CINCINNATI –Feb. 9, 2018 – The University of Cincinnati Blue Ash College’s 50_year anniversary coincides with the largest gift in its history. The estate of retired professor Judith (Judy) Baughin will provide nearly $400,000 to two scholarships she established with her late husband, William (Bill) Baughin, who was also a UC Blue Ash professor.

The Baughins, residents of Blue Ash, shared a love of travel, speaking French and a dedication to their students at UC Blue Ash where they spent long and productive careers. Together, they created the William Baughin Liberal Arts Scholarship and the William Baughin Transition Scholarship before Bill’s 2006 death. Both scholarships benefit UC Blue Ash sophomores; the Liberal Arts Scholarship funds liberal arts degrees and the Transition Scholarship assists those pursuing associate degrees or technical programs.

“It is impressive that the largest gift in the history of our college comes from two of our former professors,” said Robin Lightner, interim dean of UC Blue Ash College. “It speaks to the deep commitment our faculty members make to our students and to the mission of our college. No two people exemplified this more than Bill and Judy Baughin. This very generous gift ensures that these scholarships will continue to support and encourage UC Blue Ash students for decades to come.”

The Baughins had strong ties to UC, earning five degrees from the university between the two of them. They understood the need for scholarships; at UC Blue Ash, 75 percent of the students work while pursuing their education, and nearly half are first-generation students. To date, more than 20 scholarship recipients have benefited from the Baughins’ help.

“Scholarships are vital to our student population,” said UC President Neville G. Pinto. “As part of our UC family, the Baughins understood this. Their generosity as educators will forever lift the students and campus they loved.”

The feeling was mutual. Friends and colleagues remember that the couple, who did not have children, were popular among students. Bill was an original faculty member, teaching history and serving as an academic adviser. He was the parliamentarian for the faculty senate for 25 years. Bill achieved emeritus status and taught for the college until 2004.

“Bill may have been the favorite of all our instructors,” said Tom Minter, UC Blue Ash academic advisor and adjunct associate professor of history. “He was always open to meeting with students. He served as the liberal arts and pre-law academic adviser for years, when faculty advising was voluntary.  He was the face of our college, and we couldn’t have had a better face.  He was a role model for me, and for many others.”

Judy’s 40-year career began one year after UC Blue Ash’s inception. As the college’s first French professor, she was a force in the creation of the foreign language department and served as its chair for 32 years. Both faculty and students enjoyed the noncredit courses she created focusing on French cuisine and culture. She retired in 2008 as professor emerita.

“I remember Judy for her patience, calm demeanor and ability to discern the key points of any issue, while maintaining a sense of humor and spunkiness,” said Debbie Page, UC Blue Ash German professor.

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About UC Blue Ash College
UC Blue Ash College is a regional college within the University of Cincinnati. The college opened in 1967 and is celebrating its 50th Anniversary throughout the 2017-18 academic year. It offers one of the best values in higher education with access to an authentic, nationally recognized UC education and tuition that is about half the cost of most colleges and universities. The college is located on a scenic 135-acre wooded campus in the heart of Blue Ash, Ohio. To learn more, call (513) 745-5600, visit us online at www.ucblueash.edu, like us on Facebook, or follow us on Twitter and Instagram.

About the University of Cincinnati Foundation
Established in 1975, the University of Cincinnati Foundation is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit corporation and the private sector fundraising entity for the University of Cincinnati and UC Health. The Foundation supports UC’s aspirations through philanthropic collaboration with the colleges, the Academic Health Center, UC Health and other units to maximize private support. The Foundation’s advancement efforts promote the development of productive, enduring relationships with alumni, friends, colleagues, students, foundations, corporations and the Greater Cincinnati community. For more information, please visit foundation.uc.edu.