Eric C. Broyles, Esq.
UCBA '90, Bus '92

Georgia E. Beasley Legacy Award

Recognizing the contributions of alumni 30 or more years removed from graduation who have made sacrifices, shared their experience and expertise, and enhanced the quality of life at UC and in the community.

Trained as a corporate attorney, Eric Broyles has been a serial entrepreneur for over 15 years and led breakthrough developments in pharma/healthcare. He overcame significant challenges to earn an associate degree from UC Blue Ash, later earning a Bachelor of Business Administration at the Lindner College of Business and a law degree from the University of Virginia. After practicing law for a decade, he moved to the business arena, helping to build Gerson Lehrman Group, the largest expert network firm in the world with a valuation exceeding $1 billion. He is the founder of ExpertConnect, which manages a global network of 150,000 subject matter experts, including 60,000 in the healthcare field.

More recently, Eric founded and became the CEO of Nanocan, an early-stage biotechnology company developing new ways to treat cancer. Nanocan holds the worldwide rights to a nanoparticle-sized drone that can carry slow-release immunotherapies to cancer tumors and may have implications for Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases. Nanocan’s mission is representative of Eric’s desire to solve big problems and, in the case of its specific purpose, to eradicate the words “there’s nothing we can do” for cancer patients. Eric is also co-founder of another company which just completed human clinical trials in Europe, proving the efficacy of delivering Vitamin D through a transdermal patch rather than oral dosing or exposure to the sun. This unprecedented breakthrough will be featured in a leading medical journal later in 2025.

Committed to supporting students, Eric donated $1 million to the Eric C. Broyles Student Success Scholarship Fund created for UC Blue Ash students intending to pursue a bachelor’s degree at UC’s Uptown campus, and he makes frequent trips to UC Blue Ash to meet students and share his story. Eric also serves on the UC Foundation’s Board of Trustees.

Candice N. Matthews Brackeen
A&S ’04

Linda Bates Parker Legend Award

Recognizing alumni for their professional accomplishments and active development of those around them.

Candice Matthews Brackeen is a visionary entrepreneur, economic development leader, and venture capital investor. As the founder and CEO of Lightship Foundation and Lightship Capital, she has guided thousands of tech founders to secure over $500 million in funding for their own projects. Through initiatives like the Lightship Accelerator, Lightship Bootcamp, and Black Tech Week, Candice champions inclusive entrepreneurship while driving innovation. A recipient of the 2022 Inspire Change Changemaker Award from the Cincinnati Bengals and the 2023 Doritos Change Maker Award, she earned a Bachelor of Arts in Economics from the UC College of Arts & Sciences, where she was a Hewitt-Kautz Fellow.

Michael R. Moore
CEAS '96

Pillar of the Community Award

Recognizing alumni who support their communities by sharing their time, talents and treasure.

Michael Moore is a dedicated advocate for Black professionals and the founder of Black Achievers, a nonprofit organization with over 200,000 members committed to fostering a strong and inclusive community. Under his leadership, Black Achievers has raised more than $2 million to support empowerment initiatives and promote inclusion. Recognized by the Cincinnati USA Regional Chamber as well as President Joe Biden, Michael is also a corporate executive and author of Achieve Your Dreams: The 9 Principles of African American Success. He serves on the boards of the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center and the Salvation Army and earned his Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from the UC College of Engineering and Applied Science.

Alvin H. Crawford, MD
Hon '18

Dr. Lawrence C. Hawkins Tower of Strength Award

Recognizing a UC faculty or staff member for shaping students’ personal and professional development.

Dr. Alvin H. Crawford is a world-renowned pediatric orthopedic surgeon and professor emeritus at the UC College of Medicine. The first African American graduate of the University of Tennessee College of Medicine, Dr. Crawford directed Orthopedic Surgery at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital for 29 years, where the Crawford Spine Center was named in his honor. He is celebrated for advancing scoliosis treatment and pediatric orthopedics globally, mentoring over 57 fellows and teaching in 43 countries.

A prolific scholar with over 200 publications, Dr. Crawford is the recipient of numerous accolades, including the AAOS Diversity Award, Scoliosis Research Society Lifetime Achievement Award, and Great Living Cincinnatian Award. He received an Honorary Degree from UC in 2018. Beyond medicine, he shares his passion for jazz as a lecturer at UC’s College-Conservatory of Music and remains active in mentorship through programs like Black Men in Medicine Cincinnati. His autobiography, The Bone Doctor’s Concerto, was published in 2023. Dr. Crawford also serves on the UC Foundation’s Board of Trustees.

Aharon C. Brown
DAAP '19

Emerging Leader Award

Recognizing alumni from within the last decade who are rapidly becoming new leaders, with significant talents and contributions that actively enhance their communities and fields of endeavor.

Aharon Brown is a trailblazing public servant and community leader, currently serving as the youngest ever mayor in the city of Forest Park, Ohio’s history. Since taking office, he has spearheaded major housing developments and chairs the city’s Planning and Economic Development Commissions. A committed civic leader, he co-founded the New Leaders Council of Southwestern Ohio and the Southwest Chapter of the Ohio Young Black Democrats. Aharon earned his Master of Community Planning degree from UC’s College of Design, Architecture, Art, and Planning, where he specialized in Community and Economic Development.

Jaela R. Kennedy
A&S '25

Student Trailblazer Award

Recognizing current UC students who embody leadership qualities, are extremely involved in the campus community, inspire their fellow students, and blaze the trail for ongoing progress.

Jaela Kennedy is a distinguished student leader at UC, recognized for her dedication to academic excellence and community engagement. As Miss Kuamka 2023, she championed her platform, “Embrace Your Natural Crown,” encouraging Black students to celebrate their natural hairstyles and cultural identity. She has held numerous leadership roles, including president of the Cincinnatus Honorary Society, vice president of the Lambda Society, and president of both the National Residence Hall Honorary and the Council of Cultural Leaders. A Summer Work Experience in Law (SWEL) Scholar and member of the University Honors Program, Jaela has consistently earned Dean’s List recognition and is part of the prestigious Senior 100 Cohort. She will graduate with a Bachelor's in Interdisciplinary Studies: Law and Society from the College of Arts and Sciences this spring.