The New Jersey native’s UofL journey began as a freshman –��a high school freshman. She committed to the university at 15 years old after participating in a UofL field hockey clinic with fellow potential recruits. The youngest, and in her words, a “pipsqueak,” Bianco became a Cardinal just one day before an NCAA rule change barred teenagers from committing to a college prior to the summer before their junior year of high school. The rule went into effect on May 1, 2019. Bianco accepted UofL’s offer on April 30.

“I’ve always wanted to play field hockey at a high level and UofL’s always been a really established program,” she said. “The city and fan base for all our sports plus our student-athlete body does such an amazing job of supporting each other.”

As a Cardinal, Bianco has played in 76 games. Her parents, Beth and Tony, have been to nearly all of them. “They’ve been here, like, every weekend,” she said. “I always joke with my mom that she should be a travel agent.”��

On Beth’s side, Bianco is graduating as a first-generation college student, something she’s proud of for both herself and her mother. A (SPAD) major in the with a minor, she credits SPAD’s multidimensional approach for her solid foundation to build a career in sports law.

At UofL, Bianco has stayed busy on and off the field. She’s been an active player on Team USA’s Junior National Team. She coaches local youth teams. And she’s president of the Student Athlete Advisory Committee, where she’s worked with student government to create programming that brings student-athletes and their non-athlete peers together in meaningful ways. It’s an initiative she’s especially proud of as it will continue to develop and impact future student-athletes.

“Being at UofL has helped me grow a lot as a person and an athlete by giving me leadership skills and pushing me to do things that might be uncomfortable in the moment but are going to help in the future,” she said.

As for the future, Bianco has big dreams – but she’s still deciding how she wants to play the game of life.

“I’m a planner and I don’t have an exact plan,” she said, but the next step after graduation is to return home to New Jersey and prepare for the LSAT while she’s still “in the zone” for studying. She’s excited for her next chapter, but grateful for the time she’s had as a Cardinal.

“It went by so fast,” Bianco said. “I can’t believe it’s already done.”

Maybe you already have a degree (or two) but are looking for a change in your career trajectory. Perhaps you need to upskill to secure the promotion you’ve been eyeing. Whatever the scenario, there is never a bad reason to come back to school and advance your education. And even if you missed the deadline to enroll in the current semester, a new semester – with on-campus, online and hybrid course options – is always just around the corner at the University of Louisville.

So, what are the routes of study for UofL’s returning learners? Let’s explore a few.

Advanced degrees to advance your career

If you’ve looked at job postings in recent years, you aren’t imagining it – more and more companies are listing a master’s degree as a desired qualification. And according to the , this trend will only continue over the next decade. Advanced degrees are commonplace in medical, law and even academic fields. But today, marketers, business leaders, nonprofit professionals and more can all benefit from the knowledge and skills gained through pursing a master’s degree. This pursuit can be especially beneficial to mid-career employees seeking to level up from their mid-level roles.

Whatever your industry, to help you take your next step. From or to and , the university provides a diverse selection of standard-to-niche graduate studies to help you craft the future your career and academic curiosity deserves. Even better, over two-dozen programs are – a bonus for the busy professional.

Professional certificates to boost your skillset

In the world of work, things are not often static. Roles and requirements change as technology and industry culture evolve. Is artificial intelligence changing the way your professional processes work? Has your role adopted new responsibilities that would benefit from – or require – new credentials or training? If so, .

The university currently offers 32 cutting-edge certificates that cover a wide range of industries and professional goals. Most require only 12 credit hours to complete with several that can be completed in tandem with (or in preparation for) a corresponding master’s program. Additionally, all certificate courses can be taken 100% online and asynchronously to accommodate your schedule.

With certificates ranging from areas such as to , UofL has you covered when you’re ready to upskill.

Continuing studies for the lifelong learner

Sometimes, going back to school is less about professional goals and more about personal growth. Maybe you’re an art lover who’s always wanted to learn about the old masters of art history. Or you’re a Francophile who’s dreamed of speaking fluent French on your next trip abroad. If you’re interested in it, there’s a likely chance that UofL offers a class to scratch the itch for its students.

Continuing Studies is a non-degree program for learners 22-years-old and older to take up to 24 credit hours in any discipline they are interested in. For those Kentucky residents who are a little bit older than 22 – 65 to be exact – the university proudly participates in the program, which allows older adults to take a select number of courses at UofL tuition-free.

Whether you’re looking to pursue a master’s degree, obtain a professional certificate or satisfy your academic interests through casual study, UofL has a pathway to help take you there.

Innovation at the University of Louisville generates a forward momentum that fuels a thriving culture of opportunity and excellence. But every so often, it’s worth looking back at where UofL and its community was to know how it’s doing now – to see how yesterday’s news continues to make an impact today.

Below, revisit a few stories from UofL News’ past to see how the promise of what-could-be became a promise kept.

June 29, 2020: UofL Kent School partners with Wellspring to aid homeless Louisvillians

In 2020, the Kent School of Social Work and Family Science announced their partnership with nonprofit organization Wellspring on a new five-year federal grant to offer a unified approach to help homeless people experiencing both mental health and substance abuse issues to find housing and recovery.

Bibhuti Sar, professor of social work and the grant’s lead investigator, noted that people having mental health and substance issues combined with housing insecurity was a major concern for Louisville. “The (Kent School and UofL) strongly support the wellbeing of the community. We welcome the partnership of Wellspring to enhance their efforts and experience to do that work,” he said.

“This will be a life-changing program” Wellspring CEO and Kent alumna Katharine Dobbins said at the time. “We will take a harm-reduction approach, but critical life experiences serve as opportunities to help individuals make positive changes.”

Five years later, the grant project has wrapped up and, according to Sar, produced positive results.

The partnership established the Program for Integrated Care (PIC), an intensive, multidisciplinary clinical treatment and outreach service for at-risk individuals. Comparing a baseline and six-month follow up, participant data shows a decreased use of substances, less depression, anxiety, hallucinations, fewer suicide attempts and increased satisfaction with personal relationships. Impressively, the percentage of participants who were living on the street/outdoors or in a shelter decreased by 27%.

The PIC program made a difference for “Simon,” 52, who was referred to the program in 2021 with a diagnosis of schizoaffective disorder, PTSD and methamphetamine abuse after losing his apartment and returning to homelessness in late 2020. Simon developed a strong relationship with PIC’s full-time peer support specialist who was able to help him build recovery skills toward sobriety. Simon has now been through two successful lease renewals at his apartment, is in the beginning stages of Section 8’s homeownership program, has been sober for over a year and is learning to read and write to become a peer support specialist himself.

Though the grant-funded collaboration has concluded, Wellspring leadership are currently engaged in efforts to sustain the program to continue serving the community.��

March 31, 2022: UofL expands its reach to Shelbyville, providing dental care for the underserved

In 2022, UofL’s School of Dentistry expanded its footprint with a new clinical site in Shelbyville, Kentucky, just south of U.S. 60 East. The new practice opened to further fulfill the dental school’s mission of improving the oral health of all Kentuckians by providing close-to-home access for those in need.

The new site also offered dental students a community location near Louisville to learn alongside a full-time licensed dentist. At the time, now School of Dentistry Dean Margaret Hill highlighted the importance of students growing their skills in a variety of settings. “As our students travel to other parts of Kentucky, they are maturing into culturally competent dental practitioners,” Hill said. “We build service into the educational experience – not just on a volunteer level but as part of the curriculum.”

The office’s inaugural full-time dentist was alumna Pallavi Patil, who emphasized the importance of establishing a good patient-doctor rapport to help motivate patients to seek out comprehensive dental care.

The Shelbyville location’s current full-time dentist, alumna Rhonda Swanson, echoed Patil’s patient-focused mission while celebrating the clinic’s community-focused achievements.

“UofL’s outreach clinics are such a blessing to the communities they serve,” said Swanson. “Since (opening) in 2022, we’ve served thousands of patients, including many who have Medicaid or no dental insurance. As a shortage of Medicaid providers continues to limit care for so many people, our clinic provides access to care for those who may not otherwise have a provider, thus promoting better oral health outcomes in this community.”

Additionally, Swanson said that the clinic now partners with Shelbyville’s Veterans Rural Outreach program to provide oral care for select veterans, made possible through UofL’s fund.

Aug. 11, 2022: UofL employee launches equine therapy organization, Cope’s Hope

In 2021, College of ����ֱ�� and Human Development staff member Eric Wright and his wife, Debbie, turned their personal journey into a community service geared toward helping children and families with their founding of Cope’s Hope Equine Assisted Services.

Inspired by the needs of their daughters, Ella and Elsie, Cope’s Hope was created to fill a care void Wright and his family naturally found themselves in during the COVID-19 pandemic when their weekly equine assisted therapy sessions were no longer available. Rather than wait for things to return to normal, Wright took the reins and purchased his uncle’s farm, became a licensed counselor through UofL’s and started his family’s own organization, named for his grandfather and Brandeis School of Law alumnus Arthur Coaplen.

“We’ve just had a flurry of people wrap themselves around this project and this vision,” Wright said at the time. “To be able to offer even a small percentage of people the opportunity to work with horses, whether it be for mental health or for therapeutic services, is so rewarding.”

Three years later, Cope’s Hope continues to grow, serving clients weekly from its Fisherville, Kentucky, location and through partnerships with organizations including the Kentucky School for the Blind, North Star Achievement Center, the Dream Factory of Louisville and even the U.S. Secret Service. These collaborations reflect their commitment to creating safe and supportive environments for healing through a connection with horses.

This summer, the WHAS Crusade for Children awarded the organization a generous grant to expand their therapeutic riding sessions over the next three seasons. Another grant from the American Heart Association allowed them to install emergency preparedness equipment onsite to boost safety for clients, volunteers and their rural neighbors. Other neighborly efforts have included community outreach such as the Hats, Hooves for Hope Parade in the spring and their recent 4th Annual Barn Dance to celebrate persons with different needs.

What began as a response to their own family’s needs has naturally grown into a sanctuary of healing for many.

“We’ve built more than a service,” Wright said. “We’ve built a community.”

Savannah Harper contributed to this story.

The ’s mission is to promote educational and cultural exchange around the globe through study, teaching and research. While college students are often Fulbright’s most visible mascots, faculty members also take part in the program each year to teach and conduct research internationally. For the 2024-25 academic year, UofL boasted two Fulbright Faculty Scholars from its classroom lecterns who traveled abroad and hosted one visiting faculty member from southeastern Europe.

Let’s take a spin around the globe and see where UofL’s Fulbright Faculty Scholars dropped their pins.

Fulbright Faculty Scholar: Udayan Darji

Destination: Charles University, Czech Republic

Founded in 1348 by Holy Roman Emperor Charles IV, Charles University is one of the oldest universities in the world in continuous operation and the largest in the Czech Republic. For Udayan Darji, a professor in UofL’s within the , the chance to both teach and conduct research in the central European capital of Prague was an unmissable opportunity.

“Serving as a Fulbright Distinguished Scholar in Prague … has been one of the most enriching experiences of my life,” said Darji, who not only collaborated academically while abroad but also explored Czech culture through Fulbright Commission programs.

“Highlights like attending (the famous opera) “Rusalka” at the Národní divadlo, traveling to historic sites like Karlštejn Castle and the Cathedral of St. Barbara in Kutná Hora, learning Czech, enjoying the legendary Pilsner beer and forming lasting friendships have made this an unforgettable journey,” he said.

Fulbright Faculty Scholar: Jason Jaggers

Destination: Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil

Jason Jaggers, an associate professor of exercise physiology in UofL’s within the , called his Fulbright experience at Brazil’s Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte “transformative,” adding that it contributes major benefits not only to his department but to the entire UofL community.

“I was reminded why I became a professor through the opportunity to lecture and connect with students eager to learn and practice their English,” said Jaggers. “Many had never met an international scholar before, and it was a privilege to be that first connection.”

Beyond academics, Jaggers experienced unforgettable cultural moments in the northeastern region of Brazil such as seeing the world’s largest cashew tree and enjoying a sunset saxophone performance honored by Guinness World Records in the specific location of South America that experiences the first sunset each evening.

The world reciprocates

While UofL saw two of its own venture to faraway institutions, the ’s����welcomed a new member to the Cardinal community. Faculty sponsor Amir Amini, endowed chair of bio-imaging, hosted Fulbright Faculty Scholar and researcher Tijana Geroski, an assistant professor of biomedical engineering from the University of Kragujevac in the European nation of Serbia. Geroski has the distinction of being the first Fulbright Faculty Scholar from abroad to conduct research at the Speed School.

Established by the United States Congress in 1946, the Fulbright Scholar Program was created to strengthen mutual understanding and peaceful relations between academics both in the U.S. and around the globe, whether through the arts, public health, science and technology, or public service. Today, roughly 8,000 merit-based grants are awarded each year to students and faculty scholars of all backgrounds.

Curious where a Fulbright award could take you or your students? Explore professional opportunities at or connect with UofL’s to learn more about programs and applications for students.

Savannah Harper contributed to this story.

“I often consider photographs as documents that you can read,” said Reilly, an associate professor and curator of UofL’s photographic archives. “What we can learn from old photographs, or photographs in general, is immense. And the preservation of that material is important for maintaining that information and being able to learn the history of our university, city and neighbors.”

A city comes into focus

The university’s archives include a trove of unique collections – each filled with countless artifacts. Reilly suspects that if you tallied the individual negatives, slides and prints from the photographic archives, UofL likely houses roughly 7-8 million images. But one collection in particular stands out – the .

“The Caufield & Shook collection is special because it’s all Louisville. It contains a lot of Louisville’s history and really documents the city’s growth,” Reilly said. “It’s a visual history, so a lot of people can truly connect to it and find photographs of their family, their businesses, houses, neighborhoods and streets. It’s one of our most-accessed collections.”

With a motto of “We photograph ANYTHING, day or night,” James Caufield and Frank W. Shook’s studio operated in Louisville, Kentucky, from 1903-1978. The bulk of the photographs are from the era after the Great Flood of 1937 that destroyed much of the studio’s earlier prints, although UofL does have some pre-flood material from work stored on the second story of Caufield & Shook’s Fourth Street studio.

A community collection

UofL’s photographic archives were founded in 1962, “which is pretty early for a university photo collection,” Reilly said. The university quickly gained attention as a place where photographs could be preserved and made available for research. This reputation made UofL an ideal guardian for Caufield & Shook, which began sending pieces from its studio archives to the university around 1968. UofL continued receiving batches until the studio shuttered in 1978.

Today, the library has digitized over 8,000 of those images, which are viewable through the . But they aren’t exclusively available to the university community – they’re for everybody.

“Anybody can come in and talk to one of our archivists or librarians who are sitting at our reference desk and say, ‘This is what I’m looking for, can you help me?’ We’re here for the community,” Reilly said.

Throughout the year, Reilly collaborates with professors and local educators to teach one-off sessions about specific topics they’re teaching in the classroom. She particularly finds excitement in introducing young Jefferson County Public School students to UofL’s collections, especially 3D images from the 19th century viewed through a stereo viewer.

Preserve, organize, describe

As archivists, Reilly and her colleagues receive and process collections, craft descriptions to make them discoverable, and then make them available to the public. Preservation as an act is a labor-intensive process and relies on a myriad of resources from climate-controlled storage spaces to digital data servers.

But the effort and mission are worth it to Reilly because Archives & Special Collections is the memory of the university.

“It’s curious to see how people lived back then and compare our own current-day experience and existence,” Reilly said. “When you look at photographs of people in Louisville from 100 years ago, it may be totally different, and you try to picture yourself in that environment and in that day inside the photograph. Delve in and really read a photograph. You can learn so much. It’s a very interesting thing to experience and that’s what I love about my job.”

Below, Reilly shares her 10 favorite examples of common types of photographs found in the Caufield & Shook collection.

Seven young African American men standing at a fence, each holding tools, 1920.

“I love this photograph. First, the faces and postures of the young men and the pride conveyed in ‘a job well done.’ From this image I get a glimpse into the Prentice School, its students and the type of teaching that happened there. I love the fashion and the way the students are sharply dressed. I appreciate this small view of Louisville’s downtown (South Sixth Street between Chestnut Street and Muhammad Ali Boulevard) that no longer looks anything like this, with its stately homes in the background. Lastly, the quality of this photograph is exceptional with its perfect exposure and symmetrical framing, things I have come to expect from images created by the Caufield & Shook studio.”

Carter Dry Goods and National Grocer, Louisville, Kentucky, 1922.

“This is a great example of a photo that shows buildings that still stand today in their original context. The large building in the center is the Carter Dry Goods which is now the Kentucky Science Center. If you go back and look at the building today, which was built in 1878, you can still see the name Carter Dry Goods at the top of the façade.”

Opening of Municipal Bridge, Jeffersonville, Indiana, 1929.

“Here is another photograph of a familiar Louisville landmark, the Second Street Bridge, on its opening day. The was the first bridge offering motor vehicle connection between Louisville and Southern Indiana, but here we see it filled with hundreds of pedestrians. I love this photograph particularly for the young man looking at the camera in a sea of people facing the other direction.”

Cherokee Park, Louisville, Kentucky, circa 1927.

“William Bowers, who joined the company as a third partner in 1907, took a lot of photographs around the parks of Louisville for the Caufield and Shook stock files that they would sell in their studio for people to decorate their homes with. These stock files were a very big source of their income and were located on the second floor of their studio and therefore were spared from damage from the 1937 flood. As a result, we have those original prints today in the collection.”

Transport Workers Union demonstration, Louisville, Kentucky, 1939.

“I love how this photo shows that Louisvillians were fighting for their rights back in 1939, just as we still are today. It’s a great shot of citizens demanding rights, better pay and conditions by protesting and holding signs.”

Hippodrome, Louisville, Kentucky, 1938.

“This photo is a great example of a view of downtown that no longer exists. These buildings are gone, replaced with a one-story building and a parking lot, but the church in the right-hand background is still present. Photos like this raise questions about why certain buildings and blocks were demolished and others were not, sparking an examination of the urban renewal that began here in the 1960s and ’70s. This corner constitutes the western edge of the ‘East Downtown Renewal Area’ that was considered a blighted area and designated for clearing.”

Puppies with bananas at Denunzio’s Fruit Market, Louisville, Kentucky, 1938.

“I’m a dog lover, especially of bully breeds like the ones pictured here. But this adorable photo also leads me to ask how and why this silly photo was taken. Was Caufield & Shook hired to create an advertisement for this fruit market? Were they the shop owner’s dogs? I love quirky photos like this.”

Bicyclists in front of Young’s Pharmacy, Louisville, Kentucky, 1938.

“This is an example of a photo that shows a building that still stands today and might be very recognizable to people who frequent Frankfort Avenue. With photos like this, I like to open Street View on Google Maps to match the same point of view of the old photograph and compare today’s view to what is seen in the photo. Today, there is still a ghost sign (a faded, painted ad on a building) of the name of pharmacy on the building. I also love this shot for the wet street reflecting light and the moment of the boy getting off his bicycle – it’s very atmospheric.”

Young’s Pharmacy interior, Louisville, Kentucky, 1927.

“This is an interior view of the pharmacy photographed above, but 11 years prior. There are far fewer interior views of old businesses and buildings than there are exterior shots, and I love seeing what these sorts of stores looked like and what types of wares they were selling.”

Children in Halloween costumes, 1928.

“I chose this photo really just because I’m a collector of vintage Halloween decorations and I just love zooming in and examining the details of the children’s beautiful costumes.”

If you are interested in having your students interact with primary source material, for your class.

To see what else lives in UofL’s archives, .

At the University of Louisville, some Cardinals follow those migratory birds’ patterns and fly away once they leave the school’s nest, returning to home states or embarking on exciting adventures in new cities. But many UofL Cardinals stick around Kentucky and focus on ways to make a difference right here in the commonwealth.

Whether near or far, every Cardinal makes the personal and academic journey to become a champion for their community. For many, the journey to keep moving forward never ends. That’s why we’ve assembled this micro playlist inspired by the momentum and spirit of that journey and are introducing you to five Cardinals who influenced each track.

Meet them now, click through to explore more of their stories and set your Cardinal playlist for the summer.

Track One: “1234” by Feist

To some, data is just numbers. But to alumnus Danial Malik ’15, ’22, ’25, those numbers tell human stories. With a bachelor’s degree in biology from the College of Arts and Sciences (A&S), master of public health in epidemiology from the School of Public Health and Information Sciences and master of science in business analytics–health analytics from the College of Business, the first-generation immigrant from Pakistan has found his purpose in using data to improve lives in the commonwealth.

Malik combines his technical prowess with compassion to use analytics that identify health care gaps in patient communities across Louisville. His work highlights how technology, when paired with empathy, creates healthier and happier communities.

Track Two: “Bridge Over Troubled Water” by Simon & Garfunkel

The anthropology department’s Chloe Hale ’24 came west to UofL from Martin County, a rural area in eastern Kentucky along the West Virginia border. Hale’s Appalachian community suffers from regular access to clean drinking water due to factors such as infrastructure and mining contamination, leading her to feel a sense of guilt when she was a student in an urban center with safe, easily accessed water always a twist-of-a-knob away.

Hale took her feelings and used them as fuel to focus her studies on an anthropological exploration of Martin County’s water supply and local hairdressers who rely on clean water to make a living, showcasing the impact water insecurity has on Kentucky communities and inspiring others to help make a difference.

Read more about Hale’s hometown hairstylists project here.

Track Three: “The Climb” by Miley Cyrus

The idea of community wasn’t something Ben Donlon ’12, ’16 learned in a textbook – but it was taught to him by his parents, both educators in his Danville, Kentucky, home. As Donlon journeyed to UofL to earn his undergraduate degree from A&S and professional master of business administration from the College of Business, the commitment to service they instilled stuck to him like glue.

After years of experience with nonprofits and success-nurturing leadership, and as the current 2024-2025 president of the Young Professionals Association of Louisville, Donlon is fostering leadership and connection among emerging young professionals around the city – proving that the best way to help a community grow is to plant strong roots.

Track Four: “You Gotta Be” by Des’ree

Philosophy major Tanisha Ann Hickerson ’03 graduated from UofL with a bachelor’s degree from A&S, but her lifelong philosophy has been one of community involvement. Hickerson, a former attorney and now Jefferson County district court judge, has dedicated her personal and professional life to serving others – both in and outside the courtroom. Whether mentoring students or young professionals in Louisville, she pushes those around her to realize their protentional and see how their work helps others.

Honored as philosophy department’s 2025 Outstanding Alumni, Hickerson shows that when you participate in your community you not only make a difference, but you also open doors for impactful career opportunities.

Track Five: “I’m Gonna Be (500 Miles)” by The Proclaimers

Typically, we go to doctors. But thanks to School of Medicine alumna and Department of Medicine assistant professor Bridget Hittepole ’06, we go with doctors as part of Walk with a Doc. Hittepole leads the Louisville chapter of the program, which welcomes everyone of any age or ability to walk or roll their way to better health. The monthly, family-friendly event helps community members connect with health care professionals outside the four walls of an office.

Recognized as a 2025 Health Care Hero by Louisville Business First, Hittepole embodies the passion for bettering the Louisville community through health and wellness initiatives that improve care access for all.

The University of Louisville’s won 11 awards at the 40^th Annual ����ֱ��al Advertising Awards, announced March 7, 2025. The largest awards competition of its kind, the judges the creativity, marketing execution and message impact of advertising campaigns from colleges, universities and secondary schools across the country. More than 1,000 institutions from all 50 states and numerous nations submitted over 2,000 entries this year.

Here & Beyond was a big winner in this year’s competition, taking home several gold, silver and bronze designations. and IGNITE research magazine each secured gold, while digital components such as social media content and video advertisements collected silver and bronze.

The campaign debuted in January 2022 after a multi-year creative development process that involved input from thousands of students, faculty, staff, alumni and Kentuckians across the commonwealth. UofL’s Office of Communication and Marketing collaborated with several partners to bring the project to life including the university’s creative agency, BVK. Alumnus Connor May ’16 composed and performed the signature anthem heard throughout the campaign.

Through collaboration and creativity – both here and beyond – UofL continues to prove that when Cardinals work together, there is nothing they cannot achieve.

Full list of UofL’s 40^th Annual ����ֱ�� Advertising Awards:

• Gold: Electronic Advertising
• Gold: Publication/External – IGNITE
• Gold: Television Advertising-Single (:30)
• Silver: Instagram Content
• Silver: LinkedIn Content
• Silver: Online Display Ad
• Silver: Total Advertising Campaign
• Silver: Total Digital Marketing Program
• Bronze: Digital Video Ad-Less Than 2 Min (:30)
• Bronze: Facebook Content
• Bronze: Integrated Marketing Campaign

Through the Forty Under 40 program, LBF introduces readers to local professionals under the age of 40 who are flourishing in their careers and contributing to the local Louisville community. LBF honored this year’s class on Sept. 24, 2024, at a Galt House ceremony in downtown Louisville.

Brandeis School of Law

Alex White ’12 graduated with his juris doctor, which he now uses to support his devotion to personal injury law in his role as the owner of Alex R. White, PLLC.

Mashayla Hays ’15, ’18 graduated with a bachelor’s degree in pan-African studies and her juris doctor. She is a member of the Delta Sigma Theta sorority and was a Woodford R. Porter Scholar. She is currently an adjunct professor in the Brandeis School of Law and teaches law and government at Central High School.

“UofL invested in me and my dreams,” Hays said. “It’s because of my amazing professors that I felt prepared to go to law school after graduation. I am forever grateful for my time at UofL, the relationships I’ve built and the multitude of opportunities that I’ve been granted over the years. Being a Cardinal means that you embody resilience, and no matter the obstacle, you will persevere and strive for greatness.”

College of Arts and Sciences

Kyle Miller ’07 graduated with a bachelor’s degree in political science, later earning his juris doctor from Vanderbilt University. Today, Miller practices as a partner in the global data privacy and cybersecurity group for Dentons Bingham Greenebaum.

“My time at UofL formed who I am today,” Miller said. “UofL gave me a global outlook. I’m now a partner at the largest law firm in the world and manage global teams across countries and cultures. I’m proud to be a Cardinal.”

Communication major Katie Fussenegger ’09 works as the executive vice president at the Kentucky Derby Museum and is also the executive board chair for the Kentucky Travel Industry Association.

With bachelor’s degrees in communication and fine arts, Kappa Delta sorority member Megan Imel ’10 serves as the agent and owner of Megan Imel – State Farm, in addition to serving on the board of directors for The Cabbage Patch Settlement House.

After receiving a communication degree, Grace Flaherty ’16 took a role at the Obama Foundation as the manager of strategy and governance and coordinator to the office of Mrs. Obama. At UofL, Flaherty was a member of the Delta Zeta sorority and participated in two charitable dance marathons.

College of Business

Former Cardinal women’s basketball player����’12, ’14 earned her bachelor’s degree in business economics and her master of business administration at UofL. She now works as the manager of supplier diversity for Suntory Global Spirits, the third-largest producer of distilled beverages worldwide.

Business administration graduate Terry Hall ’10 works as the director of financial planning and analysis at Trilogy Health Services and as president of the Lesly & Rhyan Prather Foundation, which helps support women, children and families dealing with tragedy.

Nicole Wadell ’15, ’23 serves as senior director and partner of market growth support and marketing analytics at Confluent Health. Wadell earned her bachelor’s in communication, master of business administration and a certificate in managerial analytics at the university.

College of ����ֱ�� and Human Development

Brigitte Burpo ’20 earned her doctorate in educational leadership, evaluation and organizational development with a specialization in sports administration. Burpo now serves as a clinical assistant professor in UofL’s department of health and sport sciences, where she focuses on race and gender in sports and athletics at historically Black colleges and universities.

Kent School of Social Work and Family Science

With both a bachelor’s and master’s degree in social work, Jaydee Graham ’15, ’16 serves as the business development manager at Aware Recovery Care where she is working to develop Kentucky’s first in-home addiction treatment program. Graham is also the author of “The Soul Grind” and “The Soul Grind II.”

Kelly Pullen ’07, ’10 serves as the executive director for SKY at Aetna Better Health of Kentucky, where she helps serve youth in Kentucky’s child welfare and juvenile justice systems. She earned her bachelor’s in political science and master’s in social work from UofL.

School of Medicine

With his master’s in biochemistry and doctorate of medicine, Jamaal Richie ’15, ’20 uses his training and experience as a resident physician within UofL Health to advocate for health equity and bridge gaps to ensure every member of the Louisville community receives the care they deserve. Additionally, Richie aims to serve as representation for diverse populations and inspire future generations of health professionals to see themselves in roles they may not have originally thought possible.

School of Public Health and Information Sciences

Keisha Dorsey ’09 holds a master’s degree in public health and has a record of public service in Louisville. Dorsey recently served as deputy chief of staff for the office of the mayor and in 2019 became the first millennial elected to the Louisville Metro Council where she represented District 3 for over four years.

Think you know the perfect person to represent UofL on next year’s list? You can for the 2025 Forty Under 40 class from now through Monday, March 31, 2025.

Original reporting for this piece and other alumni news can be found at .