This Is It
Donations to the Rich Walburg Media scholarship can be made online at dayofgiving.uc.edu.
Please write "Rich Walburg" in the memo line. Raising a glass, playing a favorite song, and sharing a good story are the best ways way to remember a friend. On April 1, friends and colleagues gathered for “Rich Walburg Day” at The Holy Grail Tavern and Grille to do all of that, along with raising money for a scholarship in Walburg’s name.
During the happy hour event, Holy Grail donated a percentage of all buckets of beer sold, with “Be Kind” shirts from Cincy Shirts available for sale, and proceeds going to the scholarship fund. In all more than $500 was raised during the happy hour event.
A special guest at the event was this year's winner of the Rich Walburg Scholarship, Anna Weidner, and her parents, Caroline and John Weidner.
As a dedicated student in the Media Production program and general manager of Bearcast Media, Weidner has immersed herself in creative scholarship and leadership opportunities that prepared her for her next steps.
This past fall, Anna organized an event through Bearcast Media that honored Walburg’s legacy. Working with his wife, Cindy, and his co-workers from Game Day, the club distributed 300 “Be Kind” shirts to students, encouraging them to express their creativity. The overwhelming response to the event reinforced how Walburg’s message of kindness and professionalism continues to unite and inspire creatives in the community.
As she enters her senior year, Weidner is preparing to write and direct her capstone, a short film that will showcase her personal writing style while integrating the academic learning she has gained at the University of Cincinnati.
Walburg was a beloved figure in local media, passed away in January, 2022. Throughout his career, he worked at WLW-AM, Q102, Kings Island, Cincinnati USA Regional Chamber, the National MS Society's Ohio Valley Chapter, and Game Day Communications. He was renowned for his quick wit, love of puns, and incredible professionalism.