University of Cincinnati College of Engineering and Applied Science | 2025 Dean's Report - Flipbook - Page 38
“It was a lot on me, and I was struggling to
From Cincinnati, Corbett blossomed at UC
昀椀nd ways to make money,” recalls Corbett,
as a high school student, attending several
who is majoring in chemical engineering
academic summer camps on campus that
with a minor in biomedical electronics and
sparked her interest in engineering. A
computing. “I started not doing as well in
昀椀rst-generation college student, Corbett’s
my classes because I was trying to 昀椀gure out
transition to UC was not an easy one. Thanks
SCHOLARSHIP SUPPORT HELPS
STUDENT STAY AT UC
how I was going to work while in school.”
to encouragement from her academic
After applying to receive support from UC’s
was able to gain con昀椀dence and 昀氀ourished
Temple Corbett was meeting with her men-
emergency fund, she was granted what she
in her co-op positions, and 昀椀nding a
tor in his of昀椀ce when the tears 昀椀nally broke
needed to remain in the hotel until she was
community on campus through the National
through. In the midst of an academically
able to move back home.
Society of Black Engineers and CEAS Tribunal.
advisor and mentors within CEAS, she
Her goal is to become a design engineer
challenging semester, everything seemed to
DONOR SPOTLIGHT: MAKING
AN IMPACT ACROSS CAMPUS
lumnus Jim Goetz, who graduated with an electrical engineering degree
in 1988, has contributed generously to UC, to the benefit of engineering
students and also other students across campus. A renowned venture capitalist,
Goetz’s transformative contributions have supported students, advanced
research, and elevated the college’s academic programs, with particular emphasis
on expanding computing and entrepreneurial skills.
A
One of Goetz’s most impactful gifts is the $25 million donation which led to the
renaming of the Engineering Research Center to the Mantei Center in honor of
his mentor Emeritus Professor Thomas Mantei.
be going wrong for the UC student. She had
“It took a lot of stress off my back,” she said.
for a medical device company or to work
been sick more often than usual. Her beloved
“It also showed me how much UC cares about
in a quality assurance or quality control
“DR. MANTEI WAS A CRITICAL MENTOR IN MY LIFE. HE ADVOCATED FOR ME,
grandfather had passed away. And water
their students and the generosity of donors.
capacity for a pharmaceutical company.
HELPED ME BELIEVE IN MYSELF, AND HELPED ME REALIZE MY POTENTIAL.
damage in her family’s home had exposed
I knew about the academic resources, but I
asbestos and mold, forcing her to move in-
didn’t know that we had an emergency fund
to a hotel. Burdened by 昀椀nancial worries,
for students in situations like mine. It impacted
she had lost focus on her school work.
my spirit and helped me refocus on school.”
MESSER HELPS POWER STEM EDUCATION PATHWAYS
Messer Construction Co., a large general contractor with locations in Cincinnati and around
the country, has many UC alumni in its employ and is a longtime partner in hiring UC co-op
students. The company has contributed substantially to the college to enhance educational
opportunities in engineering and construction management with a goal to create a diverse
I REMAIN IN HIS DEBT.” – JIM GOETZ
This gift also established the Marian Spencer Scholars program, which offers
high-achieving graduates of Cincinnati Public Schools full tuition, room and
board, a service trip to Tanzania, and other enriching opportunities.
Goetz’s support has also fueled entrepreneurial endeavors within the college
and university, including the UC Center for Entrepreneurship. Among other
activities, the center hosts the Innovation Challenge pitch competition and
fosters a community of entrepreneurially minded students, a large percentage
of which are engineering students. This student-led initiative bridges engineering
and business, creating a vibrant ecosystem for innovation.
talent pipeline of future engineers because it bolsters both the industry and global society.
Messer’s fund has supported many CEAS programs, including the Summer Bridge Program
to acclimate incoming 昀椀rst-year STEM students at UC, and high school chemistry and
physics classes so local students can access classes required for CEAS applicants.
In addition, Goetz has made lasting contributions to student success through the
Mantei/Mae Award, an endowed program he established more than 13 years ago
to honor his grandmother and Professor Mantei. This award has provided financial
support and opportunities for over 150 students in electrical engineering, computer
engineering, and computer science, and has funded learning experiences such
as conferences and networking events that prepare them for impactful careers.
Goetz’s philanthropy extends to academics and research. His contributions have
enabled the creation of UC’s independent Department of Computer Science and
its ambitious plans to double enrollment and faculty within a decade. His support
has also advanced artificial intelligence research and computing literacy courses
across disciplines.
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DEAN’S REPORT
