UC Blue Ash celebrates the best and names Honor Student of the Year

Stories of academic achievement and perseverance, as well as an inspiring message about gratitude, were all part of a special event hosted by the University of Cincinnati Blue Ash College as it honored the top students for the 2018-19 academic year.

The UC Blue Ash College Celebrating the Best recognizes the Honor Student of the Year, outstanding students in each academic program, and students who have provided exceptional service to the college. The event was held on April 25 at the Cooper Creek Event Center in Blue Ash.

The top student in each academic department was nominated for Honor Student of the Year. This year’s winner is Grace Burgner of West Chester. She plans to continue her education at the University of Cincinnati Uptown campus where she will work toward a bachelor’s degree in health sciences and pursue a doctorate in physical therapy.

“I want to become a physical therapist because of my passion for helping others,” says Burgner. “I want to help them heal not only physically, but mentally, too.” She is a graduate of Lakota East High School who spends her free time between work and school as a volunteer in the Occupational/Physical Therapy Clinic at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center.

In her acceptance speech, Burgner shared some of the challenges she has overcome while excelling in the classroom. This includes working part-time and paying her own way for school, while also serving as a support system for a close family member. She noted that being grateful for each day for the fact that she can pursue her education in something she is passionate about has helped her find balance and keep her focus on her academics. It was an inspiring speech drew a standing ovation from the audience.

A total of 130 UC Blue Ash students were recognized as graduating with honors, meaning they maintained a grade point average (GPA) of 3.6 or higher (out of 4.0), and more than 1,200 students made the Dean’s List with a GPA of 3.4 or higher.

Each year, an average of 700 UC Blue Ash students transition to the UC Uptown campus to complete their bachelor’s degree or attend graduate school. Statistics show they are well prepared for the change, since they have a combined GPA of 3.08 in their first year after transitioning.