Record-Breaking Incoming Class Joins CEAS

The new school year is quickly approaching. Before long, a band of students will be stepping on campus for the first time as Bearcats, anxious and excited to start their journey as undergraduates.

Joining UC’s College of Engineering and Applied Science is a group of students who have been breaking records well before their acceptance at UC. Average GPA, ACT, and SAT scores have all increased over last year’s record-setting class. This year’s average 3.59 GPA, 27.7 ACT score, and 1237 SAT score, including two perfect scores raises the CEAS standard even higher. The incoming class includes a number of scholars including two Cincinnatus Presidential Scholarship recipients.

One of these scholars, Jeremiah Greer, is an 18-year old Florence, Kentucky native from Covington Catholic High School who will major in computer science. Greer was the salutatorian for his class as well as a National Merit Commended Scholar and Kentucky Governor’s Scholar.

Greer explains, “I’m excited about the tremendous number of opportunities for me at UC, especially working with professors in interesting new areas of computer science.” His excitement continues outside the classroom as he looks forward to campus life and co-op placements. “UC has a beautiful campus, and beyond that beauty is a great educational environment with opportunities in cooperative education. I’m also looking ahead to pursuing a study abroad experience from the many programs that UC offers.”

Greer comes to the University of Cincinnati already accomplished and with a heart for service. He served as the president of the Engineering Club and the National English Honor society. He was also a member of the National Honor Society of high school scholars and previously competed at UC’s national JETS (Junior Engineering Technical Society) TEAMS (Test of Engineering Aptitude Mathematics and Science competition), hosted by CEAS. In addition, he has assisted Kentucky tornado victims and completed more than 100 volunteer hours at St. Elizabeth Hospital.

Greer looks forward to joining the University Honors Program at UC where he is sure to continue his record of excellence. Greer explains, “I'm excited to be spending the upcoming years at UC, where I believe I'll have a huge number of opportunities at my fingertips. I hope to get involved in the area of artificial intelligence for my future, and seeing as how UC has one of the best co-op programs in the country, combined with the potential to do research as an undergraduate and study abroad, my time at UC will be well spent.”

Samantha Harrell, a 17-year old resident of Bensenville, Illinois, from York Community High School also joins UC as a Cincinnatus Presidential Scholar. She is also an AP Scholar and a National Achievement Scholar, which is a national competition that recognizes outstanding African-American high school students. She will join CEAS as a civil engineering major where she looks forward to gaining real-world experience. Harrell explains, “I was most interested in the co-op program at UC... The prospect of getting to try out different professions relating to my major while still at school is very exciting and practical for me. Also upon visiting UC I really fell in love with the campus; it was just so beautiful.”

As captain of the women’s basketball team, a member of the Vintage and Key club, and student ambassador for her high school, she is used to being involved as a student. Her passion for helping others led her to become a mentor to high school freshmen as well as serving as an assistant girls’ basketball coach for a fourth grade travel team. Harrell’s work ethic is undeniably strong making her a great addition to the College of Engineering and Applied Science.

26 National Merit Scholars will also join CEAS this fall including seven chemical engineers, six biomedical engineers, six mechanical engineers, five electric and computing engineers, and two entering the freshmen engineering program.

An incoming chemical engineering major, Karen Hildebrant, explains her feelings after her acceptance into the program, "I am very excited to become a Bearcat and can't wait to spend the next five years of my life here. UC has so many incredible experiences to offer, especially undergraduate research and the co-op program. WE ENGINEER BETTER! TM "

Future mechanical engineer, Gabrielle Notorgiacomo, is also looking forward to her time on campus as she explains UC’s “infectious spirit.” “I'm extremely excited to go to UC this fall. What drew me to UC was the university's spirit — I felt it the moment I stepped on campus. On my tour, the students were so friendly and seemed to genuinely love and take pride in their school. I can't wait to be a contributing member of that community.”

Rickey Terrell, an incoming chemical engineering major, describes his first experiences as a member of the UC community, "I chose UC because of the different communities and resources the university has to offer. I am also honored to receive the Darwin T. Turner Plus and Cincinnatus Excellence Scholarships to attend UC. The faculty and staff have been willing to call and meet with my family to answer our questions. I can tell they are extremely passionate about their individual disciplines and areas of responsibility. I am eager to pursue my academic goals in chemical engineering while also gaining professional experience through the co-op program. I am also excited to meet new people and join the different social groups that UC has to offer."

The community of UC is tightly knit and full of opportunities for students. Getting involved on campus can enhance the college experience as well as provide extended learning outside the classroom.

Ethan Fitz intends on doing just that as he hopes to get engaged in campus activities and undergraduate research. “I am eager to get started in the Mechanical Engineering program at UC! The strong engineering program and co-op opportunities are the two main characteristics that made UC stand out from other schools. While at UC, I hope to participate in undergraduate research, and plan to join the Robotics Club.”

UC also welcomes 16 FIRST® scholarship recipients; a scholarship new to CEAS this year. The FIRST® (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) mission is to “inspire young people to be science and technology leaders, by engaging them in exciting mentor-based programs that build science, engineering and technology skills, that inspire innovation, and that foster well-rounded life capabilities including self-confidence, communication, and leadership.”

This year’s group of scholarship winners includes seven students entering mechanical engineering, four entering chemical engineering, three entering aerospace engineering, one entering mechanical engineering technology, and one entering the freshman engineering program. UC and the College of Engineering and Applied Science continue to support these future engineers by providing each with a $2,000 scholarship.

CEAS welcomes the 2014 freshman class with anticipation for their future world contributions.