OTR mural celebrates UC alumni innovation and impact

The UC Alumni Association (UCAA) will host its annual Alumni Celebration during Alumni Week, April 13-18, with a community art project commemorating this year’s slate of alumni honorees receiving the organization’s top awards. Taking place April 16 at the First Financial Center (Cincinnati Convention Center), the Alumni Celebration will recognize 18 honorees for their individual and collective innovation and impact, and the resulting impact on their university, communities, and fields of endeavor.

The group is led by Vinod Dham, CEAS ’77, who will receive the William Howard Taft Medal for Notable Achievement, UCAA’s highest honor. Widely known as the “Father of the Pentium Chip” for his pioneering work in the semiconductor and computer chip field, Dham has over 45 years of experience in the development of semiconductor products, technologies and venture capital, embodying innovation on a global scale. He has been named one of the top 25 executives in the computer industry, one of the top 100 most influential Asian Americans, and was recently highlighted at the Smithsonian among “the Indian Americans who have helped shape America.” In 2025, he received the Padma Bhusan, one of India’s highest civilian honors, for his many contributions in the area of science and engineering.

“UC alumni demonstrate innovation and excellence in the widest range of disciplines while serving people around the world, and our 2026 honorees personify this institutional impact,” said Jennifer Heisey, UC’s chief alumni officer. “Through their expertise, leadership and passion for their work, they make the world a better place. In the process, they reflect alumni success at the highest level, and we’re proud to recognize them this April during Alumni Week.”

The mural artwork will be unveiled in April and remain on display through March 2027. UCAA commissioned Chroma Projects to design and illustrate this year’s mural, which is painted on the side of a building at 1430 Vine Street, in Cincinnati’s Over-the-Rhine neighborhood. 

William Howard Taft Medal for Notable Achievement
Vinod K. Dham, CEAS ’77

Robert E. Dobbs Distinguished Service Award
Thomas D. Cassady, A&S ’76, Hon ’19

Marian A. Spencer Mosaic Award
Padma Chebrolu, CECH ’92

Jeffrey Hurwitz Young Alumni Outstanding Achievement Award
Ryan C. Marable, PharmD, Phar ’13

College of Allied Health Sciences
Daniel J. Meyer, DPT, CAHS ’14, ’17

College of Arts and Sciences
Laura R.P. Lamb, A&S ’91

Blue Ash College
Mark A. Brueggeman, UCBA ’79, Bus ’81  

Carl H. Lindner College of Business
Clarissa K. Niese, Bus ’03

Clermont College
Bret P. Koebbe, Cler ’02, Bus ’04

College-Conservatory of Music
John Holiday, Jr., CCM ’12

College of Design, Architecture, Art, and Planning
Brendán Murphy, DAAP ’94

College of Education, Criminal Justice, and Human Services
Nancy Strubbe Santi, CECH ’84

College of Engineering and Applied Science
Mohammad H. Qayoumi, PhD, CEAS ’79, ’80, ’83, Bus ’84

Donald P. Klekamp College of Law
Richard A. Graeter, JD, Law ’89

College of Medicine
Angela K. Fitch, MD, Med ’98

College of Nursing
Alice L. Rose, Nur ’69

James L. Winkle College of Pharmacy
Brian K. Dallaire, PharmD, Phar ’82

UC Athletics
Jeanne M. Johns, CEAS ’86

Featured image at top: 2026 Alumni Celebration mural. Photo/UC Alumni Association.