History that inspires

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Cincinnati is a city built by upstanders—a community where courage, compassion, and positive change come to life. Join us for the 2025 Upstander Awards on June 22 at 6 p.m., as we honor the individuals who embody these values and make our city stronger.

This unforgettable gala-style celebration takes place in the iconic rotunda of historic Union Terminal, featuring a three-course meal, live music, dancing, interactive art experiences, and an inspiring awards ceremony that uplifts stories of resilience, action, and impact.

We’re honored to welcome Jesse Eisenberg—Academy Award–nominated actor, writer, and director—as the celebrity host of the evening. Eisenberg’s latest film, A Real Pain, explores grief, memory, and generational trauma through the story of two cousins traveling to Poland to honor their grandmother, a Holocaust survivor. The film premiered at the 2024 Sundance Film Festival, where it won the Waldo Salt Screenwriting Award, and was later released by Searchlight Pictures to widespread acclaim. Eisenberg received a BAFTA Award for Best Original Screenplay and an Academy Award nomination for his work.

His deeply personal storytelling and commitment to exploring historical memory align powerfully with the mission of the Nancy & David Wolf Holocaust & Humanity Center—making his presence at the Upstander Awards both timely and meaningful.

Be part of a night that showcases why Cincinnati is a place where upstanders rise together. Let’s come together to honor their impact and build an even brighter, more compassionate future.

Festive formal attire is recommended. Valet parking is included in the ticket price. Ticket sales end on June 13.

Standard Meal – Catered by SSA

Starter

• Mixed Green Salad
  Fresh greens with cherry tomatoes and cucumber, served with a balsamic vinaigrette.

Entrée Options (choose one)

• Chicken Supreme
  Herb-roasted chicken breast served with mashed potatoes, haricot verts, and a rich mushroom cream sauce.
• Bourbon-Glazed Salmon
  A tender fillet glazed with bourbon reduction, accompanied by a rice and quinoa blend and a medley of summer squash.

Dessert

• Dessert Assortment

Kosher Meal – Provided by Café Alma

(Vegan, Vegetarian, and Gluten-Free)

Starter

• Harvest Salad
  Mixed greens with roasted sweet potatoes, beetroot, cherry tomatoes, shredded carrots, and toasted pumpkin seeds, dressed with an agave mustard vinaigrette.

Entrée

• Mujadara Plate
  A warm and satisfying dish featuring spiced lentils, quinoa, and jasmine rice with chickpeas, roasted sweet potatoes, broccoli, and a marinated tofu steak.

Dessert

• Dessert Assortment

Kick off your morning with the Upstander 5K on June 29, 2025, at 8:30 a.m., taking runners and walkers on a scenic route through the West End. This year, we’re honored to welcome Kathrine Switzer, the first woman to officially register and run the Boston Marathon, as our honorary Dr. Al Miller Race Marshal. Switzer, a trailblazer in women’s athletics and a global advocate for social change, will lead the race and speak at 10 a.m. in Reakirt Auditorium following the 5K.

After the race, stick around for a vibrant community celebration outside Union Terminal, featuring live music, family activities, post-race snacks, and a casual pickleball tournament.

The 2025 John and Julie Cohen Upstander Family Day will feature an exciting lineup of community partners and engaging activities for all ages. Highlights include a one-woman performance of Jacqueline and the Beanstalk by The Children’s Theatre, an interactive “craftivity” with the Cincinnati Art Museum, face painting by Emily Jonas, therapy animals from Pet Partners of Greater Cincinnati, and a special appearance by acclaimed illustrator, product designer, toy creator, and author Suzy Ultman.

Additional activities include friendship bracelet making, a guided Upstander Tour, bouquet making at our character strengths flower cart, Sniff, Sniff, Hooray! An Upstander Storytime & Sweet Scents Activity, the Strengths Superheroes photo booth, and a chance to practice podcasting with the Cynthia & Harold Guttman Family Center for Storytelling.

Then, head indoors to continue your day of inspiration! Explore upstander-themed activities and experiences throughout the Children’s Museum, Cincinnati History Museum, the Museum of Natural History and Science, and the Nancy & David Wolf Holocaust & Humanity Center. All 5K participants receive free admission to Union Terminal museums.

This day of action and community is presented in partnership with FC Cincinnati, Fleet Feet, Girls on the Run of Cincinnati, and Cincinnati Museum Center.

Join us for a powerful day of resilience, remembrance, and standing up for what matters.

Register now by clicking the yellow button or visit this page!

After crossing the finish line of the Upstander 5K, continue your day of inspiration with Trailblazer & Upstander: A Conversation with Boston Marathon Legend Kathrine 

Switzer, at 10 a.m. on Sunday, June 29, in Reakirt Auditorium at Union Terminal.

Switzer made history in 1967 as the first woman to officially register and run the Boston Marathon—defying odds, challenging norms, and igniting a global movement for gender equity in sports. Her courage in the face of adversity has inspired generations to take action and stand up for what’s right.

In this compelling conversation, Switzer will reflect on her groundbreaking journey, the power of resilience, and what it means to be an upstander—on and off the racecourse.

This event is part of the Upstander 5K and Family Day, presented by the Nancy & David Wolf Holocaust & Humanity Center as part of the Cohen Family Upstander Month.

When: Sunday, June 29, 2025 | 10:00 a.m.
Where: Reakirt Auditorium at Union Terminal, Cincinnati, OH

Free with race registration only. Seating is first-come, first-served. This event is brought to you in partnership with Fleet Feet, Cincinnati Museum Center, and Girls on the Run of Cincinnati.

About Kathrine Switzer

An iconic athlete, author, Emmy-award winning broadcaster and advocate for
sports and social causes, Kathrine Switzer was the first woman to officially
register and run the Boston Marathon in 1967. She was attacked in the race by an
angry official who tried to rip off her bib number (#261) and throw her out of the
race because she was a woman. She finished the 26.2 mile distance anyway and
went on win the 1974 New York City Marathon and to champion women in the
sport globally, most notably leading the drive to make the women’s marathon an
official Olympic event in 1984. Now, 58% of all runners in the USA are women.
To celebrate this social revolution, and to support another on active aging,
Switzer ran the Boston Marathon again, at age 70, on the 50th anniversary of her
iconic run, finishing only 24 minutes slower than she did when she was 20. This
run launched her non-profit ‘261 Fearless’ –named after that famous bib
number–which empowers women globally though running. She has been
honored widely for her achievements including being inducted into the USA
National Women’s Hall of Fame which recognized her for creating positive social
change throughout her storied career.