Longtime University and Community Supporter H.C. Buck Niehoff to be Awarded Honorary Doctorate from the University of Cincinnati

H.C. Buck Niehoff will be awarded an Honorary Doctor of Humane Letters at the

University of Cincinnati Commencement Ceremony at 9 a.m., Saturday, Dec. 10, in Fifth Third Arena.

The honorary degree represents the highest award from the university.

Niehoff is Of Counsel with the law firm of Peck, Shaffer & Williams LLP, and continues to maintain relationships with state, local and national leaders on issues that affect public finance.  He has over 30 years of public finance experience, serving as bond counsel to numerous Ohio cities, counties, state agencies and school districts.

Niehoff is a 1972 graduate of the UC College of Law. For decades, he has led efforts in advising and supporting the university. Currently, he is convening co-chair of UC’s $1 billion Proudly Cincinnati fundraising campaign.

Niehoff served on UC’s Board of Trustees from 2002 through 2011 and was unanimously elected chair in 2009.

His commitment to the Cincinnati community includes leading efforts to revitalize Findlay Market and leading the fundraising campaign that resulted in the creation of the Cincinnati Museum Center’s Geier Collection and Research Center. He has also served on advising boards for numerous organizations including the Mercantile Library, the Architectural Foundation, the Cincinnati Metropolitan Housing Authority, the UC College of Law and the UC College of Nursing. He is a former chairman of the Hamilton County Republican Party and has served on the Ohio Elected Officials Compensation Commission as well as the Ohio Bicentennial Commission.

Since 1997, Niehoff and his wife, Patti, have sponsored the annual “Evening with a Great Teacher” program at UC, which highlights outstanding UC faculty members. Their son, Petersen, is also a graduate of UC.

Niehoff’s finance expertise helped the university arrange the bonds for its signature architect buildings – part of the campus transformation that has brought UC worldwide attention for a spectacular campus of architecture and green spaces. His support of UC includes the development of UC’s Niehoff Urban Design Studio in Corryville, which blends student and faculty talent to address the issues of the community.

An avid fitness enthusiast and marathon racer, Niehoff in 1981 co-founded the Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden’s “Cheetah Run” 5K Race and is a regular sponsor. He is also a regular among the members working out at UC’s Campus Recreation Center.