Spectrum News: Cincinnati high school student surprised with full-ride scholarship honoring former council member

Ten high school students from Cincinnati Public Schools were the first to be honored with the University of Cincinnati's new Marian Spencer Scholarship, which includes full tuition, room and board in Marian Spencer Hall, a service trip to Tanzania and many more opportunities.

Spectrum News followed along as university officials surprised recipient Ke’Ayra Rogers at Aiken High School.

Rogers said she was shocked, but is very excited to begin her collegiate career at the UC in the fall.

“School is definitely one of those things that I hold near and dear to my heart," said Rogers. "So being able to get the opportunity to go to school with a full ride, at that, it means a lot to me and it helps me to know that if I can do it, then anybody can.” 

Read the full story from Spectrum News.

Learn more about the Marian Spencer Scholars.

Featured image at top: Ke'Ayra Rogers' surprise included the school's marching band. Photo/Joseph Fuqua II

Related Stories

2

Materials scientist gains valuable research experience

May 20, 2026

The opportunities at the College of Engineering and Applied Science are what attracted Ananth Balasubramanian to the University of Cincinnati. He came to UC as a master's student and after two years, transitioned to a direct PhD program in materials science and engineering. Here, he works in the Digital Fabrication Laboratory and recently was named Graduate Student Engineer of the Month by CEAS.

3

6 ways starting a GLP-1 medication could affect your emotions

May 20, 2026

When patients first start taking a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) medication, they probably expect to feel full. But they might not anticipate how it can influence their emotions. The medications act on the stomach and the brain, said Malti Vij, MD, a University of Cincinnati adjunct associate professor in the College of Medicine's Department of Internal Medicine and a diplomate of the American Board of Obesity Medicine.