Giving back to female Bearcats athletes provides purpose for Edward and Nina Paul

As a Cincinnati native and University of Cincinnati alumni, Edward Paul, BA ’72, has always been a Bearcats fan. His family’s love of UC runs deep and Edward’s earliest memories include going to basketball and football games with his dad.

Edward’s wife Nina, a California native, and University of California at Los Angeles alum, has adopted her family’s Bearcats pride. In turn, her family has come to share in her passion for advocating for women through philanthropy. 

The Pauls have been intentional about supporting women’s basketball through a scholarship program, and most recently with a transformational investment in the men and women’s basketball locker rooms in Fifth Third Arena.

The renovated locker rooms include:

• Custom lockers with each player’s name and number
• A hype tunnel with custom graphics and illuminated signing (The women’s locker room features "The Sisterhood" in bright red letters)
• A fuel station and nutrition bar
• Best-in-class technology
• Recovery rooms

“It’s important to the young women in our program that they are supported by our donors,” says women’s basketball head coach Katrina Merriweather. “They are working hard and knowing that individuals like the Pauls care about their experience, the program, and the Sisterhood is extremely encouraging.”

A video capturing the women’s team’s first experience in the newly renovated locker room is a testament to the impact of the Pauls’ support. The student-athletes are seen cheering with delight, jumping up and down, and smiling, their joy reflecting the pride and distinction they feel as Bearcats. Investments like the Pauls provide student-athletes much more than a new space to gather and store their gear. It’s a vote of confidence in their hard work, talent and dedication to thriving as a Bearcat on and off the court — investments that prepare them to succeed in life. Through philanthropy, these student-athletes are empowered to continue dreaming and achieving.

“Being a student-athlete requires discipline and provides a good sense of self-pride and confidence,” Nina says. “I’ve always been involved in mentoring women and fundraising for organizations, so it meant something to support female student-athletes.”

Nina's upbringing in a philanthropic family instilled in her the importance of giving back to the community. Even while running her 30-year-old successful business, Nina Paul Jewelry, and juggling the responsibilities of raising a family, she remained focused on to making a positive impact in the lives of others.

Her extensive volunteer work includes her leadership in several organizations and is most proud of helping to develop The Women for Israel Campaign of Jewish National Fund USA, whose main mission is to develop the land of Israel and improve the quality of life of every Israeli. She is a past president of Cincinnati’s largest Conservative synagogue, Adath Israel Congregation, and continues to serve on boards and committees throughout the community.

“Giving back feels good,” Nina says. “It gives you a purpose in life beyond your own needs.”

Edward is the former owner of Container Recyclers, Inc. and Queen City Barrel Co. He says attending UC was a fantastic experience and maintains friendships with his fellow Sigma Alpha Epsilon brothers.

Edward says that his time as a co-op student set both he and his son, Jake Paul, BSCM, MIN ’18, up for success.

“Co-op is a great program,” reflects Edward. “Our son was part of it and was hired before he graduated. He returned to Cincinnati and started his own company at 28.”

And now that Jake is back in town, he has time to cheer on the Bearcats with his dad. 

Featured image at top: Nina and Edward Paul in the women's basketball locker room in Fifth Third Arena. Photo/Chris Radcliffe for the UC Foundation.