Celebrating UC Alumni
Innovation
and Impact

Alumni Celebration Mural

The UC Alumni Association annually celebrates excellence throughout our alumni family by bestowing its top awards on a select group of Bearcats — recognizing the innovation and impact they've made and the resulting influence on their university, communities and fields of endeavor.

The artwork was unveiled during Alumni Week and will remain on display through March 2027. UCAA commissioned Chroma Projects to design and illustrate the project, which is painted on the side of a building at 1430 Vine Street in Cincinnati’s Over-the-Rhine neighborhood. 

Vinod K. Dham
CEAS ’77 

William Howard Taft Medal for Notable Achievement

The William Howard Taft Medal for Notable Achievement is the highest honor the UC Alumni Association bestows, and is dedicated to the memory of William Howard Taft, Law 1880, Hon 1925, twenty-seventh president of the United States and tenth chief justice. Over the award’s 60-year history, Taft Medalists have personified excellence in a broad range of professions, shared a passion for helping others, and proudly expressed appreciation for the role their alma mater played in their success.

Thomas D. Cassady
A&S ’76, Hon ’19

Robert E. Dobbs Distinguished Service Award

The Robert E. Dobbs Distinguished Service Award recognizes a dedicated alumnus who, through their deep commitment and voluntary service, elevates their alma mater and the UC community. The award is in honor and memory of Robert E. Dobbs, Bus ’76, ’88, past president of the UC Alumni Association.

Padma Chebrolu
CECH ’92 

Marian A. Spencer Mosaic Award

The Marian A. Spencer Mosaic Award honors an alumnus who has demonstrated leadership while enhancing our shared community by cultivating collaboration, fostering belonging, championing meaningful causes, and promoting greater opportunity for all. This award is in honor and memory of Marian A. Spencer, A&S ’42, Hon ’06, a revered champion of civil rights.

Ryan C. Marable
PharmD, Phar ’13

Jeffrey Hurwitz Young Alumni Outstanding Achievement Award

The Jeffrey Hurwitz Young Alumni Outstanding Achievement Award is presented to a UC graduate on the basis of significant professional achievement in his or her field of endeavor, and continued service and involvement with the university and community. This award is in honor and memory of Jeffrey Hurwitz, Bus '72, '73, past president of the UC Alumni Association.

Outstanding Alumni Awards

Clarissa K. Niese 

Clarissa K. Niese , Bus ’03 

Carl H. Lindner College of Business

Jeanne M. Johns 

Jeanne M. Johns , CEAS ’86 

UC Athletics

Daniel J. Meyer 

Daniel J. Meyer, DPT, CAHS ’14, ’17

College of Allied Health Sciences

Alice Rose 

Alice L. Rose, Nur ’69

College of Nursing

Bret P. Koebbe 

Bret P. Koebbe, Cler ’02, Bus ’04 

UC Clermont College

John Holiday, Jr

John Holiday, Jr., CCM ’12

College-Conservatory of Music

Mark A. Brueggeman

Mark A. Brueggeman, UCBA ’79, Bus ’81

UC Blue Ash College

Richard A. Graeter

Richard A. Graeter, JD,  Law ’89

Donald P. Klekamp College of Law

Laura R.P. Lamb

Laura R.P. Lamb,  A&S ’91 

College of Arts and Sciences

Angela K. Fitch

Angela K. Fitch, MD, Med ’98

College of Medicine

Brian K. Dallaire 

Brian K. Dallaire, PharmD, Phar ’82 

James L. Winkle College of Pharmacy

Brendán Murphy

Brendán J. Murphy, DAAP ’94

College of Design, Architecture, Art, and Planning

Nancy Strubbe Santi 

Nancy Strubbe Santi, CECH ’84 

College of Education, Criminal Justice, and Human Services

Mohammad H. Qayoumi

Mohammad H. Qayoumi, PhD CEAS ’79, ’80, ’83, Bus ’84 

College of Engineering and Applied Science