Gratitude in action: UC Graduate College celebrates students
Recap Graduate Student Appreciation Week activities and events
From therapy dogs and painting to career planning and professional workshops, this year’s Graduate Student Appreciation Week at the University of Cincinnati invited graduate students to step out of their normal routines and into a slew of festivities.
Hosted by the Graduate College each April, Graduate Student Appreciation Week reflects the college’s support for the entire graduate student body. Thousands of students participated in a variety of joyful and fun activities, scored some Graduate College memorabilia and built momentum towards finishing the academic year on a strong mental and emotional note.
Most importantly, the weeklong event symbolizes a commitment to honoring the hard work and presence of graduate students on campus and online, said Rose Marie Ward, dean of the Graduate College and vice provost for graduate education.
“Graduate students are the heart of everything we do,” Ward said. “This week was about celebrating them and saying thank you.”
This year’s video recap captures the spirit of Graduate Student Appreciation Week, featuring highlights from events like Cookie Kickoff, where students walked through Tangeman University Center to grab swag and cookies, and connect with familiar faces in Graduate College staff.
Students had a chance to pet therapy animals or take a break with some Graeter’s ice cream.
“It's a great opportunity to recognize our students and collaborate across campus to create experiences they truly enjoy,” said Amy Wheeler, Graduate College Program Manager and organizer for Graduate Student Appreciation Week.
The Graduate College is always looking to refine and improve event programming,—if you participated in Graduate Student Appreciation Week, feel free to share your thoughts and fill out a brief evaluation form.
Related Stories
CCM shares 2026-27 calendar of ticketed + free performances and events
August 20, 2026
Experience world-class performances by the next generation of performing and media artists at the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music (CCM). With more than 130 different performances and events, there is something happening nearly every week of the school year!
UC student turns co-op experience into real world impact
August 19, 2026
UC cybersecurity student Ethan Bernhardt uses his skills to keep ransomware at bay and protect sensitive data during co-ops at Kroger and U.S. Bank in Cincinnati.
Aerospace engineer working to reduce jet noise
August 19, 2026
The loud roar of a jet engine can have far-reaching consequences, from hearing damage among aircraft carrier deck crews to noise pollution around airports and stress on aircraft components. Kaurab Gautam, a PhD student in aerospace engineering at the University of Cincinnati, is working to reduce this noise. A member of the Gas Dynamics and Propulsion Lab, Gautam's research focuses on understanding supersonic jet flow and acoustics to develop jet noise mitigation techniques. Recently, he was named Graduate Student Engineer of the Month by the College of Engineering and Applied Science for this work.