Annelise Atkinson

I didn’t need to hear from other schools, as soon as Cincy sent my acceptance that was it for me and I’ve never once regretted that decision or thought twice about it.

UC gave me so much more than just my education; it gave me once in a lifetime experiences, endless opportunities, and people who I couldn’t imagine my life without.

Because of UC, I was able to take on some incredible internships, some as close as 10 minutes from campus and another I was able to move all the way to Reno, Nevada for. I not only gained real world experience while still being able to attend college, but those internships taught me so much about myself, and by the time graduation came, I felt so confident in my ability to go on in my adult life and be successful.

I learned from professors who didn’t just teach, they inspired, challenged, and encouraged me to believe in my potential. I remember one professor in particular, Dave Rapien. He was so passionate about information systems, and heck, I have to give the guy some credit because those were some of the hardest classes I took at UC, but they were enjoyable because I had someone teaching who wanted all of us to succeed but learn something. He spent the last few classes we had after we’d finished our exams teaching all of us about credit, how to use credit cards, mortgages, how our student loans work, interest, etc. It was one of the coolest things to have someone take the time to teach us about topics that we would face in our futures.

I joined Greek life and found a community that became my home away from home. I made some of my best friends at Kappa Alpha Theta, and they will now be my bridesmaids in my wedding next month in November. I met my fiancé, Mike Hall, at UC and now get to be with someone who not only shares my love for UC, but amplifies that love ten fold. He was on the mascot team and if that doesn’t tell you how much we love the bearcats, I don’t know what does! It’s all proof that UC brings people together in unexpected and beautiful ways.

Now, as an alum, the connection to UC hasn’t faded one bit. We spend Saturdays cheering on the Bearcats, whether it’s at Nippert or on traveling to some of their biggest games to see them play. We participate in one of the best Alumni tailgates on the grid, The Den, and it’s become a tradition that keeps the Bearcat spirit alive and thriving.

UC isn’t just where I went to college, it’s made me who I am. All my memories, my loving friendships, my amazing future husband, every victory, has left a mark on my heart, and I owe all of it to Cincy.

Once a Bearcat, always a Bearcat!