Those “Tech Sundays,” as they came to be known, helped Martin reach graduation this May at age 81 and helped Martin‑Galijatovic push through the final stretch of an equally demanding doctoral program.

This spring, the mother daughter pair will graduate from the University of Louisville, just one day apart. Martin will receive a bachelor of science in , along with minors in business administration and humanities. Martin‑Galijatovic will earn a doctor of social work from the . She also serves as director of faculty affairs at UofL and part-time faculty at the Kent School.��

Their shared academic journey was unplanned but deeply connected.

Martin‑Galijatovic returned to school first, enrolling in the doctoral program in fall 2022 during a period of major transition for their family. That year, Martin’s husband and Martin‑Galijatovic’s father had died, prompting reflection. With her children grown and out of the house, Martin‑Galijatovic decided it was finally time to pursue the degree.

“I always wanted to do this,” Martin‑Galijatovic said. “It was a very difficult program and difficult from the aspect of it was so long.” 

For Martin, watching her daughter navigate doctoral coursework encouraged her own journey.  

“We talk a lot and you know, she would say, ‘Oh I’m so busy. I’m just so under pressure and all that.’ And I said, ‘Look, you can do it. You’re a smart girl, you’re going to do it. There’s no question about it, just stick to it.’ And she did! I’m so proud of her.” 

In early 2023, Martin contacted UofL to ask whether returning to school was even possible. She has earned college credit from various universities over the years but never completed the path for a full degree.��

The answer was yes.

With the help of academic advisors, Martin learned she needed only four additional courses to graduate. She completed most of them online, all except for one class on campus where Martin‑Galijatovic, whose office was nearby, would meet her in the parking garage and walk her to class.

“I didn’t know where to go and she would show me,” Martin said. “Once I learned I could do it myself, I knew if I needed anything she was here to help me.” 

As Martin‑Galijatovic balanced full‑time work, leadership responsibilities and the final stages of her doctoral research, the motivation flowed both ways. When her energy faltered, she thought of her mother.

“Universities are so different than they were back even when I went to undergrad,” she said. “So, I just kept thinking about my mom, if she can do this at the age of 81 and graduate, I certainly at the age of 57 can finish this program.” 

Martin‑Galijatovic’s hooding ceremony is scheduled for May 8 at the L&N Arena, followed by Martin’s commencement May 9 at the KFC Yum! Center. With leading into Mother’s Day, the achievements have blended into a large family celebration.��

For both Susan and Ramie, the experience affirmed something they now say with certainty: At UofL, students of any age, at any stage of life, can succeed.

“We just went through it together,” Martin said.

And together, they will celebrate the finish line they crossed side by side.��

More than 2,000 students who applied for degrees and certificates are expected to participate in commencement ceremonies on Saturday, May 9, at the KFC Yum! Center, with two separate sessions at 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. Ready will speak at both ceremonies.

In a conversation with UofL News leading up to commencement, Ready reflected on his journey as a first-generation student, the experiences at UofL that shaped him and why returning as commencement speaker is especially meaningful.

UofL News: You’ve previously stated that stepping onto UofL’s campus was the moment you felt like you had “made it” as the first in your family to go to college. What did the UofL represent to you then, and what does it mean to return now as the commencement speaker?

Ready: As a first-generation college student, just getting there felt significant. I didn’t come with some big, polished vision of what my career would be. I just knew that being on campus meant that I had an opportunity that my family and I had worked really hard for and I wanted to make the most of it.

Coming back now as commencement speaker is really special because my time at UofL was truly transformative for me as I know it is for all the students. Graduation is one of those moments where you’re proud of what you’ve done, but you’re also standing right at the edge of a lot of unknowns and a lot of opportunity. To be invited back to be a part of that moment with all of these students is truly an honor.

UofL News: As a first-generation college student, how did your time at UofL shape your confidence and expand your sense of what was possible?

Ready: Confidence didn’t come from walking onto campus already knowing I belonged. In fact, I probably had a bit of imposter syndrome and wasn’t sure if I would make it. But little by little, I learned that I could handle more than I thought and I figured out that there were plenty of other people that were figuring it out as they went just like me.

I came from a family that valued hard work deeply. My parents encouraged me to do my best, but there wasn’t a roadmap for what a career like mine could look like. Silicon Valley and the tech world weren’t part of the environment I grew up in – I didn’t even know how to use a computer when I arrived on campus.

That’s one reason UofL mattered so much. It opened the aperture on what was possible and exposed me to people and opportunities that I couldn’t have imagined before. I also benefited from people who gave me nudges in the right direction – professors and mentors who saw something in me and challenged me to dream bigger. One professor, in particular, encouraged me to consider Harvard Business School, and that’s a great example of how important it is to have someone help you imagine a future you might not have imagined for yourself. And, sometimes all it takes is one person who sees something in you before you fully see it in yourself.

UofL News: Looking back, you’ve said some of the hardest moments in your life became the most character-building. Did you have any of those experiences during your time at UofL?

Ready: Absolutely. I think for a lot of first-generation students, one of the hardest parts of college is that you’re not just learning the material – you’re also learning the environment. You’re figuring out how to navigate a world that may feel very foreign, and you’re often doing that without the benefit of a family playbook for how college works. That can be challenging, but it can also be incredibly character-building.

While I was at UofL, I was working two or three jobs at a time along with fulltime coursework because I was terrified of taking on debt. There was a stretch where I would work second shift at a gas station or a call center depending on the night and then go work from midnight to 4 a.m. sorting packages at UPS.�� I had an 8 a.m. class – so, I’d sleep a few hours in my car on campus to save time from driving back to my apartment that was 45 minutes away and I’d shower at the gym at the student center.��

That felt really hard at the time but it actually gave me the motivation to take the leap with the first startup I was a part of. I wasn’t thinking I was going to be an entrepreneur, I was just thinking I could have one job instead of three. Later, it would be one of the best examples for me of how the toughest moments can also lead to growth that redefines what’s possible.

UofL News: We hear your connection to UofL is also personal – you met your spouse, Lucy, during your time here. How did that happen, and what memories from those days do you both still hold onto?

Ready: We met in high school but didn’t start dating until freshman year here at UofL. Lucy was a biology major – so we were actually on opposite sides of campus and neither of us realized that the other was going to college here. We randomly bumped into each other outside the student center one day and reconnected over how we were each working through the transition to college.��

We went to UofL in a time before cell phones were popular and we were on completely different schedules. We left notes on each other’s cars to communicate. I still have several of the notes she left for me. She’d often leave a few words of encouragement for me in those notes and her encouragement was a big part of what kept me going, especially in the toughest moments.

That chance encounter was certainly one of the most consequential of my life. We’ve now been together for nearly 30 years, and she’s been an amazing partner through all of life’s journeys. I don’t think any of it would have been possible without her.

UofL News: Many graduates today are stepping into a world that feels uncertain, whether that’s with AI, geopolitical tensions or the ever-changing job market. What advice would you give them about taking risks and moving forward when the path ahead isn’t clear?

Ready: It’s true that graduates today are entering a world that can feel uncertain. But in a lot of ways, uncertainty has always been part of any meaningful next step. The difference now is the pace of change, especially with AI and how quickly industries are evolving.

My advice is not to wait for the path ahead to become perfectly clear, because it rarely does. Instead, focus on building the skills and mindset that help you adapt. One of the most important things I’ve learned is that learning itself is a skill. The people who thrive are not the ones who have everything figured out on day one – they’re the ones who stay curious, keep growing and are willing to take thoughtful risks.

That’s especially true with AI. I think of AI as a tool, not a replacement for people – more in the passenger seat than the driver’s seat. Over time, it’s going to become table stakes for almost every job, much like email or the internet did for earlier generations. The key is not to fear it, but to learn how to use it well and responsibly.

All ceremonies will be broadcast live at . For more information on commencement, visit the .

Coming in at No. 31, the 11-semester, full-time  provides students with a strong foundation in the science and clinical practice of audiology, progressing from core coursework to advanced clinical specialties. Faculty emphasize evidence-based training through hands-on clinical experiences, interdisciplinary collaboration and research opportunities.

“We are so proud of our innovative curriculum that prepares students like no other program does. It’s rewarding to see those innovations being recognized and emulated by others,” said Shae Morgan, an associate professor and program director of the audiology program. “Our students get clinical and academic preparation at the top of the profession, and we’re thrilled to see that reflected in our increasing rank.”

Community engagement is a central part of the program’s training. Students lead initiatives such as an annual ‘Hear Camp’ for children with hearing loss, conduct community hearing screenings and participate regularly in events like MedFest Special Olympics and Walk4Hearing to promote healthy hearing in the Louisville community. Students also take part in regional and international service trips, including outreach in eastern Kentucky and collaborative clinical work with University of Kentucky students to Belize to perform hearing, speech and language evaluations.

Several other UofL graduate and professional programs also ranked among the nation’s top 50. These include  at No. 29,  at No. 39 and at No. 43. Additionally, two programs saw notable rises in this year’s rankings. The programs increased 22 spots to No. 124, while the  in the College of Business rose 23 places to No. 114.

All graduate school rankings are published in the 2026 edition of U.S. News & World Report. Graduate education at UofL provides over 130 graduate programs to approximately 5,800 graduate students. More information is available on the 

These historical markers are part of a program started in 1949 by the in partnership with community members. The program has installed over 2,400 markers throughout the commonwealth to share the state’s rich and complex history. Several of them can be found across UofL’s campuses, each commemorating influential people, pivotal events and the evolving identity of the university.

Learn more about the significance of six of them:

Louis D. Brandeis

• Location: Near the steps to the right of the east front entrance of the .
• Significance: This marker honors Louis D. Brandeis, a prominent lawyer and Supreme Court justice, who graduated from the UofL School of Law in 1875. He actively supported the rights of speech and assembly, consumer protection and women’s rights. The law school was renamed the Louis D. Brandeis School of Law in 1997.

Brandeis Burial Site

• Location: In front of the law school
• Significance: This marker commemorates the burial site of Louis D. Brandeis and his wife Alice Brandeis, a social activist who supported health care and education.

Founding of Jefferson Seminary

• Location: Off 3rd St. near Grawemeyer Hall 
• Significance: This marks the site of the original Jefferson Seminary, which evolved into the University of Louisville. April 3, 1798, is the university’s symbolic founding date. On this date, eight Louisvillians pledged financial support for a new school. The Louisville Medical Institute opened in 1837 and merged in 1846 with Louisville College, an outgrowth of Jefferson Seminary. A law school was added, and the new entity was named the University of Louisville in 1846.

Charles H. Parrish Jr.

• Location: In the courtyard between Gardiner and Gottschalk Halls.
• Significance: This marker honors Charles H. Parrish Jr., a noted sociologist and a lifelong civil rights activist, who became the first black professor at UofL when it became integrated. His work as an activist yielded friendships with many Civil Rights era luminaries.

Belknap Campus

• Location: On Third Street in front of Oppenheimer Hall.
• Significance: The University of Louisville’s Belknap Campus was originally the site of the Industrial School of Reform and House of Refuge, founded in 1860. During the Civil War, Union troops used the institution as barracks and parade ground. In 1923, the University of Louisville took over the property, including its original buildings, and named it the University campus. It was renamed the Belknap Campus in 1927 to honor its benefactor, William R. Belknap.

Gottschalk Hall

• Location: In front of the building.
• �������Ծ��ھ������Գ���:��The most recent addition to the historical markers at UofL. From its completion in 1894 until 1923, the building served as a dormitory for African American girls at the Louisville Industrial School of Reform. UofL acquired the building in 1923 for the chemistry department, then social sciences. Today, it is fittingly the home of the history department. The hall is named in honor of Louis Gottschalk, a distinguished historian of the French Revolution who was a valued member of the UofL history faculty from 1923 to 1927. Learn more

Her mom and younger brother, Carson, a fifth grader, had left for what she thought was a normal doctor’s appointment. Carson had recently joined his first tackle football team and kept telling his family, “It hurts when I get hit.” They teased him at first, but his insistence that “it hurts on the inside” sent him to a doctor and, later that day, the hospital.

Lasher didn’t know any of this. What she did know was that her grandmother picked her up from school – strange. Then her dad was already home – stranger. When she walked in the door, her family sat silently on the couch.

It would take three years and ultimately Carson’s passing before she fully understood the scope of his diagnosis. Carson had a rare germ cell tumor that fewer than 10 people had ever had worldwide.

Lasher holds tightly to her memories of Carson, the way a big sister does. She remembers his thick Southern accent, even though they were from Indiana, and how kind he was to his classmates. She even hopes parts of his personality live on in her, especially his sense of humor.

“I would never admit this to him, but he was really funny in a very sarcastic way,” she said. “Sometimes people pick up on my humor and say, ‘Oh, that’s really funny,’ but it’s not truly mine. I picked it up from him.”

The day Carson died, Lasher remembers when it was finally time to leave the hospital, her dad looked at her, lost.

“We had to start making our way out, and Dad was just standing there looking like, ‘What do we do now?’” Lasher said. “I’m like, ‘Well, what else can we do but do good?’”

That commitment led to the creation of the Carson E. Lasher Foundation, which supports families facing pediatric cancer and other childhood illnesses. It also led Carly to raiseRED.

raiseRED is UofL’s largest student-run philanthropic organization, supporting the Norton Children’s Cancer Institute and the UofL School of Medicine. As part of the Miracle Network Dance Marathon, raiseRED connects students to a national movement dedicated to fighting pediatric illness.

The group’s yearlong fundraising culminated in a 12-hour dance marathon on Saturday, Feb. 21, at the Swain Student Activities Center. This year, the Cardinal community raised more than $470,000 in support of the Norton Children’s Cancer Institute and the UofL School of Medicine.��.��

For her, the organization’s purpose is simple.

“We get a group of over 500 college kids together to fight for something that’s bigger than themselves,” said Lasher, who leads UofL’s raiseRED as its programming director. “We bring everyone together for this common goal of making good in our world.”

Lasher believes Carson would be proud of her work and her college career as a criminal justice major in the . Set to attend law school in the fall, she imagines he would have joined her at UofL. Today, she continues to honor him through raiseRED, the foundation and the bracelet he once wore that she now keeps with her every day.

“We just try to keep doing good in his name,” Lasher said.

And she does.

Watch the video:

Want to participate in raiseRED? or .

Updated Feb. 23, 2026

That sense of momentum took center stage Feb. 12 when President Gerry Bradley delivered the at Comstock Hall in the School of Music. He emphasized a shared institutional roadmap focused on strategic goals, academic excellence, expanded research impact and deeper community partnerships.

A strategic plan for 2026-2030

Central to that vision is UofL’s , which outlines efforts to make the university a great place to learn, work, discover and connect. Along with each of the strategic plan areas, Bradley noted that the university intends to sharpen its focus on key student‑centered metrics including enrollment, six‑year retention rates, degrees awarded and experiential‑learning opportunities.

Bradley outlined several long‑term priorities that will shape the university’s growth, including:

• New residence halls
• New academic and research facilities (including STEM‑H and Honors)
• A comprehensive campaign for scholarships, buildings and research
• Development of an innovation park
• Intentional workforce and leadership development
• Continued accountability to core values

He also underscored the university’s critical role in improving health outcomes in Kentucky through , calling attention to the training of physicians and UofL’s place as part of the state’s medical safety net.

To Bradley, the plan reflects a collective vision and “roadmap,” noting that “it’s not my strategic plan; it’s our strategic plan.”

Commitment to the vision

Even as higher education institutions across the state and nation face significant challenges, Bradley emphasized that UofL continues to perform well, is financially stable and offers a strong value proposition for Kentucky students and those beyond the Commonwealth.

As part of the strategic plan, Bradley said the leadership team is committed to:

• Funding initiatives outlined in the strategic plan
• Incubating new academic programs
• Advocating for and securing external funding
• Minimizing the impact of financial mitigation on the campus community
• Supporting and continuing student success initiatives
• Holding the team accountable for outcomes in strategic plan

“I am really optimistic for the future,” Bradley said. “We are on the road. It’s going to require us to be disciplined and have a laser focus.”

Bradley also celebrated 2025 as a year of Cardinal success, pointing to record enrollment, retention, housing and accomplishments across colleges, schools and research, along with advancement of critical capital projects.

In closing, Bradley expressed gratitude for the opportunity to serve the university.

“It’s been an honor and privilege to be your president,” he said.

With a clear strategic direction and a commitment to student and community impact, he said UofL enters its next chapter positioned for continued growth and excellence.

Watch the complete .��

Those are the moments when the University of Louisville’s “” steps in.

The university opened the permanent, on-campus resource earlier this year to ensure no student’s career path is blocked by a lack of access to professional clothing. Managed by the  (SSC) and located in the , the no-cost shop offers suits, shirts, pants, dresses, skirts, ties, shoes, belts and bags in a variety of styles and sizes – all completely free to any current UofL student.

An official ribbon cutting was held Feb. 5. said the university has a “shared responsibility to remove barriers so every student regardless of background or circumstances can fully pursue their goals.”

“This space exists because our students were honest with us about what they needed to be confident,” she said. “The university believes success is more than course work. It’s about success. It’s about confidence. It’s about access.”

As students prepare for spring career fairs, the SSC aims to ensure they walk into interviews focused on their skills, not their clothes. The clothing resource is open Tuesday through Thursday from noon to 3 p.m. and is staffed by SSC student workers.

How it began

The closet represents an expansion of student support that grew out of a series of “pop-up” events. Charice Patterson in the said she saw the need as far back as 2020.

“I’ve always thought it would be nice to see a professional clothing closet on campus,” Patterson said. “And then we had a student employee in the Career Center who really took on the project to turn this wish list idea into reality.”

Natalie Hicks, a student in the , helped plan the original pop-ups. Hicks believes the resource fills a critical need for students balancing professional expectations with financial hurdles.

“Growing up first generation and low income, we can be overlooked and outsourcing for resources,” Hicks said. “In the business school, there is a lot of expectations on appearance, and it can be inaccessible for low-income students.”

The first pop-up event was so successful they “gave away almost everything,” eventually requiring three times the amount of donations to meet student demand for the second one. That response led to a collaboration between the Career Center and the SSC to establish a permanent home.

The power of partnership

Hire Attire now falls under the wider umbrella of services related to accessibility offered by the SSC. SSC Manager Josie Raymond helped lead the effort to get the resource established permanently.

“It’s been really fun to watch students come in, try on their first-ever suit and walk out feeling really confident,” Raymond said.

Other on-campus partners included the , which helped convert the previous storage space into a boutique-like atmosphere, and the which offers casual wear and gives the more professional pieces to Hire Attire.��

Community partners have donated attire and hosted donation drives, including C. E.& S. Foundation, DXL Big + Tall, Dress for Success Louisville, Omni Louisville and Portland Avenue Community Trust.

Supported by campus partners, local organizations and a growing network of donors, Hire Attire reflects what can happen when a community comes together for its students. It’s more than a clothing resource; it’s a collective investment in redefining student success.

For more information, .��

The is a one-year, fully funded master’s degree in global affairs at Schwarzman College, Tsinghua University in Beijing. The curriculum focuses on leadership, China and global affairs and includes academic instruction from faculty at Tsinghua University and other global institutions.

Wilson, a two-time graduate of  in the J.B. Speed School of Engineering, will be based in Beijing from August 2026 through July 2027, taking part in immersive experiences focused on China’s global role.

“I’m excited to join a cohort of scholars from around the world to experience China’s environment, make comparative conclusions about the differences between China and the United States, and gain tangible experience investing in Chinese startups and technologies,” Wilson said. “Much of this work focuses on artificial intelligence and machine learning, which I believe will define the next iteration of the future.”

After graduating from UofL, Wilson began his career as a technical program manager at Facebook/Meta before transitioning into venture capital, where he sources startups and conducts due diligence for potential equity investments.

As a Schwarzman Scholar, Wilson plans to focus academically and professionally on venture capital, particularly China’s innovation and investment ecosystem.

“My work will be particularly focused on venture capital. As a short-term goal, I look forward to learning about China’s venture capital ecosystem and how the Chinese government supports its venture capital firms as they deploy capital into startups,” he said.

Wilson also hopes to apply those insights to his long-term goal.

“I want to operate a venture capital firm that allows me to invest in and back underrepresented and under-resourced founders,” he said.

A key aspect of the program for Wilson is the ability to gain a deeper understanding of how government policy influences innovation and investment.

“I hope to better understand how the Chinese government supports its venture capital firms and explore how the U.S. could take a similar approach in supporting emerging fund managers and investors,” he said. “China operates very differently from the U.S. and understanding that difference is exciting to learn and share with others after the program.”

Wilson credits his time at UofL, particularly his service on the , with preparing him for this opportunity.

“My work with the Board has been core to my success with Schwarzman. It demonstrated the importance of executive communication and making decisions that impact engineering students across the university,” he said.

The Schwarzman Scholars program is considered one of the most selective graduate fellowships globally. For the 2026-27 cohort, 150 scholars were chosen from more than 5,800 applicants representing 40 countries and 83 universities. The incoming class brings the Schwarzman Scholars network to more than 1,500 alumni from 107 countries and 490 institutions, many of whom work in business, technology, public service, health care and global policy.

Founded in 2013 by Stephen A. Schwarzman, the program aims to prepare future leaders to navigate and shape 21st-century geopolitical realities through deeper understanding and global collaboration.

President Gerry Bradley will preside at the event.

Non-traditional student Maria Rowland, graduating with her bachelor’s degree in organizational leadership and learning from the College of ����ֱ�� and Human Development, will serve as the student speaker.��

Over 980 degrees and certificates were conferred for Summer 2025 and an anticipated 1,526 will be conferred for Fall 2025.�� 

The ceremony will be broadcast live at .

In addition to commencement at KFC Yum! Center, the UofL Graduate School will host a doctoral hooding and graduation ceremony at 2 p.m. on the same day. Seventy-four graduates are expected at the ceremony, which will be on Belknap Campus in the Swain Student Activities Center Ballroom, second floor.

��DZ����Ƿ���#UofLGrads2025 on social media for updates. For more information, visit .

“You can hear rapids before you get to them or sometimes see them,” he said. “You start to think how you’re going to get through them, and then you turn the corner and get through them. It’s sort of similar to life.”

Sloan’s journey began at Princeton University in the 1960s. After two years, he had to withdraw to help out his family business. Like the river he describes, life continued to ebb and flow. He took courses at Butler University, changed jobs, took courses at Indiana University, changed jobs again – but never finished his degree.

Now at 83, UofL is giving him that opportunity.

This December, Sloan will graduate with a bachelor’s degree thanks to the . In Kentucky, students 65 and older can take a select number of classes for free at any state-supported institution within the commonwealth.

The world has changed drastically since Sloan began college. He remembers the first personal computers that ran on punch cards. Now, he’s finishing his degree entirely .

But for Sloan, earning his degree isn’t just about checking a box. He spent most of his life as a crafts salesman, traveling and selling fabric, yarn and other art supplies. His education was an education built by doing. Those experiences, he said, enriched his academic work.

“If you like what you are doing, you will like it more after becoming better educated,” Sloan said. “It’s a good way to improve yourself, learn how to do a better job and become a better person.”

Sloan says continuing to learn – at any age – is part of what keeps him energized.

“I think it makes you happier because you’re learning about the world,” he said.

He often thinks of a quote from actress Olivia de Havilland, who lived to be 104. When asked the secret to a long life, she replied: “love, laughter, learning… and stairs.”

“That’s always stuck with me,” Sloan said. “����ֱ�� is important. It’s a good thing to remember.”

Sloan will graduate from the College of Arts and Sciences with a , with interdisciplinary studies in communications, creative expression and humanities. His communications courses taught him some of the theory behind his job as a salesman.

“It’s not just the words when we communicate,” he said. “It’s the gestures, the body language.”

Better yet, Sloan is just as much a part of campus and the Louisville community as any student. He’s an avid Cardinals sports fan, holding courtside season tickets to women’s volleyball. He also regularly attends baseball, men’s and women’s basketball games.

Sloan is a proud member of the Rotary Club of Louisville, which has more than 400 members and is the 13th-largest club among Rotary International’s 45,000 clubs. The club sponsors scholarships, hosts guest speakers and supports humanitarian efforts.

“It’s a bunch of do-gooders doing good in the community,” he said.

Sloan has watched more than a dozen graduations of his children and grandchildren over the years. On Dec. 12, many of them will come to watch him take his turn. And when the moment comes to cross the stage and receive his diploma, he said one emotion comes to mind: happiness.

“I’ll be very happy,” he said. “And I think I might even continue taking courses here after.”