Vodden joins UofL from East Tennessee State University, where she served as the inaugural vice president for marketing and communications. In her role at ETSU, Vodden led an integrated team of more than 30 marketing and communications professionals and guided the department through a comprehensive brand modernization, digital ecosystem overhaul, renewed focus on internal communications and integrated marketing strategy that contributed to record new student enrollment and recognition as a Great College to Work For®.����

“We are thrilled to welcome Jess as a Cardinal and look forward to her leadership as she guides a talented team of professionals who work tirelessly to tell UofL’s story and shape and elevate the university’s brand,” Bradley said. “Jess brings with her an established track record in helping universities with integrated marketing and narrative strategy, digital transformation and crisis communications. Her experience with higher education policy groups and mission-driven organizations also proves invaluable.”��

An enterprise marketing and communications executive for more than 20 years, Vodden previously served as the chief marketing officer at Savage Grant, a social impact investment firm focused on economic and workforce development, as well as in a senior role with the West Virginia Higher ����ֱ�� Policy Commission. She also founded VLS, a behavioral design and communications advisory practice that worked with universities, government agencies and nonprofits.����

Vodden holds a bachelor’s degree in public relations, with minors in Spanish and graphic design from Marshall University and a Master of Public Administration in nonprofit management from the University of Colorado Denver.����

At UofL, Vodden will serve as a member of the president’s leadership team and work with campus leaders to shape the narrative of UofL’s next chapter, focusing on strategic priorities including academic success, enrollment growth, innovation, connecting with community partners and growing the university’s national reputation.����

“As one of only 13 universities in the nation recognized by the Carnegie Foundation as a top-tier institution for research, community engagement and student success, the University of Louisville exemplifies everything a public university should be,” Vodden said. “I am honored and humbled to join President Bradley and the university community as they build on recent historic achievements, including record enrollment, major gains in student retention and groundbreaking investments in research and innovation that will help build a brighter future in Kentucky and across the world. ��

Vodden replaces John Karman, who has served in the interim vice president role since late 2024. Karman, who guided the Office of Communications and Marketing through several major initiatives during his tenure, will return to his role as university spokesperson and executive director of communications.����

Vodden will begin at UofL on Aug. 17.��

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 .

With an estimated cost of $280 million, the building represents the largest single-project funding package in UofL’s history. The State of Kentucky has allocated $260 million toward the project, with the university providing the remaining $20 million.

“Today marks more than the start of a new building. It reflects a bold commitment to the future of health in our community and across Kentucky,” said President Gerry Bradley. “This new health sciences facility will accelerate discovery, strengthen our workforce and expand access to high-quality care. It’s an investment in people, in partnership and a powerful step toward building healthier lives, stronger families and a more resilient region.”

The , located along Preston Street from Chestnut to Gray, will be a connecting point for the UofL Schools of Dentistry, Medicine, Nursing and Public Health and Information Sciences. The building features extensive medical simulation facilities, along with dedicated spaces for learning, research and work. The six-story, 257,000-square-foot structure will enable UofL to increase enrollment in health professions programs to meet existing and future health care workforce demands.

“Investing in the UofL Health Sciences Center is a direct investment in the future of Kentucky’s economy. By modernizing how we train our next generation of nurses, doctors and dentists through simulation training, we are ensuring that our commonwealth remains a leader in health care innovation,” said Kentucky Senate President Robert Stivers. “A healthy workforce is the backbone of a strong economy, and this facility will provide the critical infrastructure needed to train the next generation of health care professionals to serve the people of the commonwealth.”��

The space is designed to facilitate interdisciplinary learning, instilling a collaborative, interprofessional approach to health sciences. The goal is to advance health professions education, empowering the next generation of health care providers to improve health and health care for people in Louisville, across Kentucky and beyond.

“Building a strong and resilient economy for Kentucky families starts with investing in people – those including our health care workforce. This state-of-the-art simulation facility will give students the hands-on training they need to master complex clinical skills before ever entering a hospital room,” said David Osborne, speaker of the Kentucky House of Representatives. “By modernizing health care education, we are strengthening the pipeline of highly trained professionals ready to meet the demands of a 21st-century economy. Ultimately, this investment will lead to better care, improved outcomes and healthier communities across the commonwealth.”

The building’s modular classroom and conference spaces, research labs and workspaces are designed with the needs of learners and instructors in mind. UofL’s School of Public Health and Information Sciences will be completely housed within the building, while other spaces are customized for the Schools of Dentistry, Medicine and Nursing.

Extensive simulation facilities will incorporate the latest technology where health professions students, residents and clinical professionals can gain practical skills training. Jarrod Young, , is leading the development, integration and strategic direction of the simulation spaces.

“This groundbreaking is an investment in Louisville’s future,” said Louisville Mayor Craig Greenberg. “By uniting education, research and hands-on training, UofL’s new Health Sciences Building will grow the next generation of health care professionals, strengthen our workforce, improve health outcomes for people across Kentucky and reinforce Louisville’s role as a leading medical and education hub for Kentucky and beyond.”

The structure is infused with an emphasis on collaboration, engagement and wellbeing for those who use each space, with formal and informal working and gathering spaces, natural light and easy access to landscaped outdoor spaces. Casual dining and seating options encourage personal interaction. Abundant windows are enhanced with a unique scrim to prevent glare and heat gain, while still taking advantage of sunlight. The space provides multiple opportunities to access nature with plantings along the perimeter, terraced outdoor space and a microforest of dense natural landscaping on the building’s south side.

The building sits along the main corridor of the and borders the , which is improving walkability, health and safety by enhancing walkways and adding trees and green spaces to the streetscape.

The building design is a product of architects Champlin | EOP with Perkins&Will, and Messer construction is the general contractor. Construction is expected to be completed in 2029.

To learn more, visit the .��View a of the construction site.

See the complete gallery of photos from the .

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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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“This initiative establishes UofL as a national leader in educating its students about intimate partner violence,” said President Gerry Bradley. “Our hope is that the project helps to curb instances of abuse and violence in our community and across the nation.”

Dean and Professor of Law Melanie B. Jacobs said the new Mary Byron Endowed Chair “will not only lead IPV law and policy education but also engage in unprecedented transdisciplinary collaboration to provide opportunities for UofL students to help those impacted by IPV and, just as importantly, to learn how to prevent IPV.”

The 1993 murder of 21-year-old Louisville resident Mary Byron by her estranged ex-boyfriend who was unknowingly released from jail led to the creation of — Victim Information and Notification Everyday. First used in Louisville, VINE from Equifax is a national automated notification service that provides crime victims, survivors and other concerned citizens with near real-time, anonymous alerts regarding changes to an offender’s custody status. VINE is available in more than 45 states, and according to Equifax, delivered nearly 21.5 million notifications in 2025.

The Mary Byron Project’s mission since 2000 is to foster innovations and programs to prevent intimate partner violence. It accomplishes this through public advocacy, funding groundbreaking IPV initiatives throughout the United States and becoming a national thought leader.��

The project’s board wanted to preserve and institutionalize this legacy and selected the Brandeis School of Law to extend the work through the Mary Byron Endowed Chair.

“This chair will advance legal education and policy related to intimate partner violence and help integrate IPV-focused learning throughout the law school and university curriculum to train professionals to better understand and ultimately prevent, IPV,” said Mary Byron Project Founding Executive Director and Board Chair Marcia Roth.

“There is no more fitting partner than the Brandeis School of Law at UofL to carry forward this legacy of thought leadership as we work to break the cycle of intimate partner violence for generations to come,” said Mike Davis, developer of VINE in collaboration with Yung Nguyen.

Louisville Mayor Craig Greenberg said this work will impact residents throughout the city.

“The top priority of my administration is public safety – ensuring that all our residents are safe and feel safe in their neighborhoods. We know that all too often, this begins with making sure people are safe in their own homes.��I applaud the Mary Byron Project, Equifax and many others for supporting this center and endowed position at UofL. It will help end domestic violence not just here in Louisville but across the country, and it will continue the powerful legacy of the Byron family,” he said.

“Mary Byron’s story inspired a new era of safety and support for victims of crime, starting with the notifications provided by VINE,” said Equifax Senior Vice President and General Manager of Public Safety, Jarrod Carnahan. “We are proud to support the Brandeis School of Law and the Mary Byron Endowed Chair to extend our mission beyond notification technology and help empower a new generation of leaders to identify early warning signs and intervene before intimate partner violence leads to tragedy.”

Building upon the existing Robert and Sue Ellen Ackerson Law Clinic, which was created in 2009 and represents clients who have suffered from IPV in Jefferson County, the new Mary Byron Center’s collaborative partners will include:

• College of Business
• College of ����ֱ�� and Human Development
• Department of Classical and Modern Languages
• Raymond A. Kent School of Social Work and Family Science
• School of Dentistry
• School of Medicine and the Department of Psychiatry
• UofL Health—UofL Hospital

The center will grow into an interdisciplinary entity designed to make systemic changes, provide wrap-around services for clients and teach those providing services their role in combatting IPV, a learned behavior passed on from generation to generation. By teaching about its breadth and impact in all areas of academia, students will learn how to disrupt the pathways that have historically triggered IPV.

The Mary Byron Center will also facilitate an annual conference designed to bring together aspiring and practicing law professionals from across the globe. This conference will provide opportunities for other universities to learn about UofL’s unique approach to teaching and addressing IPV so that they, too, can integrate IPV studies into their core curriculum.

“My daughter Mary’s name lives on,” said Pat Byron. “The important work begun by the Mary Byron Project will continue, helping train the next generation of advocates – lawyers and lay people, alike. With each of these important steps we get closer to making ‘no more’ a reality.”������

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Last year was the first time UofL received the QS global ranking, and it was established relying solely on publicly available information.

“This is the first year that sustainability data was intentionally gathered and reported to QS with the encouragement and assistance of the Office of Institutional Research,” said Justin Mog, assistant to the provost for sustainability initiatives.

Mog said this newest metric complements the steady progress UofL has attained every three-year measurement period under the framework developed by the AASHE (Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher ����ֱ��).

President Gerry Bradley said a sustainability mindset is critical to a university’s policies, procedures and culture. “Anything else means that we are not actually creating the better world that we say we want for our students and our community.”

According to STARS, UofL has remained in the top 100 most sustainable schools on the planet, consistently maintaining the highest STARS rating of any school in Kentucky and ranking fourth among its official benchmark institutions. The next STARS ranking will be announced in April.

Recently, UofL was also granted two core recertifications. For a fourth time, UofL was named a�� (a rating valid 2025-2029) by the League of American Bicyclists, and for the 16th consecutive year recognized as a Tree Campus Higher ����ֱ�� institution by the Arbor Day Foundation.

Since UofL first signed onto the Climate Commitment and formed the university-wide Sustainability Council in 2008, it has launched a wide variety of campus sustainability initiatives making meaningful impacts on the lives and learning of our campus community. A few of these include: ��

• Degree programs in sustainability
• Slashing greenhouse emissions by half
• UofL Free Store and Cardinal Cupboard
• Campus gardens and community composting
• Farmers Markets and CSA programs
• EcoReps and Ecolympics
• Sustainability Roundtable
• Kroger Zero Hunger Zero Waste Scholars

Mog said rankings like STARS and QS help UofL recruit sustainability-minded students and employees and help to prioritize and better understand where to invest limited resources.

“If you think about it, UofL ‘s reason for being is to create a better future for our students, to conduct research that will make the world a better place, and to engage the community in mutually beneficial ways,” Mog said. “Sustainability is key to crafting that future every day.”

Interested in finding out more about sustainability and what you can do to help? Visit ��

DIU works with companies to rapidly prototype and scale technologies for national defense and currently operates OnRamp Hubs across the U.S. in Arizona, Hawaii, Kansas, Ohio and Washington. The addition of OnRamp Hub: Kentucky presents an opportunity for talent and technology companies across the state.

“The University of Louisville is establishing itself as a national leader in defense technology and innovation,” said Senator Mitch McConnell, who supported UofL’s selection for the hub. “Today’s announcement will bring a Defense Innovation Unit OnRamp Hub to Kentucky with UofL as the commonwealth’s delivery partner. I am proud that UofL will create new opportunities for defense companies, researchers and students to contribute directly to our national security.”

Multiple areas of established infrastructure at UofL will contribute to the hub’s mission, including a nationally ranked research enterprise, particularly assets within the J.B. Speed School of Engineering, such as defense-focused facilities in additive manufacturing, robotics, cybersecurity and micro and nano technology. Support mechanisms for innovation commercialization and existing partnerships with regional defense and manufacturing entities also will contribute to the hub’s goals.

“We are immensely grateful for the opportunity to engage the talents and assets at the University of Louisville to strengthen our nation’s security, while elevating manufacturing businesses and innovators across Kentucky,” said UofL President Gerry Bradley.

UofL has demonstrated success in outreach and education for Kentucky’s manufacturing businesses through the Kentucky Manufacturing Extension Partnership (KY-MEP), which provides support and networking for Kentucky manufacturers. This expertise will translate directly to OnRamp Hub: Kentucky endeavors, giving UofL a leg up in launching the hub’s collaboration and programming efforts.

“Kentucky has a long and proud history of contributing to America’s security and the launch of this OnRamp Hub builds on that legacy. It will be a game-changer, speeding innovations to our warfighters and providing a dedicated space for innovators to receive mentoring and rapidly deploy tech that strengthens national defense,” said Will Metcalf, UofL associate vice president for research development and strategic partnerships.

William Fortune, a Kentucky native, has been named director of Defense Innovation OnRamp Hub: Kentucky, bringing more than two decades of military and civilian leadership experience and a strong background in deploying and operationalizing new technologies.

Defense Innovation OnRamp Hub: Kentucky, overseen by and supported with funding from the DIU, is located in a dedicated, state-of-the-art collaboration space at 300 East Market St. on UofL’s J.D. Nichols Campus for Innovation and Entrepreneurship. Fortune will lead a team of full-time personnel, in offering a suite of comprehensive programming at the hub designed to lower barriers to entry and speed development of new innovations. These services will disseminate the expertise present at UofL for the benefit of Kentucky businesses, building a unified defense innovation ecosystem to support warfighter needs.

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The Defense Innovation OnRamp Hubs are a strategic initiative by the Defense Innovation Unit (DIU) designed to lower barriers to entry for the talent and technology found in academia, startups and commercial companies. Recognizing that the best-of-breed technology can be found across the country, DIU currently has OnRamp Hub locations approved in eight states. These hubs serve as accessible entry points – local “front doors” – for innovators to collaborate directly with the DoW.

That work will continue and expand at UofL thanks to $11.5 million in new funding from the National Institutes of Health. The funding will support continuing research in the CCII to investigate therapies that activate the immune system against cancer and to train the next generation of cancer researchers and oncologists.

Since its launch, the CCII has helped four young researchers obtain independent federal funding and doubled the immune-oncology faculty at UofL from 10 to 20 members. The center’s faculty and research facilities also support highly successful clinical trial program.

“The power and impact of our clinical and translational research in cancer immunotherapy are undeniable. This work provides hope for people facing a cancer diagnosis,” said UofL President Gerry Bradley. “I am grateful to our researchers and clinicians who devote their careers to advancing innovative therapies that benefit cancer patients in Kentucky and beyond and I am excited to see what the next phase brings.” ����

The CCII was created with an initial five-year Center of Biomedical Research Excellence (CoBRE) grant of $11.5 million in 2020. The new $11.5 million CoBRE grant announced today will support the center’s work for an additional five years.

An essential component of the CCII’s mission is translating research into the clinical realm, making UofL Health an essential part of its work. CCII supports and is supported by Brown Cancer Center.

“UofL Health – Brown Cancer Center has been developing novel immunotherapies since the early 2000s and our collaboration with UofL’s research and educational programs has translated into lives saved not only in our region but also throughout the country,” said Jason Smith, chief executive officer of UofL Health. “This grant highlights the advantage of academic health care. We are able to leverage life-changing research from the University of Louisville and elsewhere, and put it to work to save and improve the lives of our patients.”

UofL and UofL Health – Brown Cancer Center are leaders in translating scientific discoveries to patient care and conducting clinical trials that bring new therapies to patients and improve chances of recovery for patients. Brown Cancer Center has led multiple clinical trials of tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) therapy, and in 2024, the cellular therapy was for metastatic melanoma.

“The UofL Health – Brown Cancer Center has been a leader and innovator when it comes to novel therapies like TILs,” said Jason Chesney, director of Brown Cancer Center and . “We started offering TILs in clinical trials back in 2016. We have seen many patients who were told elsewhere that they had no other options, but they’ve come to us, and their lives have been extended for years. This grant has allowed us to continue this research so more of our patients can make it to weddings, graduations and meet their grandchildren.”

Julie Reynolds, 69, was the first patient treated with commercial TILs for metastatic melanoma after its FDA approval in February 2024. The retired teacher and Indiana resident was treated at Brown Cancer Center with TILs therapy in June 2024 and is alive and well today.

“The clinical trials of TILs that were conducted by Dr. Chesney at UofL Health – Brown Cancer Center led to the FDA approval of TILs last year which in turn led to me being alive so that I can enjoy spending more time with my family,” Reynolds said.

Training the next generation of investigators

One key goal of CoBRE programs is to train talented young investigators to become the next generation of research leaders. At CCII, young investigators benefit from project grants and mentoring by senior investigators, supported by CoBRE funding. All four of the young investigators who led projects under the first round of center funding have now obtained major federal funding of their own, including:

• Chuanlin Ding
• Qingsheng Li
• Corey Watson
• Kavitha Yaddanapudi

“When we launched this center, our mission was ambitious: to build a vibrant community of scientists who could bridge fundamental immunology with translational and clinical research, ultimately bringing new hope to patients with cancer,” said Jun Yan, director of the CCII. “Through this next phase, we will continue to provide a nurturing environment where junior investigators can develop cutting-edge research programs, gain access to advanced technologies and receive the mentorship and resources they need to succeed.”

As a first-round project leader in the program, Yaddanapudi’s translational research supported the clinical immunotherapy program at Brown Cancer Center. She investigated immune checkpoint inhibitor resistance in lung cancer patients to improve treatment and worked with the TILs clinical trial team. Now, Yaddanapudi is a mentor for other young investigators in CCII as they build their research programs.

Junior investigators currently receiving support and training include:

• Sharmila Nair
• Jian Zheng
• Joseph Chen

The center also houses research instruments in its Functional Immunomics Core facility. The equipment supports research by the CCII faculty, the junior researchers and other investigators at the university. It houses a Helios CyTOF instrument and a Hyperion Imaging Mass Cytometry, among other resources. To date, investigators within the program have secured approximately $33 million in research grants made possible by the core.

As part of its next phase, the CCII plans to add a tumor organoid fragment culture platform. The platform uses human tumor specimens and mimics the human body environment for more precise testing.

View photos from the announcement on .

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

Graycarek comes to UofL from the University of Indianapolis, where he has been executive vice president of finance and administration since February 2024. During his tenure, he led the university to consecutive years of improved finances, including a 70% increase in cash balances and a 10% increase in endowment market value. Graycarek also eliminated a $17 million budget deficit while resourcing funds for cost-of-living increases, enhanced student mental health services, increased student financial aid and improved residence hall experiences. He also successfully led a $79 million housing transaction that secured long-term university ownership of three apartment complexes and provided significant upfront and ongoing financial benefits.

“We’re excited to bring Rick back home to UofL,” said President Gerry Bradley. “He is an accomplished and experienced financial leader with a proven track record in budget management, capital planning and leading successful teams. Best of all, he knows the opportunities and realities here at UofL. We’re confident in his ability to address a challenging financial climate.”

Graycarek has a master’s degree with a public administration/public finance concentration from the University of Kentucky and a bachelor’s degree in economics and political science from the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh. He also completed the Fellows program with the National Association of College and University Business Officers.

At UofL, Graycarek replaces Charlie Perusse, who had been serving as EVPFA/CFO in an interim role. Perusse presented a balanced budget for fiscal year 2026 despite considerable pressures and worked on a new affiliation agreement with UofL Health.

Graycarek previously worked under UofL EVPFA/CFO Dan Durbin, who passed away earlier this year.

“I am deeply grateful and excited to return to the Cardinal family,” Graycarek said. “I look forward to working with President Bradley and his team, the Board of Trustees and the entire UofL community to advance the university’s strategic plan. I am also incredibly thankful for my family, friends and Dan Durbin whose support and inspiration have meant the world to me.”