What is the 1819 National Alumni Face-Off?
This spirit-filled competition is a University of Cincinnati Alumni Association initiative recognizing the alumni region with the most Bearcat spirit.  The competition recognizes the region displaying the most support for UC (i.e. achieving the highest alumni participation rate this fiscal year).  It’s as simple as that.

Why “1819”?
1819, which celebrates UC’s founding year and paves the way for our bicentennial, is the university-wide initiative to raise the percentage of undergraduate alumni who give to UC each year. A gift of just $18.19 from a new alumni donor can help boost UC’s alumni participation rate, a key metric for how colleges and universities are ranked nationally. The higher the rate, the higher a school can be ranked – and the more valuable every degree.

What regions are in the national 1819 challenge?
The competition includes all 30 regional alumni networks established by the UC Alumni Association plus Cincinnati, which accounts for more than half of UC's total alumni population.

How long will the competition last?
The competition runs from July 1, 2011 through June 30, 2012.  That’s because we’re measuring the overall number of alumni who give to UC during the 2012 complete fiscal year – which is the period used by U.S. News & World Report, the key national collegiate ranking organization.

How is the winner determined?
The winning region will have the highest overall percentage of undergraduate alumni giving for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2012.

What do the winning regions receive?
In addition to national bragging rights, university-wide recognition,and the satisfaction of impacting UC’s overall alumni participation rate, the winning city also will receive a "Taste of Cincinnati" alumni celebration, featuring Skyline Chili, Montgomery Inn and Graetors.

Why should I partcipate?
The competition is a fun way for you to strut your Bearcat pride and help stack your region up against other Bearcat groups across the country.  Also, by supporting your region, you are helping boost UC's national ranking and the value of your degree.

How can I support my region in the competition?
If you have not made a gift to UC since July 1, 2011, click here, select your region and complete the online giving form. Your gift may be made in any amount and will be directed to the UC Alumni Association, unless otherwise designated in the comments box. Also, share the link with other alumni living near you and encourage them to participate.