Fall grads celebrate their success at commencement

Fall grads celebrate their success at commencement

UC recognizes more than 2,600 students at Fifth Third Arena

The University of Cincinnati on a snowy Friday recognized more than 2,600 graduates in two ceremonies at its fall commencement.

In the master's and undergraduate ceremony, students stood for a round of applause from family, friends and supporters who filled the seats of Fifth Third Arena.

"Graduates, this is your day. You have worked hard to get here. And we are here to celebrate that. This arena is full of joy, pride and excitement because of what you have achieved," President Neville Pinto said.

Pinto noted that fall grads hail from 47 states and 61 countries across six continents.

"Everyone is welcome here and each of you has made this university better," Pinto said.

Pinto also presided over the doctoral hooding ceremony, which recognized 153 doctoral grads. The grads took the stage to be "hooded" by faculty members who helped them reach this milestone.

"Graduates, your work reflects the very purpose of a research university: to expand understanding, address complex problems and improve society through inquiry and innovation," Pinto said. "Your scholarship demonstrates not just intellectual mastery but a commitment to improving the world through knowledge, discovery and service."

UC graduates and their supporters pack Fifth Third Arena for fall commencement. Photo/Connor Boyle/UC Marketing + Brand

Sharing big moment

UC College of Arts and Sciences graduate Emma Bauer delivered the student commencement address, recognizing the individual challenges, struggles and accomplishments of her fellow Bearcats in the fall class of 2025.

"When I think about what it means to graduate from the University of Cincinnati, I think of perseverance, curiosity and the courage to keep showing up even when life gets overwhelming," she said. "As Bearcats, we learned not just to succeed but to serve, to care and to make a difference."

Emma Bauer, UC student commencement speaker

"For me, one of those Bearcats holds a very special place in my heart - my dad - who is also graduating today," she said of her father, Matt Bauer, who earned a bachelor's degree in technical and applied studies.

"Watching him return to school, balance life's responsibilities and continue chasing his dreams has been a powerful reminder that it's never too late to accomplish your goals, start something new or believe in your own potential," she said.

UC College-Conservatory of Music student Jadyn Riggs sang the national anthem and led students in singing the Alma Mater. The University of Cincinnati Pershing Rifles Color Guard presented the colors. Music was provided by the UC Bearcat Band.

"Isn't it a great day to be a Bearcat?" University Marshal Tamika Odum asked to close the ceremony. "On behalf of the faculty of the University of Cincinnati, we send our heartfelt congratulations. But we won't be far when you leave because we are Bearcats for life."

UC President Neville Pinto and Board of Trustees Chairwoman Monica Turner present an honorary doctorate of commercial science to former board member and UC alumnus Phil Collins for his lifetime of service to the university. Photo/Connor Boyle/UC Marketing + Brand

'Legacy of excellence'

The Board of Trustees awarded an honorary doctorate of commercial science to its former board chairman, Phil Collins, a Sigma Sigma member and UC alumnus who served as his class president as a Bearcat.

Collins is a summa cum laude graduate of UC who earned an MBA from the Harvard Business School.

"Your leadership, vision and unwavering commitment to the University of Cincinnati have defined a legacy of excellence in service that will inspire generations to come," Pinto said.

UC President Neville Pinto leads students in celebrating their graduation during commencement at Fifth Third Arena. Photo/Connor Boyle/UC Marketing + Brand

Family encouragement

Many graduates shared their graduation with family and friends.

Julie Smith's family came to watch her accept her bachelor's degree in communication. Smith earned a bachelor's degree from UC's College of Arts and Sciences nearly 20 years after first attending.

Among her supporters were her mom, husband, and daughters. Smith's mom, Jane Riesen, said she was determined to complete her degree.

"She has two jobs and goes to school. Plus, she's a swim coach," her mom said. "She was ready to move up career-wise and had a lot of support from her counselor and adviser."

Husband Ron Smith said the achievement was a testament to his wife's perseverance.

"I'm very proud of her. She works really hard," he said. "This is something she always wanted to do. She was hesitant to get back into it but fortunately took that step and now we're here celebrating her graduation."

Jessica Livingston said she would cheer extra-loud for her sister, Vanessa, who earned a bachelor's degree in political science from UC's College of Arts and Sciences. She attended commencement with their aunt, Karla Decker.

Vanessa Livingston, a member of the sorority Tri-Delta, next will return to UC to pursue a master's degree.

"She's very excited. She's such a hard worker. I'm so proud of her," her sister said. "She's been busting her butt at school for a long time. This is her day."

Featured image at top: UC celebrated fall commencement at Fifth Third Arena. Photo/Connor Boyle/UC Marketing + Brand

UC students celebrated graduation during two commencement ceremonies at Fifth Third Arena. Photo/Connor Boyle/UC Marketing + Brand

UC President Neville Pinto shakes hands with a graduate during commencement at Fifth Third Arena. UC recognized more than 2,600 graduates in two ceremonies. Photo/Connor Boyle/UC Marketing + Brand

Some students decorated their mortarboards for the occasion. Photo/Connor Boyle/UC Marketing + Brand

UC graduates celebrated commencement in two ceremonies at Fifth Third Arena. Photo/Connor Boyle/UC Marketing + Brand

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