WELCOME BACK GUIDE 2025

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LETTER FROM THE EDITOR

OUR STAFF

Editor-in-Chief | Hajra Munir

Managing Editor | Lucas Griffith

Multimedia Editor | Jared Meadows

Chief Photographer | Tavish Sweeney

News Editor | Joe Carey

Features Editor | Brooke Burkhardt

Sports Editor | Brianna Jones

Opinion Editor | Madelyn Stewart

News Reporter | Chloe Hall

Features Reporter | Avery Padgett

Sports Reporter | Colin Kunz

Opinion Reporter | Lela Walker

Vodcast Producer | Erik Hemmert

Social Media Director | Chaz Timko

Designer | Abigail Raubenolt

Business Manager | Ginny McCabe

Editorial Adviser | Jenny Wohlfarth

Welcome back Bearcats!

My name is Hajra, and just like many of you, I’m feeling a mix of emotions about returning to campus. I’m excited for the crisp fall air and football games in Nippert. I’m anxious about another year of classes and exams pushing me to my limit. And I’ve accepted that there will be plenty of late nights in Langsam, most likely filled by more talking than studying when I’m with friends.

But above all, I’m feeling anticipation. I’m thrilled to see what this year has in store for me, for you, and for every Bearcat stepping foot back on campus.

Last year was certainly a confusing time for many students. And as you return, you may notice some changes to spaces that once held deep meaning for our campus community. But what I’ve come to believe is that as Bearcats, the most important thing we have is each other. Our community is truly like no other, and I know we’ll continue to show up for one another in big and small ways.

At The News Record, we’ll be here to report Bearcat news. As UC’s independent, student-run publication, we’re dedicated to keeping you informed, whether it’s the newest restaurants opening on Calhoun Street or the final score of last night’s game.

As we start this brand-new year, let’s go in with high hopes and make memories that will last forever.

Go Bearcats!

AS DIVERSITY CENTERS CLOSE UNDER SB1, UC STUDENTS RETURN TO A CHANGED CAMPUS

HAJRA MUNIR | EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

As students return to the University of Cincinnati (UC) this fall, many will be walking onto a campus that looks the same but will be vastly different.

Following the passage of Ohio Senate Bill 1, UC has officially closed its four identity-based student support centers this summer, including the African American Cultural and Resource Center (AACRC), the LGBTQ+ Center, the Women’s Center and the Office of Ethnic Programs and Services.

The closures mark a shift in campus support infrastructure for marginalized students, which is causing both uncertainty and frustration amongst

faculty and students ahead of the new academic year.

“I’m honestly not sure how incoming students are going to navigate UC without those spaces,”Jordyn Bailey, a senior nursing major and co-president of the United Black Students Association (UBSA), said. “That’s where I found my immediate sense of belonging and community as an incoming student.”

Dubbed the “Advance Ohio Higher Education Act” and signed into law in March, the law restricts public universities from using state or federal funds for diversity, equity and

inclusion programming that grants benefits based on characteristics like race or gender identity. The law officially went into effect June 27, but UC announced its compliance finalizing policy changes on June 24.

In an email to the campus community that same day, June 24, UC President Neville Pinto reaffirmed the university’s commitment to inclusion while announcing the closures. He emphasized that UC would invest in new spaces and staffing to “support the success of all students.”

“My message to you is unequivocal: You belong here,” Pinto wrote in the email. “We must uphold our enduring commitment to access and success through educational programs that respond to the needs of our society.”

The email also announced the creation of new connection spaces and the repurposing of existing ones. The AACRC building was renamed “The Cultural Center,” and the Center for Student Involvement will now occupy the former spaces of the LGBTQ Center, Women’s Center and Ethnic Programs and Services. According to Pinto, staff affected by the closures have been offered roles within Student Affairs. Still, many students remain skeptical of the university’s promises.

“It’s easy to say those buzzwords like ‘sense of belonging,’” Bailey said.

“But it was those offices and their staff that were actually doing the work when the university as a whole didn’t. Now the burden falls on student organizations to fill the gap and that’s not fair.”

UBSA and other cultural organizations plan to continue their programming independently and in collaboration, aiming to preserve key traditions and offer students spaces for social, academic and cultural development. “We’re trying to pick up what the AACRC used to do because students still need that,” Bailey said.

Faculty members have also raised concerns about the university’s approach to compliance. Stephen Mockabee, president of the UC chapter of the American Association of University Professors (AAUP), said UC’s administration chose “premature and excessive compliance” rather than exploring legal gray areas or waiting for further guidance.

“Rather than trying to test that and see if these spaces could be preserved, they just caved,” said Mockabee, who also serves as associate professor in the School of Public and International Affairs. “That erodes trust. Students and faculty feel like nobody has their back.”

Mockabee added that while the new law imposes clear restrictions, the closures UC made were not explicitly required. “The bill says you can’t afford benefits based on certain iden-

tities, but there’s nothing in the bill that says you can’t have a gathering place for students that share a background or experience or identity.”

The closures come amid ongoing contract negotiations between UC and the AAUP, and follow a protest in June by dozens of faculty during a UC Board of Trustees meeting. Faculty participants wore black and held signs in silence but were blocked from entering the meeting room. Mockabee described the university’s response, including increased police presence and curtains covering the room’s windows, as a broader lack of transparency.

Despite the changes, both student and faculty leaders say the work isn’t over.

“Community isn’t tied to a building,” Bailey said. “It’s the people who made those spaces what they were. We’re still here. And we’re still fighting.”

FALL 2025 SPORTS PREVIEW

BRIANNA JONES | SPORTS EDITOR

As summer comes to an end and the fall season begins, the most anticipated time of the year is here. Here is a recap of the University of Cincinnati’s (UC) 2024 fall sports, their records and what to look forward to for this upcoming year.

FOOTBALL

During their 2024 season, the Bearcats finished 11th in the Big 12 standings with an overall record of 5-7 and a conference record of 3-6. Once the transfer portal opened, the Bearcats secured 21 assets from the portal. These transfers come from schools such as Idaho State, South Dakota, Monmouth, Western Carolina and Southern Illinois. Cincinnati was named an early winner in the transfer portal by The Athletic.

Cincinnati will have seven home games and five away. Fans should anticipate a non-conference game for the upcoming season when the Bearcats play Nebraska at Arrowhead Stadium. Nebraska is a member of the Big 10 conference, competing against teams such as Michigan and Ohio State. This will be a good competitive match for the Bearcats, giving them the opportunity to play against a team in a bigger conference.

At home, the Bearcats will play the Baylor Bears. This is a game fans can look forward to, as the Bearcats have not played the Bears at home since their 2023 season, when Baylor took home the victory 32-29.

CROSS COUNTRY

The Bearcats competed in six total meets, including the Big 12 Cross Country Championships and the NCAA Great Lakes Regional. Thirdyear Claire Curtsinger and first-year Lucas Towne led UC at the Great Lakes Regional. The men’s team placed 10th overall, while the women’s team placed 15th. 10 Bearcats achieved their best career times, competing in events such as the 10k and 6k.

WOMEN’S SOCCER

Last season, the Lady Bearcats went 6-9-4. This fall, their non-conference schedule will begin with two exhibi tion matches: one traveling to Indiana and the other hosting Morehead State.

Cincinnati’s notable non-conference games will be against their crosstown rival, Xavier University and against Notre Dame. The Fighting Irish fin ished their 2024 season No. 8 in the country with a 14-4-4 record. Their conference play will officially begin Sept. 18 against the Houston Cougars.

WOMEN’S VOLLEYBALL

During their 2024 season, the Lady Bearcats went 14-15 under the leadership of Molley Alvey. Last December, UC announced that Alvey would not return in 2025 as the head coach for the Bearcats.

Replacing Alvey will be Danijela Tomić. The former Bowling Green coach spent 13 seasons with the Falcons and seven seasons with Florida International. Looking into their 2025 season, the Lady Bearcats will play 18 matches over 10 weeks, playing 10 teams once and four teams twice.

Some matchups that fans should look

FALL EVENTS CALENDAR

BY LUCAS GRIFFITH | MANAGING EDITOR

As the fall semester begins, events in Clifton and Cincinnati begin to pick up in expectation of the tens of thousands of students who settle into the area for the beginning of the University of Cincinnati (UC) school year. From Cincinnati Reds and Bengals games to overnight events at the Cincinnati Zoo, this city has plenty of unique events for everyone to enjoy.

CINCINNATI ZOO AFTER DARK: SEPTEMBER 6, 2025

CLIFTON FEST 2025: SEPTEMBER 13, 2025

CINCINNATI BENGALS HOME OPENER VS JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS: SEPTEMBER 14, 2025

The Cincinnati Bengals have nine home games ranging from Sept. 14 all the way into January, with the final home game being against the Cleveland Browns.

OKTOBERFEST ZINZINNATI 2025: SEPTEMBER 18-21, 2025, AT SAWYERS POINT & YEATMAN’S COVE

THE CINCINNATI REDS FINAL HOME GAME OF THE REGULAR SEASON IS ON SEPT. 25, 2025, AGAINST THE PITTSBURGH PIRATES.

KROGER WELLNESS FESTIVAL: SEPTEMBER 26, 2025

AMERICA’S RIVER ROOTS FESTIVAL: OCTOBER 8, 2025

2025 QUEEN BEE MARATHON: OCTOBER 11, 2025

PNC FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS AT THE CINCINNATI ZOO & BOTANICAL GARDEN: NOVEMBER 20, 2025 - JANUARY 4, 2026

ADVOCACY BY ACTION: MEET YOUR NEW 2025-26 UC STUDENT GOVERNMENT

JOE CAREY| NEWS EDITOR

A dynamic University of Cincinnati (UC) Student Government is taking office in the 2025-2026 academic year.

After winning last semester’s election, student body president Joshua Copley and vice president Wilaini Alicea stepped into their leadership roles in May.

Ahead of the Fall semester, the duo promises an ambitious student life agenda under the tenets of the RISE party (Represent, Innovate, Secure, and Empower).

As the governing body for over 41,000 undergraduate Bearcats, the Student Government represents student voices within the university administration. Through community initiatives and collaborations with other campus organizations, the Student Government helps curate a safe and fulfilling UC student experience.

For Copley, partnerships with other community groups are essential to this vision. “Hearing different ideas and getting outside perspectives allow us to improve the student experience as a whole rather than just specific areas.”

One such collaboration will involve the Bearcat Pantry Resource Center, an Uptown campus food bank on the main floor of Stratford Heights, building 16. The center provides food goods, hygiene items and social services to students in need. It also has satellite locations in the College of Allied Health Sciences and the College of Education, Criminal Justice and Human Services. Copley hopes to help expand Bearcat Pantry activities

to new locations while prioritizing the resources students need most.

A longer-term project will be a public policy mentorship offered by the Student Government through Cincinnati Public Schools. The proposed program would allow civic-minded public-school students in the UC neighborhood to gain experience in public advocacy at a young age.

“It’s very important to talk about advocacy when you are young, and to enter college not only able to advocate for yourself but for others as well,” Alicea said regarding the mentorship mission.

More than anything, the executive team wants to help make life as a UC student the best it can be in 2026.

“Don’t be scared to pursue what you want to pursue, because the sky is your limit here at UC. Take advantage of every opportunity because you never know where it might take you. I always stress for students to get involved because there’s lifelong memories that are waiting here just for you,” Alicea said in a message to returning students.

Students looking to connect with the Student Government may visit their office (Steger 655) or follow their Instagram account (@ucstudentgov) for monthly updates.

INDOOR PRACTICE FACILITY UPDATES

LELA WALKER | OPINION REPORTER

The University of Cincinnati (UC) officially announced the completion of the new Sheakley Indoor Practice Facility and Athletics Performance Center on June 11. This $134-million project has been led by the UC Board of Trustees since 2021.

These state-of-the-art facilities, supported by the donations of Larry and Rhonda Sheakley, will be named in honor of their family’s dedication to Cincinnati Athletics.

The new multi-sport training facility will be located near the Sheakley Athletic Center, between the UC Baseball Stadium and the tennis complex near Nippert Stadium.

The Indoor Practice Facility, featuring a 120-yard football field, is a permanent 84,000 square-foot, year-round and all-weather home for Cincinnati football and other sports.

The Indoor Practice Facility also has direct access to the Performance Center’s weight room, training room and nutrition fueling stations.

“The Indoor Practice Facility and Performance Center is essential for the growth of our football program,” head football coach Scott Satterfield said, according to the GoBearcats website.

“It’s truly going to be one of the best facilities in the country, giving us an edge over many of our competitors,”  Satterfield said.

The 96,000-square-foot Athletic Performance Center features three levels that provide everything a student-athlete needs to practice and prepare for competition.

It features offices for the football program, recovery spaces, mental health

services and locker rooms among many other amenities.

Additionally, the Performance Center includes an athletics-only dining hall where student athletes can refuel and stay energized for at-home games.

The Indoor Practice Facility and the Athletics Performance Center will be instrumental in retaining and advancing UC athletics.

Since becoming official members of the Big 12 Conference in 2023, UC has become even more committed to elevating student athletes, especially those on the football team.

These facilities will be open exclusively for student-athletes in the Fall. Those not participating in any on-campus sports will not be able to access them.

HOW WILL THE BEARCATS PERFORM DURING THE 2025-26 FOOTBALL SEASON?

BRIANNA JONES | SPORTS EDITOR

Last season, the University of Cincinnati (UC) football team finished with a 5-7 record. This was their second year competing in the Big 12 conference. While fans were left disappointed, some still have hope for a better season this year. The question that everyone wants to know is: How will they do this season?

My prediction is that the Bearcats will finish the season 6-6. There are some non-conference games that Cincinnati should be able to secure victories in, but there are also teams that could pose challenges. Some teams that could challenge the Bearcats during their season could be Iowa State and Kansas State. The Bearcats fell to both teams last season, losing 34-17 to the Cyclones and 41-15 to the Wildcats.

Utah and Arizona came in at the bottom of the Big 12 standings, the Utes at 13th and the Wildcats at 14th. The Baylor Bears could be a potential problem for the Bearcats, as they landed fifth in the Big 12 standings last season.

Focus). Their offensive line was among the 25 best in college football, graded by PFF during their 2023 season.

The Bearcats’ 2025 schedule appears different compared to the previous season. During their 2024 season, the red and black played against teams like Colorado, West Virginia and the 2024 Big 12 football champions, Arizona State. The Bearcats are suiting up against Arizona, Utah and Baylor, teams they did not play against last season.

The Bearcats lost some notable playmakers this upcoming season. John Williams (offensive lineman), Luke Kandra (offensive lineman), Corey Kiner (running back) and Jamoi Mayes (wide receiver) all either graduated, and/or were drafted/ signed with NFL teams.

With new transfer portal additions and second-string returners bumping into starters, the Bearcats should be able to continue strong from those losses. Last season, the Bearcats’ biggest strength was their offensive line, according to the PFF (Pro Football

During their 2024 season, this included right guard Luke Kandra, who is now signed to the Carolina Panthers. With Kandra gone, the offensive line will have to fill the void of his absence. The PFF also stated that the red and blacks’ biggest weakness during their 2024 season was their run defense. Cincinnati earned the sixth-worst run defense in the Power Five (62.4). They played in a conference where almost every team’s offense had a dominant ground game.

With the 2025 season coming around the corner, there are a lot of high expectations for the Bearcats to make a comeback from last season, as the first game is days away.

CROSLEY TOWER’S LEGACY CAN NEVER BE DEMOLISHED

BROOKE BURKHARDT | FEATURES EDITOR

Is it possible to fall in love with a building? For University of Cincinnati (UC) students, there is no question of possibility, it’s fact.

Looming over the campus from nearly every angle, Crosley Tower has become a symbol of community for those who enjoy the concrete facade that has stood tall since its inception in 1969. At 16 stories tall and named after UC alum Powel Crosley Jr., the building primarily serves as a research and lab facility, however, it won’t stand for much longer.

students have formed a unique bond to the engineering marvel.

Sofia Sorley, a second-year health sciences major, says the building helped her meet her best friend. “I met her my freshman year at UC and we bonded by exploring Crosley the first week of school; we have since been inseparable, and our shared love for Crosley shines through in countless ways in our friendship,” Sorley said.

When walking around campus, students may encounter several posters

In a press release emailed to students and faculty early May 2025, UC detailed plans for the building’s demolition in early 2026. Despite being named one of the seven ugliest university buildings in the U.S. by Architectural Digest in 2017, UC

boasting about the “Crosley Tower Appreciation Club”, a student club dedicated to preserving the legacy of the infamous building. Meeting once a month during the school year, the club hosts activities such as hide and seek, crafting Valentine’s Day cards

dedicated to the tower and discussing the best way to gain roof access. The conversation pit in the front lobby, one of Crosley’s defining features, serves as a spot for club meetings, chill hangouts, or a quiet place to finish some work.

“I joined [the Crosley Tower Appreciation Club] because I love our community’s passion for our beautiful misfit,” Quinn Ring, a member of the UC Rowing Club, said.

The Ring’s love for the building doesn’t end there; she also has a “Long Live Crosley” pin on her backpack. Other members proudly show off their appreciation with keychains, 3D-printed miniature models and yes, even tattoos.

Whether or not you’ll miss the iconic concrete tower on the northside of campus come 2026, its impact on the UC community cannot be understated. Crosley Tower will leave more than just a pile of rubble in its wake; students will attribute countless memories and friendships to the tower that once was.

SO, YOU’VE TRANSFERRED SCHOOLS: ADVICE FROM AN ACTUAL TRANSFER STUDENT

MADELYN STEWART | OPINION EDITOR

According to the National Student Clearinghouse Research Center, nearly 1.2 million college students transferred to new schools in Fall 2024. This represents 13.1% of all continuing undergraduates, with the rate steadily increasing every year.

Chances are you have stopped on this article because you are a transfer Bearcat. Congratulations! But that also means you probably feel like you must start all over again. Listen, I don’t blame you.

The moment I stepped onto the campus of my previous college, I knew something wasn’t quite right. I wrestled for months over letting go of the person I thought I wanted to be at 18 years old. Something told me things would be much clearer if I transferred to UC.

When I arrived, my suspicions proved true—but then what? While having two “first years” may sound like a deterrent, it enhanced my college experience in more ways than one. Being a transfer student helped me be more introspective about college life.

As a new freshman, the intricacies of workload, extracurriculars, making friends and parties are something you are meant to learn as you go. For example, as a freshman, I was initially very reserved. I later realized this to be a mistake, as people generally find a group of friends in the first few weeks and stick together like glue. This time around, I was more prepared. Being a transfer student made me realize that college is made for trial and error.

SO WHY DOES IT STILL FEEL LIKE SUCH A BIG DEAL?

Everyone always says college is the best four years of your life and is gone in the blink of an eye.

That’s a lot of pressure. Pressure, that makes us overcompensate by overloading our schedules and being our friend group’s designated “Yes Man.” Starting fresh with a year or years under your belt provides clarity on how you want to spend your time.

The bottom line is that no one cares how much you do or don’t do.

So, whether you are a transfer sophomore or a transfer senior, remember that your unique path has more than equipped you, and you’re far from being alone in this journey.

Embrace the opportunity to redefine your college experience and make the most of your time as a Bearcat.

RESOURCES AND INVOLVEMENT OPPORTUNITIES

TO KNOW WELCOME BACK INTERNATIONAL BEARCATS:

CHLOE HALL | NEWS REPORTER

The University of Cincinnati (UC) enrolls students from many diverse communities and backgrounds. According to the university, out of a total enrollment of 53,000 in the 2024-2025 year, 8.7% were international students.

International scholars at UC have access to a variety of student organizations.

Of the over 600 registered student organizations at UC, 70 groups work specifically to provide international students with peer communities of similar national backgrounds.

Associations based on ethnic, racial, cultural or religious identities include the Asian American Association, Arab Student Association, UC Greek Engagement Board, UC German Club, Pakistani Student Association and many others.

Some organizations are affiliated with certain academic programs rather than a specific cultural focus. Groups like the Model Arab League, Model United Nations and International Future Nurse Leaders, offer various opportunities for student involvement in global issues.

UC also funds specific resource programs to assist international students in feeling more welcome, secure and informed while studying abroad. UC International Services assists non-citizen scholars through every step of their student experience in the United States. Their website and office staff help students obtain visas, receive immigration benefits and navigate the complexities of U.S. immigration law.

“We have two main goals,” program director Ron Cushing said. “To make sure they understand the legal aspects they must comply with and to assist with benefits, but also to help them acclimate to the United States, make friends and get involved.”

Cushing said that International Services conducts over 100 student events a year, including spring break trips.

“Anyone coming to this country to study abroad are coming to study a language that is their second language,” he said.

“There are all kinds of things to keep up with, like stressors with their academics and learning to survive in a culture that is very different,” Cushing said.

The International Services website also provides current and updated information about newly enacted executive orders, as well as information on how to obtain and retain F-1 and J-1 visa status.

They also help students ensure they have all their documentation updated and accessible during times of heightened immigration enforcement on U.S. college campuses and evolving policies applying to international students here at UC.

CINCINNATI’S NEW RECRUITING CLASS SHOWS PROMISE FOR THE 2025 SEASON

COLIN KUNZ | SPORTS REPORTER

Scott Satterfield, head coach for the Cincinnati Bearcats football team, and his recruiting staff have been hard at work over the spring and summer, putting the finishing touches on the new University of Cincinnati (UC) Bearcats recruiting class.

The 63rd-ranked class in the country, according to 247 Sports, features 19 recruits, breaking down into 18 threestar athletes and one four-star athlete.

Looking at the class position-wise, it leans heavily on offensive and defensive lines, with four players from the offensive line and five from the defensive line.

Looking at the rest of the positions, joining the squad are three defensive backs, two tight ends, one quarterback, running back, wide receiver, linebacker and “athlete” meaning the player is versatile and hasn’t been assigned a single position yet.

Seven recruits from Georgia put it on the podium as UC’s most heavily recruited-from state; Georgia also boasts UC’s highest-rated recruit.

Ohio comes in a close second, featuring five recruits.

The recruiting class is headlined by four-star running back Zion Johnson, a graduate of Newton High School in Covington, Georgia.

Johnson is a speed-first running back who had a strong high school career, rushing for over 5,000 yards and tallying 46 touchdowns.

He will look to develop alongside sophomore running back Jakorion Caffey from last year’s class and learn under current running back Evan Pryor.

Also, at the top of the class is Giyahni Kontosis, the 6-1, 210-pound wide receiver out of Maryland.

Kontosis is the 71st-ranked receiver in the country, and 20th-ranked recruit in Maryland.

His senior season, he secured over 1,000 yards receiving with 19.3 yards per reception, and 12 touchdowns.

Kontosis is also known for speed and is skilled in route running and his ability to make contested catches.

Recruits are drawn to UC for various reasons, but for Kontosis, one of the things he is most excited about is the crowd at Nippert Stadium.

“I’m excited for all the fans and the whole Cincinnati environment, just excited to get it going with my guys and winning games,” Kontosis said. Another important thing he has noticed is the commitment and closeness of UC’s coaching staff.

“Something I noticed from the staff is they are so family oriented. Everything we do relates to connecting and building bonds with each other,” Kontosis said.

Third in the class is CJ Crite, the 6-1, 202-pound linebacker out of Georgia. Crite secured 447 tackles and one sack in his career at Lincoln County High School. Crite is the 67th-ranked linebacker in America, and the 69thranked recruit out of Georgia.

All 19 of the recruits committed to UC on Early Signing Day in December of 2024.

Freshman recruits earned more than 900 snaps last season. With lots of talent in this group, they can look to make a similar impact this year as the Bearcats hit the field on the prowl for a successful season.

THE BEARCAT STATUE WILL COME HOME

AVERY PADGETT | FEATURES REPORTER

A beloved bearcat statue will be making its return to the University of Cincinnati (UC) this spring. The statue was removed due to the construction of the Sheakley Indoor Practice Facility and Athletics Performance Center, but according to M.B. Reilly, UC’s executive director of public relations, the statue will come out of its two-year hibernation (UC storage) to once again welcome students into its paws before UC’s 2026 spring commencement.

The bearcat statue will be moved from its original location at the southeast corner of the Fifth Third Arena to the University Avenue circular roundabout near Marian Spencer Hall.

In an email to The News Record, Reilly said, “The scope of work at that site includes preparations so the pla-

za can bear the weight of the statue along with landscape and hardscape improvements in the nearby vicinity.”

The statue was removed on May 1, 2023, and remained in storage throughout the construction of the Sheakley Indoor Practice Facility and Sheakley Athletics Performance Center. The development of the new $134 million 210,000 square- foot athletic complex shut down multiple campus walkways, but the area has mostly opened back up to students with the recent completion of the construction.

Although the Bearcat mascot has changed throughout the years, from fierce to cuddly, this statue stands as a timeless and accurate representation of the tree-climbing animal. Unlike other statues of UC’s beloved mascot that can be seen around the main

campus, this statue looks more closely related to its real-life binturong sibling Lucille at the Cincinnati Zoo.

According to UC Magazine, the 15foot, 2-ton statue was dedicated in 2010 through the fundraising efforts of the UC class of 2006 and the Sigma Sigma Men’s Honorary Society honors organization. This “fighting bearcat,” as dubbed by the artist Jon Hair, “serves as a warning to all athletic competitors,” according to Hair’s website.

As the bearcat statue makes its journey back home, fans, students and graduates will once again be able to find victory in its paws, a rallying cry from its fanged mouth and a reminder that

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