Bold

Gen-1 House helps new students succeed

Greater student retention, improved academic performance and higher graduation rates are three fundamental UC goals. The Gen-1 Theme House--geared toward first-generation, Pell-eligible college students--is having such a positive effect on all three that it was recently hailed in the publicationDiverse: Issues in Higher Education. Of the 24 "Gen-1 students" who started at UC in the 2009-10 academic year, 23 returned for their second year. Collectively, the house compiled a 2.77 freshman GPA.

The Gen-1 program also just received part of a $550,000 grant to enhance support of these first-generation pioneers.
 

More top high-school scholars choosing UC

UC is becoming a destination school for top high school students. The National Merit Corp. reports that UC enrolled 41 first-year National Merit Finalists last fall. That ranks UC 55th nationally, 21st among public universities, and 2nd in the Big East Conference behind only Notre Dame. UC actually enrolled four additional scholars after report data was gathered; so with 45 National Merit Finalists, our national rankings are even higher.

Recruiting these top students is a key part of UC's strategy to raise the bar on student success, and the numbers have been rising steadily since 2005. The 135 National Merit Scholars currently enrolled are part of UC's record total enrollment of 41,357, up 4.3% from a year ago.

  Strong

UC dominates 'Top Doctors' rankings

UC's prowess and reputation in the medical field were reflected recently in two prominent local magazines. Each publishes an annual list of Greater Cincinnati's outstanding doctors--and UC dominated each list.

Of Cincy Magazine's 498 "Best Doctors," 86% had an affiliation with UC's College of Medicine: 21% attended the college, 32% were a UC resident or fellow, and 71% are current members of the faculty. In Cincinnati Magazine's Top Doctors survey, 388 doctors were recognized; 70% were affiliated with the UC College of Medicine.

UC 'jewel'--CCM charts its future

The College-Conservatory of Music (CCM) has long been considered one of UC's pillars of excellence, with its national reputation for academic and performance quality. CCM's future largely depends on its ability to garner the private support necessary to retain its premier faculty, continue upgrading its facilities, and fund new scholarships to attract outstanding students. As the university searches for the next dean to lead the college, the Cincinnati Enquirer recently provided an in-depth look at CCM's strengths, opportunities, challenges, and pathways to even greater success.

  Ambitious

Students prepare for Dance Marathon

 

UC's penchant for community service will soon result in a classic college "all-nighter." The third annual Cincinnati Dance Marathon starts Saturday, Feb. 26 at noon in UC's Campus Recreation Center and runs through noon the following day. Hundreds of UC students will dance non-stop, with proceeds and donations from the fundraiser benefiting pediatric oncology/hematology patients and families at Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center.

Additional donations at the event will go to Proudly Pennies, the student-led initiative to support UC's $1 billion Proudly Cincinnati campaign. Interested alumni can register on the spot to participate before the marathon begins.

 

Three sisters create new food-oriented publication

 

Greater Cincinnati has a new food magazine, thanks to the combined entrepreneurial efforts of three sisters who are also UC alumni. The brainchild of Joy Kramer (A&S '06), Julie Kramer (DAAP '98), and Jennifer Kramer-Wine (A&S '95), Edible Ohio Valley focuses on local people who raise and produce food. The magazine joins a nationwide network of 60+ "Edible" magazines.

"We want to raise awareness about who our farmers are and where we get our foods, and it really pushes us to think about our nation's food policies," Jennifer said. "Our goals aren't just local, but national as well."

 

Masterful Alumni

Visionary real estate developer Bruce Eichner (Law '69) is the latest UC alumnus to join the ranks of Kautz Alumni Masters. Eichner is president and founder of the Continuum Company. He's been part of an impressive lists of "firsts" for the industry including his Manhattan Club development, the first urban timeshare in New York, featuring the unique option of allowing guests to schedule one-night stays.

In 1999, UC alumnus and benefactor Jim Kautz and the University of Cincinnati teamed to create a unique educational experience--the Kautz Alumni Masters Forum--to take advantage of the wealth of knowledge and wisdom within UC's dynamic alumni body. Kautz Alumni Masters are UC graduates--leaders in business and industry, in education, medicine and the arts--who've set new standards of accomplishment by which others measure themselves. More information and a list of UC's prominent Alumni Masters is available here.