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.

Former Bearcats Coming Up Big for Pro Teams

Connor Barwin #98 of the Houston Texans sacks
Joe Flacco #5 of the Baltimore Ravens for a safety
on October 21, 2012 at Reliant Stadium in Houston, Texas.
(October 20, 2012 - Source: Thomas B. Shea/
Getty Images North America)

Ten bowl games in thirteen years…Four conference championships and two BCS bowl games in the past five seasons…Four 10-win seasons over the past five years…No matter how you look at it, UC’s football program continues to prove itself as one of the most competitive in the nation – including the impressive roster of former Bearcats who now make a living playing on Sundays.

Check out our midseason rundown of NFL players who got their start on the Clifton gridiron and see what they’ve been up to so far this season:

Connor Barwin – Barwin was a key defensive leader for the Bearcats during his senior season – even though it was his first on the defensive side of the ball, as he previously played tight end during his college and high school career.

Now, he’s a run-stuffing, pass-rushing force for the Texans, with 31 tackles, two sacks, one fumble recovery and four passes defended through the first twelve games of the season. One of those sacks also resulted in Connor’s first NFL points – a safety of Ravens’ quarterback Joe Flacco in the Texans’ week 7 win.

With the Texans sporting one of the best records (and defenses) in the league, Barwin looks to be playing deep into January as the Texans seek out their first-ever Super Bowl appearance.

Armon Binns – Many fans remember Binns making one of the biggest catches in UC history, diving across a snowy end zone to haul in the game-winning score with one minute left against Pitt at the end of the 2009 season.

Alfonzo Dennard #37 of the New England Patriots tackles
Isaiah Pead #24 of the St. Louis Rams during the NFL
International Series match between the New England
Patriots and the St. Louis Rams at Wembley Stadium on
October 28, 2012 in London, England. (October 27, 2012 -
Source: Scott Heavey/Getty Images Europe)

Now, he’s found a home with the Cincinnati Bengals alongside former Bearcat Kevin Huber, and is working his way into the professional ranks and learning from Pro-Bowl teammate A.J. Green.

Binns has played in eight games so far (including five starts) and has caught 18 passes for 210 yards. He also scored his first NFL touchdown against the Washington Redskins during the Bengals’ 38-31 week 3 win.

Kevin Huber – During the Bearcats’ run at their first BIG EAST Championship in 2008, their stifling defense – along with punter Kevin Huber’s ability to pin opposing teams deep in their own territory – made scoring points a tall order.

Huber continues to excel at consistently punting the ball deep, and now helps the Cincinnati Bengals win the field position battle through the kicking game. So far in 2012, Huber has played in all twelve games and has punted 55 times for a 46.9-yard average and a net average of 41.7 yards.

He has also placed 24 of his 55 punts inside the 20-yard line, and kicked a season long 69-yarder late in the fourth quarter of the Bengals’ week 11 win against Kansas City.

Isaiah Pead – Many people felt the St. Louis Rams landed a steal when UC’s third all-time leading rusher and 2011 BIG EAST Offensive Player of the Year was drafted in the second round of the 2012 NFL Draft.

While he’s still learning the ropes of the NFL and remains behind an incredibly successful rusher in Steven Jackson, Pead continues to make progress and prepare for his moment in the spotlight. And in the meantime, he’s picked up a new skill: returning kickoffs.

So far, Pead has played in eleven games this season, including one start, and has caught three passes for sixteen yards, rushed four times for 33 yards and returned ten kicks for 212 yards.

Haruki Nakamura – One of the anchors of the Bearcats’ 2008 BIG EAST Champion defense, Nakamura went from one electrifying defense to another when he was drafted by the Baltimore Ravens.

Now, Nakamura plays free safety for the Carolina Panthers – and is bringing the lessons he’s learned over the years to a team where he can build a new tradition for defensive excellence.

Tom Brady #12 of the New England Patriots is
sacked by Derek Wolfe #95 of the Denver Broncos
in the second half at  Gillette Stadium on October
7, 2012 in Foxboro, Massachusetts.
 (October 6, 2012 - Source: Jim Rogash/Getty
Images North America)

Nakamura has started in each of the Panthers' twelve games this season and has tallied 51 tackles. He’s also recorded two interceptions: one in a 30-28 thriller against the Atlanta Falcons in week 4, and the other in a 27-21 overtime loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in week 11.

Derek Wolfe  – One of the leaders of last year’s defensive unit went to the Denver Broncos in the second round of the 2012 NFL Draft, and he’s wasted no time making his presence known – even though most of the headlines in Denver are about the resurgence of quarterback Peyton Manning.

Wolfe has started all twelve games this season for the Broncos and has totaled 32 tackles, along with three sacks. Wolfe's three sacks rank third among rookie defensive lineman this season.

Trent Cole – The Philadelphia Eagles have become a regional alumni network of their own, with four former Bearcats – Cole, Brent Celek, Mardy Gilyard and Jason Kelce (who is on injured reserve for the year) recently playing for the team.

Since joining the Eagles in the 2005 NFL Draft, Cole has tallied 70 regular season sacks, which ranks him third all-time in Eagles history behind legends Reggie White and Clyde Simmons. He’s also played in nine playoff games and has established himself as a veteran leader and fan favorite.

Cole has started all ten of the Eagles’ games and has totaled 26 tackles, two sacks and one forced fumble this year.

Brent Celek – Since joining the Eagles in 2007, Celek has been a durable part of the offense, playing in every regular season game during that span and also enjoying success in the postseason.

Tight end Brent Celek #87 of the Philadelphia
Eagles leaps over safety Ed Reed #20 for a
first down in the third quarter during a game
 at Lincoln Financial Field on September 16
 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The Eagles
defeated the Ravens 24-23.
(September 15, 2012 - Source: Rich Schultz/
Getty Images North America)

In fact, Celek caught ten passes for 83 yards and two touchdowns in the 2008 NFC Championship Game against the Arizona Cardinals, and his 19 catches during the Eagles’ 2008 playoff run are the third-most all-time for a tight end.

So far this season, Celek has started all twelve of the Eagles' games and has 601 receiving yards and one touchdown on 50 receptions.

Mardy Gilyard – Sadly, Mardy was cut by the Eagles just over two weeks ago. Gilyard played in six games this season and has returned two punts for 15 yards, and had three special teams tackles.

Here’s to hoping he can find another home in the NFL soon.

John Hughes – Hughes was a force on defense last year and kept getting better as the season went on, totaling 27 tackles and four sacks during UC’s final five games of the 2011 season.

His inspired play and performance at the NFL combine inspired the Cleveland Browns to select him in the third round of the 2012 NFL Draft, and he’s gotten right to work bolstering their defense in one of the league’s toughest divisions.

Hughes has played in each of the Browns' twelve games this season, earning two starts, and has tallied 25 tackles and two sacks.

More Cats on the Prowl in the NFL

Adrien Robinson – New York Giants/Tight End: Robinson has played in two games this season.

Mike Windt – San Diego Chargers/Long Snapper: Windt has played in ten of the Chargers' games this season.

Jeff Linkenbach – Indianapolis Colts/Tackle: Linkenbach has played in all twelve of the Colts' games this season, including six starts.

Ricardo Mathews – Indianapolis Colts/ Defensive Tackle: Mathews has played in all twelve games this season, including one start, and has totaled 11 tackles.

J.K. Schaeffer – Though Schaeffer was cut by the Jacksonville Jaguars shortly before the start of the 2012 NFL season, he has been signed to the Cincinnati Bengals’ practice squad as a reserve linebacker.

Keep up with your favorite Bearcats all season by checking out the UC Athletics website’s coverage of Bearcats in the NFL!

Watch the Bearcats vs. Xavier in the Crosstown Classic with Alumni Where YOU Are

On Wednesday, Dec. 19, the University of Cincinnati Men's Basketball Team will play Xavier University in the Crosstown Classic. If you won't be in town for the game, there's a good chance a group of UC alumni are hosting a game watch nearby!

Check out the list below to see where you can watch the game with other alumni in your area. If your city or region is not featured below and you're interested in organizing a game-watch, please contact Sam Walston at the UC Alumni Association.

Charlotte
Chicago
Central Ohio
Denver
Detroit
Indianapolis
Jacksonville
Las Vegas
Miami
Milwaukee
Nashville
Twin Cities
NYC
Phoenix
Raleigh-Durham
Richmond/Tidewater
St. Louis
San Diego
San Francisco 
Tampa
Washington DC

What do you think the final score will be? Guess by commenting below!

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.

Loyal Bearcat Alum Wins A View from the Top

When UC alumna Maria Nosse graduated from the Carl H. Lindner College of Business in 2005, she knew her education would provide her with a view from the top. After giving back to the university, that view became a reality. As the grand prize winner of the Bearcats Come Back campaign, part of the 1819 effort aimed at increasing alumni giving rates, Maria won an aerial tour of her alma mater in the UC Health helicopter. 

Now a Cleveland-area resident, Nosse sees the importance of giving back to the university and understands that when it comes to funding education, every donation counts.

“I am Proudly Cincinnati because UC gave me the great education and tools to achieve everything that I wanted so far in my life,” said Nosse. “I’m happy to give back to them.”

Nosse was one of 20 alumni who gave back to UC before June 30, 2012, and were entered to win VIP experiences ranging from a tour of the President’s office to tailgating parties with friends.

Congratulations to Maria Nosse and all of the VIP winners! And, if you're feeling inspired to give back, visit http://uc.edu/1819 to make a donation today.