The University of Cincinnati Clermont College celebrated more than $700,000 in scholarships awarded for 2023-24 during the annual Partnership and Scholarship Celebration held Thursday, March 28 on the college’s Batavia campus. The amount is the highest in scholarship funding ever awarded in one academic year by UC Clermont.
The event underlined the importance of donor-funded scholarships to the education and lives of UC Clermont students. Of the college scholarships awarded for academic year 2023-24, approximately $200,000 comprised donor-funded awards. An additional $545,000 was awarded in merit, leadership and completion scholarships.
Dean Jeff Bauer welcomed the attendees — which included students, donors, community partners, faculty and staff — in the college’s Student Activities Center. He noted that student need for financial aid will continue to increase in 2025.
“There is a great need here,” said Bauer. UC Clermont donor-funded scholarships received approximately 400 applicants this year. “For those of you who giving, volunteering, partnering and supporting UC Clermont — thank you. We are truly meeting our mission of making college affordable and accessible.”
Attendees also heard from a scholarship recipient — Tate Liming, who will graduate this month from UC Clermont’s bachelor’s degree in applied administration. Thanks to Ohio’s College Credit Plus program, Liming walked across the graduation stage in 2022 to receive both his diploma from Felicity High School and an associate degree in Manufacturing Engineering Technology.
He also earned his real estate license in the fall, and Liming recently accepted a position with Nestle Purina as a maintenance technician. He was a recipient of the Clermont Educational Opportunities Scholarship and the Neal & Karen Jeffries Scholarship.
“None of my success would have been possible without the opportunities that I received through UC Clermont,” said Liming, who worked full time while finishing his bachelor’s degree. “I’m leaving with the knowledge I need to do well in the field, and the confidence to know that I can do what I put my mind to.”
UC Clermont 2024 Distinguished Alumnus, Michele Wells Walker, also spoke at the event. Walker is the supervisor pharmacist at Bon Secours Mercy Health – Clermont Hospital. She earned her Associate of Arts degree in 1988 from UC Clermont.
After 20 years spent raising her five children, Walker returned to the college to gain the courses she needed to earn her bachelor’s degree from Xavier University and her Doctor of Pharmacy from UC’s James L. Winkle College of Pharmacy. Walker and her husband, Warren, created the Walker Family Scholarship for UC Clermont students pursuing degrees in science, technology, engineering or math.
“I was one of those students who received a scholarship, just like the students who are being honored here today. Your timely decision to attend UC Clermont will create positive outcomes,” Walker said. “I chose to attend UC Clermont not once, but twice. The college has so much to offer middle, high school, traditional and non-traditional students.”
Two newly established scholarship funds — the Elite Biomedical Solutions Scholarship and the John Hauck Foundation First Generation Scholarship — were also recognized during the event.
In addition, donors Dave and Amy Elberfeld were honored with the UC Clermont Partnership Award for their significant financial contributions to the college. Their support has made possible projects like the college’s new sensory and meditation rooms; technology-enhanced library study rooms; and increased funding for UC Clermont’s Career Closet and workforce development efforts.
Phil Dodge was also honored with the UC Community Volunteer Award for his commitment to the Clermont community. Dodge serves on the board of directors and as chaplain for the Clermont Vietnam Veterans; ambassador for the Clermont County Chamber of Commerce; and on the board of directors for the Clermont YMCA, among other volunteer roles.
To learn more about the donor-based scholarships offered at UC Clermont, visit ucclermont.edu/donor-scholars.
UC Clermont College is located in Clermont County on 91 beautifully wooded acres in Batavia Township. The college is an accredited, open-access institution offering more than 60 programs and degrees. UC Clermont is part of the nationally recognized University of Cincinnati. For more information, call 513-556-5400 or visit www.ucclermont.edu.
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