Sisters and Bearcats

Engineering alum gives back to UC

Sandra Crawfis, CEAS ’83, began visiting the University of Cincinnati’s campus when she was eight years old and her two older sisters were students. Crawfis always knew she would follow them to UC.

“It was just what we did in my family,” says the Milford, Ohio, native. “We visited campus.”

The three Crawfis sisters and UC alumnae are keeping up the family tradition. One after the other, they returned to Cincinnati after successful careers. Sisters Sandy; Pat, A&S ’73, and Cheryl, A&S ’76, spend a lot of time together; this includes attending UC home football games.

Returning to her hometown after retiring prompted Crawfis to ponder her success. 

four women

Sandy Crawfis, center, her sisters and mother.

“I’ve been reflecting on my great life and what got me to this point,” she shares. “One of the pillars was my education at UC, and I’d like to give that opportunity to a young adult.”

This led to her gift to create the Sandra Crawfis Scholarship Endowment Fund for chemical engineering students enrolled in UC’s College of Engineering and Applied Science. Sandy says she learned critical thinking skills and perseverance at UC, which led to a satisfying and fruitful livelihood.

“When I was at UC, you knew that you had endless possibilities and could do whatever you wanted to do,” she remembers. “I want to help give a student a similar life.”

Crawfis spent much of her engineering career working in the automotive industry in Michigan, including a stint in England. 

When I was at UC, you knew that you had endless possibilities and could do whatever you wanted to do. I want to help give a student a similar life.

Sandra Crawfis CEAS '83

Her return to Cincinnati coincides with a new discovery: UC’s Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI). Crawfis is a board member and OLLI participant, taking math and science classes. Plus, her two favorite Bearcats — her sisters — are also involved.

Because that’s what they do in their family. 

Featured image at top: Sandra Crawfis. Photo/Colleen Kelley/UC Creative. 

Who will you empower NEXT?

Scholarships, fellowships and enrichment programs provide opportunities for students to attend, grow and graduate from UC. You can empower our next leaders through support for scholarships, fellowships and signature programs in career-based education, co-op or professional development.

Read about the options or call 513-556-6781.

Related Stories

1

High school program draws local students to engineering

January 21, 2025

In a handful of cities around the world, including Cincinnati, GE Aerospace Foundation partners with local organizations and universities to run the Next Engineers program, a global college-and career-readiness program working to increase the diversity of young people in engineering. University of Cincinnati student Kallab Hailu Abebe was in the first cohort of GE Next Engineering Academy Graduates, and was inspired to enroll in a higher education engineering program after his experience.

3

UC engineer honored with presidential award

January 21, 2025

The highest honor bestowed upon scientists by the U.S. government, the Presidential Early Career Award for Scientists and Engineers (PECASE) was founded by President Clinton during his time in office. The award recognizes engineers and scientists who exemplify valuable potential for leadership early in their research career. Recently, the University of Cincinnati’s Joel Alejandro (Alex) Mejia, was named a PECASE honoree.

Debug Query for this