Let’s Talk Cincy: A look at the Marian Spencer Scholarship Program

UC gave alumna Marian Spencer ('42) the chance to soar.

From a small town in the 1930s when opportunities were rare to pursue higher education, Spencer came to Cincinnati unafraid to make a difference in the community.  She graduated from UC and later rose to prominence as an instrumental leader in desegregating Cincinnati’s Coney Island as well as Cincinnati Public Schools. 

Read more about Marian Spencer. 

Spencer passed away after her 99th birthday in 2019. Her legacy was featured on Let’s Talk Cincy, a special segment of WLWT.

The Marian Spencer Scholarship was first announced in fall 2021 and was made possible by a large donation by 1988 graduate Jim Goetz and university investment.

Cindy Jones, director of the Marian Spencer Scholarship Program, along with three current Spencer Scholars and UC students, Muslim Khriz, William Walker and Fiston Feruzi, spoke with Let's Talk Cincy for the televised segment.

UC now has 30 students who are part of the scholarship program and announced additional scholars for the Fall 2025 earlier this year on Decision Day.

Watch the full segment on WLWT online.

Featured top image of Marian Spencer Scholars Harsh Minhas and Oliver Tiani Vessah posing with the Bearcat Mascot. Both students are currently seniors at Withrow High School in Cincinnati. Photo by Andrew Higley/UC Marketing + Brand.