New Richmond and West Clermont students receive admission, scholarships
Two local high school seniors received a surprise welcome to the University of Cincinnati Clermont College Monday as part of UC’s annual Decision Day.
Family first
Brodey Gilbert, a senior at New Richmond High School in New Richmond, Ohio, was the first student to find out that he’d been accepted to the college.
“Everyone flooded in at once, and I had no idea what was going on,” said Gilbert, who is the first in his family to attend college.
Gilbert’s parents, UC Clermont Dean Jeffrey Bauer, and representatives from both schools surprised him during science class. Gilbert, who has a 3.6 GPA, was informed he would receive a $6,000 UC grant and a UC Clermont Merit Scholarship.
After taking his first chemistry class during sophomore year, Gilbert developed a love of chemistry and will major in the field at UC. He hopes to become a chemical engineer and possibly work for the Environmental Protection Agency.
“Brodey has so much potential,” said Laura Prescott, who teaches science at New Richmond. “He gets excited about unusual aspects of science. He pushes himself to understand how and why things work. He’s inquisitive.”
Gilbert, who chose UC Clermont because it’s close to home, got a jump on his higher education by enrolling in UC Clermont College Credit Plus courses offered at New Richmond. The Ohio program allows students to earn dual college and high school credit. Prescott, also an adjunct professor for UC Clermont, teaches Gilbert’s college chemistry courses too.
“When Brodey started chemistry with Mrs. Prescott, it clicked instantly, and he knew what he wanted to do with his life,” said Gilbert’s mother, Denise. “We are so proud of what he has accomplished so far, and there is no doubt he will achieve his goals.”
Second-generation Bearcat
The second surprise of the day was for Gina McInturf, a senior at West Clermont High School in Union Township, Ohio.
“This is very exciting,” McInturf said. “I saw my family, and I was so happy. The scholarships are amazing.”
The Decision Day caravan, complete with balloons and Dean Bauer, found McInturf in her English class. McInturf holds a 3.6 GPA and received a $6,000 UC Grant and a UC Clermont Merit Scholarship to cover her tuition.
McInturf said she chose UC Clermont not only because she can continue to live at home with her family, but also use her time at the college to discern her career path. McInturf plans to major in biology but is keeping her options open.
“I’m interested in science and have thought about becoming a biologist,” said McInturf. “But I want to take time to figure out what I want to do.”
McInturf is not the first Bearcat in her family; her mother, Mindy, graduated from UC in 2002.
“We are overjoyed to watch Gina continue learning and growing,” Mindy said. “Gina has always had a curiosity about science especially biology and chemistry. She is excited to take these next steps to find her path in the field of science.”
West Clermont Counselor Michelle Buten said McInturf is constantly challenging herself, as is evident in her enrollment in UC Clermont College Credit Plus classes to earn dual high school and college credit.
“Gina is phenomenal. She is such a hardworking student,” Buten said. “She is always willing to go out of her way to help others and be the best possible student she can be.”
Buten said she is thrilled when students like McInturf take advantage of the university available in their own backyard.
“I always tell students that UC Clermont is a hidden gem,” said Buten. “It’s so close to us, it’s affordable — it’s a great place to get started.
Gilbert and McInturf will be just two of the more than 3,000 students who begin classes this fall at UC Clermont, a regional college of UC that offers more than 60 academic programs, including bachelor’s, associate, transfer and certificate options. The college, which awarded more than $635,000 in student scholarships in 2023, offers the resources of a world-class university in an affordable, accessible package that meets a variety of student needs and pathways.
Application for fall semester at UC Clermont will be accepted until July 1. Learn more and apply now at ucclermont.edu/apply.