Commencement
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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
HAJRA MUNIR | EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
Hi Bearcats!
When you walk across the stage in your cap and gown, it is more than just a ceremony. Each step carries years of memories: chilly game days at Nippert, friendships that transformed classmates into lifelong companions, the challenges that tested you and experiences that helped you grow into the person you are today.
Graduation marks the closing of a chapter defined by learning, discovery and community, while also opening the door to everything that comes next. For many of us, the University of Cincinnati became more than just a place to attend classes. It became the place where we found hidden passions and discovered who we are.
This Commencement Issue is a testament to the stories that make our community so special. Within these pages are voices of resilience, ambition and hope. We spoke with graduates who persevered through uncertainty and professors who had a positive impact. We heard reflections on timeless and unforgettable moments.
As you read these stories, I hope you see pieces of your own journey reflected in them. Take a moment to pause, celebrate how far you’ve come and appreciate the memories that will stay with you long after you graduate.
To the class of 2026: congratulations! Your journey at UC prepared you for what’s ahead, and your story is only just beginning. Although your time on campus has concluded, remember that you will always be a Bearcat.
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Hajra Munir
From left: Hajra Munir, editor-in-chief of The News Record, poses for a photo with the Bearcat mascot on March 25, 2026, at Nippert Stadium in Cincinnati.
TAVISH SWEENEY | CHIEF PHOTOGRAPHER
WHAT TNR GRADUATES LEARNED IN THE NEWSROOM
EMILY WIDMAN | FEATURES REPORTER
The News Record (TNR) seniors have heard from every corner of the University of Cincinnati (UC) as they’ve reported on various topics over the years, from student protests to cultural celebrations. After countless interviews conducted, events attended and connections made, graduating staff members have learned many lessons along the way.
Brianna Jones, a fourth-year communications major and TNR’s sports editor, warns students to not let their fears get in the way of potential opportunities for growth.
“Don’t be afraid to do something that will benefit you in the long run.”
“Instead of allowing my anxiety to try something new prevent me from something that would benefit my career goals, I contributed to sports. That opened a lot of doors for me.”
Madelyn Stewart, a fourth-year public relations and sociology major and TNR’s opinion editor, said her time in the newsroom made campus feel like home as a transfer student.
“I was nervous about finding my community in a completely foreign place,” Stewart said. “It gave me the confidence to go after the things that I wanted without fear of judgement.”
While writing a story, Lucas Griffith, a fourthyear journalism major and TNR’s managing editor, found his voice in the newsroom. Griffith spent weeks trying to get a quote from a specific source.
“I persisted and sent his campaign manager four emails in one day until I eventually got the quote,” Griffith said. “No matter how old you are or what experience you have, you have to keep pushing for the things you want or need.”
Through “embracing the idea of uncertainty,” TNR multimedia editor Jared Meadows is leaving UC with a different mindset than when he arrived. Though he came to college aspiring
to work in a management role for a professional football team, his dreams have shifted after joining TNR.
“I now roam the sidelines at games as a photographer or writer, something completely different from my original plan,” Meadows said. “You have no idea what will happen next, and that is something that should be cherished.”
As these students have given countless late nights and early mornings to deliver accurate
LOOKING BACK, MOVING FORWARD: END-OF-YEAR REFLECTIONS
AMELIA LAMBERT STAFF REPORTER
For the University of Cincinnati’s (UC) class of 2026, graduation marks not only the end of their college experience, but also an opportunity to reflect on how campus has evolved during their time as Bearcats. In this season of change, several UC community members have taken a moment to share how they’ve seen the university grow over the years.
Adam Wolshire, a fifth-year industrial design major, said he could not recall a time when “UC” did not stand for “under construction.” During his undergraduate years, Wolshire saw the construction of Clifton Court Hall, the renovations to Calhoun Hall and Siddall Hall and the ongoing demolition of Crosley Tower.
construction. She said nightlife at UC has become more popular since her first year. Sabec is involved in Greek life and said rushing is more popular now than in previous years.
Ruth Seiple, professor-educator in the Lindner College of Business and the director of Lindner Business Honors, says that some aspects of campus should remain the same.
“Things like Burnet Woods, Uncle Woody’s and Short Vine should never change, and I hope they never will.”
Wolshire compared Crosley’s takedown to “an angel losing its wings,” saying the new chemistry facility intended to replace it will not look “as creative” as its predecessor.
Edward Winkofsky, a UC alum and adjunct professor in the Lindner College of Business, recalls attending classes on Main Campus before Lindner’s construction. Prior to the new building, Winkofsky remembers venturing all over campus for courses in UC’s master’s in business administration program.
He said the building’s addition to campus has made life easier for business majors by centralizing their classes.
information to UC’s student body, they’ve gained plenty in return.
“I will always cherish my time in the newsroom,” Stewart said.
Kaitlyn Sabec, a fourth-year nursing major, remembers arriving at UC in her first year when CenterCourt dining hall was open until midnight and Calhoun Hall was under
The News Record’s fourth-year staffers pose for a photo in the TNR newsroom on March 25, 2026, in Swift Hall at UC. From back: Jared Meadows, Madelyn Stewart, Brianna Jones and Lucas Griffith. HAJRA MUNIR | EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
Crosley Tower at UC on Feb. 16, 2026. SEBASTIAN POPP | STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER
Crosley Tower at UC on July 10, 2025. TAVISH SWEENEY | CHIEF PHOTOGRAPHER
LELA WALKER | OPINION REPORTER
CAMPUS THROUGH THE YEARS: HOW CAMPUS, TRADITIONS AND STUDENT LIFE HAVE EVOLVED
Since 1819, the University of Cincinnati (UC) has grown from about 70 enrolled students to nearly 54,000. As campus continues to expand, sacred traditions remain a key element in keeping the Bearcat spirit alive and thriving. The concept of the “Bearcat” first appeared in the weekly university newspaper after UC’s victory against the University of Kentucky Wildcats in 1914. The nickname was coined by Leonard K. “Teddy” Baehr, a cheerleader and cartoonist often referred to as the original Bearcat.
UC has also had four live bearcats represent the university: Bo, Alice, Lucy and the current unofficial mascot, Lucille. From having two Bearcat mascots in the 1970s to a senior student wearing the costume each year, the role of the Bearcat has evolved over time, strengthening the identity of the UC community.
The two lions that stand in front of the College of Arts & Sciences are replicas of a famous pair in the Loggia dei Lanzi in Florence, built in 1382. Mick rests on the left and Mack on the right, though when UC acquired them in 1904, they originally faced each other. In past years, students from rival schools painted them different colors the night before football and basketball games.
Adopted in the late 1960s, the ‘Down the Drive” chant that remains a tradition in Nippert Stadium has been reworked over the years to become the cheer students still shout today. The four rhythmic claps before the loud “U-C” have echoed from student sections for decades.
With more than 600 registered student organizations on campus, there is a space for every student to grow into a leader. Although the Steger Student Life Center no longer houses identity centers following the passage of Senate Bill 1, social and cultural development remains central to student life.
UC held its first commencement in 1878, a time when students could choose between three bachelor’s degrees: arts, science and engineering. Today, students graduate from more than 300 majors, minors and graduate programs. Nippert Stadium and Fifth Third Arena will roar once again to celebrate the academic achievements of proud Bearcats.
WORDS OF WISDOM FROM UC FACULTY
LONZO MONTGOMERY | STAFF REPORTER
After graduation, it can be difficult to know what comes next. There are no more advisers helping you choose classes or guiding your path forward. The next step is up to you, but that doesn’t mean you can’t carry the advice of some University of Cincinnati (UC) professors with you.
“Once you make the right decision, spend time making the decision right.”
– Professor Erinn Green, Psychology
“Most of you have decided on your next path, so you’ve probably agonized for a long time about making the right decision,” Green said. “Once you’ve made that decision, let it go; you need to spend your time making the decision right. And what I mean by that is like, go in full force…focus your energy on making it work for you, and really put your whole heart into that.”
“Your first job after college doesn’t define you.”
– Professor Amy Townsend-Small, Environmental Science
Townsend-Small has been a professor at UC for 15 years and draws upon her own experience when reminding students that your first job might not be your only job. “Don’t worry too much about your career path,” TownsendSmall said. “There’s a lot of room to grow.”
“Stay
curious and open to learning.”
– Professor Michelle Burbage, Environmental and Public Health Sciences
“A degree is wonderful. It opens doors, but a student’s curiosity and willingness to keep learning is what really shapes the path that they’re going to take even after they graduate,” Burbage said.
UC associate professor Michelle Burbage poses for a photo on March 25, 2026, outside of Clifton Court Hall at UC. TAVISH SWEENEY | CHIEF PHOTOGRAPHER
This handout photo, provided by UC Communications, depicts UC professor Amy Townsend-Small on May 8, 2018. JAY YOCIS | UC COMMUNICATIONS VIA THE NEWS RECORD
The Bearcat mascot dances with a group of cheerleaders after the UC Bearcats’ victory during an NCAA football game against the Baylor University Bears on Oct. 25, 2025, at Nippert Stadium in Cincinnati. TAVISH SWEENEY | CHIEF PHOTOGRAPHER
INTERNATIONAL BEARCATS TAKE ON THE WORLD
JULIA VIANNA SISTE | STAFF REPORTER
Walking across the stage on graduation day can be a bittersweet moment for many students. It’s a sign that their time at the university has come to an end, along with the life they built there. Some students will return to their hometowns, while others will move somewhere new. Whatever they choose, they will face a major change.
But some of the students crossing that stage have already experienced a life-changing decision long before arriving on campus.
The University of Cincinnati’s (UC) international students turned their lives upside down for a Bearcat education, moving to a new country for their studies. Now that they are graduating, they will once again face the world and see where their education takes them.
UC graduate Sofia Parisotto Ferrigolo is one of those students.
Born and raised in Porto Alegre, Brazil, she came to UC to study business economics and environmental analysis and policy. After graduation, she will head to Miami, Florida, to start a new job, something she says was made possible by the experiences she gained
at UC. “My time at UC centered on sustainability, leadership and global learning, bringing together experiences across campus organizations, academic programs and international opportunities,” Ferrigolo said.
“It is important to see as many places as you can, to experience other cultures and interact with different kinds of people,” Alfiero said. In Alfiero’s words, “anywhere you go in the world is what you make of it.”
Leaving can be difficult, but it is often necessary for growth. Diego Reese Alfiero moved from his hometown of Monterrey, Mexico, to study industrial management and economics. As he prepares to graduate, he leaves behind a club he founded, VivaF1, along with friends and memories from his time at UC.
International students made Cincinnati their home during these years, but now they are ready for another big adventure.
CELEBRATING UC’S GRADUATING ATHLETES
BRIANNA JONES | SPORTS EDITOR
As the spring semester wraps up and the University of Cincinnati (UC) welcomes another graduating class, seniors are reflecting on their collegiate careers. While most students focus primarily on academics, a select few also competed at the collegiate level, balancing rigorous athletics with coursework and other responsibilities. These student-athletes leave behind impressive legacies across baseball, basketball, track and field, and volleyball.
In 2025, Nolan started all 25 matches and produced one of the best offensive seasons in UC history. She became the first player since 2019 to earn First Team All-Big 12 honors and an AVCA All-Region selection, finishing the season with 468 kills, 32 blocks, and a .305 hitting percentage. Nolan also recorded 11 matches with 20 or more kills, demonstrating consistent dominance on the court.
Across 2024 and 2025, Mitchelle became one of UC’s most reliable two-way players, delivering at the plate, in the field, and on the mound. From hitting over .300 to homering in the NCAA Tournament and closing out tight games, he consistently rose to the occasion and earned a reputation as the Bearcats’ ultimate do-everything competitor.
During his time with the Bearcats, Miller became one of UC’s most versatile contributors, using his height, mobility and energy to elevate the team on both ends. Whether defending multiple positions, running in transition, or stretching the floor, he consistently changed the game’s rhythm and established himself as a dynamic forward.
Epps has become one of UC’s standout sprinters, rewriting the record book with new indoor marks in both the 60m and 200m events. During her career, Epps earned multiple All-Big 12 honors and competed in NCAA postseason events, cementing her legacy as one of the program’s elite athletes.
UC student Diego Reese Alfiero poses for a photo inside University Pavilion at UC on March 18, 2026. TAVISH SWEENEY | CHIEF PHOTOGRAPHER
This handout photo, provided by UC student Sofia Parisotto Ferrigolo, depicts her on Feb. 24, 2026, in Cincinnati.
SOFIA PARISOTTO FERRIGOLO VIA THE NEWS RECORD
CHRISTIAN MITCHELLE – RIGHT-HANDED PITCHER/UTILITY PLAYER
University of Cincinnati Bearcats sprinter Kya Epps during the NCAA Indiana Invitational meet on Jan. 16, 2026, at Gladstein Fieldhouse in Bloomington, Ind. KJ GARMONG | UC COMMUNICATIONS VIA THE NEWS RECORD
University of Cincinnati Bearcats forward Baba Miller (18) dunks the ball during an NCAA men’s basketball game against the Western Carolina University Catamounts on Nov. 3, 2025, at Fifth Third Arena in Cincinnati. TAVISH SWEENEY | CHIEF PHOTOGRAPHER
University of Cincinnati Bearcats right-handed pitcher Christian Mitchelle (3) runs the bases after his homerun hit during an NCAA baseball game against the Miami University RedHawks on March 11, 2025, at the UC Baseball Stadium in Cincinnati.
GRACE KUNOVICH | STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER
University of Cincinnati Bearcats outside hitter Sydney Nolan (2) bumps the ball during an NCAA women’s volleyball game against the Xavier University Musketeers on Sept. 9, 2025, at Fifth Third Arena in Cincinnati. TAVISH SWEENEY | CHIEF PHOTOGRAPHER
SYDNEY NOLAN – OUTSIDE HITTER
BABA MILLER – FORWARD
TRACK AND FIELD
LIFE LESSONS FROM A UC ALUM
As the University of Cincinnati’s (UC) class of 2026 prepares to leave campus, many students are reflecting on the experiences and connections that shaped their time as Bearcats. For alum Dirk Franz, those memories still define what his years at UC meant long after graduation.
When Franz enrolled at UC in 1997, he was following in the footsteps of his parents and brother, who had also attended the university. Franz was a communications major who intended to teach, but during his time on campus he learned that college is about more than just a degree.
“It’s all about family. That is what it really means to me, making all the memories,” Franz said.
During his time at UC, he joined the Sigma Phi Epsilon fraternity, where he met some of his closest friends. Those friendships still last today, with people who continue to check in on him and watch out for him years later.
“I have some really good mentors still to this day. Ray Medina is the one who stands out. They were older guys in my fraternity, and they still look out for me today,” Franz said.
Franz’s time at UC was not without hardship. He dealt with the death of his mother from cancer in 2001 while being a full-time student and working at McKinley Mortgage.
“My mom passed away from cancer. I was at the hospital constantly, but the university and the teachers were really cool about that. That actually helped me a lot,” Franz said. Franz said those relationships continue to shape his life today, advice he hopes graduating Bearcats will carry with them after graduation.
“Make the campus smaller by trying to do whatever activities make you happy. The more people you get to know, the more it'll help you in life. It just comes down to who you know,” Franz said.
LEGACY IN LEADERSHIP
for students looking for living options outside of UC.
Other students pursued their own business ventures as a means of giving back to their campus community. Matt Moné, a fifth-year biomedical engineering student, grew a class project into a small business called Mossom UC, a four-student company selling hand-crafted moss terrariums.
According to the company’s Instagram page, all Mossom UC proceeds go to the UC Foundation, a nonprofit donor to UC and UC Health.
our opinions without feeling overly restrictive or without feeling like we are doing it for the sake of the assignment.”
SENIORS REFLECT ON THE ROAD AHEAD
HAJRA MUNIR | EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
As graduation approaches at the University of Cincinnati (UC), many seniors find themselves balancing excitement about the future with the emotional weight of leaving behind the place they’ve called home.
For fourth-year psychology major and pre-law student Samantha Jackson, the moment feels bittersweet. After years of campus involvement, including leadership roles, research work and honors societies, Jackson said UC has become more than just a university.
“I’ve learned that a delayed plan is not a failed plan,” Jackson said.
“UC has become my home, and faculty and staff have sort of become almost like a family to me,” she said.
Jackson said a health setback last year forced her to rethink the timeline she once imagined for herself, but it also helped her develop resilience.
“Taking care of your mental health — it’s like being hydrated,“ Jensen said. “When you’re thirsty, it’s already too late. Work out, get outside, journal, do your hobbies. Don’t lose track of that.”
Fourth-year nursing major Kyah Wright also encouraged students to prioritize their well-being during times of change.
“There may be moments when everyt hing feels overwhelming, but you do not have to go through those challenges alone,” Wright said. “Success is important, but maintaining your mental health and well-being should always come first.”
For many graduating Bearcats, the final weeks aren’t just about finishing assignments — they’re about reflecting on growth, resilience and the journey ahead.
As the spring semester at the University of Cincinnati (UC) concludes, many graduating Bearcats are taking time to reflect on their impact on campus.
“I just kind of fell in love with the idea where I could see all the advocacy work being done,”
Joshua Copley, a fourth-year criminal justice major and the 2025-26 undergraduate student body president, said. “I really wanted to focus on the work that I could do in this role while reaching out further than the uptown square.” As president, Copley worked with off-campus housing partners to improve resources
Some students pursued leadership roles in public policy and social advocacy. Serene Tarabishi, a graduating double major in law and society and Arabic language and culture, said her role as an undergraduate fellow with the Portman Center for Public Policy has shaped how she approaches civic duty.
“A main focus of the Portman Center is to be a space for bipartisan discourse,” Tarabishi said. “Because I am with a group of fellows who I’ve befriended and come to know, we are able to disagree and share
From student-led startup companies to campus activism groups, UC’s class of 2026 leaves behind a lasting legacy of student leadership.
“I’ve learned that a delayed plan is not a failed plan,” Jackson said. Like many graduating students, Jackson is thinking carefully about what comes next. She plans to work at a law firm before attending law school in 2027 and hopes to pursue health law focused on advocating for vulnerable populations affected by the health care system. Still, she said uncertainty about choosing the right law school and navigating life after college can bring stress.
For fifth-year construction management major Kam’Ron Jones, the final semester has been defined by balancing excitement with anxiety about the unknown. Jones will begin working as a project engineer with Walsh Construction after graduation, but said the transition still feels daunting. “Leaning into what’s next is great but also not always clear,” he said.
Jones added that finishing his capstone project has been one of the biggest stressors of senior year, describing the final academic push as both demanding and rewarding.
Other students say campus involvement helped them build confidence during the transition. Mia Russo, a third-year marketing major, who has interned with UC Athletics and served as a resident advisor, said those experiences helped prepare her for post-graduate life.
“Just knowing that I’ve had experience, I’ve done a lot of stuff during my time here, I know I’m not coming away with nothing, and I have a good background into what I’m gonna go into post grad,” Russo said.
Despite the stress, students shared similar advice for underclassmen: prioritize balance and give yourself grace.
“My biggest advice is realizing the power of the word ‘no.’ There’s a difference between finding balance and overextending yourself, and the evidence of how it affects you can be catastrophic,” Jones said. “Learning how to say no to some things, even when I didn’t want to, helped me find peace in what I do enjoy doing and giving my time to without the added pressure of always having obligations to fulfill.”
Jon Jensen, a fourth-year political science and psychology major, also emphasized the importance of maintaining healthy habits during times of transition.
CHLOE HALL | NEWS REPORTER
COLIN KUNZ | SPORTS REPORTER
University of Cincinnati (UC) student Mia Russo poses for a photo on March 24, 2026, at UC TAVISH SWEENEY | CHIEF PHOTOGRAPHER
Graduation tassels for sale at the University of Cincinnati bookstore in the Tangeman University Center on March 24, 2026. TAVISH SWEENEY | CHIEF PHOTOGRAPHER
UC alum Dirk Franz poses for a photo on March 25, 2026, at the office of McKinley Mortgage in Cincinnati.
TAVISH SWEENEY | CHIEF PHOTOGRAPHER
UC student Matthew Mone poses for a photo on March 23, 2026, outside of Arts & Sciences Hall at UC.
TAVISH SWEENEY | CHIEF PHOTOGRAPHER
UC student Serene Tarabishi poses for a photo on March 25, 2026, at UC. TAVISH SWEENEY | CHIEF PHOTOGRAPHER
UC student Samantha Jackson poses for a photo on March 25, 2026, at Nippert Stadium in Cincinnati. TAVISH SWEENEY | CHIEF PHOTOGRAPHER
WHAT’S NEXT FOR THE CLASS OF 2026?
For the University of Cincinnati (UC) class of 2026, the semester’s bittersweet close is balanced by the excitement of new beginnings. Though commencement can be a time of nostalgia, it is also one of celebration as Bearcats step into their next adventure.
For some graduates, that new chapter means entering professional life. For Maya Morjaria, a fourth-year business economics and insurance and risk-management major, graduation will precede her start as an excess and surplus brokerage underwriter at Nationwide. Morjaria admits that while she is excited to begin her insurance career, she will miss the campus community she built at UC.
“Post-grad, I’m definitely going to miss being so close to all my friends and being surrounded by my people at all times,” Morjaria said.
Other students will enter their professions close to home. For Kyah Wright, a fourthyear nursing major, finishing the semester will mark the start of her career as a registered
nurse in the Bone Marrow Transplant Unit at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center. “I will miss the community, atmosphere and energy of this beautiful campus, but I’m looking forward to starting my career, meeting new people post-grad and having more free time and flexibility to hang out with family, friends and loved ones,” Wright said.
For some graduates, their academic journey isn’t over. Anushri Rana, a fourth-year medical sciences major, plans to begin medical school this fall.
“I’m definitely going to miss the friendships I made at UC so much,“ Rana said. “I have loved my time at UC and I’m excited to have been accepted by UC College of Medicine. Maybe I’ll stay a Bearcat for the next four too.”
Whether entering the professional world or continuing on their academic path, the futures ahead for the class of 2026 are as varied as the Bearcats who make it up.
GRADUATES’ ADVICE TO THE FUTURE CLASS
To the future Bearcats...
While most students only spend four or five short years at the University of Cincinnati (UC), that time is full of challenges, triumphs and, in the end, lessons. As the next class of eager students prepares for their first semester at UC, current graduating seniors share their advice for the next generation of bearcats.
Change can be daunting, but at UC, sometimes it’s best to jump in headfirst. “Take the risks that scare you a little,” said Abha Mandrekar, a fourth-year psychology major and president of the Bearcats Support Network. “Apply for the co-op, join the club, send the email. Don’t wait until you feel ‘ready,’ because you probably never will.”
“You can’t do everything, and it’s not worth ruining your mental health over trying,” Joish said.
College can be a time to explore countless new things, from clubs to classes, and a curious mind is a valuable asset. “You never know what you might find you like just by dipping your head into a random room,“ said Varsha Vinod, a fifth-year communication design student and founder of UC’s field hockey team.
“Apply for the co-op, join the club, send the email. Don’t wait until you feel ‘ready,’ because you probably never will,” Mandrekar said.
While these opportunities can be exciting, they can also be overwhelming. Megha Joish, a fourth-year medical sciences major and music captain of UC Junoon, says there’s no shame in admitting something is too much. “You can’t do everything, and it’s not worth ruining your mental health over trying,” Joish said. “I learned this the hard way, and I managed my existing responsibilities more effectively when I dropped an activity or two.”
After all, these campus activities are only part of the college experience. “Your mental health, your friendships and your growth matter more than any resume line,” Mandrekar said. “College is temporary. Who you’re becoming isn’t.”
AVERY PADGETT | FEATURES EDITOR
JOE CAREY NEWS EDITOR
UC student Varsha Vinod poses for a photo on March 20, 2026, in Cincinnati.
TAVISH SWEENEY | CHIEF PHOTOGRAPHER
UC student Megha Joish poses for a photo on March 20, 2026, in Cincinnati. TAVISH SWEENEY | CHIEF PHOTOGRAPHER
UC student Ishika Yadavalli poses for a photo on March 24, 2026, at the Carl H. Lindner College of Business at UC.
TAVISH SWEENEY | CHIEF PHOTOGRAPHER
UC student Kyah Wright poses for a photo on March 23, 2026, at UC.
TAVISH SWEENEY | CHIEF PHOTOGRAPHER
UC student Maya Morjaria poses for a photo on March 24, 2026, at UC.
TAVISH SWEENEY | CHIEF PHOTOGRAPHER
This undated handout photo, provided by Anushri Rana, depicts her in Cincinnati. MAAZ KHURRAM VIA THE NEWS RECORD
THE NEXT CHAPTER: BEARCATS STEP INTO LIFE AFTER COMMENCEMENT
MADELYN STEWART OPINION EDITOR
The walk across the stage at Nippert Stadium marks both an end and an exciting beginning. For the class of 2026, that beginning is defined by a complex entry into the workforce, with Bearcats branching into a variety of industries and post-secondary paths.
“Most students plan to enter the workforce after graduation,” said Ellie Bridges, director of the Bearcat Promise Career Studio. “That pattern is consistent with UC’s longer-term outcomes data,” which typically shows a high percentage of students employed within a year of donning the cap and gown.
Bridges went on to say, “based on responses from undergraduate students applying to graduate this spring, most students plan to enter the workforce after graduation.”
“Focus on demonstrating real-world experience and applied skills,” Bridges said.
Approximately 80% of the class plans to enter the workforce directly — with many already holding offer letters — while about 20% have opted to continue their academics in a master’s or doctoral program.
When asked which industries are hiring the most Bearcats, Bridges pointed to several key sectors.
Health care remains a primary industry, with graduates filling vital positions. The landscape is equally strong in infrastructure roles; many Bearcats are stepping into project engineer roles in construction or production and design roles within the manufacturing sector.
“Focus on demonstrating real-world experience and applied skills, show how you’ve applied what you learned through co-ops, internships, research or hands-on coursework,” Bridges said.
The digital and financial sectors are also seeing an influx of UC talent. Graduates are securing positions as software developers, investment analysts and client service associates. In an evolving market, Bridges notes that the key to standing out is the ability to bridge the gap between the classroom and the workplace.
As this chapter closes, whether they are headed to a high-rise or a research lab, UC graduates are well prepared to make their mark on the world.
Approximately 80% of the class plans to enter the workforce directly — with many already holding offer letters — while about 20% have opted to continue their academics in a master’s or doctoral program.
The Bearcat Promise Career Studio in Tangeman University Center at UC on March 18, 2026. TAVISH SWEENEY | CHIEF PHOTOGRAPHER
