Meet the Class of of 2003!

Trio Receive Presidential Medals

UC students Jay Hummel, Jeanette McClellan and Manasseh Robinson, all from Cincinnati, received an engraved bronze medal to wear as they march at the All-University Commencement on Friday, June 13. The three recipients of the UC Presidential Leadership Medal of Excellence were also honored at the university-wide Recognition Ceremony on May 18.

Full story on Medalists

Losses Take Toll, But Grad Never Gives Up

Renee Richardson, a staff member in Judaic Studies and longtime UC employee, was once told she would never graduate from college. This year, she graduates with her second bachelor’s degree. On top of her work and academic demands, she has faced one loss after another, including the murder of one of her sons in Indianapolis. She has just won a prize from the Department of Judaic Studies for travel to Israel and plans to pursue further education.

Full story on Richardson

Economic Downturn Takes Sales Exec in New Direction

A long-time resident of Springfield Township, Luis Gonzalez, 52, is turning the economic downturn into a new career. He has recently completed his bachelor's degree in Spanish, finishing a degree he stepped away from in the 1970s. He is already pursuing further studies at UC. He won't be able to march in Commencement because of a promise he made to his youngest, who is graduating from high school this June.

Full story on Gonzalez

Third World Provides Real-World Education for this Grad

A graduate in the College of Design, Architecture, Art, and Planning says her Third-World work has provided the best education. The intense and important work Amanda Dempsey did in Nepal has convinced her that she needs to return to the Himalayan nation.  Dempsey, a Cleveland native, laughs that her mom wonders where here 23-year-old daughter got such an adventurous spirit. 

Full story on Dempsey

A Day on the Streets Leads to New Attitude

Communication major Kristine Kellermeyer volunteered for an optional assignment that took her on an Urban Plunge into an unfamiliar world – the streets of Cincinnati’s inner-city. The program transformed her attitudes about the homeless. It also led an internship that is gaining her valuable work experience and helping people who live in poverty.

Full story on Kellermeyer

More profiles on the Class of 2003

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