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UC's President Ono Tells The University Goodbye

Ann Thompson
/
WVXU
Before the meeting Outgoing President Santa Ono was all smiles, but got emotional as he said goodbye.

During a brief farewell address to the University of Cincinnati Board of Trustees, Tuesday morning, President Santa Ono teared up, saying, "It's been an extremely meaningful time for me and my family and it's not going to be easy to say goodbye."

Ono is headed to the University of British Columbiaand told board members he couldn't speak very long or he would become too emotional. He thanked administrators, faculty and students for "An amazing six years together." He served four years as president and before that was provost and senior vice president for Academic Affairs.

"It's been an honor and privilege to serve you," Ono lamented, and urged the board of trustees to continue to "move this institution forward."

Ono said earlier this month he thinks the UBC opening is a once in a lifetime opportunity, and is leaving because he believes UC is on sound footing.

He will become the Canadian university's 15th president.

Ono's eldest daughter is enrolled as a UC freshman this fall.

Ann Thompson has decades of journalism experience in the Greater Cincinnati market and brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to her reporting.