Award Criteria as Stated in UCBAA By-Laws:
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Established in 2023, the Randall E Smith Distinguished Band Alumni Award recognizes an outstanding band alumnus who has shown significant contribution, dedication, and service to the University of Cincinnati Bearcat Bands program and/or the University of Cincinnati Band Alumni Association. Randy Smith, along with other devoted band alumni, founded the UC Band Alumni Association (UCBAA) in 1978 as a way to bring together former members of the Bearcat Bands. He never stopped providing his talents and generosity to UC and the Bearcat Bands as a UCBAA Governor, UC Foundation Trustee, Band Announcer, and steadfast alumnus. A recipient of this award exemplifies the continued service and dedication that Randy has shown to benefit the Bearcat Bands program, the alumni band, and the university.
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Nominations Information
If you have someone you would like to nominate someone, please email [email protected].
Please enter “Randy Smith Award Nomination” in the subject line of your email and include the name of your nominee, and a brief description of why.
Nominations will close on July 31, 2026 and will be voted on by the alumni board at our October meeting. The winner will be announced at Homecoming. For more information on the award, please see the alumni band by-laws under the 'About' tab above.
Please enter “Randy Smith Award Nomination” in the subject line of your email and include the name of your nominee, and a brief description of why.
Nominations will close on July 31, 2026 and will be voted on by the alumni board at our October meeting. The winner will be announced at Homecoming. For more information on the award, please see the alumni band by-laws under the 'About' tab above.
Recipients
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2025 - LeAnne Anklan Flute 2001-2006 "LeAnne Joined the alumni band board starting in 2007 where she would hold multiple leadership positions for over a decade. Even after stepping down, she consistently shows up to alumni events and has stayed active in community band for many years. LeAnne also takes the time to be a mentor to other alumni as they begin their own journeys in the alumni band. She also founded the annual Friday Night Reunion during homecoming weekend." |
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2024 - Val Nastold Trumpet 1980-1985 "Val has dedicated decades of his time and energy to the betterment of the Alumni Band. Both behind the scenes and in front facing roles. He constantly sells merchandise for the alumni band to help fundraise, organizes the jackets for homecoming events, and helps to source alumni playing opportunities. Val passionately shares his love of music and his love of band. He also makes sure to interact with younger members of both the undergraduate band and the community band. His interactions with the students show the joy you can have participating as an alumni." |
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2023 - Randy Smith Trombone 1972-1977 "Randy Smith, along with other devoted band alumni, founded the UC Band Alumni Association (UCBAA) in 1978 as a way to bring together former members of the Bearcat Bands. He never stopped providing his talents and generosity to UC and the Bearcat Bands as a UCBAA Governor, UC Foundation Trustee, Band Announcer, and steadfast alumnus." |