As a longtime employer of University of Cincinnati graduates, Western & Southern Financial Group is now deepening its commitment to empowering the next generation of career-ready professionals.

This April, UC faculty and Western & Southern leadership celebrated 10 students as part of the Western & Southern Scholars Program.

The scholarship program is a fund launched in 2024 alongside the Western & Southern Accelerated Career Program. The 10 Western & Southern Scholars were selected for their exceptional involvement and impact. These students exemplify the highest standards of academic engagement, having completed meaningful co op experiences and actively contributed to UC’s extracurricular community. Together, these students demonstrate strong leadership, initiative and a commitment to excellence.

Co-ops: changing the landscape of professional opportunity

The UC College for Cooperative Education and Professional Studies hosts more than 8,000 co op experiences each year, with over 1,700 employer partners and $94 million in annual student earnings. Co ops play a defining role in preparing students for long term career success by providing meaningful, hands on experiences in a professional setting. These opportunities equip students with practical skills, industry insight and the confidence needed to excel in their chosen fields.

“With co-ops, UC students are contributing to real workplaces, building confidence and lifelong skills. Co-op now spans numerous disciplines, creating a broader and more flexible talent pipeline,” says Annie Straka, PhD, associate dean of the College of Cooperative Education and Professional Studies. “This couldn’t have been possible without the support of companies like Western & Southern who have been a standout partner, hiring dozens of UC students each year and more than 40 UC students this past summer.”

The Western & Southern Accelerated Career Program is a structured, paid pathway that equips students with real world client experience, professional licensing and comprehensive development benefits while preparing them for full time roles within the organization.

Building on a commitment to preparing the next generation of professionals, the Western & Southern Scholars Program provides scholarship support to co op students as they pursue their education.

Through these programs, the company is helping form a cohesive pipeline designed to develop work ready talent in Greater Cincinnati.

“Western & Southern is proud to invest in emerging talent in our region through our partnership with the University of Cincinnati,” says Jill McGruder, senior vice president and enterprise chief marketing officer, Western & Southern Financial Group; vice chair, UC Board of Trustees. “The Western & Southern Financial Group Scholars Program and Accelerated Career Program helps give students the support needed to gain real-world experiences, professional coaching and industry credentials. Together, these efforts reflect our shared commitment to opening doors for students and supporting Cincinnati in building a brighter future.”

Students at work: co-op across the nation

For Grace Nunn, DAAP ’27, a Western & Southern Scholar and co-op student, her scholarship has given her the flexibility to not only pursue a co-op but also continue to participate in meaningful extracurricular experiences.

“The scholarship I received through Western & Southern allowed me to get more involved on campus because—on the semesters when I’m not on co-op—I can stay focused on classes and extracurriculars without financial strain,” says Nunn.

Lauren Stueve, DAAP ’27, demonstrates just how transformative this support can be. Stueve says her scholarship enabled her to study abroad, allowing her to broaden her academic perspective and pursue a co-op experience out of state.

“I am incredibly grateful for the scholarship I received through Western & Southern and the support it has provided throughout my college journey,” says Stueve. “It has had a meaningful impact on my experiences this past semester as I was able to use the scholarship during my study abroad and my out-of-state co-op experience, which was an invaluable opportunity for both my personal and academic growth.”

Through meaningful financial support, career building opportunities and a commitment to student success, Western & Southern is helping shape a new generation of leaders. As these scholars continue to grow, explore and excel, their achievements will stand as a testament to the power of partnership and the lasting impact of co-op opportunities.

Feature image at top: Western & Southern Scholars. Photo/Greg Glevicky for the UC Foundation.