Greetings from Cincinnati

In April, I was sworn in as UC’s student body president and although the pandemic was already underway, I could never have anticipated how 2020 would unfold. When my running mate Karl Dierking and I channeled UC’s fight song to develop our campaign platform, Fight to the Finish, we didn’t realize how quickly that would become a reality. As in-person classes were cancelled, students were sent home and UC facilities were closed, we connected with students who needed help securing food, lodging and transportation home. I am especially proud of collaborating with our campus partners to create the Student Emergency Relief Fund. Thanks to the support of over 1,000 UC donors, we were able to act quickly to provide crisis aid to hundreds of students in need.

This fall most classes remained online but residence and dining halls, the rec center, and libraries were open. Many students turned to virtual volunteer opportunities as a way of connecting with peers. I have been excited to watch organizations grow while UC students remain committed to serving the community and working to advance the causes that we care so deeply about.

I look toward 2021 and my last few months as student body president and I am disheartened to see how vulnerable UC students continue to be. From difficult mental health issues, to food and housing insecurities, to extreme financial pressure, many UC students are truly fighting to the finish this year. That is why I hope you will consider making a gift to the UC fund you are most passionate about. Now more than ever, students are grateful to UC alumni and donors like you for ongoing assistance, and we thank you for lending a hand to support UC students in need.

I remain optimistic that with the help of the UC community, we will emerge from this stronger and more connected to our Bearcat family. Happy Holidays and Go Bearcats!