The University of Cincinnati announced on April 27 that the Fighting Bearcat sculpture has returned to the Uptown campus after being kept in storage during construction at the Sheakley Indoor Practice Facility.
The statue, which is a popular location for students taking commencement photos, now stands at West University Avenue and Commons Way outside Marian Spencer Hall. The reinstallation was handled by construction crews and received coverage from local news outlets WLWT-5, Local 12, and Fox19.
Donated by Sigma Sigma men’s honorary fraternity, the statue measures 15 feet tall and was created by sculptor Jon Hair. It depicts a fierce version of UC’s mascot, known as the binturong or bearcat.
In related news, the UC Bearcat mascot won its third national championship in four years in 2025 at the College Cheerleading and Dance National Championship held at ESPN’s Wide World of Sports Complex in Orlando, Florida. The identity of the student who plays the role of UC Bearcat remains confidential until commencement day when they reveal themselves by wearing their costume paws and feet during the ceremony.
The return of this iconic statue marks a notable moment for students preparing to graduate and continues a tradition linked closely with campus celebrations.
