UC News

UC Dedicates Marian Spencer Hall

headshot of Jacqueline Kern By Jacqueline Kern 5135561823
2 minute read March 11, 2018

The University of Cincinnati celebrates activist, civil leader and alumna

Marian Spencer

in dedicating its newest residence hall in her name at 2 p.m. Monday, March 19.  

A 1942 graduate, Spencer has been a lifelong champion of civil rights. She joined the NAACP at age 13, led the movement to desegregate Cincinnati Public Schools and Coney Island and was the first African-American woman elected to Cincinnati City Council. 


While she was not permitted to live on campus when she was a student, Spencer’s name will now be affixed to a new residence on Campus Green. The high-rise will house 330 students in suite-style rooms beginning in fall 2018. 

Marian Spencer Hall will also be home to two new campus restaurants: On the Green Dining Center (OTG), which will offer high-end, all-you-care-to-eat campus dining with wonderful views of Campus Green and beyond, and Tim Hortons, a Canadian-based restaurant that serves specialty hot and cold beverages, breakfast, snacks and baked goods, sandwiches and hot bowls. UC is the first U.S. educational institution to have a Tim Hortons. 

The dedication event program will feature UC President Neville Pinto, Board of Trustee Chair Thomas Cassady, university architect Mary Beth McGrew, Alpha Kappa Alpha member Lauren White, Vice President of Equity, Inclusion and Community Impact Bleuzette Marshall and Spencer’s grandson Oliver Spencer. After the ribbon cutting, Planning+Design+Construction guides will offer tours of the building around 2:30 p.m. 

Parking available in Woodside Garage. 

What: Marian Spencer Hall Dedication 
When: 2 p.m. Monday, March 19 
Where: 2911 Scioto Lane

Cincinnati, OH 45219

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