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UC summer grads urged to take risks, do good
UC awarded 2,227 degrees to 2,214 graduates hailing from 48 states
and 57 countries at its Aug. 6 summer Commencement ceremony.
By Rachel Richardson and Jac Kern
513-556-5219
Photos by Joeseph Fuqua, UC Creative Services
Aug. 6, 2016
Ask questions. Challenge the answers. Be uncomfortable.
That’s the challenge Robert Richardson Jr., chair of the University of Cincinnati’s board of trustees, put to graduates at the university’s 2016 summer Commencement ceremony held Saturday at Fifth Third Arena.
“We’re not here to teach you. We’re here to make sure you understand the process of learning,” said Richardson to the jubilant class of more than 2,200 graduates, in an address that called upon examples of such innovating luminaries as the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. and Apple founder Steve Jobs.
“There are very few absolutes in this world, but the process of learning and growing requires us to ask questions, requires us to challenge. That’s what education is about,” Richardson said.
UC Interim President Beverly Davenport praised the 2,214 graduates and issued a challenge of a different kind, calling on graduates to use their knowledge and skills to focus on doing good in the world and to choose kindness and grace over incivility.
“Our cities need you. Our nation needs you. The world needs you,” she said. “We have great problems to solve. Be those change agents, but also be a good neighbor. Be a good friend. Be the good in the world that we need.”
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About the graduates
The August 2016 graduating class of 2,214 students hails from 48 states and 57 countries. More than half of the graduates earned master’s degrees, and 150 students, doctorate degrees.
More than 55 percent of students received degrees in the science, technology, engineering, math or medical fields. Several graduates earned their degrees in just a year, while another graduate's journey took 40 years to complete.
Women comprise nearly 60 percent of the class. The average age of all graduates is 29, with the youngest overall graduating student 18 and the oldest, 69.
Numbers of those receiving Latin honors: summa cum laude (grade point average between 3.9 and a perfect 4.0) 28; magna cum laude (GPA between 3.75 and 3.8999) 41; cum laude (GPA between 3.6 and 3.74999) 42.
In their words
Attending UC Blue Ash has been a great adventure! So many components have influenced my life: Getting involved with various campus groups, meeting new people with drive and vision,establishing lasting relationships and broadening my world through superb education....just simply phenomenal!
Michelle Christian, UC Blue Ash
I am proud to be a UC grad. I am grateful to God almighty who turned all my struggles to success. I doff my hat for Ms. Angela Fisher, senior academic advisor, and the wonderful professors and lecturers I had at the UC College of Nursing. Many thanks to you all.
Adanma Uzo-Ngerem, College of Nursing
Being a working single parent is a difficult task by itself, not to mention being a full-time student. Thank goodness for the staff at UC Clermont -- they guided me when circumstances became overwhelming.They were my family and cheerleaders, helping me earn my associate degree and a diverse studies certification within three years.
Charlene Pollitt, UC Clermont College
I will be very proud to be a University of Cincinnati graduate. I have concurrently maintained my job as a bedside intensive care nurse while pursuing this degree. It has been very busy, but with the love and support of my children, my husband, my parents and an outstanding nurse manager, I have been able to accomplish my goal of earning a master's degree and eligibility to sit for the nurse practitioner boards. I started out with a nursing diploma in 1990 and never thought I would be able to attain this level of education. Thank you to my wonderful family and to UC for making this day possible!
Dawn Denton, College of Nursing
Styled from head-to-toe
A black cap and gown is the standard uniform for a graduate. So how does a grad infuse a little personality into this commencement costume? With cap decorations and the perfect shoes, of course.
Graduates at UC’s summer commencement showed off their personal style from head to toe — well, head and toe — with dazzling D.I.Y. caps and shoes that ranged from flip-flops and flats to cowboy and combat boots.
Cap decorating is a trend that’s emerged over the last couple years with students decking them out with inspirational phrases, references to their colleges and majors and shout-outs to loved ones. Glitter, beads, flowers and plenty of Bearcats adorned many caps seen at commencement, helping some stick out from the crowd.
Scanning the rows upon rows of eager alumni-to-be, shoe selections also gave a little insight into the personalities of today’s graduates. Some crossed the stage confidently in sky-high stilettos while others rocked comfy sneakers, sandals, oxfords and loafers.
Another way to have fun with a little flair? Bright-colored hair. Grads rocking pink and purple hues could easily be spotted from the stands.
