UC construction management student named Mr. Bearcat

Being an engineering student at the University of Cincinnati can sometimes feel like a lot, but even with their busy schedules, engineering students are some of the most involved on campus. Ben Trubach (construction management '18) shows you can be involved, have school spirit, go on co-op and still graduate from the College of Engineering and Applied Science.

Trubach recently received the coveted Mr. Bearcat Award at UC's annual Student Recognition Ceremony. The award, which was established by the Sigma Sigma honorary fraternity in 1949, recognizes one senior man who has "achieved academic success, demonstrated leadership in diverse settings, and made a significant contribution to the University of Cincinnati, all while displaying Bearcat spirit."

"It's a huge recognition and it's something I'm really proud of and excited about," Trubach said.

Trubach sees his involvement in marching band as a big reason why he received this honor. He has served as marching band president for three years, and he knows how spirited the band can be.

"Band members are something special," Trubach said. "It takes some serious love for UC to go to a football game in November when its forty degrees and raining and still yell and scream like we're playing for a national championship."

The marching band's spirit isn't just felt at football games; UC students and faculty can feel it all across campus. The band plays at basketball games, scholarship breakfasts, inaugurations and all types of formal and informal celebrations.

"School spirit is supporting all aspects of UC," Trubach said. "It's a lot more than just being really excited when we win."

Trubach has enjoyed serving as marching band president partially because of his influence on future leaders. Over three terms, he saw younger students on the executive board develop, grow and move onto leadership positions all across campus.  

He has also consistently worked with the UC Band Alumni, finding ways to collaborate and improve the band experience.

Said one executive member of the UC Band Alumni Association, "It is refreshing to work with a student who thinks so long-term about his involvement with the university and even better to work with a student who has made such a lasting impact on the band program."

Through all this, Trubach still fit in his regularly scheduled cooperative education (co-op) rotations. He spent several semesters with the Kroger Company in its facilities engineering department and a few semesters with Cintech Construction in project coordinating and estimating. 

After graduation, Trubach is moving to Chicago to work full time as a project engineer with Gilbane Building Company. 

"Even though I'll graduate this year and start a new job," Trubach said, "Mr. Bearcat will be something I take with me moving forward. UC will always be part of my life."