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UC BEST OF SPRING 2026

TANGEMAN UNIVERSITY CENTER, LEVELS 2 & 3

*SHOW BEARCAT CARD AT COUNTER FOR DISCOUNT

OUR STAFF

Editor-in-Chief | Hajra Munir

Managing Editor | Lucas Griffith

Multimedia Editor | Jared Meadows

Chief Photographer | Tavish Sweeney

News Editor | Joe Carey

Features Editor | Avery Padgett

Sports Editor | Brianna Jones

Opinion Editor | Madelyn Stewart

News Reporter | Chloe Hall

Features Reporter | Emily Widman

Sports Reporter | Colin Kunz

Opinion Reporter | Lela Walker

Vodcast Producer | Bryana Hinkle

Social Media Director | Chaz Timko

Designers | Camilla Bergset, Sam Jackson

Student Sales Manager | Lucas Schmied

Business Manager | Ginny McCabe

Editorial Adviser | Jenny Wohlfarth

LETTER FROM THE EDITOR

HAJRA MUNIR | EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Hello, fellow Bearcats!

It’s finally my favorite time of the year — when students, faculty, families, and friends cast their votes for their favorite campus restaurants, shops, organizations, athletes and more. As we showcase the winners, think of this as the “Spotify Wrapped” of our campus community.

Best of UC is a celebration of the people and places that make the University of Cincinnati (UC) such a vibrant location.

It honors the employees who brighten our days with a simple compliment, the local artists who soundtrack our favorite nights and the athletes who keep us on our feet, cheering from the stands.

Behind every winner is a shared experience: a familiar face, a favorite location or a moment that made someone feel at home. This is what turns our university into a community.

These pages reflect the voices of the student body. This magazine is possible thanks to you, because you cast your votes and shared what you love most about UC.

Thank you for being part of what makes our community so special. Congratulations to all this year’s winners — you are the best of UC.

Hajra Munir

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Hajra Munir, editor-in-chief of The News Record, on Feb. 17, 2026, at Nippert Stadium in Cincinnati. TAVISH SWEENEY | CHIEF PHOTOGRAPHER

The Bearcat mascot entertains fans during an NCAA football game between the University of Cincinnati Bearcats and the Bowling Green State University Falcons on Sept. 6, 2025, at Nippert Stadium in Cincinnati.

COVER PHOTO: TAVISH SWEENEY | CHIEF PHOTOGRAPHER

COVER GRAPHIC: SAM JACKSON | DESIGNER

BEST UC STUDENT ORGANIZATION BEARCAT BUDDIES

AUDREY ZELINSKI | STAFF REPORTER

Through Bearcat Buddies, the University of Cincinnati (UC) provides tutoring for Cincinnati Public School students across academic subjects.

“Bearcat Buddies resembles an onion,” said Antione Spriggs, program director UC Center for Community Engagement. “On the surface, the program just looks like one simple thing, but when you peel back the different layers of Bearcat Buddies, that’s when you really discover the uniqueness of the program.”

Bearcat Buddies utilizes both UC student employees and volunteers to provide one-onone tutoring. According to Spriggs, Bearcat Buddies has a leadership team of roughly 60 UC students and tutors 900 to 1,000 kids every week.

“We also promote literacy,” Spriggs said. Bearcat Buddies has partnered with Queen City Book Bank, a non-profit organization dedicated to providing books for children in the Cincinnati area. “Each month, Bearcat Buddies go around to schools and deliver books that students get to read and then keep for themselves,” Spriggs said.

Sydnie Singh, a third-year health sciences major and president of Bearcat Buddies Student Association, believes Bearcat Buddies earned this award because of the work they do

off campus. “We are out in society, in public schools every day of the week working with kids, with teachers and hopefully helping our next generation become confident, successful individuals that can go into trades, go to school, be in the military or otherwise be successful in what they do,” Singh said.

“I really believe in the Bearcat Buddies mission,” Singh said. “I think that it’s so important to give back to the community and help our future generation. They’re the ones that are going to rule the world after us, so I think it’s important that we spend time and energy making sure that they have all the support that they need.”

Editor’s note: TNR News Editor Joe Carey, who is also vice president of the Bearcat Buddies Student Association, was not involved in reporting, editing or producing this story.

In this handout photo provided by the Bearcat Buddies Student Association, members of the student group pose for a photo on Aug. 20, 2025, in Cincinnati. MAAZ KHURRAM VIA THE NEWS RECORD

In this handout photo provided by the Bearcat Buddies Student Association, Sydnie Singh, president of the association, poses for a photo on Aug. 20, 2025, in Cincinnati. MAAZ KHURRAM VIA THE NEWS RECORD

BEST SORORITY

ALPHA KAPPA ALPHA

ABIGAIL RUBINSTEIN | STAFF REPORTER

At the University of Cincinnati (UC), the salmon pink and apple green colors of Alpha Kappa Alpha’s Omicron chapter have been part of UC Greek life since the sorority was chartered in 1921.

Some of AKA’s signature events include a career fair aimed at empowering attendees through professional development. The event includes interview and resume workshops led by professionals to prepare students for the workplace.

Another signature event is AKA’s scholarship competition, known as the Oratorical Tea Rose Speech Contest, in which participants present a two-to-three-minute speech about a

topic related to a national program. Examples can include environmental, social or community-based topics. The purpose of the competition is to improve individuals’ public speaking skills while raising awareness of social justice causes in the UC community.

The sisterhood promotes several principles aimed at mobilizing members to enact change through education and advocacy. According to the organization’s website, the sorority focuses on strengthening its sisterhood and empowering families. The chapter encourages its members to approach life rooted in unity, love and collaboration.

“We are very thankful and grateful that we were voted the best sorority on campus,” said Paris Robinson, a fourthyear public relations major and the president of UC’s AKA chapter. “The women of Alpha Kappa Alpha have so many notable alumni that we stand on the backs of and represent in our own way.”

Editor’s note: TNR Sports Editor Brianna Jones, who is also affiliated with Alpha Kappa Alpha, was not involved in reporting, editing or producing this story.

Handout photo from the Omicron chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha taken on Sept. 12 , 2024, at the University of Cincinnati.

EDEN DAVIS VIA THE NEWS RECORD

BEST FRATERNITY TAU KAPPA EPSILON

JOE CAREY | NEWS EDITOR

The University of Cincinnati’s (UC) LambdaGamma chapter of Tau Kappa Epsilon (TKE) is a far cry from the average campus fraternity. Known for its house shows and off-the-wall rush week events, the brotherhood resembles more of a hipster collective than the raucous jock squads of popular convention.

“We’re not your typical frat guys,” says Levi Willgruber, a second-year biomedical engineering major and TKE’s philanthropy chair. “We’re very accepting and welcoming, and I think that reflects in the crowd that we draw and in the events that we hold.”

Despite being one of the smaller fraternities on campus, with only 22 members, TKE’s famous live music events continue to pack in its chapter house on Stratford Avenue. Its regular house shows are held at the end of every month and feature a varied lineup of heavy metal, alt-rock, indie, pop and folk bands local to Cincinnati.

“We want to create a welcoming environment for anybody to just have a good night, enjoy some live music, hang out with friends and maybe even meet somebody new,” said Lucas

Wortylko, a second-year communications major and chapter historian for TKE. “That’s our main goal when it comes to these shows, that kind of community connection.” That connection is also seen in the chapter’s philanthropy. Entry to a TKE show costs $5 per person, with all proceeds going towards St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. TKE’s inaugural “TKEapalooza” music festival, a three-day house show marathon in August 2025, raised over $3,000 in donations.

“TKE is really like the new age fraternity, if that makes sense,” Willgruber said. “When most people think of fraternities, they think of frats in the 80s doing crazy stuff. TKE really has a focus on taking care of people and it’s more of a community than previous frats.”

Fraternity house of the Lambda-Gamma chapter of the Tau Kappa Epsilon fraternity at the University of Cincinnati on Feb. 10, 2026. TAVISH SWEENEY | CHIEF PHOTOGRAPHER

Members of the Lambda-Gamma chapter of the Tau Kappa Epsilon fraternity pose for a photo in front of their fraternity house of at the University of Cincinnati on Feb. 10, 2026. TAVISH SWEENEY | CHIEF PHOTOGRAPHER

BEST MALE ATHLETE BRENDAN SORSBY

JARED MEADOWS | MULTIMEDIA EDITOR

When Desmond Ridder left the University of Cincinnati (UC) after the historic 2021 season, Bearcats fans were left wondering when the next great UC quarterback would walk into Nippert Stadium.

After two years of inconsistent quarterback play, fans had reason for hope in 2024 with the transfer of quarterback Brendan Sorsby, a second-year from Indiana University. Sorsby threw for more than 2,800 yards and 18 touchdowns that season. Heading into 2025, hopes were high for the Denton, Texas, native.

Sorsby delivered on those expectations, becoming one of the top signal callers in college football in 2025. He accounted for 36 total touchdowns, tied for the third-highest in the country, and totaled 3,380 yards through the air and on the ground. His touchdown total was one shy of Ridder’s single-season UC record.

In the third game of the season, Sorsby had the most efficient outing of his career,

completing all 15 of his passes for five touchdowns against Northwestern State University. The following week, the Bearcats opened Big 12 play against the University of Kansas, where he led a game-winning drive with 1:16 left on the clock, earning UC’s first conference win of 2025.

On Oct. 4, against No. 14 Iowa State University, Sorsby led UC to its highest-ranked win at Nippert Stadium since 2006, racking up 278 total yards and 3 touchdowns. The defining play came in the fourth quarter when he connected with wide receiver Cyrus Allen for an 82-yard touchdown, sending Nippert Stadium into a frenzy.

Sorsby finished the season with 27 passing touchdowns and just 5 interceptions, showcasing his efficiency throughout the year. For his efforts, the redshirt third-year earned AllBig 12 second-team honors and was named Pro Football Focus’s Big 12 Offensive Player of the Year.

University of Cincinnati Bearcats quarterback Brendan Sorsby (2) speaks with an ESPN reporter as fans storm the field after an NCAA football game against the Iowa State University Cyclones on Oct. 4, 2025, at Nippert Stadium in Cincinnati. TAVISH SWEENEY | CHIEF PHOTOGRAPHER

University of Cincinnati Bearcats quarterback Brendan Sorsby (2) prepares to throw the ball during a football game against the Bowling Green State University Falcons at Nippert Stadium in Cincinnati on Sept. 6, 2025. TAVISH SWEENEY | CHIEF PHOTOGRAPHER

BEST FEMALE ATHLETE COLEY SIDLOSKI

COLIN KUNZ | SPORTS REPORTER

Leading in both goals and assists and totaling 12 points, fourth-year forward Coley Sidloski was one of the brightest talents on the 2025 University of Cincinnati (UC) women’s soccer team.

After transferring to UC ahead of her junior season, Sidloski made a name for herself by playing in all 19 matches during both her junior and senior seasons, leading the team in stats as a senior.

While Sidloski had multiple strong games throughout the season, the highlight came on senior day, when she had a standout performance in the 3-0 victory over Iowa State University.

“Yeah, I think the one game I think of is my senior day,” Sidloski said. “I had two goals and an assist, and I just felt like that’s the most confident that I feel like I played like all four years, honestly.” The path to this point wasn’t easy. Sidloski dealt with both a broken toe and a back defect, which delayed her offseason training.

Once she was ready, she committed fully. “It was important to heal first, but then once May hit, I was home and I would wake up at 6:45 every morning, even if I wasn’t feeling it, I had to get up. So, it was every single morning

at 7 a.m, running the worst possible workouts you could think of and then heading to the gym straight after,” Sidloski said. When times got tough during the season, Sidloski leaned on her teammates for support, especially her captain, Maddie Swingle, who reinforced her confidence as a forward.

Sidloski is a leader of her own, though, and feels that any younger athletes looking up to her should always try to stay positive.

“I feel like just spreading the love, the light, the positivity, just continuing to be a people person in any given situation that you might be in, leaning on God, leaning on your faith—and the rough times, they aren’t as rough because you just instill all that, light and love into your daily life,” Sidloski said. She also emphasized the importance of leaning on others in times of need, especially teammates.

“I hope that young girls can see that when they do have those issues and those challenges, that they can come back with perseverance and understand it takes a village,” she added. “I’m really grateful for the journey that I did have, and it’s okay to understand that you don’t have to do everything by yourself.”

Looking beyond college, Sidloski is considering playing professionally if the opportunity arises. If not, she plans to pursue a career in sports media while continuing to follow her passion for sports. “It’s all God’s plan, and I think just trusting in him and just continuing to show up every day. I talked about a lot of positivity with support, and I think that that’s the most important part.”

University of Cincinnati Bearcats forward Coley Sidloski (3) celebrates a goal with forward Laura Zemberyova (9) during a women’s soccer game against the Iowa State University Cyclones on Oct. 26, 2025, at Gettler Stadium in Cincinnati. CHAZ TIMKO | SOCIAL MEDIA DIRECTOR

University of Cincinnati Bearcats forward Coley Sidloski (3) celebrates a goal during a women’s soccer game against the Iowa State University Cyclones on Oct. 26, 2025, at Gettler Stadium in Cincinnati.

CHAZ TIMKO | SOCIAL MEDIA DIRECTOR

BEST COACH JORDAN BISCHEL

In 2023, Jordan Bischel was announced as the 33rd head coach of the University of Cincinnati (UC) baseball program.

Before coming to UC, Bischel served as the head coach at Central Michigan University for five seasons.

In his first season, Bischel guided the Bearcats to a strong showing. UC led the American Athletic Conference in walks with 320 — the most in school history — and averaged 7.4 runs per game, ranking fourth in the conference.

Bischel coached seven All-Big 12 players in 2024, including first-team selection Josh Kross. Christian Mitchelle earned second-team honors, while Lauden Brooks, Nathan Taylor, Tommy O’Connor, Kerrington Cross and Josh Hegemann received honorable mentions. Cross was later named Big 12 Player of the Year in 2025.

UC finished the 2025 season 33-26 and earned an at-large berth to the NCAA Tournament — its first since 1974 and seventh appearance in program history.

Despite the success, Bischel remains focused on the people behind the program. “Any recognition our coaching staff receives really is a reflection of the time, energy and dedication our student-athletes pour into our program,” Bischel said. “They love representing the University of Cincinnati.”

As the Bearcats continue competing in the Big 12, Bischel embraces the challenge. “We are working to compete with

BRIANNA JONES | SPORTS EDITOR

the very best nationally on a daily basis,” he said. “That is an exciting but enormous challenge.” The 2026 season is underway, and Bearcats fans are eager to see what’s next on the diamond.

BEST SPORTS MOMENT

FANS RUSH THE FIELD AFTER IOWA STATE GAME

On Oct. 4, 2025, the University of Cincinnati (UC) football team took on the undefeated No. 14 Iowa State University (ISU) Cyclones.

At that point in the season, the matchup was considered the most important game on the

Bearcats’ schedule. While the odds of a win seemed to be 50-50, the Bearcats found a way to come out on top and secure a 38-30 win at home. In the third quarter, the Cyclones slowly chipped away at the lead, putting pressure on the Bearcats late in the game.

ISU recovered a UC fumble in the third quarter that brought a nervous silence to the stands of Nippert Stadium. As time expired, the clock ran out on ISU despite its comeback attempt.

The win marked Cincinnati’s highest-ranked home victory since 2006, and fans stormed the field to celebrate with the team that brought home that historic victory.

The celebration echoed a defining moment in 1999, when Cincinnati stunned No.

BRIANNA JONES | SPORTS EDITOR

9 University of Wisconsin team and fans tore down the goalposts at Nippert Stadium. More than two decades later, another ranked victory sparked similar euphoria.

It was a remarkable day for not only the UC football program but also for Bearcat fans watch-

the Iowa State University Cyclones on Oct. 4, 2025, at Nippert Stadium in Cincinnati.

LUCAS GRIFFITH | MANAGING EDITOR

In this handout photo provided by UC Communications, Jordan Bischel, head coach of the University of Cincinnati (UC) baseball team, is pictured during a game against the University Pittsburgh Panthers on Oct. 11, 2025, at the UC Baseball Stadium in Cincinnati.

LAMAR PRICE II | UC COMMUNICATIONS VIA THE NEWS RECORD

Fans storm the field after an NCAA football game between the University of Cincinnati Bearcats and the Iowa State University Cyclones on Oct. 4, 2025, at Nippert Stadium in Cincinnati.

TAVISH SWEENEY | CHIEF PHOTOGRAPHER

BEST CINCINNATI EVENT UC HOMECOMING

LELA WALKER |OPINION REPORTER

The roar of Bearcats rings proud every year during Homecoming week at the University of Cincinnati (UC). Students, alums and families enjoy week-long events organized by the Student Alumni Council (SAC).

Each October, as fall leaves mix with red and black confetti, UC alums return to Clifton to reconnect with old friends and show their love for the university. From singing the alma mater in Nippert Stadium to chanting “Down the Drive” during the parade, Homecoming is a celebration of UC’s legacy.

On campus, daily events include free Skyline Chili coneys, Graeter’s ice cream and fresh coffee. Local restaurants, including Cincy Gourmet Deli, El Vaquero and Better Blend all offer discounts to participants.

Preparation for the tradition begins in the spring before Homecoming. “Homecoming court nominees are submitted by student organizations in April, voted on by the student body, interviewed by alumni and then announced at the halftime of the Homecoming game,” said Gabriella Le, a fourth-year medical sciences student and president of SAC.

highly anticpated football game occurs on the Saturday of Homecoming week, with the parade starting four hours before kickoff.

All events, student discounts and parade details are planned during the summer with help from the UC Alumni Association. The

“I think the Homecoming parade was surely one to remember,” Le said.

University of Cincinnati 2025 homecoming parade on Oct. 25, 2025.

TAVISH SWEENEY | CHIEF PHOTOGRAPHER

University of Cincinnati 2025 homecoming parade on Oct. 25, 2025.

TAVISH SWEENEY | CHIEF PHOTOGRAPHER

University of Cincinnati 2025 homecoming parade on Oct. 25, 2025.

TAVISH SWEENEY | CHIEF PHOTOGRAPHER

BEST DATE NIGHT SPOT

CINCINNATI ZOO & BOTANICAL GARDEN

AUBREY WINEINGER | STAFF REPORTER

As date night ideas come and go, one simple, cheap and easy idea that never fails to impress is the Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden.

Strolling through the zoo, you can truly take your time admiring the animals in their indoor and outdoor habitats. Start your journey in the reptile house before heading over to see the tiny wonders in the insect exhibit. Along the way, be sure to visit the elephants and penguins, grab a quick look at the giraffes and eventually make your way to meet the world-famous Fiona the hippo.

You might even stumble upon animal cutouts that would make a great photo opportunity. You can also take a ride around the zoo on the train for a new perspective on the animals.

Additionally, take a break at beverage and snack locations such as Base Camp Café or

food trucks like Taco Caja to refuel for the rest of your date night.

If you plan your trip right, you can catch one of their special yearly events like the PNC Festival of Lights in the winter. To round out your night, you can stroll to the gift shop and pick up a souvenir for you and your date to remember the outing for months to come.

BEST DJ DJ BOYWIFE

Two people warm their hands at an an outdoor fire pit on Dec. 9, 2025, at the Cincinnati Zoo. TAVISH SWEENEY | CHIEF PHOTOGRAPHER

Cincinnati Zoo Festival of Lights on Dec. 9, 2025. TAVISH SWEENEY | CHIEF PHOTOGRAPHER

Replace: DJ Boywife performs at Mac’s Pizza Pub on Nov. 9, 2025, during the Clifton Heights Music Festival in Cincinnati. TAVISH SWEENEY | CHIEF PHOTOGRAPHER

BEST MUSIC VENUE FISHBOWL LIVE

VAISHNAVI NANNAPANENI | STAFF REPORTER

Fishbowl Live has been making waves since its first show in November 2024, changing the University of Cincinnati’s (UC) music venue scene.

Run by four UC students — Boston Hammond, a third-year construction management major; Ethan DiCicco, a fourth-year pre-physical therapy major; Ethan Tharp, a third-year cybersecurity major; and Sam Wittmann, a fourth-year architecture major — Fishbowl Live has become a niche music hub for students and locals.

The venue, located at 3059 Taylor Ave. in Clifton, has a backyard stage where local bands perform for audiences of up to 1,000.

At its core, Fishbowl Live is about live music and community. The organizers intentionally feature local bands, giving them a spotlight and curating lineups that match the venue's welcoming, high-energy vibe.

“Thank you to everyone who has supported us over the past year,” Hammond said. “We’ve been blessed with a platform to bring people together and develop our community in such an impactful way.”

Fishbowl Live is reshaping Cincinnati by giving back to the community that supports it. The venue has raised more than $6,000 for charities and maintained respectful relationships with its neighbors.

“We wouldn’t have been able to win this award without the immense love that Cincinnati has shown us, and we are beyond grateful to everyone who contributed to our success,” Hammond said.

House show at Fishbowl Live in Cincinnati on Feb. 20, 2026. TAVISH SWEENEY | CHIEF PHOTOGRAPHER

House show at Fishbowl Live In Cincinnati on Feb. 20, 2026. TAVISH SWEENEY | CHIEF PHOTOGRAPHER

House show at Fishbowl Live in Cincinnati on Feb. 20, 2026. TAVISH SWEENEY | CHIEF PHOTOGRAPHER

BEST LOCAL BAND

OH! THE MANATEE

AUBREY WINEINGER | STAFF REPORTER

Oh! The Manatee is an indie band based in Clifton featuring Annabel Taylor on vocals, Dylan Lopes on drums, Isaiah Poe on bass and Stephen Nagamalla on guitar.

The band was born out of jam sessions at the University of Cincinnati, where the members bonded over their “shared goal of wanting to create something,” Lopes said. That something was music — a passion they all shared.

The band got its name somewhat randomly. Lopes was writing down different band names and Oh! The Manatee stood out to him. “It’s a play on the saying ‘Oh, the humanity,’” he said. “It shows the approach to our music which is a lot of enthusiasm and dedication.”

For the members, the band is more than a creative outlet — it is a space of expression and relief. Being in a band provides “a medium to say what I want to say, just not in words,” Poe said.

For Nagamalla, rehearsals offer a moment of calm. “Being a part of this band has been such a peaceful thing for me and a break in my day,” he said.

The members say the band feels like a family — one that offers consistency and motivation amid busy schedules. “It’s a break in my usual routine every day,” Taylor said.

Lopes said staying involved in music was nonnegotiable when he came to college.

“It’s been a motivator in my life, and when I went to college, I didn’t want to let go of my passion,” Lopes said.

Their first Extended Play, “Catalyze,” was released Feb. 20, 2026, and the band is excited to share its music.

The project reflects the group’s collaborative writing process and shared vision. “We all wanted to write something we agreed on,” Taylor said.

That authenticity shows in the themes explored throughout the project. “We got a couple of different tracks that really highlight how we feel as people or things we have gone through,” Poe said.

Isaiah Poe of Oh! The Manatee performs at Uncle Woody’s on Nov. 7, 2025, during the Clifton Heights Music Festival in Cincinnati. HAJRA MUNIR | EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Oh! The Manatee performs at Uncle Woody’s on Nov. 7, 2025, during the Clifton Heights Music Festival in Cincinnati. HAJRA MUNIR | EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Dylan Lopes of Oh! The Manatee performs at Uncle Woody’s on Nov. 7, 2025, during the Clifton Heights Music Festival in Cincinnati.

HAJRA MUNIR | EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

THE UPSIDE BREW BEST COFFEE SHOP

HAJRA MUNIR | EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

For the third year in a row, The Upside Brew on Ludlow Avenue has been voted best coffee shop by UC students — a recognition that owner-operator Lydia Ludwig says reflects the shop’s growing community as much as its coffee.

Since opening at its current location in April 2021, The Upside Brew has become a staple for students studying late, meeting friends or simply finding a welcoming place off campus. Ludwig, who has worked with owner John Carnevale for nearly 12 years, said business has only increased as more students make the café part of their routine.

“I’ve noticed especially this past year that our nights keep getting busier with students coming in to study,” Ludwig said. “I’m just really glad people came through for us again.”

Beyond coffee, The Upside Brew is known for its rotating local art gallery, live music in the plaza during warmer months, weekly trivia nights and a growing number of table reservations for small community events — from writing groups to perfume-making workshops.

The coffee shop also features seasonal drinks made with house-made syrups, including a popular winter spiced cappuccino.

Ludwig credits the shop’s success to its atmosphere and customer relationships. Baristas make an effort to learn regulars’ names and orders, something she believes sets The Upside Brew apart from other campus-area coffee shops.

“We want everyone to leave feeling better than when they came in — that’s really the whole idea behind the name,” she said.

As The Upside Brew prepares to celebrate its five-year anniversary in April 2026, Ludwig says she is grateful for UC students who have helped shape the place into what it is today.

The Upside Brew in Cincinnati on Feb. 4, 2026. HAJRA MUNIR | EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

The Upside Brew employee Syd Earle prepares a customer’s order on Feb. 4, 2026, in Cincinnati. TAVISH SWEENEY | CHIEF PHOTOGRAPHER

BEST SWEET TREAT GRAETER’S

MADELYN STEWART | OPINION EDITOR

For the University of Cincinnati (UC) community, certain traditions are nonnegotiable: cheering at Nippert Stadium, grabbing a coffee at The 86 Coffee Bar and indulging in the city’s most iconic dessert. Graeter’s remains the undisputed champion of the Queen City’s dessert scene.

What makes Graeter’s more than just a quick sugar fix is its French Pot process. Unlike most ice cream, which is whipped with air to increase volume, Graeter’s still crafts its batches two-and-a-half gallons at a time. This method produces a dense, creamy texture unmatched in the dessert world.

More than just a local favorite, Graeter’s is a part of Cincinnati’s history. It’s story began in 1870, when Louis Graeter started selling his handmade ice cream at neighborhood markets.

While the rest of the world moved toward mass production and high-speed machinery, the Graeter family refused to compromise. They’ve maintained the same small-batch standards for more than 150 years, ensuring the scoop you enjoy today on Ludlow Avenue is fundamentally the same as the one locals enjoyed in the 19th century.

Whether it’s a celebratory scoop of black raspberry chip after a grueling finals week or a late-night run for delicious pints, Graeter’s is woven into the UC experience. It’s the taste of a Cincinnati summer and the ultimate comfort food during a Midwest winter.

For 155 years, the Graeter family has kept the tradition alive, and for UC students and alums UC, the verdict is clear: when it comes to sweet treats, nothing else even comes close.

From left: University of Cincinnati students Simon Wells and Niko Medvedovic at Graeter’s Ice Cream on Ludlow Avenue in Cincinnati on Feb. 12, 2026. TAVISH SWEENEY | CHIEF PHOTOGRAPHER

Graeter’s Ice Cream on Ludlow Avenue in Cincinnati on Feb. 13, 2026. TAVISH SWEENEY | CHIEF PHOTOGRAPHER

Graeter’s Ice Cream on Ludlow Avenue in Cincinnati on Feb. 12, 2026. RAMA DIALLO | STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER

BEST CAMPUS RESTAURANT CINCY GOURMET DELI

BEST PIZZA ADRIATICO’S

The iconic “Bearcat Pizza” reigns supreme, as Adriatico’s was voted the University of Cincinnati’s best pizza. Known for generous toppings and its specialty sauce, Adriatico’s has made a lasting impression on patrons over the years.

A Clifton staple for more than 50 years, Adriatico’s opened in 1974. While the restaurant has changed buildings, it has never left the neighborhood. Adriatico’s has taken the title of UC’s best pizza several times over the

years. They were also listed as one of the great American pizzerias in the 2005 book “Everybody Loves Pizza: The Deep Dish on America’s Favorite Food,” written by food critics Penny Pollack and Jeff Ruby.

This local store prides themselves on freshness, making fresh dough and sauce every day along with using 100% real shredded cheese. Their signature sauce has a little kick to it, adding another layer to the flavor.

Adriatico’s in Cincinnati on Feb. 12, 2026. RAMA DIALLO | STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER

University of Cincinnati students Emily Johnston and Jack Kuhhlenschmidt pose for a photo at Adriatico’s in Cincinnati on Feb. 12, 2026.

RAMA DIALLO | Staff Photographer

Adriatico’s in Cincinnati on Feb. 13, 2026. TAVISH SWEENEY | CHIEF PHOTOGRAPHER

LONZO MONTGOMERY | STAFF REPORTER

Cincy Gourmet Deli on Feb. 13, 2026. NICOLAI SALGADO-URCIA | STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER

BEST BAR MURPHY’S PUB

JEREMIAH FOWLER | STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER

Murphy’s Pub in Cincinnati on Feb. 13, 2026. TAVISH SWEENEY | CHIEF PHOTOGRAPHER

AUTHOR NAME | TITLE

BEST DINING HALL STADIUM VIEW CAFÉ

Located in between the historic Nippert Stadium and Campus Recreation Center is a dining hall that many know and love: Stadium View Café.

The hall is known for its build-your-own stations such as Q.C. Crafted, a mac and cheese station, and Serrano, a Mexican-style rice bowl station. There are various sauce, protein and topping options at Q.C. Crafted. At Serrano, diners can choose their protein, beans, toppings and sauces. They also have sweet treats available for dessert, typically serving churros.

In fall 2025, 70,126 meal swipes were used at Stadium View Café, according to a post by the UC Dining Instagram page. It was the fourth most popular dining location on campus, only bested by Center Court, On the Green and MarketPointe – the bigger, but not as beloved, dining halls.

While you eat, you can catch a view of the football stadium nestled right in the middle

of campus. Close enough that during the football season the café is open with a special menu for game days. Inside, students are also located directly on top of Center Court, with a ledge overlooking the dining hall below.

Stadium View Café on Feb. 17, 2026. LUCAS GRIFFITH | MANAGING EDITOR

The entrance to Stadium View Café is beside the bridge that leads over Nippert Stadium off of UC MainStreet.

Stadium View Café on Feb. 17, 2026. LUCAS GRIFFITH | MANAGING EDITOR

JULIA VIANNA SISTE | STAFF REPORTER

BEST DORM CALHOUN HALL

CHLOE HALL | NEWS REPORTER

Built in 1967 and standing at 192 feet tall, Calhoun Hall has long been one of the University of Cincinnati’s (UC) signature dormitories. Located next to its lookalike, Siddall Hall, the high-rise residence hall is known as the southern gateway to UC’s Uptown Campus.

Overlooking the heart of Clifton, Calhoun Hall offers incoming students diverse living styles. Its proximity to several campus staples is another key attraction, with MarketPointe dining hall directly adjoining its base.

“I like how close it is to a dining hall,” Samuel Laforte-Huber, a firstyear Calhoun Hall resident, said. “That makes it easy to get straight up in the morning when it’s cold and being able to go right in.”

Calhoun Hall is one of many UC housing options located on Calhoun Street alongside a mix of chain, local and bar-style establishments. It has easy access to the CollegeConservatory of Music and its built-in cafe, The 86 Coffee Bar.

“I’m in a quad, so I have three other roommates,” Laforte-Huber said when asked about his dorm experience. “I love it. All my roommates were random, so I got pretty lucky there.”

Calhoun all at the University of Cincinnati on Feb. 12, 2026. LUCAS GRIFFITH |MANAGING EDITOR

BEST BUILDING CROSLEY TOWER

Crosley Tower, the University of Cincinnati’s (UC) infamous 16-story concrete giant, has watched over UC’s campus since 1969. Named for Cincinnati legend Powel Crosley Jr., the brutalist structure was built in just 18 days from a single continuous pour of concrete. Designed by architect Charles Burchard, the tower was built to house chemistry and biology laboratories.

Crosley has evoked strong opinions from the UC community throughout its storied history. From its description as a “Disney villain’s lair,” in a 2017 Architectural Digest list of the ugliest university buildings in America to the founding of the Crosley Tower Appreciation Club, the tower’s imposing silhouette remains a controversial campus icon.

Juju Stojanovic, a fouth-year communication design major, speaks to the intense connection many students feel to this building. Her “Ode to Crosley,” as she calls the many creative tributes Crosley lovers make, inspired the font used in the graphic on this page. She, like many other students, sees Crosley as more than an old, ugly building.

“I think that’s my favorite thing about Crosley: the dissonance of how a 17-story austere brutalist block of concrete actually contains so much humor, emotion and humanity under the surface,” Stojanovic said.

Despite its loyal fanbase, the build is currently undergoing demolition due to reports of an aging foundation, a crumbling exterior and water leakage. The deconstruction process will cost the university $47.3 million and should be completed by the end of 2027. UC plans to build a new $215 million STEM building in its place.

Whether you love or hate it, Crosley Tower has created quite a legacy for itself over its 56 years. To many, its brutalist facade has become so much more than a building, and it will surely live on in the memories of generations of UC students.

TOWER

CROSLEY

LUCAS SCHMIED | STAFF REPORTER

Crosley Tower at the University of Cincinnati on Feb. 13, 2026. This graphic displays text digitally overlaid on a photograph. PHOTO: HAJRA MUNIR | EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

GRAPHIC: CAMILLA BERGSET | DESIGNER

BEST STUDY SPOT LANGSAM LIBRARY

AVERY PADGETT | FEATURES EDITOR

The University of Cincinnati’s (UC) Walter C. Langsam Library has been an educational and social hub for decades. This central campus library boasts over 1 million volumes in the humanities and social sciences — it also offers both secluded and open study spaces, a prayer and meditation room, a sound booth, a green screen room and an esports zone.

Many students’ favorite library addition remains the Starbucks, where they can refuel or reward themselves for an assignment well done.

Located at 2911 Woodside Drive next to Rieveschl Hall, the library offers outdoor seating for warmer weather and a variety of indoor seating options year-round.

Additional amenities include a private lactation room, calculators available for checkout, the Writing Center, the Center for the Enhancement of Teaching and Learning, and printing stations. Langsam Library is open Monday through Thursday from 7:45 a.m. to midnight, with varying Friday, weekend and exam-week hours.

Jéanne Brooks, the UC Libraries associate dean for operations and user services, said supporting students’ needs is the main goal of the library.

“This is your home office when you’re on campus,” Brooks said.

The library recently obtained charging stations available for checkout at the front desk, so students don’t have to compete for outlets.

“It is very intentional on our part to make sure that we serve the campus well and stay the favorite space,” Brooks said. “And it takes a lot of people to make that happen. It's not just a building.”