News

The fall 2015 incoming freshman class could already be defined as UofL's "best class ever," and classes have yet to begin. This may not be the biggest freshman class (record held by last year's freshman class), but of the 2,825 incoming students who have enrolled thus far, 149 are already sophomores and another 22 are up to junior status - a new record for UofL.

From Mark Hebert in UofL Today:

“For the past few years, more than half of our incoming students have college credit before they get here,” said Jenny Sawyer, executive director of admissions at UofL. “It’s a national trend and due, in part, to the success of high schools and universities working together to boost college readiness.”

Sawyer said 30 credit hours is a general guideline for sophomore status and the university’s early college programs and partnerships with schools in Bullitt, Oldham and Jefferson counties are having a positive impact. University officials also reported that incoming students had an average ACT score of 25.5, the highest in the institution’s history and well above the national average of 21.

Incoming class of 2019:

  • 55 percent have some college credit
  • 149 will enter as sophomores
  • 22 will enter as juniors
  • 82 percent are Kentucky residents
  • 37 percent are from Jefferson County
  • 23 percent are students of color (includes international students)
  • 37 U.S. states and territories, other than Kentucky, are represented

Students begin to move in today, August 19, and classes begin Monday, August 24. We are looking forward to another great school year with an talented freshman class - There is No Better Time To Be A Louisville Cardinal!

"It's Happening Here," is more than just a slogan or a phrase - it is definitive of the University of Louisville as a whole! UofL is constantly developing, changing, building-on, and striving for more. Here at UofL, we seek to give our students the absolute best experience they can have, while gaining an immeasurably valuable college education.

The University of Louisville, in conjunction with Diversity Recruitment of the Office of Admissions, and the LGBT Center, will host Cardinal OUTlook Day on Saturday, April 25. This event is geared towards all high school students who either identify as LGBTQ or are allies of the LBGTQ community. Join us to become more acquainted with UofL's campus, and learn more about UofL's LGBTQ services on campus: Register here.

Brian Buford, Assistant Provost for Diversity and LGBT Center Director, shares about the growth of the LGBT Center and community at UofL:

Ever since the University of Louisville’s LGBT Center opened in 2007 and I came on board as its director, I’ve made it a little game to see how many ways I can come up with that UofL has been the first to do something, and I gotta tell you…my list is getting long! We were the first school in Kentucky to open a LGBT Center, thanks to the hard work of some student activists and the administrative support we had from our President, Provost, and the chief diversity officer. Around the same time, we were the first school in the country (like the whole United States!) to endow a faculty chair in LGBT studies and soon started offering the state’s first LGBT minor.

The list goes on and on: first public school in the South to get a perfect five-star rating on the Campus Pride LGBT Campus Climate Index, first LGBT-themed housing community, first LGBT study abroad program. I tell you, it’s obvious to me that UofL is the best school around for anyone who wants to promote an inclusive, welcoming climate for LGBT people. Whether you’re part of the queer community or not, a school that supports LGBT people is probably good at a whole lot of other things as well!

 

Now, we’re anticipating another first; April 25, we’ll be the first school to host a campus visit day for LGBT high school students! We are calling it Cardinal OUTLook Day (get it?) and it’s a partnership between the LGBT Center and the Diversity Recruitment folks to show off all these firsts and convince students that this is the school for them. We’ll even host a special lunch conversation for parents, to answer questions and make sure that they know how serious we are about our commitment.

Know someone who should be there? Tell them to RSVP and be part of something groundbreaking!

— Brian Buford, Assistant Provost for Diversity and LGBT Center Director

February 5, 2015:

Today the University of Louisville received its largest gift ever to the Cardinal Covenant program, which aides eligible low-income students by covering the cost of their tuition, room, board and books. The donation of $1.5 million comes from Drs. Robert and Joyce Hughes, UofL School of Medicine alums.


"Joyce and I strongly believe in education and knowledge as the greatest gift in life," said Dr. Robert Hughes.  "We want to make that gift possible for as many students, present and future, as we can."

Two current UofL Cardinal Covenant students, Anna Brashear and Casey Sanders, spoke during the announcement, genuinely thanking the Hughes for their generosity and support. The each shared about their backgrounds and experiences in the Cardinal Covenant program.

“It was always my dream to become a college student. When I was little, no one had to tell me [to go to college], it’s just what I’ve always wanted to do,” said Casey, who is a sophomore. Casey went on to note that he is the first in his family to even consider going to college, and has become a role model for his younger brother.

The university will also use $500,000 from a previous unrest
ricted gift from the late Owsley Brown Frazier to match the Hughes' donation.

 

"This is an incredible gift which will extend the reach of the Cardinal Covenant program to many more students who never dreamed they'd have a chance to obtain a college degree," said UofL President James Ramsey.

The Cardinal Covenant program began in 2007, responding to the challenge for low-income Kentucky families to send their students to college. 180 Cardinal Covenant students have graduated, while there are 278 current students participating in the program. Learn more about Cardinal Covenant.

Jeremiah Chapman, Woodford R. Porter Scholar and 2012 UofL graduate of the Speed School of Engineering, has been chosen as one of Forbes Magazine's 30 Under 30, "a celebration of millennials who are out to change the world with innovations, energy and persistence.”

The prestigious award includes 600 men and women under the age of 30 across the country from various categories; Champman, 24, was honored amongst 29 other young professionals in the Manufacturing & Industry category. Chapman, a duPont Manual High School grad and Louisville native, pushed through less than ideal circumstances growing up and as a student to become the highly successful and innovative engineer he is today.

Grace Schneider of The Courier-Journal, details more of Jeremiah's story:

"Youngest of four, Chapman's great grandmother kept the family together at 18th Street and Algonquin Parkway in western Louisville. Their father was never around, and their mother came and went, Chapman and his sister said.

'We all knew we had to pull our own weight,' Xavia Chapman recalled, and that meant passing cash from part-time jobs to pay for household expenses.

Chapman worked as a ride operator at Kentucky Kingdom two summers, then rode two buses to reach Target in Jefferson Mall, where he earned $6.25 an hour at night after school and on weekends. To avoid standing out as the poor kid at duPont Manual High, he said, he ordered clothes on eBay. A guidance counselor looking at his mediocre record of B's and C's early in his junior year asked him if he expected to go to college.

'You're going to have turn it around to earn a scholarship,' Bryan Crady, now vice principal at YPAS, told him.

That lit a fire. His grade point average jumped 1.5 points and when he scored a 5, the top grade, on an Advanced Placement biology final, his confidence soared. 'That was when I changed my perspective,' he said. Using a Woodford R. Porter Scholarship, an award for African-American students, he entered U of L's Speed School, one of the university's most demanding undergraduate tracks.

The full ride, worth an estimated $48,000, was supplemented with $12,000 from the National Society of Black Engineers. The group awards designated funds to support a black Speed student who demonstrates academic excellence and financial need.

To pay for living expenses, Chapman worked as a resident assistant. There he met Frommeyer, a fellow RA two years his senior. Juggling a chemical engineering load, with labs, reports and 3 a.m. calls at the dorm nearly forced Chapman to drop out during his sophomore year.

'I would just always fall behind," he said, but leaving school seemed far worse. 'I felt like it would be quitting, and I was good at school.'"

Chapman is now the founder of Crisp, a company that manufactures FreshFy, a tool used in deep fryers to extend the life of oil and thus help restaurants reduce costs. His company was recently the recipient of Louisville's Vogt Award.

Read more about Jeremiah's accomplishments after graduation, specifically in manufacturing for the restaurant industry in Louisville. Learn more about the Woodford R. Porter Scholarship at UofL. We are very proud of Jeremiah and congratulate him on his successes, while we look forward to his future innovations and advancements for the city of Louisville!

Kristi fondly flashes back to her four-year-old self, sitting in stands at Papa Johns Cardinal Stadium during one of the many UofL football games her family has faithfully attended since she was a child (and before, her dad and grandfather’s are former UofL football players). It was a homecoming game, and the king and queen were being crowned on the field. “I want to go on the field! How can I be out there?” she questioned her mom? Mrs. Knop explained to her young daughter that Kristi would have to go through school, get accepted into college, choose to attend UofL, and become involved on campus. 17 short years later, that dream is a stunning reality for senior nursing student, Kristi Knop.

Fast forward to October 18, 2014, and Kristi kept warm with a big red and black scarf paired with her dress and heels, standing the Louisville Cardinal’s football field during halftime of the N.C. State game as her name was called over the PA system, crowning her as Homecoming Queen. So what happened in between, that led the 4-year-old dreamer to her senior year at the University of Louisville?

“I grew up in Louisville and went to Sacred Heart. My dad and grandfather’s went to UofL and played football. I always wanted to go to UofL.” Kristi recounts her college decision process as a highschooler at Sacred Heart. “At one point, my friends [and I] were all saying, ‘let’s get away, let’s go away for college.’

“But then it kinda of hit me, why would I go anywhere but UofL?”

Kristi first officially visited UofL as a prospective student during Accolade, a special campus preview event for academically talented students.

“I came to Accolade and thought, this place is awesome.” The rest is history. Kristi is a great ambassador for the school, constantly praising the diverse culture of the city surrounding the university, along with her constant appreciation for the “family” like culture UofL exudes.

“ Freshman Orientation makes a big difference. It creates that big family feel at UofL ..."

“Freshman Orientation makes a big difference. It creates that big family feel at UofL, from the very start.” Knop went on to be selected as an SOSer, student orientation leader, the summer before her senior year. SOSer’s spend the entire spring before summer Orientation preparing to welcome the new freshman, and then live on campus all summer, leading incoming freshman in 10 Orientation sessions throughout the summer.

At UofL, you’re not just a number. You just have to reach out a little bit, meet UofL halfway, and the university makes you feel so special. As an SOSer, I’ve had freshman come back and tell me “We felt like Louisville was our home after Orientation, not just another new freshman.”

When asked her favorite thing about Louisville as a city, Knop couldn’t single out just one thing.

“The city - I am obsessed with Louisville! Hook-line-sinker.”

“There are so many things [Louisville] offers. It’s so diverse. These days, colleges are trying to sell diversity; UofL doesn’t have to. It’s a fun, diverse city; you can be downtown, in the suburbs, NuLu (New Louisville), and then out in the country, all within miles.”

In addition to being an SOSer her senior year, Kristi will graduate with her nursing degree in Spring 2015. Knop is also a member of Chi-Omega, serving as the sisterhood chair. The Chi-O house on campus is one of her favorite spots at UofL. “It’s my home [for the past 3 years], I have so many fun memories there. I also love the Stansbury fountains – sometimes I run though there when I’m on a run. It’s beautiful!”

“ The city - I am obsessed with Louisville! ”

In a fairy-tale sort of storybook ending, Kristi will treasure her experience as a UofL undergrad student, perfectly capped off with a walk across the field that brisk October evening as the 2014 Homecoming queen. She hopes to remain in her favorite city, Louisville, after graduation, to pursue her nursing career.

“The feelings and culture surrounding UofL have been progressing and changing even since I started here [at UofL]. It’s such an a good college experience.”

Happy Homecoming, Cardinals! As part of this year’s homecoming week, building up to the UofL Homecoming football game versus N.C. State, the University of Louisville Alumni Association Homecoming festivities will include a parade!  After a 15-year hiatus, the return of the parade is an exciting addition to the week of fun.  The parade begins at 6 p.m. on Friday, October 17, at Cardinal Towne.  Visit uoflalumni.org for more details on the family-friendly fun. Go Cards!

Sept. 9, 2014

President James Ramsey, along with University Provost Shirley Willihnganz, VP for Health Affairs David Dunn and VP for Research and Innovation William Pierce, shared new safety measures taken to increase safety on and near UofL’s ever-growing campus.

“The safety of our community is of the highest priority.  And while our crime statistics are relatively low compared to other universities, any incident in which people are hurt is one too many.”

UofL has hired four additional police and four additional security officers to increase police patrolling around both the Belknap (main) and Health Sciences Center campuses at night. Additionally, UofL will expand its shuttle service and hours to include trips from key campus locations to affiliated housing and some off-campus areas where students live.  Student Government and the UofL Police Department are identifying “L-Trail” safe walking areas on our campuses that will be particularly well-lit and patrolled to enhance security along these routes.

The Office of the President also offered key safety tips and precautions to keep in mind as a college student on campus:

  • Walk with a group of people, and if walking to a parking lot, do not the leave the area until everyone is safely in their vehicle.
    • Remain alert and watchful for suspicious activity, especially two or more people just hanging around.
    • If you sense something wrong, leave the area immediately.
    • While in the residence halls, keep your security doors locked and don’t allow strangers in your room.
    • Finally, for any who are concerned about traveling at night, use our escort service that is available from our on-campus facilities to residences within four blocks of campus. Last year, we provided more than 7,000 escorts to students, faculty and staff.  Simply call 852-6111 for an escort.

The university has already increased safety efforts following several incidents this summer, including patrols around the Health Sciences Center by University Hospital security. The Housing Office and The Grove hired security guards to patrol the housing corridor from The Grove to Cardinal Towne during late-night hours.

A new safety communication campaign is being developed that will utilize posters, flyers and other media, including electronic media, to convey safety information to students.

“So we will stay diligent in our efforts. And we’re asking you to alert the UofL Police or LMPD to any suspicious activity. Working together, we can ensure a safe environment for our students, faculty, staff and guests,” the President’s message said.

Additional ideas related to campus safety are encouraged to be sent to: Cmoffice@louisville.edu.

 

Rising Junior and Kentucky native Allen Rakotoniaina was completely set on going to college out-of-state.

"My SOSer did such a great job during Orientation. It made me look forward to the next chapter in my life.”

When Allen made his campus visit to UofL, he had only lukewarm feelings,  and had not made his mind up about which college to attend. His older sister already attended to UofL so he decided to give it a chance.

“UofL was my safety school… but [eventually] I decided to attend UofL because it offered the most scholarship money. It was also a bigger school than the others I was looking at, giving me the opportunity to meet new people.”

But once he attended freshman orientation, he was definitely excited about being a Louisville Cardinal.

“My SOSer did such a great job during Orientation. It made me look forward to the next chapter in my life.”

Allen’s excitement towards being a Cardinal escalated as his freshman year drew closer.

“The strong, positive feelings for UofL came during Welcome Week [UofL’s first week of classes, with special events and programs welcoming new students]. I realized how nice and welcoming people are [at UofL].”

Allen graduated from Owensboro Catholic High School, in his hometown of Owensboro, Ky.  Louisville is only about two and a half hours from home, so he’s far enough away to have independence, but close enough to go visit when he wants.  He is very involved on campus at UofL, and if a Public Health major with a minor in Political Science doesn’t keep Allen busy, then all of the different organizations that he works with sure do.

“The more involved you get at UofL, the better you will [enjoy] your time here. Your grades will be better.”

Find Allen around campus:
-Student Orientation Staff
-Cardinal Ambassador
-Sigma Chi Fraternity- Secretary
-RaiseRED Executive Board
-CAPS Leaders

Helping Hands Serving Hearts, a service organization,  is something that Allen helped start with other UofL students.

“We go out to the elderly community and help them with daily activities to make their life more comfortable.”

Allen is particularly excited about RaiseRED, UofL’s dance marathon to raise money for the Pedatric Oncology unit at UofL Hospital for this upcoming year.

“Last year was a huge year. We raised over $150,000. We have a goal for this year of 1,000 dancers and $300k! It’s going to be fun because it has so much potential.”

Allen has big future plans as well. He wants to get a master’s degree in Public Health and is still on the fence about law school.  As far as his career plans after college, Allen is aiming for the stars.

“For the longest time, I wanted to be a policy analyst for the FDA. I recently went to a conference for my fraternity in Utah. We went to Huntsman Cancer Institute, and I realized that I’m interested in hospital administration. I would be a cooler version of the character Lisa Cuddy [from House].”

In Allen’s spare time, he loves to take advantage of all of his favorite things around Louisville.

"Come in with an open mind. College is what you make of it, and UofL is a family.”

“I love the entertainment part of Louisville. There are so many free events like Waterfront Wednesday and concerts on Fourth Street Live! downtown. Things are super inexpensive, if not free, so you will always have something to do. Derby is a blast and I love Downs After Dark at Churchill Downs during the summer, too.”

Allen shares some advice for students potentially interested in UofL.

“Anybody that is looking at UofL, to transfer, or as a freshman, don’t count UofL out  of your decision process if you’re an in-state student. Come in with an open mind. College is what you make of it, and UofL is a family.”

“I never thought I would go to UofL." That was Morgan Cooksey's, rising senior at UofL, first opinion of the University of Louisville. "My parents both went [to UofL]. I grew up a Cards fan, so I only looked at athletics when is came to the UofL."

Morgan was born and raised here in Louisville, graduating from Louisville Male High School.  The University of Louisville was never on Morgan’s radar when applying to colleges, but when it came time for Morgan to start looking at schools, her parents made sure she took a campus tour.

"I was blown away by all of the green space, residence life, and student involvement opportunities.”

“My campus tour put UofL in a whole new light for me. I saw all of the awesome qualities about it that I now love. I was blown away by all of the green space, residence life, and student involvement opportunities.” Along with her campus tour, Morgan was also impressed with the scholarship opportunities at UofL, which led her to a final decision that she would be a Louisville Cardinal.

“Scholarship opportunities made it possible for me… I didn’t want to be in debt. Staying in Louisville also helped me understand my hometown in a whole new way I love the diverse community."

Morgan’s favorite spot in Louisville is the waterfront.  “I love to run, watch concerts, kayak in the Ohio and enjoy the scenery. Also, if you sneak across the river you can get an amazing view of the skyline at night. Louisville is beautiful!”

 

After taking the plunge and starting at UofL, Morgan has more than busied herself becoming involved the Louisville’s campus and community in her three short years as a student. Morgan is a Harlan

"Louisville has a small town feel in a big city.”

Scholar, a non-monetary scholarship program that guarantees entrance to UofL’s Brandeis School of Law after undergrad. On top of her academic studies, Morgan has held positions on the Student Activites Board (SAB) including, is currently Services Vice President of the Student Government Association (SGA), a member of Delta Zeta, Student Orientation Leader, and Kentucky Derby Princess 2014!

UofL has been the perfect outlet for Morgan’s has a passion for student involvement.

“Student Activities Board was a great outlet for me to channel into event programming. When you see an event’s success, and students enjoying themselves, it’s an awesome feeling.”

Student Government Association has also allowed Morgan to leave a lasting impact on the University. She has been elected Service Vice President for the upcoming school year.

“I know that what I’m doing now [with SGA] isn’t going to be something I benefit from myself, but to see the results as an alum, and how much how the university will benefit from our work – it makes all of the hard work worth it. It’s why I love doing what I do.”

New Student Orientation has been something Morgan has developed a passion for as well while at UofL, serving as a Student Orientation Staff member.

“Students are always super quiet at the first meeting on the first day [of Orientation], but by the last day, they are leaving so excited to start college. The relationship developed with the new students is so rewarding.”


“I want to say ‘yes’ to everything! I want to cherish all of my time left here as an undergrad."

What’s in store for Morgan’s future? As a rising senior, she wants to take advantage of every opportunity put in front of her. “I want to say ‘yes’ to everything! I want to cherish all of my time left here as an undergrad. If one of my friends wants to go on a random road trip, I’m going.” She is studying to take the LSAT soon and getting ready for Service VP in SGA. “I can’t wait to be a mentor and leave an impact on students.”

Morgan, who is planning on attending to Law school, is interested in the joint graduate program in Law and Education. “It’s where I want to go to get where I need to be,” she said of her future in Law school. “I’m passionate about leadership and students. I know I don’t want to sit behind a desk for the rest of my life. Whether I work in education policy or in the government, I know that what I want out of life, won’t come from sitting behind a desk all day.”

While reluctant to actually graduate, Morgan is excited to see all of the additions and achievements the university will continue to gain in the future.

“Just seeing everything that has happened so far, while I’ve been in school here, is crazy. UofL has a bright future.”