New Golden Bearcat reflects on successful career in higher education

One of the most important and special occasions on the University of Cincinnati’s annual calendar comes at the conclusion of Alumni Week each spring. Capping several days of festivities that recognize and honor excellence within the family of lifelong Bearcats, the UC Alumni Association hosts the Golden Bearcat Society induction ceremonies for returning members of the class that graduated 50 years earlier.

By its nature, the reunion is nostalgic, rewarding and heartwarming. Alumni reunite at the place where they came of age a half century ago, bringing the wisdom accrued over decades of applying what they learned at UC, plus the impressive track records of their own unique achievements. It’s a time of joy as well as amazement at the ever-changing campus some may not have seen in decades. While the journey isn’t over, marking 50 years compels alumni to consider their legacy of impact.

Baby boomers like Bennett (then Linda Mayfield) were used to crowded classrooms and occasionally impersonal experiences.  In such an environment, the professors who made it a point to meaningfully connect with their students stood out. When she entered academia as a career, Bennett remembered the value those connections brought and the ripple effects they could have throughout students’ lives.

“We were told that some students would inevitably be ‘weeded out’ before the end of the term,” she recalled of her earlier UC days. “I took that as a personal challenge. Then later, from my first years in college teaching to the end of my career as a university president, I sought to encourage students to continue their education, even amidst personal challenges.”

In particular, Bennett was seeing women gradually becoming more involved in key roles, which provided additional motivation.

“When I was in graduate school, more women were brought on as faculty, and that signaled hope for my own future. Grad school was challenging — it wasn’t comfortable as one of only a few females. Still, those challenges prepared me to confront other challenges in my career.”

“There was a strong culture of caring on USI’s campus when I arrived; it was an important part of what had attracted me to the institution. I continued to strengthen that culture, even during challenging times. We expanded into more graduate programs, and I encouraged online learning for advanced programs for working adults. Some of that helped USI through the pandemic, but I know much more was required. Crises sometimes kickstart innovations.”

Bennett is in a reflective mood as she prepares to officially become a Golden Bearcat in April, followed by her 47th wedding anniversary in July — she married Dr. Stephen Bennett while she was in graduate school. Armed with the perspective gained that comes from such a successful career where she met an array of challenges and influenced the trajectories of countless people, Bennett has some words of guidance to those still coming up.

“Read widely, outside your field,” she counseled. “Travel to other countries and listen to the people there. Have patience with those who would test you. Never be so desperate to hold onto a job that you do not speak a truth. Then, accept that your truth may be flawed and do not be afraid to change your mind. Be civil. Be kind. Be on time.”

Featured image at top: Linda Bennett greeting USI students. Photo/provided.