June 3, 2021

Maggie McKinley-Maric, A&S ’00, was running hurdles for the University of Cincinnati track and field team when life placed different types of hurdles in her path. She was a rising sophomore when her mother was diagnosed with breast cancer. And she was a gay woman striving to find her way in a pre-enlightened world while sometimes feeling that she and her gay friends were “part of a secret society.”

March 23, 2021

Sheriff Charmaine McGuffey (CECH, Criminal Justice ’88) never imagined she’d be where she is today – the first woman and first openly gay person to serve as Hamilton County sheriff.

June 1, 2021

When Leisan Smith, ’99, ME ’03, began work this year as the inaugural chief equity officer at the prestigious Columbus School for Girls, the school’s staff and faculty were thrilled. The job description, they said, “was written for you.”

July 9, 2021

As a University of Cincinnati College of Medicine student, Sarah Appeadu, MD, ’21, remembers journaling on the “3 Cs” that got her through medical school: Community, community, community. Now, when she lists the people who supported her through four years of training—the last year in a global pandemic—it keeps growing: her family, her church, her classmates, and the college’s Office of Student Affairs and Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion. “I look back and it was such a crucial time to really be nurtured in that way,” she says. “I’m so thankful that I had those people. It shows being around the right people really mattered. That’s my same hope for residency even.”

July 28, 2020

A University of Cincinnati alumnus has donated $200,000 to support a center at the law school focused on race, gender and social justice. Bill Morelli, A&S ’74, JD ’78, has created the Bill Morelli Endowment Fund for the Nathaniel R. Jones Center for Race, Gender, and Social Justice at the College of Law. Renamed in 2019 after Judge Nathaniel Jones in honor of his career as a champion for justice, the Jones Center trains and cultivates scholars, leaders and activists committed to social change. After his retirement as a federal judge, Judge Jones joined the law firm Blank Rome LLP, serving as its first chief officer of Diversity and Inclusion. Morelli says the timing of his gift was intentional. “At a time when national discussion—often divisive—is taking place on issues of race, gender and justice, it’s important for the legal profession to take the lead in framing issues and developing solutions,” he said. “The Jones Center is at the center of thought leadership in this area and I hope this gift can bring together scholars and practitioners in the field to inspire the next generation of lawyers to shape public policy and help build bridges of understanding in the broader community.” “Bill’s gift not only celebrates our university and the life work of Judge Nathaniel Jones, it supports our commitment to racial justice,” UC President Neville G. Pinto said. “It helps us create more welcoming spaces for listening, dialogue and support as we move forward and work to solve systemic issues of justice.”

July 5, 2022

Alumnus Harry Sparks is the ultimate go-to guy. An architecture graduate (‘67 ), he has built or remodeled countless retail institutions (think Bloomingdale’s, Macy’s and Home Depot), casinos, hotels and even the famous Rabbit Hash, Kentucky, General Store, where the tiny town has a dog as its mayor. But that’s just been his day job. After hours, Harry has spent the last 60 years as one of country music’s premier luthiers. Superstars like Vince Gill and Sam Bush come to Harry for acoustic instrument work.

May 2, 2022

In July 2020, University of Cincinnati alumnus Bill Morelli, A&S ’74, JD ’78, gave $200,000 to support a center at the law school focused on race, gender, and social justice.

May 25, 2021

More than one-third of UC’s nearly 7,000 faculty and staff have already contributed to the 2020-21 Faculty & Staff Campaign, putting the goal of 45% within reach.

November 9, 2021

The University of Cincinnati was in the national spotlight with ESPN’s College GameDay and Good Morning America featuring the UC Bearcat football team's rise in football ranking. UC defeated the University of Tulsa on the football field during Homecoming.

November 5, 2021

LTC Jeffrey Keenan (Bus ’04) and Stephanie Keenan (CAHS ’04, ’06) are a prominent military couple who have lived in 12 homes during their 15 years of marriage.