Dear UC Community,

As we wrap up 2024 and prepare to celebrate another 2,600 UC graduates crossing our commencement stage, I find myself reflecting on the tremendous transformation of our university. Consider the evolution of our campus alone. Today, UC ranks as one of the most beautiful campuses, and our university architecture is regularly listed among the most inspiring worldwide.

How did we get here? In 1977, less than 50 years ago, UC transitioned from a municipal college to one of Ohio’s state universities. Campus was covered by acres of parking lots, and a road transversed the pedestrian friendly path we now know as MainStreet. We were a city university and a commuter school of 38,000 where relatively few chose to hang around after class, and even fewer chose to live.

By contrast, today we are an in-demand Carnegie Research 1 university of 53,000 students, many of whom choose to live, work and play on and around our campuses. This did not happen by accident. It took decades of planning, committed investment and mostly a bold vision by former leaders who understood the power of place.  

UC’s physical transformation is a testament to the value of vision, and today we are living out UC’s next bold vision — to lead urban public universities into a new era of innovation and impact. This vision is taking shape within three major platforms of our Next Lives Here strategic direction: Academic Excellence, Urban Impact and the Innovation Agenda. These intentional efforts and investments will define our next, and they are already bolstering our now. 

This year, for example, we have celebrated record enrollment, outstanding student success, exciting advances in our innovation agenda and new highs for both research and scholarship. In 2024, we also cut ribbons on the Blood Cancer Healing Center and the reimagined Siddall residence hall. Additionally, we made major strides toward improving our student experience by breaking ground on a new 1,300-bed housing complex (at the corner of Vine and McMillan streets) and by raising ceremonial beams on the Old Chem renovation and expansion along with the Bearcats Indoor Practice Facility and Performance Center. I hope you will take time to review this website to appreciate the many impressive highlights from 2024.

We have so many reasons to count our blessings this time of year, and none stand out more than our people. I genuinely appreciate our students. Their love for learning and passion for progress gives me confidence in our future. I’d like to especially thank our dedicated faculty and staff who pour so much of themselves into serving and educating the next generation. Finally, let me acknowledge our many donors, alumni and friends who elevate this incredible university with their generous support.

Wishing you all happy holidays, 

Neville G. Pinto 
President