Grad

UC: Where History, Innovation, and Trivia Meet

Aerial view of UC campus during the day

Written by Susan Helmick, Graduate Assistant for the Graduate College

Hello, Bearcats! Get ready to uncover some UC magic. Our university is a treasure trove of captivating trivia and remarkable achievements. From groundbreaking milestones to legendary alumni, UC’s history is packed with stories that showcase our vibrant and dynamic community. So, settle in as we explore 13 fun and fascinating facts that highlight the rich legacy, incredible history and innovation that make University of Cincinnati truly exceptional!

  1. Guardian Lions with Italian Flair Let's start our journey with Mick and Mack, the unofficially nicknamed stone lions standing tall in front of Arts & Sciences Hall. These majestic creatures have been guarding UC’s front lawn since 1904 and were inspired by the statues in Florence, Italy’s Loggia del Lanzi.
  2. From UC to Walton's Mountain Ever wondered which popular TV family has UC roots? Look no further than "The Waltons." Earl Hamner, a proud UC alum, created the series based on his childhood experiences in Virginia. Hamner’s storytelling prowess didn’t stop there; he penned episodes of "The Twilight Zone," wrote the screenplay for the original "Charlotte's Web," and produced "Falcon Crest." 
  3. A Fast Food First Craving some nuggets of UC history? In 1973, UC became the first university to open a McDonald's on its campus. It was a groundbreaking moment, satisfying students' hunger and pioneering the way for campus dining experiences nationwide.
  4. Benadryl’s Beginnings Sneezing season would be a lot worse without UC’s George Rieveschl. In 1946, while working as a faculty researcher, Rieveschl discovered Benadryl, the world’s first antihistamine. His groundbreaking work earned him a spot in the International Science and Engineering Hall of Fame in 1995.  
  5. Forecasting the Future Forecasting the weather has deep roots at UC, thanks to Cleveland Abbe. In the 1860s, as director of the UC-owned Cincinnati Observatory, Abbe started a program to collect weather data from observers nationwide. His innovative efforts laid the foundation for the National Weather Service we rely on today.
  6. Bridging the Golden Gate The iconic Golden Gate Bridge has a UC connection! Joseph Strauss, a UC engineering graduate, designed the bridge, despite many contemporaries doubting its feasibility. Strauss even placed a brick taken from one of UC’s buildings in the bridge's south anchorage as a nod to his alma mater. His legacy is a testament to UC’s tradition of innovation and bold thinking.
  7. Striking the Right Chord Winston Kock, another illustrious UC engineering alum, invented the electronic organ as part of his undergraduate thesis. Just imagine baseball games without the iconic organ music—it was Kock’s groundbreaking creation that added that unforgettable soundtrack to America’s pastime.
  8. A Lifesaving Legacy Dr. Albert Sabin, a name known worldwide, developed the oral polio vaccine while at UC. From 1939 to 1969, Sabin was a key figure in our College of Medicine and at the Children’s Hospital Research Foundation, leaving an indelible mark on global health.
  9. The Ultimate Overdue Library Book Here’s a fun one: The UC Medical Library holds the world record for the most overdue book. In 1823, James Curie checked out "Medical Reports of the Effects of Water, Cold & Warm, Remedy in Fever & Febrile Diseases." The book was returned 145 years later in 1968 by Curie’s grandson. 
  10. How the Grinch Found His Groove Albert Hague, a UC College-Conservatory of Music alum, brought joy to millions as the composer of the iconic score for "How the Grinch Stole Christmas." His Tony-winning talents left a legacy in the world of musical theatre and beyond.
  11. One Small Step for Man, One Giant Leap for UC Did you know the first man on the moon, Neil Armstrong, was a professor at UC? From 1971 to 1979, Armstrong shared his aerospace expertise with UC students, inspiring the next generation of explorers. Talk about reaching for the stars!
  12. A Bearcat Leads the League Kennesaw Mountain Landis, a UC alum, became the first commissioner of Major League Baseball. Born in Millville, Ohio, Landis's leadership helped shape the sport into America's pastime.
  13. Nursing Pioneers Last but certainly not least, UC was the first college to offer a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) in 1916. This pioneering program set the standard for nursing education and continues to produce top-notch healthcare professionals today.

So, Bearcats, next time you stroll through campus, remember these incredible stories. UC isn't just a place to learn—it's a place where history is made, innovation thrives, and legends are born. Go Bearcats!