CINCINNATI — The University of Cincinnati has a new Mr. Bearcat for 2025: a recent graduate from the Carl H. Lindner College of Business.

Evan Phelps, the 2025 Mr. Bearcat, graduated on May 2, with degrees in business economics and finance. He was selected by UC honorary fraternity Sigma Sigma. Phelps was honored on April 11 during the fraternity’s annual celebration. 

What You Need To Know

  • Evan Phelps was named the 2025 Mr. Bearcat

  • The award is given to a graduating senior man who has academic success, been a leader and contributed to UC while showcasing “Bearcat spirit”

  • Phelps graduated with degrees in business economics and finance

Dating back to 1949, the Mr. Bearcat award is given to a graduating senior man who has academic success, been a leader and contributed to UC while showcasing “Bearcat spirit.”

“Evan is the kind of student that every professor hopes to have, one who is eager to participate and challenges both himself and his peers with thought-provoking questions,” said Ruth Seiple, director of Lindner Business Honors and a professor-educator of operations, business analytics and information systems. “What set Evan apart, however, was not just his intellectual prowess, but his ability to elevate the learning environments for everyone. He actively supported his classmates, encouraged dialogue, clarified difficult concepts and fostered a culture of collaboration.”

Phelps has a long list of accomplishments and achievements from his time at UC, including Lindner Business Honors.

“I think half the reason you go to college isn’t just to learn in the classroom. It’s to build softer skills: leadership, communication and how to delegate,” Phelps said. “A lot of what I’ve learned is outside of the classroom and outside of the workplace.”

He has also had five co-ops/internships, working twice at Fifth Third Bank, twice at AMED Consulting and at Refinery Ventures.

The university also said Phelps has held nine executive-level roles at five organizations, including:

  • President, Sigma Sigma
  • Vice President of Membership, Student Alumni Council
  • President, Sigma Chi 
  • Vice President of Marketing & Recruitment, Students Consulting for Nonprofit Organizations
  • Vice Chair, Student Advisory Committee on University Budget

“The Mr. Bearcat award signals the exceptional impact Evan has made at Lindner and UC,” said Lindner dean Marianne Lewis, PhD. “His drive is truly inspiring. We are grateful and proud of Evan’s academic, professional and leadership contributions.”

Phelps will start his professional career at Fifth Third Bank.

“I’m just really grateful for the time I spent here,” he said. “Never in my wildest dreams did I think I’d get involved as I did and have so many great mentors and friends.”

For more information on the 2025 Mr. Bearcat, click here.