Lindner graduate Evan Phelps named 2025 Mr. Bearcat
Phelps honored for achievements inside and outside of the classroom
“The power of going to a university is you challenge yourself to get to know people who are different than you, who have different backgrounds, interests and experiences. Ultimately, that’s how the real world is.” — Evan Phelps, BBA ’25
An exemplar of the Carl H. Lindner College of Business’s mission of empowering business problem solvers, recent graduate Evan Phelps has been named 2025 Mr. Bearcat, as chosen by UC honorary fraternity Sigma Sigma.
Evan Phelps graduated on May 2 with degrees in business economics and finance.
Phelps, who graduated on May 2 with degrees in business economics and finance, was honored on April 11 during Sigma Sigma’s annual celebration. Since 1949, the Mr. Bearcat award has been bestowed upon a graduating senior man who has attained academic success, demonstrated leadership and made a significant contribution to UC, all while displaying “Bearcat spirit.”
“Evan is the kind of student that every professor hopes to have, one who is eager to participate and challenges both himself and his peers with thought-provoking questions,” said Ruth Seiple, director of Lindner Business Honors and a professor-educator of operations, business analytics, and information systems. “What set Evan apart, however, was not just his intellectual prowess, but his ability to elevate the learning environments for everyone. He actively supported his classmates, encouraged dialogue, clarified difficult concepts and fostered a culture of collaboration.”
Phelps’ lengthy list of accomplishments and achievements include:
- Lindner Business Honors
- Five co-ops/internships: Fifth Third Bank (twice), AMEND Consulting (twice), Refinery Ventures
- Nine executive-level roles with five different campus organizations
- President, Sigma Sigma
- Vice President of Membership, Student Alumni Council
- President, Sigma Chi
- Vice President of Marketing & Recruitment, Students Consulting for Nonprofit Organizations
- Vice Chair, Student Advisory Committee on University Budget
- Four study abroad experiences: London, Jerusalem/West Bank, Australia and the United Arab Emirates
Never in my wildest dreams did I think I’d get as involved as I did and have so many great mentors and friends.
Evan Phelps, BBA ’25
“I think half the reason you go to college isn’t just to learn in the classroom. It’s to build softer skills: leadership, communication and how to delegate,” Phelps said. “A lot of what I’ve learned is outside of the classroom and outside of the workplace.”
In Phelps’ letter of consideration, he recalled feeling “unaccomplished” following his freshman year for being the only member of his 25-person Honors cohort without a summer co-op. But, reminded by his parents that comparison can be both natural and unhealthy to dwell on, Phelps renewed his commitment and continued his upward academic and professional trajectory.
“The Mr. Bearcat award signals the exceptional impact Evan has made at Lindner and UC,” said Lindner dean Marianne Lewis, PhD. “His drive is truly inspiring. We are grateful and proud of Evan’s academic, professional and leadership contributions.”
Phelps (fourth from left) during his time with the Student Alumni Council.
A lifelong Bearcat, Phelps grew up attending UC basketball games with his sister and grandfather. He noted that the “power of the UC network” helped him land his co-ops, and pledged to pay that generosity forward as an alumnus. Phelps will begin his full-time professional career at Fifth Third Bank.
“I’m just really grateful for the time I spent here,” he said. “Never in my wildest dreams did I think I’d get involved as I did and have so many great mentors and friends.”
Featured image at top: Evan Phelps, a member of the 2023 Homecoming Court, high-fives the Bearcat. Photos courtesy of Evan Phelps.
Empowering future business problem solvers
At the Carl H. Lindner College of Business, we fuel professional growth through our distinctive combination of academic and hands-on experiences: our problem-solving mindset, cooperative education, flexible pathways, engaging community and vibrant, urban setting. Place, age or stage — students from a range of backgrounds become problem solvers at Lindner.
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