College of Arts and Sciences' Seniors at C-Ring Ceremony: Named 4 Of 5 Finalists

From improving health conditions in Thailand to starting a women’s support group in Cairo, rising graduate females from the University of Cincinnati's McMicken College of Arts & Sciences are well on their way to changing the world.

Five top women student leaders from A&S were honored as finalists in the University-wide C-Ring competition, which has been given since 1922 to an outstanding graduating woman at UC.

Criteria for the honor is demanding. C-Ring winners must illustrate considerable advocacy for women, a strong track record of community service and leadership and maintain an exceptional academic record. 

The 2016 C-Ring winner, Priya Chawla, will graduate with a degree in computer science. During her time at UC, Chawla launched the University’s Association for Computing Machinery—Committee on Women chapter in 2014 and quickly earned funding from Google and the Microsoft Corporation. 

College of Arts & Sciences C-Ring finalists tackle women’s issues around the world and across the campus.

Lucille Eisenhard

Eisenhard, a liberal arts major, has shaped her degree program to fit her multi-disciplinary ambitions. As a member of the Racial Awareness Program (RAPP), she has tirelessly advocated for diversity and inclusion in the community. She has also reflected on the privileges afforded to her and worked to use her knowledge to help the entire community. 

Samantha Nadyal

Nadyal is a biological sciences major and medical sciences minor. She has served as president of Globe Med, a UC student group focused on issues in international health, including  HIV/AIDs, malnutrition and systemic oppression often faced by women. Nadyal said her internship with Social Action for Women in Thailand taught her the importance of empowerment when it comes to uplifting women and entire communities.

Hannah Randolph

Randolph, an international affairs and economics double major, served in UC’s student and as a member of UC Feminists. She worked as a leader to advocate for awareness of sexual assault and education for women. In graduate school, she plans to conduct research on women’s economic issues in developing countries. She says she believes that in order to create change, women have to support each other.

Sophie Shemas 

Shemas, an environmental studies major, served on the Student Diversity and Inclusion Council, which examines issues surrounding racism and sexual assault advocacy. She also worked as a part of UC’s student government and as a leader in UC Feminists, where she championed diversity and inclusion.

Gabrielle Stoplos 

Stoplos, an international affairs and a political science double major, has spent her undergraduate career  advocating for women who have experienced various forms of harassment. Notably, she was an advocate for these women while in Cairo, Egypt, where she helped create the first young women’s support group at the American University.