Success Through Integrity at the University of Cincinnati
The Character Council was honored to be part of the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute’s course, “2628 Character (Truth or Lies): Imagining a Better World,” offered through the University of Cincinnati’s College of Cooperative Education and Professional Studies and led by Ralph Brueggemann, Professor – Adjunct Emeritus with the UC College of Engineering and Applied Science.
Mary Andres Russell lead an engaging and thoughtful presentation of Success Through Integrity. Through meaningful discussion, reflection exercises, and interactive activities, Mary helped participants explore the role character plays in shaping our choices, relationships, leadership, and long-term success.
The Success Through Integrity seminar is built around a simple but powerful idea: character is the foundation of personal success, leadership, relationships, and professional excellence.
Character can be understood as the enduring integration of guiding principles and deeply held values that shape how we think, act, and respond—especially when no one is watching.
While technical knowledge and “hard skills” are important, lasting success requires much more. Qualities such as integrity, self-control, diligence, honesty, gratitude, generosity, respect, purpose, and strong interpersonal skills influence how effectively we work with others, respond to challenges, and build trust.
One of the central ideas explored during the seminar was the progression from thought to character: Thoughts influence words. Words influence actions. Actions become habits. Habits shape character—and character helps shape our future.
Participants were encouraged to consider their own strengths and opportunities for growth, intentionally practice one character quality at a time, strengthen habits such as attentive listening and gratitude, and make integrity and ethical behavior part of everyday life.
The message of Success Through Integrity is ultimately one of possibility. Character is not something we either have or do not have. It can be intentionally strengthened through reflection, consistent practice, and the choices we make each day.
When we invest in character, we build stronger relationships, earn greater trust, become more effective leaders, and create opportunities for meaningful personal and professional growth.
We appreciate the OLLI students for their thoughtful participation and the University of Cincinnati for creating space for conversations that challenge us to imagine—and help build—a better world through character.
