Mason s Kimberly Bauer Chosen as 2009 C-Ring Winner

Competition for the 2009 C-Ring Award was keen, with 34 women nominated, from which

seven finalists

were chosen. At the annual C-Ring Award banquet on May 16, Kimberly Bauer, a chemistry/Spanish major in the McMicken College of Arts and Sciences, was awarded the 2009 C-Ring.

UC Women’s Center director Barb Rinto acknowledged the wonderful challenge faced by the committee each year as they are tasked with selecting one outstanding graduating senior woman who has made a contribution to her community while maintaining a rigorous academic load.

In her letter of support for Bauer’s nomination, Associate Professor Barbara Wenner wrote about how impressed she was with Bauer’s “interest and excellence” in an Honors English literature course — especially impressive considering that Bauer is a double major in chemistry and Spanish.

But the C-Ring Award is for more than just academic achievement.

“The C-Ring recognizes women who work to improve the quality of life in our communities; who feel a responsibility to the greater world. These are women who ‘lift as they climb,’ selflessly reaching out to other women and girls to help them succeed,” says Rinto.

Wenner also talked in her letter of support about Bauer’s working with women in other countries.

“She has been abroad six times, both studying and doing volunteer work from working in a maternity clinic in Nicaragua to studying medical Spanish in Peru,” Wenner wrote.

Debbie Brawn, director of Programs and Administration for the University Honors Program, nominated Bauer.

“Kim has an immense passion for learning about the world. During her time at UC, she has participated in six academic study abroad programs and visited at least 29 countries,” Brawn wrote. She also noted that Bauer lives a life of service and “does not hesitate to give her time and talents.” 

“Kim gives back to the communities and organizations of which she is a part,” Brawn wrote. “Kim is sensitive to diversity and other cultures. She readily adapts, as is evidenced by her success studying and living abroad. Her personal passion for learning and travel serves as an inspiration.”

Bauer hopes to enter graduate school and earn a combined master of physician assistant studies and master of public health degree, with the goal of improving the quality of women’s health internationally.

"Women around the world struggle to find equality and to obtain an education. Of the estimated 1.2 billion people living in poverty (less than $1 a day), 70 percent are women,” Bauer wrote in her essay. “By working with Habitat for Humanity to build houses for single-parent moms, by educating impoverished women at a Nicaraguan maternity clinic, and by providing needed supplies to women in Peru, I have been working to fight gender inequality.”

“Kim has great vision for her life and her work. Her goal is to become a bilingual healthcare provider and to have an impact on women’s healthcare on a global level,” Brawn wrote. “I have full confidence that she will do this.”

More stories about the C-Ring Award and previous winners:

C-Ring Cycle 88: It's Down to Seven Finalists
The C-Ring is one of the oldest and most prestigious awards at the University of Cincinnati.

Nominate an Outstanding Undergraduate Woman for the C-Ring
If you know a female undergrad who's a good student, gives back to her campus community and works for the advancement of women, nominate her for the 2009 C-Ring by Feb. 20!

2008 C-Ring Winner Grateful to UC for Strong Sense of Community
Graduating University of Cincinnati senior Amy Schlegel has won the 2008 C-Ring Award, given to an outstanding undergraduate woman.

C-Ring Committee Members:

Jane S. Anderson — McMicken College of Arts & Sciences

Ratee Apana — College of Business 

Julie Burdick — Office of Senior Vice Provost

Lanthan D. Camblin — College of Education, Criminal Justice, and Human Services

Catherine C. Castillo — UC Health Services

Stacy L. Downing — Student Activities & Leadership Development

Cheryll Dunn — Professor Emeritus

David J. Edelman — DAAP School of Planning

Lou Ann Emerson — College of Nursing

Julie A. Flammer — Cincinnati Faculty Club, former C-Ring winner

Lillian Guyler — College of Education, Criminal Justice, and Human Services

Lisa Maria Hogeland — McMicken College of Arts & Sciences 

Sister Leslie Keener, CPS — Campus Ministry

Kimberly McGinnis-Hemphill — College of Business

Lisa H. Newman — McMicken College of Arts & Sciences

Barbara Rinto — UC Women’s Center

Lillian S. Santa-Maria — University Ombuds

Ken Simonson — College of Engineering

Carney Sotto — College of Allied Health Sciences 

Deborah S. Weinstein — Student Affairs and Services

Lizabeth Wing — College-Conservatory of Music

C-Ring Honorary Members:

Karen K. Faaborg — senior vice president and Chief Human Resource Officer 
Andrea R. Lindell — dean, College of Nursing
Victoria A. Montavon — dean, University Libraries
Elizabeth C. King — dean, McMicken College of Arts & Sciences 
Kristi A. Nelson — senior vice provost, Academic Planning