Cincinnati Icons Join Together to Support UC’s Bowties for Scholarships

Initiative aims to create more scholarships for UC students

What could bring together Cincinnati Mayor John Cranley, French Master Chef Jean-Robert De Cavel and Cincinnati Enquirer’s Margaret Buchanan?

University of Cincinnati students, that’s what.

More than 200 people, including a number of Cincinnati icons, gathered Thursday, Oct. 16, 2014 for a Bowties for Scholarships luncheon to launch a fundraising campaign that will create more scholarships for UC students.

“By increasing scholarship awards, we are rewarding our students’ efforts to make a better life for themselves, and motivating them to continue giving their all because someone was compelled to invest in their dreams,” said UC President Santa J. Ono.

The event showcased the impact of scholarship support at UC and highlighted a number of students who have benefited immensely from financial support. One such student was David Sparby, A&S ’15.

“I’ve always worked hard for what I receive, and in a way, the scholarship was an affirmation of the effort and time I had put into my education,” said Sparby. “It has made a tremendous difference for me personally, and allowed me to pursue the minors in psychology and history.”

Event attendees each received either a UC bowtie or scarf and enjoyed bowtie-inspired entertainment and cuisine. WCPO’s Tanya O’Rourke served as the luncheon’s emcee and encouraged guests to take part in a silent auction, which featured donated items ranging from Cincinnati Ballet tickets to a limited edition basketball signed by Hall of Famer Oscar Robertson. 

“I am incredibly grateful to all of the community members and leaders who have stepped up to support Bowties for Scholarships,” said Rod Grabowski, UC Foundation president. “Our donors make the future brighter for UC students, faculty and staff and the Greater Cincinnati community.”

To get your own official 2014 UC bowtie or scarf and to make a difference for UC students, please visit uc.edu/bowties.

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