Scholarship Winners Meet Donors, Share Stories

Alberto Jones knows how to capture his audience’s attention. The journalism major told the story of his journey to the University of Cincinnati to a crowd of alumni, scholarship donors and his peers as he thanked those who have helped make it possible.

“You can do anything you want to do as long as you put your mind to it,” said established student leader who is also an aspiring motivational speaker. For Jones, class of 2019, education was a pathway out of poverty. The Dayton native, who is co-founder of the revived Association of Black Journalists student organization at UC, holds an array of leadership positions in his chosen field of study as well as in Student Government.

“This school helps bring me one step closer to achieving my dreams,” Jones said.

Jones headlined the College of Arts and Sciences inaugural reception for student scholarship winners, their families and their donors. He spoke about the importance of scholarship support for students who might otherwise not be able to pay for food or rent in addition to tuition. 

It was a sentiment echoed by Dean Ken Petren, a first-generation college graduate and strong proponent of student support. Hearing students’ stories, Petren said, inspires and encourages us all.

History major Hannah Pfaltzgraff, another campus leader and college scholarship recipient, recalled her journey to campus as well. It started when she was 6 years old and made her first trip to the Cincinnati Museum Center. “I was inspired to learn,” said Pfaltzgraff, class of 2017. She later worked at the museum and is now studying to turn her childhood inspiration into a career.

In addition to scholarship recipients, the afternoon program featured the college’s director of recruitment, Derrick Robertson, himself a first-generation college graduate. Scholarships, he said, give students more than money. They take away the negativity of stress and provide peace of mind while allowing students to stoke their intellectual curiosities and perform to their highest potential.