Building Named in Honor of Woodford and Harriett Porter

The College of Education and Human Development now is housed in the Woodford R. and Harriett B. Porter Building - so named Sept. 21 in a public ceremony that drew community leaders and friends of the Porters to campus. 

The Porters were entrepreneurs, community leaders, philanthropists and lifelong supporters of education at all levels. They especially were supporters of the University of Louisville.

"Woody and Harriett understood that a college education does more than build a brighter future for graduates; it also builds a better, stronger community," UofL President James Ramsey said.  

One of the university's most prominent scholarships — the Woodford R. Porter Scholarship — was named for him in the 1980s. Both Porters were supportive of the Society of Porter Scholars. The program provides monetary, academic, social and leadership support.  "Without education there is no future and without Mr. Porter's dream my future would not be as promising," said Marcus Blakeney, a senior education major and Porter Scholar. "I'm honored to be a Porter Scholar and education major."