Matt Willinger – UofL News Fri, 24 Jul 2026 16:18:38 +0000 en-US hourly 1 UofL honors outstanding alumni with 2026 Wilson Wyatt Awards /post/uofltoday/uofl-honors-outstanding-alumni-with-2026-wilson-wyatt-awards/ Mon, 29 Jun 2026 16:56:15 +0000 /?p=63732 The University of Louisville and Louisville Alumni proudly announce the recipients of the 2026 Wilson Wyatt Alumni Awards, the highest honor bestowed by Louisville Alumni.

For more than four decades, these prestigious awards have recognized distinguished graduates whose professional achievements, leadership, service and commitment to their communities reflect the very best of the Cardinal spirit.

“These awards honor an extraordinary group of Cardinals whose influence extends far beyond our campus,” said President Gerry Bradley. “This year’s honorees include nationally recognized business leaders, educators, healthcare professionals, public servants, military veterans and community advocates. From Chris and Lisa Dischinger’s transformational work in affordable housing and community development to Jeff Brohm’s leadership of our football program, each recipient reflects the innovation, service and excellence that defines the University of Louisville and inspires future generations of Cardinals.”

The 2026 Wilson Wyatt Alumni Awards honorees include:

Alumni of the Year

Chris ’90 and Lisa Dischinger ’11

Chris and Lisa Dischinger are co-founders of LDG Development. The Louisville-based company launched in 1994 to create quality, affordable housing and is now one of the nation’s largest affordable-housing developers. Married 38 years, they’ve built a family and a business rooted in the belief that everyone deserves a quality place to live.

Throughout his career, Chris has been a leader within the real estate industry and community. He has served as president of four different trade organizations, including as national president of the Society of Exchange, as well as serving on the Endeavor Louisville board, a high-impact entrepreneurship movement in Kentucky and Indiana catalyzing long-term economic growth through mentorship and support of regional entrepreneurs. Chris also serves as vice chair on the UofL Board of Trustees.

Lisa has played an instrumental role in shaping LDG’s mission and culture. Her early work managing its single-family home portfolio gave her direct insight into the challenges faced by families experiencing poverty – and inspired her to establish robust resident services that support families living at LDG communities and are focused on improving health and education outcomes. Key initiatives include onsite food pantries, after-school and summer camps focused on designed to improve school readiness and reading scores, and violence prevention programming.

Lisa also champions the benefits of early childhood education through her Rita June Foundation. This 501(c) philanthropic charity she founded raised over $10 million to support the construction of three Bezos Academies.

Alumni Fellows – Schools & Colleges

  • College of Arts & Sciences – Michael G. Sullivan ’94, ’11
  • College of Business – Jeff Brohm ’96
  • School of Dentistry – Jim ’65 and Virginia Woodward ’71
  • College of ֱ & Human Development – Debbie Akers Ford ’87, ’96
  • Graduate School – Daniel J. Cox ’74, ’77
  • Kent School of Social Work & Family Science – Marcia Colone ’82
  • Brandeis School of Law – Robert Mattingly ’99
  • University Libraries – Kenneth A. Dennis ’69, ’73
  • School of Medicine – Francesca Rinaldo ’13, ’15
  • School of Music – Lorenzo Trujillo ’03
  • School of Nursing – Dale R. Pike ’78, ’80
  • J.B. Speed School of Engineering – Frank J. Diebold ’73
  • School of Public Health & Information Sciences – Connie S. Mendel ’20
  • Student Affairs Legacy Award – Welby E. Edwards ‘69

Signature Award Honorees

  • Emerging Leader Award – Angel McCoughtry ’09
  • Inclusive Excellence Award – Jennifer K. Adams-Tucker ’06
  • Military Alumni Award – Gene Forrest Price ’80, ’88
  • Alumni Ambassador Award – Michael Davis ’84

Among this year’s honorees are two of the most celebrated athletes in University of Louisville history. Emerging Leader Award recipient Angel McCoughtry remains the all-time leading scorer in Louisville women’s basketball history and went on to achieve international success as a two-time Olympic gold medalist and WNBA champion.

College of Business Alumni Fellow Jeff Brohm starred as quarterback for the Cardinals before embarking on a successful coaching career. Today, he serves as head football coach at his alma mater, leading Louisville’s resurgence on the national stage while strengthening connections among generations of Cardinals.

The 2026 honorees will be recognized during the annual ceremony on Oct. 29 as part of UofL Homecoming Week festivities on Belknap Campus.

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UofL, UofL Health and Kosair for Kids open expanded Pediatric NeuroRecovery Center /section/science-and-tech/uofl-uofl-health-and-kosair-for-kids-open-expanded-pediatric-neurorecovery-center/ Wed, 17 Jun 2026 14:20:38 +0000 /?p=63705 The University of Louisville, UofL Health and Kosair for Kids today celebrated the grand opening and ribbon cutting of the newly expanded , a transformative milestone in pediatric rehabilitation, research and care.

“This extraordinary new space is no longer a promise, it is a reality,” said UofL President Gerry Bradley. “It enables our exceptional pediatric neurorecovery team to further expand what is possible for children recovering from spinal cord injuries and neurological conditions.”

Located within UofL Health – Frazier Rehab Institute, the new 13,631-square-foot, state-of-the-art facility brings clinical care, therapy and research together in one space, creating a first-of-its-kind environment designed to accelerate recovery and expand access for children with spinal cord injuries and other neurological conditions.

“This ribbon cutting represents far more than a new space. It represents new possibilities for children and families,” said Andrea Behrman, director of the center and professor in UofL’s Department of Neurological Surgery. “We now have a purpose-built facility that matches the innovation of our work, allowing us to deliver more intensive therapies, expand research and ultimately improve outcomes for the children we serve.”

For more than a decade, the program has been a national leader in pediatric neurorecovery, growing from serving one child per day to more than 20 daily therapy visits. The new facility replaces previously fragmented spaces, creating a cohesive environment that enhances collaboration among clinicians, researchers and families.

Supported by a $1 million grant from Kosair for Kids, along with $2 million in federal funding through the Health Resources and Services Administration and additional philanthropic support, the expansion increases the center’s treatment capacity by 33%, allowing up to 24 children per day to receive life-changing therapies.

“Kosair for Kids has proudly supported this program since its beginning, and today we celebrate what that commitment has made possible,” said Barry Dunn, president and CEO of Kosair for Kids. “This new space allows us to reach more children, provide greater hope and continue delivering on our promise to help every child live life to the fullest.”

The expansion also reflects strong leadership and advocacy at the federal level. Congressman Morgan McGarvey and former Congressman John Yarmuth helped secure critical funding to support the project. In addition, a meaningful bequest from the estate of Jane Burian, in memory of Dr. Frank J. Burian and Henrietta S. Burian, will leave a lasting legacy for the children and families served by the center.

“While research is a critical part of the broader program, our role at that makes a difference for families,” said Miranda Garvin, president of Frazier Rehab Institute.“It is this unique model that has elevated Frazier to one of the top rehabilitation centers in the country. This new space will offer children access to advanced rehabilitation in a way that simply isn’t available in most settings.”

The center plays a critical role in advancing research through the , helping translate scientific discovery into real-world recovery. By conducting research alongside clinical care, the center accelerates the impact of scientific inquiry on patient care, strengthening UofL’s position as a global leader in pediatric neurorecovery.

Treadmill in spacious room that includes dimensional artificial tree on wall.
Therapy treadmill in expanded Kosair for Kids Center for Pediatric NeuroRecovery

Facility highlights include:

  • Fully integrated therapy and research spaces to accelerate collaboration and innovation
  • Specialized treatment areas for children and teens of all ages
  • Private consultation rooms to support families and care teams
  • A welcoming, family-centered common space for caregivers
  • Advanced rehabilitation technologies tailored to pediatric needs

In addition to clinical care and research, the center will serve as a hub for training future therapists, physicians and researchers, ensuring continued advancement in the field for years to come.

Support from the Shelley Trimble Fund for Pediatric NeuroRecovery continues to help families access critical therapies, regardless of insurance limitations, expanding the reach and impact of the center’s work.

View the .

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UofL, JCPS expand Louisville Teacher Residency program /post/uofltoday/louisville-teacher-residency-program-expands/ Fri, 17 Apr 2026 13:38:44 +0000 /?p=63520 The University of Louisville and Jefferson County Public Schools are expanding the , an innovative partnership designed to grow and sustain a diverse, highly skilled teacher workforce for Louisville’s highest-need schools.

The expansion is supported by renewed funding from Class Act Federal Credit Union, which has committed $450,000 to support scholarships and programmatic needs.

The Louisville Teacher Residency, the first program of its kind in Kentucky, provides college graduates who did not major in education the opportunity to earn a master’s degree and Kentucky teaching certification in just one year, in exchange for a commitment to teach in a high-needs JCPS school.

“UofL is deeply grateful for our partnership with Jefferson County Public Schools to implement a teacher residency program that recruits, retains and elevates future educators,” said President Gerry Bradley. “We are also grateful to Class Act for their generous scholarship support, which enables us to create new pathways for educators pursuing careers in Early Childhood ֱ and Special ֱ.”

During the residency year, participants spend four days each week embedded in JCPS classrooms, gaining hands-on teaching experience under the guidance of master teachers. On Fridays and throughout the summer, residents attend classes at UofL, completing coursework co-designed by JCPS and university faculty to ensure alignment with classroom realities and district needs. Upon completion, residents transition into full-time teaching roles within JCPS.

“I am thankful for Class Act’s continued support, which plays an important role in providing our residents with the guidance, resources, and preparation needed to succeed in the classroom,” said Stefanie Wooten Burnett, assistant dean at UofL’s College of ֱ and Human Development. “This partnership reflects our shared commitment to strengthening the teacher pipeline and supporting students in JCPS.” 

Class Act Federal Credit Union has now committed more than $1 million to the Louisville Teacher Residency program since its creation.

“Supporting the Louisville Teacher Residency aligns with our credit union philosophy of ‘people helping people,’ and specifically with Class Act’s mission of supporting education in our community” said Tom Anonson, president and CEO at Class Act Federal Credit Union. “By partnering with UofL and JCPS, we are helping prepare educators who will make a lasting difference for students and families across our community.”

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UofL renovates Texas Roadhouse Student Center in College of Business /post/uofltoday/uofl-renovates-texas-roadhouse-student-center-in-college-of-business/ Thu, 08 Jan 2026 20:13:36 +0000 /?p=63208 The University of Louisville celebrated the newly renovated Texas Roadhouse Student Center, located inside the College of Business, with a ribbon-cutting to recognize the generous support of Texas Roadhouse and the renovation work completed in partnership with Buffalo Construction.

The ceremony brought together students, faculty, staff and community members to mark the continued collaboration between UofL and the Louisville-based restaurant brand.

Special guests included Texas Roadhouse executives Gina Tobin and Chris Colson, along with representatives from Buffalo Construction, university leadership and the College of Business Student Council.

First opened in 2010, the Texas Roadhouse Student Center remains one of the most unique student spaces at any university in the country.

Wall decorated with UofL Cardinal and Texas Roadhouse characters with tables and chairs
Texas Roadhouse Student Center in the College of Business

The Western-themed environment, complete with wooden benches, neon signage and design elements found in Texas Roadhouse restaurants, was originally funded and constructed by Texas Roadhouse. The recent renovations preserve some of the iconic theming while enhancing comfort, durability and functionality for today’s students.

“Texas Roadhouse has been an incredible partner to the University of Louisville for more than a decade,” said Amy Henley, dean of the College of Business. “Their investment with Buffalo Construction continues to strengthen the student experience and demonstrates the company’s ongoing commitment to growing Louisville’s future business leaders.”

Buffalo Construction partnered with Texas Roadhouse to lead the renovation project, mirroring the collaboration the two organizations use to build new restaurant locations across the country. The student center remains one of the most popular study spaces on campus, consistently filled with students seeking a quiet, comfortable and distinctive place to gather between classes.

“We’re proud to support the next generation of leaders at the University of Louisville,” said Gina Tobin, president of Texas Roadhouse. “This space reflects our culture, our roots in Louisville and our ongoing connection to the community.”

The drives intellectual and economic growth locally and globally through cutting-edge academic programs, innovative research and strong community partnerships. Students benefit from real-world learning experiences co-designed with industry partners and a wide array of undergraduate, graduate, executive education, certificate, entrepreneurship, equine industry, online and international programs.

See the from the ribbon-cutting event on Jan. 8, 2026.

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Raise Some L 2025 unites Cardinals, raising $2.9M for UofL /post/uofltoday/raise-some-l-2025-unites-cardinals-raising-2-9m-for-uofl/ Thu, 30 Oct 2025 16:44:39 +0000 /?p=63006 The University of Louisville’s Cardinal community came together in an extraordinary show of generosity during Raise Some L 2025, the university’s annual day of giving.

A total of 1,931 donors helped raise $2.9 million, marking another powerful demonstration of the Cardinal spirit and a fifth consecutive year of record-breaking engagement across all 50 states.

Timed to energize UofL’s Homecoming week, Raise Some L spanned 1,798 minutes, in honor of the university’s founding year, and celebrated the many ways philanthropy transforms lives across campus and beyond.

“Because of your generosity, we continue to move forward together,” said University of Louisville President Gerry Bradley. “Each gift, no matter the size, helps us create new opportunities for our students, faculty, staff, researchers, patients and the entire Cardinal community. We are deeply grateful to all who supported this effort.”

Throughout the day, supporters rallied behind their favorite programs, schools and causes, amplifying their impact through social media advocacy, challenges and matching gifts. The campaign also highlighted several major commitments and gifts that will have an immediate and lasting effect across the university, including:

  • Anonymous – A transformational $500,000 commitment over the next five years to establish two Student Success Funds supporting undergraduate and medical students in financial need.
  • Phoenix Controls – An in-kind gift valued at $382,258 to enhance the new Applied Engineering program with advanced technology and hands-on learning tools.
  • SEW-EURODRIVE – An in-kind gift valued at $358,000 to further support the Applied Engineering program.
  • Suraj and Rachel Alexander – A $100,000 gift establishing a Centennial Scholarship Fund within the J.B. Speed School of Engineering, along with a $50,000 planned gift to sustain the school’s mission.
  • Autodesk – A $75,000 contribution in support of cutting-edge technologies for the Applied Engineering program.
  • St. James Court Neighborhood Association – A renewed $74,375 commitment to benefit the Hite Art Institute, including a new scholarship honoring Bill Holladay, Jr.
  • Lyle and Linda Graham – A $50,000 contribution to the Graham Student Philanthropy Endowed Fund and an additional $5,000 to the Graham Math Scholars Program.
  • Anonymous Planned Gift – A $50,000 commitment to advance the J.B. Speed School of Engineering.
  • Genentech, Inc. – A $43,421 gift to the School of Public Health & Information Sciences to support future health leaders.
  • Dr. Paul Kelty – A $25,000 pledge to the Golden Alumni Scholarship at the Speed School of Engineering.
  • Anonymous Gift – A $12,500 matching gift to expand resources for the UofL Writing, Editing, and Publishing Lab.

“Each year, the Cardinal community shows what’s possible when we come together with purpose,” said Vice President for Philanthropy and Alumni Engagement Jim Broschart. “These results reflect the power of collective generosity and the shared belief in UofL’s mission to make a difference in Louisville and around the world.”

While Raise Some L has concluded, there’s still time to make an impact. Gifts of any size continue to help strengthen programs and expand opportunities across the university. To learn more or contribute, visit .

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UofL’s annual day of giving, Raise Some L, kicks off Oct. 21 /post/uofltoday/uofls-annual-day-of-giving-raise-some-l-kicks-off-oct-21/ Tue, 21 Oct 2025 12:18:56 +0000 /?p=62915 , the University of Louisville’s day of giving, kicks off Tuesday, Oct. 21, at 6:02 p.m., and runs through midnight on Wednesday, Oct. 22.

This celebration of generosity spans 1,798 minutes, a tribute to UofL’s founding year, and invites Cardinals everywhere to come together in support of the university they love.

Timed to energize Homecoming week, Raise Some L rallies the Cardinal community around the initiatives, programs and people shaping UofL’s future.

“Your support of the UofL family ignites transformative opportunities for our students, patients and community. It empowers the next generation of Cardinals to reach their full potential,” said President Gerry Bradley. “We are building a brighter tomorrow and moving forward together.”

Recent Major Gifts and Commitments

This year’s Raise Some L celebration has already been bolstered by several significant gifts and commitments that will make an immediate and lasting impact across the University of Louisville. Highlights include:

  • Anonymous – Inspired by the legacy of two strong women who championed education and opportunity for themselves and their children, a gift of $500,000 to the University of Louisville was made by a family of first-generation immigrants who began their American journey with hope, determination, and a deep belief in the power of learning. This investment creates a safety net for students, helping cover essential needs like housing, food, and childcare, so they can focus on achieving their degrees and building brighter futures. Their story is one of perseverance, gratitude, and a shared belief that education transforms lives.
  • Phoenix Controls – An in-kind gift valued at $382,258 to enhance the new program, providing state-of-the-art technology and resources for hands-on learning.

  • SEW-EURODRIVE – An in-kind gift valued at $358,000 to support the program, providing state-of-the-art technology and resources for hands-on learning.
  • Suraj and Rachel Alexander – A $100,000 gift establishing a new Centennial Scholarship fund within the to support student opportunity and innovation, complemented by a $50,000 planned gift to sustain and advance the Speed School’s mission for years to come.
  • Autodesk – $75,000 in support of state-of-the-art technologies and resources for the J.B. Speed School’s program.
  • St. James Court Neighborhood Association – A renewed commitment totaling $74,375 to benefit the , including the establishment of the St. James Court Neighborhood Association Scholarship Honoring Bill Holladay, Jr., to support students pursuing art and design.
  • Lyle and Linda Graham – A $50,000 contribution to the Graham Student Philanthropy Endowed Fund and an additional $5,000 gift to the Graham Math Scholars Program, continuing their long-standing support for student engagement and success.
  • Anonymous Planned Gift to the Speed School – A planned commitment valued at $50,000 to advance the mission and programs of the J.B. Speed School of Engineering.
  • Genentech, Inc. –A gift of $43,421 to the . Genentech is a pioneering biotechnology company committed to innovation, equity, and health. This gift helps prepare the next generation of leaders to tackle the world’s most pressing health challenges.
  • Dr. Paul Kelty – A $25,000 pledge to the Golden Alumni Scholarship at the J.B. Speed School of Engineering. (Securities transfer processed by Baird Financial.)
  • Anonymous Gift – A $12,500 matching gift to the UofL Writing, Editing and Publishing Lab, expanding resources and opportunities for students in the program.

“Raise Some L helps keep UofL accessible and affordable, fuels breakthrough research, enhances medical care and drives our momentum as a leading metropolitan research university,” said Philanthropy and Alumni Engagement Vice President Jim Broschart. “We are profoundly grateful to the alumni, faculty, staff and friends who answer the call year after year. Your generosity makes it all possible.”

To learn more, make a gift or become a Raise Some L advocate, visit .

Campus Events & Student Energy

The Student Organization for Alumni Relations (SOAR) and the Student Activities Board (SAB) will host Raise Some L block parties on the Belknap and HSC campuses on Wednesday, Oct. 22, from 12-2 p.m., featuring snacks, games, music and opportunities to get involved. Don’t miss the action at the campus quads and help spread the word using #RaiseSomeL on social media.

Last Year’s Impact

In 2024, more than 2,000 donors gave an incredible $5.4 million to support UofL, UofL Health and UofL Athletics. For the fourth consecutive year, Cardinal family members from all 50 states took part, showing the nation what it means to Raise Some L.

To see what else is happening during Homecoming week, visit

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UofL, UofL Health receive funding from WHAS Crusade for Children to transform lives /post/uofltoday/uofl-uofl-health-receive-funding-to-transform-lives-from-whas-crusade-for-children/ Wed, 17 Sep 2025 19:32:00 +0000 /?p=62778 The University of Louisville, UofL Health and the WHAS Crusade for Children are celebrating a powerful and enduring partnership that has transformed the lives of children and families across Kentucky for more than three decades.

Since its inception, the WHAS Crusade for Children has provided nearly $20 million in grant support to UofL and , fueling groundbreaking research, innovative education and expanded access to high-quality care for children with special needs.

This year, that legacy of generosity continues with more than $325,000 in new awards supporting programs and equipment that directly improve the lives of children and their families:

  • $200,000 for new equipment in  Neonatal Intensive Care Unit
  • $50,000 for equipment at
  • $22,500 for equipment in the 
  • $30,000 to support the UofL 
  • $22,000 for special education scholarships in UofL’s

This support has touched nearly every corner of the university — from classrooms to clinics, and from local outreach programs to statewide initiatives — making a lasting impact on Kentucky’s most vulnerable children and their families.

“On behalf of the University of Louisville, I extend heartfelt thanks to the WHAS Crusade for Children for their extraordinary generosity and decades of unwavering support,” said Jeffrey Bumpous, UofL executive vice president of health affairs and medical school dean. “Together, we are transforming lives, strengthening families and building a brighter future for children throughout the commonwealth.”

The latest investment from the Crusade will further elevate UofL and UofL Health’s ability to educate the next generation of health professionals and expand innovative care to more children and families in need.

“The partnership between the WHAS Crusade for Children and the University of Louisville is proof that this community’s generosity truly changes lives,” said Dawn Lee, president and CEO of WHAS Crusade for Children. “UofL continues to transform grants into care, research and education that make life better for children with identified needs. This legacy has opened doors for generations of children, and the best is yet to come.”

For more than 30 years, the partnership has not only brought critical resources to special needs children, but has also helped advance UofL’s and UofL Health’s missions of improving the quality of life for the communities they serve.

“This enduring partnership demonstrates the power of philanthropy and collaboration,” said UofL Health Interim CEO Jason Smith. “From education and research to compassionate, hands-on care, the WHAS Crusade for Children’s generosity has improved lives across the Commonwealth.”

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Kosair for Kids and UofL announce expansion of facility for children recovering from spinal cord injury /section/science-and-tech/kosair-for-kids-and-uofl-announce-expansion-of-facility-for-children-recovering-from-spinal-cord-injury/ Mon, 21 Apr 2025 14:00:53 +0000 /?p=62164 The University of Louisville and Kosair for Kids will dramatically expand capacity and improve services provided through the Kosair for Kids Center for Pediatric NeuroRecovery. Supported by a $1 million grant from Kosair for Kids, this project will renovate the fourth floor of UofL Health – Frazier Rehab Institute, creating a 12,500-square-foot, state-of-the-art space that consolidates all therapy, research and clinical services for the center.

Integrating these functions will enhance research collaboration, improve patient care and increase treatment capacity by 50%, allowing up to 24 children per day to receive life-changing therapies.

The expansion is also made possible thanks to federal support and philanthropic generosity. Congressman Morgan McGarvey and Honorable former Congressman John Yarmuth championed a Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) grant that provided $2 million toward the project. Their leadership helped secure critical funding to support this vital expansion in pediatric care. In addition, the university recognizes with deep gratitude a bequest realized from the estate of Jane Burian in memory of Dr. Frank J. Burian and Henrietta S. Burian, whose legacy will have a lasting impact on the lives of children and families served by the center.

For over a decade, UofL’s pediatric neurorecovery program, led by Dr. Andrea Behrman, has transformed the lives of children recovering from spinal cord injuries, growing from serving one child per day to 16, with more than 21 daily visits for occupational and physical therapy. However, the program has long outgrown its existing facilities, which are scattered across multiple floors and repurposed spaces within Frazier Rehab Institute.

“Our mission is to not only provide the best care for children affected by spinal cord injuries but to push the boundaries of what is possible for their recovery,” said Behrman, director of the center and professor in the UofL Department of Neurological Surgery. “Thanks to the unwavering support of Kosair for Kids, we will now have a facility designed specifically for this groundbreaking work, enabling us to reach more children and provide even better outcomes.”

Additionally, the center will serve as a hub for training the next generation of therapists, researchers and physicians specializing in restorative pediatric neurorecovery.

“Kosair for Kids has proudly supported this center since its inception,” said Barry Dunn, president and CEO of Kosair for Kids. “We have witnessed Kosair Kids regain movement and hope, ability and joy. This expanded partnership with UofL delivers on the Kosair for Kids promise to help every child live life to the fullest. This is what it means to bring hope and healing to our community.”

The center’s research is part of the work of the , funded by the Kentucky Spinal Cord and Head Injury Research Trust. Jim Shaughnessy, director of the Kentucky Spinal Cord and Head Injury Research Board, emphasized the impact of the new space on the center’s broader mission:

“This expansion is a critical step forward in our mission to drive innovative, research-based care for children with spinal cord injuries,” said Shaughnessy. “By bringing research and therapy together under one roof, we are accelerating the path from discovery to recovery and creating a model that can be replicated worldwide.”

Highlights of the center’s new location:

  • Integrated therapy and research spaces to ensure seamless collaboration between clinicians and scientists.
  • Dedicated teen therapy areas and specialized equipment to accommodate all pediatric age groups.
  • Private consultation rooms for families to meet with health care professionals.
  • A family-friendly common space for caregivers to rest, network with other families, or work remotely during therapy sessions.
  • Advanced rehabilitation technology tailored to pediatric neurorecovery needs.

Gifts to the assist families whose insurance does not fully cover the cost of therapy, allowing more children with spinal cord injuries have full access to activity-based therapies to make their lives better.  

See .

Patrick Leonards, left, is one of the children who has experienced significant recovery thanks to therapy he received at UofL’s Kosair for Kids Center for Pediatric NeuroRecovery.
Patrick Leonards, left, is one of the children who has experienced significant recovery thanks to therapy he received at UofL’s Kosair for Kids Center for Pediatric NeuroRecovery. Photo courtesy Maggie Leonards.
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Raise Some L 2024 an extraordinary success in donor engagement /post/uofltoday/raise-some-l-2024-an-extraordinary-success-in-donor-engagement/ Mon, 28 Oct 2024 14:42:06 +0000 /?p=61532 After 1,798 nonstop minutes of excitement, determination and fun, the University of Louisville’s Raise Some L 2024 Day of Giving concluded at 11:59 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 16 with tremendous success.

More than 2,000 donors came together to raise an impressive $5.4 million for , and . And for the fourth consecutive year, UofL turned the entire U.S. map Cardinal red as donations poured in from all 50 states, demonstrating the far-reaching support of alumni, students, parents and friends.

Strategically set during Homecoming Week, this annual day of giving brings Cardinals here and beyond together for their shared goal to create a brighter future to UofL.

In addition to thousands of grassroots donations, several donors pledged significant gifts in advance of the event, elevating the overall impact. These included a $1.5 million gift from The Bufford Family Foundation to support the College of Business, a $1.1 million beneficiary designation from an anonymous alumnus for the J.B. Speed School of Engineering and a $1 million bequest for the Department of Biology. UofL Health contributed a $50,000 challenge gift for the Employee Emergency Fund and the Greater Louisville Medical Society Foundation provided $125,000 for School of Medicine scholarships.

Cardinal advocates also played a crucial role as 66 fundraisers mobilized to raise more than $24,000 from 280 donors.

“Your generous contributions during Raise Some L 2024 have empowered our future and opened new chapters of opportunity. Thank you for being a vital part of our story,” said Julie Dials, interim vice president for philanthropy and alumni engagement. “Your support truly makes a difference and will have a profound impact on UofL, UofL Health and UofL Athletics.”

The contributions of the Cardinal family will make an immediate and lasting impact on hundreds of initiatives across UofL’s campuses and the Louisville community. Their united support will continue to fuel innovation, scholarships and growth for years to come.

If you missed the day of giving, learn more or make a gift at .

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UofL ready to Raise Some L /post/uofltoday/uofl-ready-to-raise-some-l/ Mon, 14 Oct 2024 15:02:50 +0000 /?p=61483 Every fall semester, during a 30-hour sprint in mid-October, Cardinals on campus and from every corner of the U.S. and beyond come together with one goal in mind – to make a big impact and Raise Some L.

Beginning at 6:02 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 15, 2024, and continuing through midnight on Wednesday, Oct. 16, the University of Louisville’s annual day of giving – affectionately known as Raise Some L – will run for an inspiring 1,798 minutes in honor of UofL’s founding year. This unique fundraising event, strategically set during Homecoming week, unites the Cardinal community in support of initiatives that will shape a thriving future for all.

“Your support of the UofL family ignites transformative opportunities for our students, patients and community and empowers the next generation of Cardinals to reach their full potential,” said President Kim Schatzel. “Together, we are building a brighter tomorrow.”

Several major gifts have already been pledged in advance of the day, including:

  • $1.5 million gift from The Bufford Family Foundation/Susan and Randy Bufford to support the College of Business, including scholarships and personal success investments for student-athletes.
  • $1.1 million beneficiary designation from an anonymous alumnus in support of the J.B. Speed School of Engineering.
  • $1 million bequest from a loyal UofL supporter for the benefit of the Department of Biology.
  • $150,000 gift from Strong Hold to support the new Speed School building.
  • $125,000 from the Greater Louisville Medical Society Foundation to support scholarships for the School of Medicine
  • $50,000 challenge gift from UofL Health to support the UofL Health Employee Emergency Fund.
  • $25,000 memorial gift to support the Tung-ho Chen Endowed Graduate Student Scholarship from the Chen family.
  • $13,000 in matching gifts from 1970’s alumni to support the Speed Golden Alumni Scholarship Endowment, the Medicine Class of 1971 Scholarship Endowment, and the 1970s Biology Graduate Student Endowment.
  • $10,000 gift from the MW Fund to advance spinal cord injury research and provide patient assistance.

“Raise Some L is critical to keeping UofL accessible and affordable for students, fostering groundbreaking research and driving our growth as a leading metropolitan research university,” said Julie Dials, interim vice president for philanthropy and alumni engagement. “We are deeply grateful to our dedicated alumni, faculty, staff and friends who rise to the challenge each year. Your unwavering commitment makes all the difference.”

To amp up the excitement of the day, Alumni Relations and Annual Giving will host a Raise Some L block party in front of the Red Barn on the Belknap Campus and the Student Activities Board (SAB) will host one at the HSC Quad on the Health Sciences Center Campus. Stop by for snacks, activities, prizes and more.

Last year, Raise Some L set a record with 2,093 donors contributing $1.3 million. Every dollar raised immediately supports vital areas across campus and the community. For the third consecutive year, Cardinals from all 50 states united to paint the nation red.

To learn more about UofL’s annual day of giving and how to become an advocate, visit . And be sure to spread the excitement on social media by using #RaiseSomeL.

For a full list of what’s happening during UofL Homecoming week, visit .

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