Celebrating UC Alumni
Breakthrough Achievements
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 breakthroughs they've made and the resulting impact on their university, communities and fields of endeavor.
The artwork was unveiled during Alumni Week and will remain on display through March 2026. 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.
Darrell D. Miller, Esq., CCM ’85
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.
Phil D. Collins, Bus ’89
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, elevate 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.
Diana Maria Riva, CCM ’91, ’95
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.
Nicholas D. Ernest, PhD, CEAS ’11, ’12, ’15
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
Outstanding Alumni Award honorees represent 13 colleges, plus the unique training ground of UC Athletics. They are selected on the basis of their contributions and achievements as alumni.
Patrice Willoughby, JD
CCM ’92
John C. Senhauser
DAAP '71
Jan M. Leuridan, PhD
CEAS ’81, ’84
Bob J. Roncker
A&S ’66, CECH ’70
Angela M. Hall
Cler ’10, ’16
Ivan Glenn Sipes, PhD
Phar ’65
Algeria K. Wilson
UCBA ’13, CAHS ’16
Thais C. Morata, PhD
CAHS ’90
Joan C. Linhardt, MD
A&S ’72, Med ’76
David J. Willbrand, JD
Law ’96
Jim L. Grau
Bus ’73
Beth A. Robinson
A&S ’87, ’97
Mary A. Ronan
A&S ’76, CECH ’77
