“There should be equality, above everything. Given equal opportunity, we all arrive at the same place.”
— Marian Spencer ’42
Marian Spencer devoted her life to ensuring her fellow citizens — all of them — had a fair and equal shot at life’s rewards. She became a beloved figure in Cincinnati and beyond because her cause was so noble and her persistent struggle was waged with such courage and conviction. The UC Alumni Association awarded Marian our highest honor, the William Howard Taft Medal, in 2018. When she died less than two years later at age 99, we grieved her loss yet celebrated her impact, knowing her enormous influence would continue to enhance our community.
Marian’s lifelong work to balance society’s scales resonated so strongly with fellow Bearcat Jim Goetz, CEAS ’88, that when he made a transformational $25 million gift to UC last year, a substantial part was earmarked to enable 10 high-achieving, underrepresented students from Cincinnati Public Schools to attend UC on full scholarship annually for the next four years. The first class of proud Marian Spencer Scholars will enter UC this fall.
For Bearcats everywhere, the past year has been memorable for many reasons, marked by difficult challenges, extraordinary achievements and high aspirations. With her namesake scholars preparing to enroll at her alma mater later this year, I hope each of us, individually and collectively, can continue to follow Marian’s example in the pursuit of what’s next.
Go Bearcats!
