UC Emeriti Association awards first-ever scholarship to first-gen student

This spring, the University of Cincinnati Emeriti Association (UCEA) awarded its first-ever scholarship to a first-generation undergraduate student, marking a milestone years in the making. 

The inaugural $5,000 scholarship was presented to Autumn Springston, a rising senior majoring in biology and anthropology whose academic achievements, research experience and determination helped her rise to the top of a competitive applicant pool.

The scholarship is the result of a long-term effort by retired UC faculty members who believed their legacy should extend beyond the classroom. Through donations from UCEA board members and supporters, the endowment fund has grown to more than $140,000, generating enough annual income to provide a $5,000 scholarship each year to a deserving first-generation student.

For Ralph Katerberg, former president of the Emeriti Association and current scholarship committee chair, the award represents both a beginning and the fulfillment of a shared vision.

“The idea gained momentum when former Emeriti Association President Terrance Milligan, a longtime professor in UC’s College-Conservatory of Music and former Bearcat Band director, posed a simple question during a board meeting,” Katerberg said. “He asked, ‘How many of us were first-generation college students?’ More than half the people in the room raised their hands.”

The answer surprised several emeriti faculty gathered that day. Across disciplines and colleges, many of the university’s retired professors and leaders shared a common experience: they had been the first in their families to navigate higher education. 

“Milligan said, ‘We need to support those students who started out like us,’” Katerberg recalled.

Working with Student Affairs, the scholarship committee developed criteria that would identify students who had already demonstrated academic success and commitment to their educational goals. Rather than focusing on incoming freshmen, the scholarship is awarded to first-generation students who have completed at least their first two years at UC and shown exceptional promise in their chosen fields.

That approach led the committee to Springston.

Originally drawn to archaeology, Springston discovered a passion for anthropology as her studies evolved. Along the way, she embraced new opportunities, engaged in research and refined her career aspirations.

“Her application stood out because she showed perseverance, growth and a genuine passion for what she’s doing,” Katerberg said. “She found a path that fit her interests and has excelled in it.”

For Springston, receiving the scholarship was both a financial boost and a powerful affirmation of her hard work.

After learning about the opportunity through the McNair Scholars Program, Springston completed the application process, including four essays detailing her academic experiences and future goals. When she learned she had been selected as the scholarship’s first recipient, she felt honored to represent a new chapter in the program’s history.

“I was really excited,” Springston said. “It’s meaningful to know that people believe in what I’m doing and want to support students like me.”

A native of Medina County, Ohio, Springston grew up surrounded by nature, developing a love for animals and conservation through experiences that included participation in Future Farmers of America. While neither of her parents earned college degrees, both encouraged her curiosity and ambition.

“They’ve always been very supportive,” Springston said. “Seeing their success and how hard they worked made me want to see what else was possible and what opportunities higher education could open.”

Today, those opportunities include research in biological anthropology under the mentorship of UC faculty member Kathleen Grogan. Grogan’s work examines primates and wildlife conservation, particularly lemurs in southern Africa, connecting anthropology with environmental stewardship.

“I want to take my background in anthropology and apply it to a master’s degree in wildlife and fisheries science or ecology and evolutionary biology,” she said. “Ultimately, I want to work in wildlife conservation and advocacy.”

Her long-term ambitions include conducting research with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, or in zoos with endangered species — possibly one day opening her own wildlife rehabilitation center. She especially hopes to pursue graduate studies focused on endangered and protected species, drawing inspiration from conservation leaders working around the world.

For the Emeriti Association, supporting students like Springston reflects the enduring mission of a faculty community that remains deeply connected to the university.

The organization traces its roots to emeriti faculty members who wanted to maintain relationships with colleagues, continue serving the university and share their experience with future generations. The scholarship extends that commitment in a tangible way, transforming decades of service into opportunities for students.

Katerberg believes the scholarship’s impact is only beginning.

“As the fund continues to grow, our hope is that eventually we’ll be able to support even more students per year,” he said.

In many ways, the scholarship embodies the university’s mission across generations — one group of Bearcats opening doors so others can walk through them.

Feaured image at top: Autumn Springston stands proudly on UC's Main Campus Bearcat Commons. Photo/Melanie Schefft