Bold Beginnings

Bold Beginnings | Strong Today | Ambitious Tomorrow

Serving Our City

At a time when land-grant colleges were being established in rural locations all over the country, the City of Cincinnati used funds donated by the estate of Charles McMicken to take the bold and enterprising step of founding its own university. The University of Cincinnati was officially founded in 1870 but traces of its roots link back to the Medical College of Ohio and Cincinnati College, both of which were chartered in 1819, as was the Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music.

Proudly ‘First’

From these bold beginnings grew a groundbreaking comprehensive public university with students, faculty, and alumni who dared to push the envelope. In 1906, Herman Schneider, dean of the College of Engineering, recognized the value of experiential learning and originated the concept of cooperative (co-op) education. To this day, UC’s Professional Practice Program is the largest co-op program at any public institution in the United States.

In 1937, alumnus Joseph B. Strauss proved the impossible possible by completing the Golden Gate Bridge, then the longest in the world. He paid homage to his alma mater by placing a brick from UC’s original McMicken Hall in the bridge’s south anchorage. In the early 1940's, alumnus and assistant professor Dr. George Rieveschl invented the antihistamine Benadryl, offering relief to millions of allergy-sufferers.

Boldly Cincinnati

Throughout its history, the University of Cincinnati has grown in worldwide impact while maintaining a powerful synergy with the City of Cincinnati. That bond has strengthened in a myriad of ways over the years. UC is a major economic driver for Cincinnati.  The university partners and collaborates with the city, its schools and its businesses to help solve the region’s most pressing challenges and improve the quality of life. UC serves as the community’s key resource for rich cultural opportunities, outstanding healthcare, exceptional human capital and innovation in virtually every realm of study.

A Bold Next Step

And still, "we have very big plans. . . " Click here for a special message about our future.