UC Alumni and co-op students build connections in Chicago
UC students and alumni socialize at Beatrix in Chicago. Photo/Provided
The UC Alumni Association and the UC College of Cooperative Education and Professional Studies partnered to host a series of three “Dinners with Bearcats” for UC students completing co-op rotations in Chicago. The gatherings brought students and local alumni together for meaningful, informal conversations rooted in their shared UC experience.
The intentionally sized small-group dinners held at downtown Chicago restaurants created space for genuine conversation, networking and relationship-building among the 35 total student and alumni attendees.
Fourth-year communication design student Ellie Joyce, DAAP ’27, reflected on the experience.
“It is beautiful how one evening connecting with individuals who understand the ins-and-outs of the University of Cincinnati can foster relationships to make a big city feel more like home,” she said. “Dinners with Bearcats opened my eyes to possibilities of success in the city of Chicago, as well as connections to fellow Bearcats interning this semester.”
I will always revel in the opportunity to pay my own experience forward and talk with current students to help them gain perspective that enhances their time at UC and in Chicago."
Michael Frederick, CEAS ’20
UC students and alumni enjoy dinner together at Lou Malnati's, in Chicago. Photo/Provided
The impact extended beyond the students. Alumnus Michael Frederick, CEAS ’20, who recently relocated to Chicago, valued the opportunity to connect with fellow Bearcats across generations.
“On a personal level, I found the dinner to be very impactful,” he said. “I appreciated the chance to learn from experiences of other alumni, reconnect with my Bearcat contemporaries, and reminisce on my days in the Student Alumni Council. I will always revel in the opportunity to pay my own experience forward and talk with current students to help them gain perspective that enhances their time at UC and in Chicago.”
Events like Dinners With Bearcats strengthen the Bearcat network far beyond Cincinnati. As thousands of students graduating each year can attest, the university’s nationally recognized co-op program delivers real-world experience that sets them apart in the job market. Connecting with alumni in cities like Chicago further builds students’ confidence as they pursue full-time opportunities after graduation.
“As I am approaching my final year at UC and on my last co-op round, wanting to pursue a full-time position in Chicago post-grad, it was so nice to be able to ask questions and connect in person with UC alumni” said fourth-year Interior Design student Kendall Reis, DAAP ’27. “It was a great way to bring the feeling of ‘home’ to this city because of how welcoming and trusting everyone was.”
Dinner with Bearcats
Alumni in cities across the country can create the same meaningful experience for current co-op students. Interested in hosting a Dinner With Bearcats in your city? Complete the UCAA Volunteer Form, and a UCAA staff member will follow up with next steps.
Featured image at the top: Acoolrocket on Upsplash.
Victoria Kuhlman, A&S '15, '21
Senior Director, Alumni Engagement
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