Dr. P. Eric Abercrumbie The University of Cincinnati announces the 2011 top alumni award recipients. This year’s six honorees include:

William Howard Taft Medal for Notable Achievement

Dr. J. Richard Wuest ( College of Pharmacy ’58 – B.S., ’68 – M.S., ’71 – PhD) – Cincinnati , OH

Alumni Distinguished Service Award

Richard Foley ( College of Engineering ’61) – Dayton , OH

David Watkins (College of Arts & Sciences ’92) – Chicago , IL

Jeffrey Hurwitz Young Alumni Outstanding Achievement Award

Drew McKenzie ( College of Business ’05) – Cincinnati , OH

Mosaic Award

Dr. Eric Abercrumbie (College of Arts & Sciences 1987) – Cincinnati , OH

Dr. Marilyn Edmondson (Nursing ‘62 & College of Education ’76) Smyrna , GA

The award recipients were selected for their unique professional accomplishments and contributions to UC and the community at large. They will be recognized among university leaders, colleagues and friends at the UC Alumni Association’s annual UC Day Celebration on June 9.

“UC Day is a longstanding tradition at UC, allowing us to celebrate and recognize our most remarkable alumni and the positive marks they’ve made in their professions and in their communities,” said UC Alumni Association Executive Director, Myron Hughes. “In line with tradition, this year’s honorees are truly outstanding examples of alumni leadership in action.”

The Mosaic Award is presented to an individual whose collaborative community leadership enhances a shared community by championing the cause of the underrepresented and promoting greater equity and opportunity for others.

Currently the Director of Ethnic Programs and Services at UC’s African American Culture and Resource Center, honoree Abercrumbie is recognized for his work with cultural diversity. His deep-rooted interest in African American history combined with his passion for education has not only altered the institutional landscape at UC, but also initiated change at the national level. His position as a leader in the field of diversity has helped create greater equity of opportunity for the underrepresented and earned him countless national honors, including “Black Educator of the Year” by the United States Peace Corps.

Tickets for this year’s UC Day Celebration will be available to the public in early April (regular admission – $100; young professionals – $70; students – $50). To purchase tickets or read more about the 2011 event and honorees, please visit http://tinyurl.com/ucdaycelebration.