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UC Foundation reveals 2025 philanthropy winners

Outstanding Philanthropic Volunteer Awards include alumni, community leaders, faculty and students

By Julia Mace Email Julia

7 minute read October 27, 2025

The University of Cincinnati Foundation recognized its Outstanding Philanthropic Volunteer Award honorees at the George Rieveschl Recognition Dinner on October 23, 2025.

This annual event celebrates the individuals receiving the Foundation’s highest accolades for their extraordinary philanthropic and volunteer commitments to the University of Cincinnati and UC Health. The 2025 honorees are: J. Brett Offenberger, MD, and Douglas Duckett, Esq.; Senator Rob Portman and Wym Portman; John Weidner, PhD; the Sigma Sigma Alumni Network and Lucas Lodato, Bus ’24, ’25.

Dr. George Rieveschl, Jr. was an internationally known chemist, scientist, UC alumnus, professor and researcher. He invented the antihistamine, Benadryl, in the 1940s. He was also a visionary philanthropist whose tireless efforts to generate private support for UC left an indelible mark on our institution. Dr. Rieveschl’s efforts led to the creation of the UC Foundation in 1975, where he served as its first chairman.

“As the UC Foundation celebrates our 50th year, it is timely to honor these individuals who embody George Rieveschl’s philanthropic spirit,” said Rich Bundy, UC Foundation president. “I would like to express my sincere gratitude for their exceptional support of our university community.”

Chairperson’s Award: J. Brett Offenberger, MD, and Douglas Duckett, Esq.

J. Brett Offenberger, MD, and Douglas Duckett, Esq. Photo/Provided.

The Chairperson’s Award is the UC Foundation’s highest recognition for a volunteer who has made a significant, institution-wide philanthropic impact. The impact Offenberger and Duckett have made on the College-Conservatory of Music and UC is nothing short of extraordinary. With more than $5 million in giving, their legacy reaches far beyond a single program or fund. Their endowment fund ensures excellence in Musical Theatre, awarding scholarships tied to the Musical Theatre Senior Showcase, as well as rising juniors. Their generous annual gifts provide the kind of flexible support that allows CCM to stay at the forefront of performing arts education.

Duckett serves on the CCMpower Board and together, they’ve hosted student dinners, attended countless performances and traveled to New York City to cheer on alumni whose journeys they’ve helped launch. This year, CCM celebrated the 75th scholarship recipient of their endowment, a milestone that reflects the reach of their vision and commitment.

Trustees’ Award: Senator Rob Portman and Wym Portman

Senator Rob Portman and Wym Portman. Photo/UC Foundation.

The Portman Family, specifically Senator Rob Portman and Wym Portman, are deeply connected to the University of Cincinnati. Wym Portman is a former chair of the UC Board of Trustees, serving as a UC trustee (2011-2020) and on the board of UC Health (2011-2019). The Portman Center for Policy Solutions at UC is named after Rob Portman, former U.S. Senator for Ohio, whose public service spans three decades. The Portman Center’s mission is to encourage civility and bipartisanship and find common ground to achieve policy solutions.

Since 2023, Rob and Wym have been active volunteer fundraisers for the Portman Center. They have hosted numerous luncheons, coffees and dinners, expanding the reach of the University’s philanthropic efforts. In the last two years alone, the Portman Family has partnered with the UC Foundation to raise nearly $7 million for the Portman Center. In large part due to the Portmans, the center is currently funding 17 student fellows, supporting students who are completing public policy internships and delivering rich community programming.

Staff Award of Merit: John Weidner, PhD

John Weidner, currently interim vice president of academic affairs and provost. Photo/UC.

John Weidner was appointed dean of the UC College of Engineering and Applied Science in 2019; he is currently interim vice president of academic affairs and provost. As dean, the college grew enrollment by 14% and received $46 million in grant awards in 2024, a record-breaking achievement. Since his arrival at UC, Weidner has been a dedicated partner to the UC Foundation’s efforts to secure philanthropic investment in the mission and strategic direction of the CEAS. He makes fundraising a priority and encourages faculty and staff to do the same.

Weidner also makes efforts to engage with donors and supporters at athletic events, CCM performances, and travels across the country to engage with alumni and donors beyond Cincinnati. Weidner and his wife, Caroline, are dedicated annual donors, setting an example and challenging others by leveraging their own support.

Group Philanthropy Award: Sigma Sigma Alumni Network

Rock of Truth on Sigma Sigma Commons. Photo/Provided.

Sigma Sigma, an honorary fraternity at UC, was established in 1898 with the purpose of fostering and encouraging the college spirit. Through the generosity of Sigma Sigma alumni, UC is home to Sigma Sigma Commons, a Bearcat statue and its newest campus installation, the Rock of Truth. These alumni have also provided significant support for fellow Bearcats through scholarships.

Sigma Sigma commemorated their 125th anniversary during Alumni Week in April 2024, celebrating the organization’s rich history and lasting impact. The 125th Anniversary Committee organized a milestone celebration that honored their legacy and made their latest meaningful contribution to UC. The committee created a weekend of events bringing together generations of Sigma Sigma alumni and provided more than $25,000 in proceeds to benefit the Daniel Dell Sigma Sigma Scholarship.

Through fundraising efforts leading up to the 125th celebration, the alumni network raised the funds to install the Rock of Truth which was dedicated during the weekend celebration.

Student Philanthropy Award: Lucas Lodato

Lucas Lodato, Bus ’24, ’25. Photo/Provided.

Lucas Lodato, Bus ’24, ’25, graduated in the Spring of 2025 with a Master of Science in Accounting in addition to his bachelor’s in business administration.

While an undergrad at UC, Lucas was a part of Bearcats Motorsports in the College of Engineering and Applied Science, Cincinnati’s Formula SAE team. Through his collaboration and leadership, Lodato garnered significant support for the UC team. He was instrumental in securing a $10,000 sponsorship from Valvoline Global Operations as well as Valvoline fluids for the Bearcats Motorsports team. Lodato took the initiative to apply for two grants, The Gene Haas Foundation 2023 FIRST & SAE Competitions Award and the Herman Schneider Fund. He successfully secured a grant to sponsor the team’s participation in SAE or FIRST competitions. Based on Lodato’s grant they received support from the Herman Schneider Fund for travel abroad to international competitions. Lodato used his connections in the industry to secure additional funding from Star Mold Co. and a gift-in-kind welding machine from Lincoln Electric.

He now works as an audit associate for KPMG where he was previously a co-op.

Featured image at top: CCM. Photo/UC Foundation.

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