UC Blue Ash celebrates top students in COVID-safe event

The University of Cincinnati Blue Ash College is recognizing its top students for academic achievement and service to the college.

UC Blue Ash hosted its 2021 Celebrating the Best event on April 24 but, like most events these days, it had a COVID-era twist. Instead of a formal ceremony, the event took the form of a walk-through where invited students and up to two guests arrived at Muntz Hall on campus at their scheduled time to receive an ovation from volunteers before proceeding to pick up their certificates, honor cord (for honors graduates) and gift bag. They also got to meet with UC Blue Ash Dean, Dr. Robin Lightner, and pose for photos by the college’s photographer and at ‘selfie stations.’

Eleven top students from different academic departments across the college were nominated for Honor Student of the Year. This year’s winner is Stephanie Garcia, a student ambassador and biology major who was recently surprised with the good news by Dean Lightner in a video that was shared on the college’s social media sites.

“I was not expecting this,” says Garcia about the Honor Student of the Year recognition. She noted that she balances part-time work with a full class schedule and studies several hours each night to pursue her goals. “I truly believe that if you try your hardest and put in the effort you can accomplish anything.” Garcia plans to double-major in biology and neurobiology when she transitions to the UC Uptown campus and will pursue a career in medicine, either as physician or in medical research.