UC mourns the passing of former first lady Carol R. Steger
Steger worked at the UC Foundation
Carol R. Steger, former first lady of the University of Cincinnati, died on August 12, 2025 at the age of 85. Steger served as UC’s first lady from 1984 to 2003. Her husband, Joseph A. Steger, was UC’s 24th president and had the second-longest term in the university’s history. President Steger died in 2013.
Steger is survived by her daughter, Tracy McClorey, Bus ’85, CAHS ’11; son-in-law Jeff McClorey, Bus ’86; son Martin Steger, Bus ’89, daughter-in-law Rhonda Steger; grandchildren Dillan McClorey, A&S ’15, Natalie McClorey, Bus ‘16 and Zemmie Steger; and great-granddaughter Cora Brammer.
"We are deeply saddened by the passing of Carol Steger,” said UC President Neville G. Pinto. “For many years, she worked tirelessly alongside her late husband, President Joe Steger, to advance the mission of UC, and she dedicated countless hours to the UC Foundation in support of our students. Her warmth, generosity and commitment will be remembered always.”
Carol and Joe Steger. Photo/Provided.
As first lady, Steger shared in an interview with The News Record that the role of president and first lady is a team effort. She relished her position, supporting President Steger, serving the university and working in fundraising at the UC Foundation. While at the Foundation, she leveraged her previous investment experience and excelled at donor relations and planned giving. She developed and executed a UC Presidential Ball that raised nearly $1 million for student scholarships over a span of 16 years. Together, she and President Steger, created the Dr. Joseph A. Steger Presidential Scholarship Fund.
Make donations in her memory to the Dr. Joseph A. Steger Presidential Scholarship Fund.
Read the obituary online.
Featured image at the top: Carol and Joe Steger. Photo/UC.
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