UC Blue Ash College recognized 11 faculty, staff and alumni at its 2026 Distinguished Awards Ceremony on Oct. 1 in the Muntz Hall Atrium on the Blue Ash campus.

About 100 guests gathered for a reception before Dean Robin Lightner introduced each winner and highlighted their work in research, teaching, student support and service, according to the University of Cincinnati.

"Winning a UC Blue Ash Distinguished Award is quite an accomplishment when you look at the high level of talent … throughout our college and across our more than 27,000 alumni," Lightner said.

Professor Chuck Emenaker, who won the Distinguished Teaching Award, was joined at the ceremony by Dan Finfrock, the high school teacher Emenaker credits with inspiring him at an early age to enter the profession. Finfrock watched his former student accept the honor.

Five other faculty members received awards. Heather Ferris won the Outstanding Faculty Service Award. Jessica Furgerson earned the Innovative Teaching Award.

Yalcin Karatas took home the Exemplary Scholarship Award, which carries a $1,500 prize and a plaque, according to the college's awards page. Tamika Odum received the Provost Award for Faculty Excellence. Betsy Powell won the Honored Adjunct Teaching Award.

Four staff members were also recognized. Rene Barnett received the Staff Distinguished Service Award. Emily Lopez won the Rising Star Award.

Katie Pealer earned the Community Enrichment Award. Breen Reardon received the Staff Student-Centered Award.

Mark Brueggeman, the lone alumni honoree, received the Outstanding Alumni Award. Brueggeman founded PERIN Resources, a petrochemical marketing and distribution company, in 2004 after executive management and sales roles at Chevron Chemical Company, according to the UC Alumni Association. He began his chemical industry career in 1982 at Chemcentral Corp. as a technical sales representative. PERIN now generates more than $150 million in annual gross revenue.

Each honoree was featured in a short video shown during the ceremony where they discussed their work and what inspires them.