DAAP students among UC’s Senior 100 for 2026

The UC Senior 100 program recognizes 100 students each year who have made a lasting impact across the university through service, scholarship and engagement. Students are selected through an application process and invited to participate in networking events, leadership forums and a celebration recognizing the cohort.

This year’s DAAP-connected honorees include seniors Varsha Vinod, Imani Whipple, Kevin Schenkel, Cora Wilson, Ritu Patel, and Annie Laurie Bernert, across the disciplines of communication design, interior design and marketing students with minors in entrepreneurship and fashion studies.

For Annie Laurie Bernert, marketing student minoring in entrepreneurship and fashion studies, the Senior 100 recognition carried special meaning as a first-generation college student. “I was actually at work working an event and I got the congratulations email with the cute confetti,” Bernert said. “I immediately screenshotted it and sent it to my entire family group chat.” 

Bernert said her college experience has been shaped by a strong sense of responsibility, and gratitude. “I’m a scholarship recipient, so my tuition is covered,” she said. “I’ve always been like, I need to do as much as I can to give back to these people who have offered me a chance to really prove myself.”

For her, the recognition felt like validation not only of achievement, but of purpose. “My investment in me and my future and taking advantage of these opportunities really, really matters,” she said.

When asked what may have helped them stand out in the selection process, all students pointed to leadership, service and the willingness to step up.

Schenkel said his involvement in professional and campus organizations helped shape his experience and contributions. "Taking those leadership roles, stepping in when nobody else would step up,” he said. “Being the president of IIDA and creating a relationship between the DAAP students and organizations outside the school.”

Wilson said her involvement across campus helped her develop balance between her identity as a designer and as a campus leader. “It was two sides of my brain,” she said. “Campus involvement and leadership; and then on the other side, independent work as a designer.”

She also credited her leadership style. “I really pride myself on my empathy and my approach to leadership,” Wilson said. “To feel included and welcomed in environments… I think a lot of the work that I’ve done on campus is reflective of that.”

Bernert said the students recognized through Senior 100 are those who not only participate but make change.“You are walking into a school of 55,000 students, and you’ve somehow managed to make change,” she said. “There’s something really special that comes along with being a servant leader.”

Vinod said her leadership has often been shaped by a desire to build community and ensure organizations remain strong after student leaders graduate. “Once you start, you cannot stop,” she said. “You get attached to the people you see every week and what you’re doing.”

She said that commitment has motivated her to step into leadership roles when organizations needed structure and continuity.

As they enter their final semester, the students said the recognition has reinforced their desire to stay connected to UC.

Schenkel said he hopes to support future Bearcats, no matter where his career takes him. “I might move out of Cincinnati, but I will never forget Cincinnati,” he said. “The university will always be my home.”

Wilson echoed that sentiment, saying she is focused on finishing strong while taking advantage of her remaining time on campus. “Work’s not done yet,” she said. “But also taking advantage of campus and doing what I can before I leave.”

Bernert, who will move to Florida after graduation for a leadership development program with Marriott International, said she is focused on being present. “What’s next for right now is savoring every second,” she said. “Slowing down… being very present and being very mindful of how much time I have left here.”

Vinod said she is still exploring her next step after graduation, but hopes to stay connected to the people-centered work that has shaped her time at UC. 

Wherever she goes next, Vinod said she hopes to continue building communities.

Featured image at top of UC's DAAP building.