Larry Elsasser Scholarship & Recipients
About the Scholarship
The Larry Elsasser Memorial Scholarship is awarded annually in the fall semester to student employees who work at the University of Cincinnati and who meet the following criteria*:
- The student must be an undergraduate and enrolled as a full-time student at the University of Cincinnati at the time of application.
- The student must be employed by the university as an enrolled student worker at the time of application for the scholarship and award.
- The student must be employed by the following university departments/units: Campus Services, Resident Education and Development, Roar Tour Guides, One Stop Student Service Center, New Student Orientation Office, or Facilities Management.
- The student must have completed two semesters of academic work (not including CCP/Dual enrollment credits) and hold a cumulative university grade point average of 3.0 or better.
- Application form (self-nomination) and brief essay (300 words or less) describing the value you have received through your employment at the university as a student worker.
- Supervisor evaluation.
*Note: Omission of any of the above criteria will disqualify applicants from consideration.
Why Larry Elsasser?
A well-known Bearcat alum, Larry Elsasser, Ed ’65, MEd ’73, served as a UC employee for 35 years. For most of those years, Larry served as the director of Tangeman University Center.
In 1961, Elsasser was recruited to play baseball and basketball. Although baseball was his passion, he had a memorable basketball career, playing guard when UC defeated Ohio State in 1962 for the NCAA championship. After graduation, he played professional baseball for the Kansas City Athletics, the forerunner to the Oakland A’s. He later became a Cincinnati Public school teacher, then a math teacher at Raymond Walters College, where he also worked as assistant director of the Campus Center. In 1970, he transferred to the Uptown Campus as assistant director of Tangeman University Center, where he became director in 1976. Larry retired in 2005.
Larry’s commitment to the university and to the students at UC was always professional and enthusiastic. With Larry’s passing in 2010, his colleagues and friends at the university established a scholarship in his name to recognize UC students, who also serve the university as student employees.
2025 Recipients
For the 2026 spring semester, the annual Larry Elsasser Memorial Scholarship recipients: Emmaline Hirschten and Manavi Pradhan were awarded $1,000 each.
Emmaline Hirschten
Emmaline Hirschten is a dedicated Desk Assistant whose work in Calhoun/Siddall has made a significant impact on both residents and staff. Through her role, Emmaline has developed a deep appreciation for working with individuals from diverse backgrounds and perspectives. She describes Calhoun/Siddall as “a city in itself,” where every interaction presents an opportunity to learn, empathize, and offer support.
As a Desk Assistant, Emmaline takes pride in fostering a safe and welcoming environment for residents and frequently assists students during stressful or challenging situations. These experiences have strengthened her communication skills, patience, and empathetic listening. By navigating conflict and resolving concerns, she has learned to approach situations without judgment, focusing on making residents feel seen, heard, and supported.
Her supervisor, Michael Hall from University Housing, describes Emmaline as “dedicated, knowledgeable, and a huge asset to our staff.” Emmaline’s commitment to service and her ability to foster understanding and safety within the residential community exemplify the values of the Larry Elsasser Memorial Scholarship.
Manavi Pradhan
Manavi Pradhan’s student employment journey reflects remarkable growth, resilience, and leadership. Arriving at the University of Cincinnati from Nepal in Fall 2023, Manavi bravely stepped far outside her comfort zone, navigating a new culture, academic environment, and independence. Her first role as a ROAR Tour Guide introduced her to the interview process and ignited a passion for connecting with people while representing UC with pride. Manavi has since excelled in multiple campus roles, including Student Orientation Leader, Student Orientation Assistant, Desk Assistant, and Resident Advisor (RA). Through these experiences, she developed confidence, professionalism, and a leadership style rooted in empathy.
Whether welcoming new students and families, supporting behind-the-scenes orientation operations, or living alongside residents as an RA, Manavi consistently focuses on making others feel valued, heard, and at home.
Her supervisor, Emily Myers from the New Student Orientation Office, describes Manavi as “a well-rounded student, staff member, and UC community member” who is kind, intelligent, and deeply dedicated. Despite balancing academics with her RA and office responsibilities, Manavi seizes every opportunity and sets a strong example for others. Her commitment to leading with empathy and serving with purpose reflects the spirit and dedication of Larry Elsasser, making her a truly deserving recipient of this honor.
2024
Oriana Hernandez Alvarado is a standout student employee in Enrollment Services, One Stop. At the Student Call Center, she assists students and parents with financial aid, registration, and university policies. This role has strengthened her time management, critical thinking, and communication skills while deepening her empathy and ability to connect with students needing guidance. She takes pride in helping others navigate university processes and ensuring they feel supported. Her supervisor, Yvonne Parker, describes Oriana as an invaluable asset to the team. She notes her willingness to take on projects, extensive department knowledge, and role as a resource for peers. Her dedication has made a lasting impact on Enrollment Services and the students she helps every day.
Juan Carlos Solis Galan is a dedicated student employee in the New Student Orientation Office. Starting in his second semester, he has worked in multiple roles across UC, gaining valuable experience in university operations, mentorship, and student services. His time as a student worker has strengthened his leadership, multitasking, and communication skills. His supervisor, Emily Meyers, describes him as a dependable leader with a positive attitude who takes initiative. After serving as a Student Orientation Leader in 2023, he became a Student Orientation Assistant in Fall 2024, continuing his commitment to supporting students.
2023
For the 2024 spring semester, the annual Larry Elsasser Memorial Scholarship recipients: Hannah Lauck and Steve Lingani were awarded $1,000 each.
2022
For the 2023 spring semester, the annual Larry Elsasser Memorial Scholarship recipients: Cailey Hurst and Taylor Richardson were awarded $1,000 each.
2021
For the 2022 spring semester, the annual Larry Elsasser Memorial Scholarship recipients: Julian Hill, Emily Keith and Lucy Wesley were awarded $1,000 each.
2020
For the 2021 spring semester, the annual Larry Elsasser Memorial Scholarship recipients: Aprilynne R. Gable, Nichole Criner, Ania Cosby and were awarded $1,000 each.
2019
Three winners were awarded the Larry Elsasser Memorial scholarship: Hannah McJessy, Aratrika Pan and Kayla French were each awarded $1,000 for the 2020 spring semester.
2018
For the first time ever three students - Kelly Higgins, Anthony Crawford, and Ethan Bastian - took home the Larry Elsasser Memorial Scholarship; each was awarded 1,000 for the 2019 Spring Semester.
2017
Two first-generation UC students, Hanna Sorensen and Tyneshia Daniel, received the annual Larry Elsasser Memorial Scholarship; each was awarded $1,000 for the 2018 Spring Semester. Hanna works as a Resident Advisor and Tyneshia works for Student Activities and Leadership Development.
2016
Alyssa Albek, a Learning Community Peer Leader in the First Year Experience, and Kelsie Gerard, with The Cincinnati Project were awarded the fourth annual Larry Elsasser Memorial Scholarship award for the 2017 spring semester.