Decision Day helps incoming UC Blue Ash students pursue impressive goals
Sebastian Mejia-Pretto gets a hug from his mother, Silvia Pretto, during the Decision Day surprise.
Sebastian Mejia-Pretto and Joel Berger both have very clear goals they want to pursue in college and in their professional careers. They now also know that they can take the next steps toward those goals at the University of Cincinnati Blue Ash College.
As part of the University of Cincinnati’s Decision Day, the two were among the first students to receive the good news that they had been admitted to UC Blue Ash College for the fall 2025 semester. Each student also received a grant for $6,000 from the university to use toward their first year of college.
Mejia-Pretto, who is a senior at Fairfield High School with a 4.0 grade-point-average (GPA), is focused on becoming a pharmacist. Berger is a senior at Lakota West High School who also holds a 4.0 GPA. He plans to pursue a bachelor’s degree in health sciences before studying to become a physician assistant.
Hard work and a clear direction
Mejia-Pretto knew it was UC’s Decision Day, but he had no idea what was happening when school administrators pulled him aside from his class to ask questions about his future plans. They then brought him to the space where a group of UC Blue Ash representatives, several of his classmates and some of his family members were waiting. UC Blue Ash Dean Robin Lightner, PhD, shared the good news and a giant check.
“I like UC Blue Ash specifically because they have a low tuition, but also because they have a good pharmacy program,” said Mejia-Pretto. He plans to study chemistry as part of the pre-pharmacy track that prepares him to transition to the UC College of Pharmacy.
His mother, Silvia Pretto, had to keep the big news from her son the past few weeks, but it was all worth it to see the surprise on his face. She is excited for what will come next as he goes after his goals.
“I know he’s going to do great because he knows what he wants and he works hard,” said Pretto. “He tells me ‘I want to be a pharmacist, but I don’t want to just be one more, I want to be the best.’”
A potential scare turns into a sweet surprise
Joel Berger is joined by his father Chris (left), sister Emily (2nd from right) and mother April (right) at his Decision Day surprise.
Joel Berger received a $6,000 grant to help with tuition for his first year at UC Blue Ash.
Berger thought he might be in trouble when school administrators pulled him from his class at Lakota West. He soon discovered that it was all part of the plan for UC Blue Ash representatives, his parents and sister to surprise him with the news that he was admitted to UC Blue Ash and that he would receive the $6,000 grant.
“This was really surprising; it was crazy. What was it, apparently two weeks they knew and didn’t tell me?” Berger added about how his family kept the big secret.
He already has a head start on his college career as he continues taking college credit plus courses through UC Blue Ash. He can also count on his sister, Emily, for advice. She attended UC Blue Ash before transitioning to the Uptown campus where she is finishing her bachelor’s degree with plans to continue her education in physical therapy through UC’s College of Allied Health Sciences.
“We have nothing but good things to say about UC Blue Ash. My daughter loved her time at the college,” added April Berger, Joel and Emily’s mom.
UC Blue Ash continues to grow
Berger and Mejia-Pretto will come to UC Blue Ash as the college continues to ride a wave of momentum that includes new academic degree programs and a growing enrollment. The college offers more than 50 academic programs and serves over 5,000 students through its campus located in Blue Ash, Ohio.
The two will also be among the first students to enjoy the new atrium that will be completed this summer as part of a major renovation of Muntz Hall, the flagship building on the campus. The new, three-story atrium will add nearly 6,000 square feet to the building and create additional space for students to study, meet with classmates, or take a break between classes. A new student services wing will also open this spring to make it easier and more convenient for students to get support from offices that include academic advising, career services, counseling and psychological services, and enrollment services.
Featured photo: Sebastian Mejia-Pretto (holding big check) is joined by family members and UC Blue Ash Dean Robin Lightner (right) and Associate Director of Admissions Cortney Matthews (left).
About UC Blue Ash College
UC Blue Ash College is a regional college within the University of Cincinnati. It offers one of the best values in higher education with access to a nationally recognized UC education in more than 50 degree and certificate programs, as well as tuition that is about half of most colleges and universities. The college is located on a scenic 135-acre wooded campus in the heart of Blue Ash, Ohio. To learn more, call 513-558-9495, visit us online, like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter and Instagram.
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