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Thavishka Gamage
BEARCATS FOR LIFE
Discover how a University of Cincinnati Bearcat for Life blends leadership, engineering, and service to create real-world impact.
Bearcats
for life
Tell us your story
Your Bearcat journey inspires others. Once a Bearcat, always a Bearcat. Share your story to celebrate the connections, experiences and pride that unite Bearcats everywhere and help future Bearcats see what’s possible.
Bearcats for LIfe Spotlight
Cashmere Wright
"Being a Bearcat for life means more than just cheering for Cincinnati — it’s who I am. The University of Cincinnati shaped me on and off the court, teaching me what hard work, discipline, and community really mean."
Read more Bearcats for Life stories
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Ibrahim Tahiru
BEARCATS FOR LIFE
Discover how a University of Cincinnati graduate became a Bearcat for Life through social justice advocacy, DEI leadership, and global service.
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Natalie Ochmann
BEARCATS FOR LIFE
From marching band memories to career milestones, discover how UC’s Bearcat Bands shaped a lifelong love for Cincinnati, campus spirit, and the red-and-black pride that makes a Bearcat for Life.
UC taught me the values of teamwork, philanthropy and discipline. It’s where I formed lifelong friendships and where I met my husband. Without the University of Cincinnati, I wouldn’t have the life I cherish today.
Kylee Gemmer Class of '18
Find Out What Makes You a Bearcat for Life
Discover Where You Belong
Every Bearcat has a unique spark — whether you’re driven by ambition, creativity or community. Take our short quiz to see which type of Bearcat you are and discover how UC can help you turn your passions into purpose.
Take the quiz, get your result and share it using #BearcatsForLife to show your UC pride.
I’m a Bearcat for Life because UC turned ambition into action and teammates into family. The mix of spirit, service and real-world problem solving at UC is the Bearcat way — now and for life.
Thavishka Gamage Class of '26
What it means to be a Bearcat for Life
Discover the story behind our namesake — from the real bearcat animal to the UC spirit it represents — and how being a Bearcat is more than a name, it’s a lifelong community.
Refer a Future Bearcat
No one inspires future Bearcats like those who’ve lived the UC experience.
Share the name of a student who would thrive here — and help them start their own Bearcat story.