Helping Next Generation of A&S Alumni as Easy as Visiting Facebook

University of Cincinnati students have enough to worry about with term papers, exams and research projects. They don’t need the added stress of wondering how they’re going to afford it all.

Take Radhika Grandhi. The McMicken College of Arts & Sciences student works two jobs in addition to her busy academic schedule. She also dreams of going to medical school. The money she earns on the job and her Cincinnatus scholarship have given her the financial flexibility to pursue that goal.

“Having the financial support has allowed me to fully commit to my education and involvement on campus,” Grandhi said. “I'm able to truly experience the college life UC offers. My scholarship allowed me to excel in school and gave me the necessary time to build friendships.”

The University of Cincinnati Alumni Association is hoping the generosity of its alumni will help students such as Grandhi continue set new standards of excellence for the university. And now you can do your part simply by visiting Facebook.

UCAA’s 1819 alumni giving program asks alumni to do their part by making an annual contribution to the university; as little as $18.19 truly makes a difference. The initiative is named in honor of the year of UC’s founding. Coinciding with the upcoming bicentennial, its goal is to build a culture of philanthropy throughout the UC community.

Last year UC’s alumni giving rate was 12.5 percent, up from 11 percent in 2010. These rates are part of the criteria for U.S. News & World Report’s annual ranking of colleges and universities. The higher the rate, the higher a school’s national ranking – and the greater the value of every UC degree. With your help through the 1819 program, UC wants to raise its alumni giving rate to 18.19 percent by June 2015. Funds raised via 1819 can be allocated to support the department or program of your choice, translating to valuable services and networking opportunities – not only for current UC students but for UC’s more than 247,000 alumni around the world.

There are a variety of convenient ways to donate. And for a limited time, if you use the new UC Alumni Association Facebook app, you’ll receive a long-sleeved 1819 T-shirt and an “I <3 UC” magnetic button. Go to

www.facebook.com/UCAlumniAssociation

to use the app and keep up on all the news from UCAA. You also can tailor your gift as you like, designating a specific department or fund of your choice. For more information on how to donate, call 513-556-0912, go to

www.uc.edu/alumni

or email christopher.eden@uc.edu.

Your contributions will have an immediate impact on today’s UC students. Like Grandhi, A&S student Laura Haley works two jobs to help pay for college. Without the scholarship money she receives, she says she’d need to work even harder.

“Without my scholarship, I would have needed to get a third job to make ends meet,” Haley said. “My scholarship allows me to give my time and energy towards my education and staying involved in campus organizations and outreach programs.”