UC Foundation announces 2024 philanthropy winners

Kitty, Dick and Jennie Rosenthal are receiving the Chairperson's Award.

The Chairperson's Award is the UC Foundation's highest recognition for a volunteer who has made a significant, institution-wide philanthropic impact. The Rosenthal family has been a pillar of the Cincinnati community for generations, creating a legacy of philanthropy.

For decades, they have been champions of the arts and have led the fight for equal justice under the law.

In 2016, the Rosenthals made a transformational commitment to the Ohio Innocence Project (OIP). It was the largest gift to the UC College of Law, as well as the largest gift to any innocence program in the nation. Beyond their philanthropic support, Dick and Kitty, along with Dick's daughter Jennie, support OIP through their involvement with staff and students, as well as encouraging others to support the program.

Founded in 2003, OIP is dedicated to freeing innocent people in prison and preventing wrongful convictions. To date, and in large part due to the generosity of the Rosenthal family, the program has freed 42 wrongfully convicted men and women from prison.

The family also supports several departments and programs throughout UC and UC Health and is dedicated to improving the social and economic fabric of the Cincinnati community.

Arun Murthy, Bus '95.

The UC Foundation Trustees' Award recognizes a volunteer's contribution to advance philanthropy for UC Health or a specific UC college or unit. Murthy is deeply committed to advancing students at UC and within the Carl H. Lindner College of Business. He is highly engaged with the college and has helped eliminate barriers associated with students' ability to earn the Chartered Financial Analyst and Certified Financial Planner designations. His philanthropic support allows faculty to help students in their journey to earn these certifications.

As a UC student, Murthy held numerous leadership roles in student organizations. He continues to serve his alma mater as a UC Foundation Trustee.

Members of the University of Cincinnati Band Alumni Association. Randy Smith, far right, leads the group.

The Group Philanthropy Award recognizes a group that has been highly engaged in philanthropic activities at UC or UC Health and has made a significant positive impact. University of Cincinnati Band Alumni Association (UCBAA), UC's largest and most active affinity group, is committed to connecting former members of the Bearcat Bands and providing volunteer and financial support to the student band program.Founded in 1978 by a group of loyal Bearcat Bands alumni and led by Randy Smith, the UCBAA includes the marching band program and various jazz, concert and pep bands.

Since 1994, it has provided scholarships for returning band students; most recently, it awarded $3,500 in scholarships to four undergraduate band students. UCBAA's giving campaign, Charge into the Next Century, seeks to provide every band member with a quality instrument and endow a fund for ongoing maintenance and repair. During the Foundation's giving days, UCBAA regularly leads with the greatest number of gifts, challenges won and dollars raised. These efforts have raised $400,000 for the Charge campaign.

Flávia Bastos, PhD.

The Staff Award of Merit recognizes a staff member who has fostered a culture of philanthropy at UC or UC Health and embraces the spirit of George Rieveschl. As a distinguished research professor in arts and humanities, Bastos' career at UC and the College of Design, Architecture, Art, and Planning (DAAP) spans more than 20 years. Her research is inspired by the Brazilian educator Paulo Freire and focuses on promoting social justice through art and education.

Her experience as a faculty representative of the Foundation inspired her to share philanthropy's impact with students. Bastos and Robin Selzer, PhD, of the College of Cooperative Education and Professional Studies (CCPS), created an honors seminar designed to give students hands-on experience in philanthropy by researching charities, developing criteria for charitable giving and ultimately distributing a portion of a fund to the UC program of their choice. The course, "Doing Good Together," is a collaboration between the Foundation, the University Honors Program, DAAP and CCPS.

Holly Giese, Bus '24.

The Student Philanthropy Award recognizes students who have been highly engaged in philanthropic activities on the UC campus. Giese, a 2024 graduate, used her time at UC to support the next generation of students. As a PACE leader in the Lindner Business Honors community, she mentored 67 students. She also served Carl H. Lindner College of Business students as a Lindner Ambassador, a Business Fellows Executive Board member and a peer career coach for Lindner Career Services.

As the women's volleyball club team president for one year and fundraising chair for two, Giese helped raise more than $7,000.

Your generosity has illuminated what's next: Student success beyond the classroom. Bearcats winning on the Big 12 stage. The gift of discovery for the health of our community. When you give to the University of Cincinnati and UC Health, you invest in the problem-solvers of tomorrow.