Women's Center

Awards

C-Ring Women's Leadership Award

Vice President Debra Merchant, C-Ring Winner Mentalla Ismail, Women's Center Director Angie Fitzpatrick, and Provost Kristi Nelson smiling .

The C-Ring Women's Leadership Award is given each spring to an outstanding graduating senior woman or gender minority at the University of Cincinnati who has demonstrated excellence in leadership throughout their undergraduate career. The award is a 10-karet gold ring engraved with the letter C, symbolizing Cincinnati, community, and commitment to service.

First awarded in 1922 by the Athletics Department to the best "all around gal", the award has evolved over the last 95 plus years to become an all-university award based on service and academic excellence. The selection committee reviews applications and conducts a personal interview before making its final decision based on the following criteria:

  1. Eligibility for graduation from a baccalaureate degree program in August of the previous academic year, or December or April of the current academic year.
  2. Academic learning and discovery evidenced by a cumulative University grade point average of 3.2 or better. Additional evidence of academic excellence may include research publications, conference presentations, acceptance to a prestigious graduate program, or acceptance to America Corps, etc.
  3. Demonstrated advocacy for women, girls, or gender minorities that improves the experiences and status of women and girls.

Feminist Change Maker Award

Feminist Change Maker winners smiling.

This award recognizes individual UC students, faculty, staff, student organizations, and offices who effect change in the name of gender justice. Nominations are solicited from all members of the UC community and reviewed by Women's Center staff. 

Woman of the Year

Woman of the Year recipient Deb Marke smiling.

This award honors outstanding women faculty and staff who demonstrate commitment to gender equality, center students, and positively impact the lives of women. The honoree must currently be a UC faculty or staff member who elevates women through volunteer work, elected position, advocacy, and other forms of campus leadership.