The University of Cincinnati was not on Michael Hunter's radar when he was growing up. However, as a student in the Cincinnati Public Schools system, a major partner of UC, he realized there were opportunities and resources available to him that, if taken, would greatly impact his future.

Now an alumnus of the UC College of Engineering and Applied Science, Hunter looks fondly upon his experience as a Bearcat. Today, he works at Messer Construction Co. as an environmental health and safety coordinator. 

"The partnership between the University of Cincinnati and Cincinnati Public Schools is so powerful," Hunter said. "I advocate for it so much, especially to younger students." 

Hunter was in the CPS system from pre-kindergarten all the way through high school. It was because of CPS Strong — a university-wide strategic initiative that commits to creating opportunities to support college readiness, access and success for CPS students — that he was able to pursue his dream of going to college. 

Seeing the curriculum in the career tech program in construction at Woodward High School, where one of his older brothers attended, inspired Hunter to follow the same path. After preparation, patience, and prerequisites, he was officially able to enroll in the construction program in the 10th grade. 

Hunter's familiarity with the UC campus, funding received for his degree and proximity to friends and family were major influences on his college choice. His decision was solidified by the fact that construction management is classified as an engineering degree at UC, which is not the case at all institutions.

Upon arriving at UC, Hunter was not immediately admitted into the construction management program and spent his first year as an exploratory student. He and his best friend from high school, Daylan Dallas, were in the same boat and leaned on one another. 

"We worked together that first year, took the same courses, and both got into the College of Engineering and Applied Science our second year," Hunter said. "It was smooth sailing from then, I came here for construction management, and I was not leaving without that degree."

Through the cooperative education (co-op) program, Hunter was able to jumpstart his construction management career as a student, gaining invaluable work experiences and insights about the industry. Right away, he learned there was much more to construction than what he was exposed to in high school. 

"When I first stepped on the job site, I looked around and thought, what did I get myself into?" Hunter said. 

During his first two co-op rotations at Messer Construction Co., he gained experience in a project engineering role for the first rotation and in pre-construction for the second. These positions, one being in the field and one being in the office, provided him with a sense of what he liked, didn't like, and wanted to do more of in his career. He shared that he was challenged in his positions at Messer, growing as a person and as an engineer. 

The co-op program also gave him the opportunity to travel. He spent his final three rotations in three different cities across the United States, Washington, D.C., Denver and Dallas.

In D.C., he worked as a project engineer for Helix Electric, a company that has strong ties with the university as the VP of the D.C. office is a Bearcat alumnus. In Dallas, he spent a semester at Brasfield & Gorrie as a project intern, and finished his co-ops in Denver at JE Dunn Construction, where he worked on a Swedish Medical Center expansion project.

Throughout each of his rotations, he learned new things about the field of construction, as well as himself. He said traveling for co-op was a highlight of his UC experience. 

The Office of Professional Development and Community Impact played a major role in Hunter's journey at UC. Throughout his time at UC, they were always there and always supportive, he said.

They encouraged him to attend conferences, gave out treats during exam week to boost morale and did many other small things that made an impression on him, he said.

"Even now, people there still check in with me. They played a huge role in my UC experience," Hunter said.

Hunter certainly made a mark during his time as a Bearcat. He was a University Honors graduate, a program that comprises the top 7% of UC students. He was a CEAS Ambassador, dedicating much of his time to introducing prospective students to the opportunities awaiting them at the college. He was even given an outstanding student award from the college, honoring his achievements on campus.

For Hunter, commencement was an impactful, full-circle moment for him. Thanks to scholarships, grants and the co-op program, he was able to graduate debt-free. Additionally, he graduated with his best friend from high school.