The most popular new photo spot on campus sits in a high-traffic area at the foot of MainStreet between the Lindner College of Business, the Mantei Center and the Campus Recreation Center. The Bearcat Bench joined the UC family at a November dedication ceremony. A life-sized statue of our beloved Bearcat mascot standing behind a 10-foot-long, C-Paw-emblazoned bench, its message is irresistible: “Come sit with me … Snap a picture … Rub my nose for luck … Celebrate being a Bearcat!”
The interactive sculpture memorializes Bob Dobbs, Bus ’76, ’88, who was an alumni volunteer leader extraordinaire until his passing six years ago. Bob selflessly served as a UC Foundation trustee, co-chair of the UC Bicentennial, and our indispensable UC Alumni Association board president for four years. His love for his alma mater and fellow Bearcats was total and unconditional, and his impact will be felt here forever. The statue at the Bearcat Bench may as well be a depiction of Bob himself.
The start of a new year compels us to reflect on our achievements and the important work ahead. While the UC Alumni Association’s successes belong to all of us, we owe so much to the wise guidance, unbridled passion and tremendous personal investment of our volunteer leaders. We continue to be fortunate in that respect: The UCAA chair’s gavel passed from Ruthie Keefe to Jerry Fritz in October, and fittingly, Bob’s wife and UC Bicentennial co-chair, Kim Dobbs (shown above at right in the back row, surrounded by her family), has joined the committee as vice chair. As a promising new year begins, we’re grateful to have such dedicated Bearcats helping to lead us forward.
Go Bearcats!
