It was all about awards and talent in a benefit double-header Thursday at Cincinnati's two largest universities.

        Talent — more than should be legal — was the theme at UC's College-Conservatory of Music, where Friends of CCM threw its annual Senior Showcase Gala — the one where seniors in the Musical Theater program show off material they'll be taking to New York for auditions.

        Money raised goes to fund student travel, faculty projects and special shows.

        About 250 artsy A-listers — Patricia Corbett, Sylvia Benjamin, David Herriman, Mary Ellen Cody, John Harrison, Jeff Thomas, Joni Herschede, Barbara Hahn, Patrick Korb, Mel and Trish Bryan, Bill and Joanie Lotts — paid $50 for the show, then met the 14 seniors, sipped wine and munched deli food provided by caterer Mr. Thomas.

        Talent was also the topic of conversation afterward. Or, as Ms. Herschede said, “Every year I think they can't get better. Every year they do.”

        Meanwhile, at Xavier University's Cintas Center, it was all hugs and handshakes when Su Casa Hispanic Ministry had its annual $50-a-plate awards gala.

        About 300 showed up to cheer Su Casa, a support agency for the Hispanic community, and to salute winners. Guests included Mayor Charlie Luken, Archbishop Daniel Pilarczyk, XU president the Rev. Michael Graham and guest speaker Cardinal Oscar Rodriguez, Archbishop of Tegucigalpa, Honduras.

        All of them cheering for:

        • Archie Bruun Rojo and his Cesar Chavez Award for a life of service, including 27 years with the Archdiocese of Cincinnati.

        • Maggie Krey's Community Award for work on housing issues within the Hispanic community.

        • Dr. Raquel Maymir, for counseling members of the community suffering alcoholism and other addictions, and for working with victims of rape, domestic abuse and childhood trauma.

        • And Gil Esparza, for service to the Northern Kentucky community.

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