Describes Her Co-op and Study Abroad Experience in Washington, D.C. Video Tour

Before coming to college, I never thought I would say in just four short years I:

• Participated in eight design studios with significant professionals
• Studied and researched abroad in seven different countries
• Have not lived in one place for more than 12 weeks—having the opportunity to explore new cities, different thinking, and experiencing countless opportunities to network.

I received the UC International scholarship for study abroad. This monetary assistance allowed me to partake in cultural ceremonies and rituals unique to Indonesian culture, in order to successfully research the effects of tourism on local culture.

The research and study abroad programs at UC allowed me to diversify my interests, bringing me to my passion of international affairs and global humanitarian aid.

My resume speaks for itself on why I love UC. I'm Victoria Fromme, senior urban planning student in DAAP and I am Proudly Cincinnati!

Recent Speaker and Scholarship Recipient Reflects Upon Florida Event and Donor Appreciation

The email asked: "Are you on co-op in Florida and available to speak at our UC event?" After instantly replying "I am at your service," I thought-- I have no clue who and what I just agreed to. But boy am I glad I did! Later, I uncovered that I agreed to be a student ambassador and speaker at a Proudly Cincinnati: Tower of Strength, Rock of Truth event in Florida this past February.

It was truly inspirational to stand in front of innovative and motivational UC alumni and share my experience of how UC changed my own life. My palms were a bit sweaty, yes. However, after being so warmly welcomed in the receptions by President Williams, Dean Chatterjee, and the hospitable UC Foundation and alumni attendees, I further solidified why I love UC-- the faculty and alumni offer tremendous support.

Without the support of UC donors, I would have never been able to participate in so many wonderful opportunities--studying, researching, and working abroad in seven different countries in just four short years. I owe tremendous thanks for the scholarships, fellowships, and co-op opportunities that were made possible by UC alumni, faculty, staff, and friends. It was equally rewarding to hear how UC impacted so many people's lives at this recent event in Florida.

No matter where I may be in this world, one thing is certain--I proudly display my convocation pin I received on my first day of college (which has traveled with me all over the globe), as I am always Proudly Cincinnati.

~Victoria Fromme
senior urban planning student in DAAP 

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If you missed Victoria's live account of her UC experience during UC's February appearances in Orlando and Naples, check out the video above. Her story should make us all Proudly Cincinnati!