UC reinstalls Bearcat sculpture in time for commencement
Popular landmark is now on Commons Way outside Marian Spencer Hall
The University of Cincinnati welcomed back the Fighting Bearcat sculpture to the Uptown campus after it was placed in storage during construction of the Sheakley Indoor Practice Facility.
The statue, a favorite backdrop of students for commencement photos, now anchors West University Avenue and Commons Way outside Marian Spencer Hall.
WLWT-5, Local 12 and Fox19 covered the reinstallation by construction crews.
The Fighting Bearcat sculpture has a new home on Commons Way. Photo/Jenna Adkins-Manuel/UC Marketing + Brand
Donated by the Sigma Sigma men’s honorary fraternity and measuring 15 feet tall, the statue was created by sculptor Jon Hair. It features a fearsome take on UC's famed mascot, the binturong or bearcat.
The UC Bearcat took home the national championship for the third time in the past four years in 2025 during the College Cheerleading and Dance National Championship at ESPN's Wide World of Sports Complex in Orland, Florida.
The identity of the student who takes on the role of the UC Bearcat is a closely guarded secret, revealed only during commencement when the students traditionally wear their costume paws and feet at the ceremony.
Featured image at top: Construction crews use a crane to gently lower the Fighting Bearcat statue onto its base on Commons Way. Photo/Jenna Adkins-Manuel/UC Marketing + Brand
Construction crews reinstall the Fighting Bearcat sculpture on Commons Way on UC's Uptown Campus. Photo/Jenna Adkins-Manuel/UC Marketing + Brand
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