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.

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 .

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 .

The award recognizes the efforts of one SBA organization annually that strives to create a better environment for law students and a more positive image of the legal profession.��

Taylor Reese and Elma Jasarevic, both May 2024 law school graduates, served as ABA representative and president of the student bar association, respectively, and were instrumental in securing the award for the law school.

The two cited their involvement in the SBA as a way to give back to fellow students.

“One reason I ran to be ABA rep and wanted to join the SBA is because you can make a change there, especially for our peers,” Jasarevic said. “I wanted to see everyone succeed.”

Jasarevic nominated the student bar association for the ABA award and believes a combination of factors helped them capture the honor, including a marked increase in student engagement over the past year, as well as better connecting the student body with the administration and making an impact within the legal and nonlegal community.

Reese and Jasarevic planned and held a series of three successful town halls to encourage open dialogue and offer a voice to underrepresented groups of law students who may not have felt heard.

“When Elma and I came into school, there was a little bit of a disconnect between students and administration,” Reese��said. “This was the first year ever that we had a channel for people to leave us complaints, comments or suggestions. We set up a Microsoft form that any student could access and tell us anything.”

After receiving feedback, Reese met with the law school leadership to communicate comments and concerns and figure out solutions. The town halls also prompted greater participation in social events.

“I think the most that had previously attended any event was about 25-30 people but this year we had 125,” Reese said. “The students knew that all of us at SBA were very much an open ear, and we would go above and beyond to find someone who could fix problems. I think that’s a big part of why we had such a great year.”

Reese and Jasarevic are both pursuing law careers focused on public service, something they attribute to their time at UofL’s law school.

Reese will be working as a military lawyer, commissioning as a first lieutenant in the U.S. Army JAG Corps in January 2025.

“I always had an interest in special victims counsel, and the Army has that position,” she said. “I will be representing the survivors of domestic violence or sex crimes.”

Jasarevic’s journey will be closer to home. She will be sworn in this fall as the Jefferson County’s Assistant Commonwealth Attorney.

“Since I was in middle school, I’ve�� had a passion to serve the public,” she said. “That’s one of the things that really attracted me to Brandeis was that great mission. I just love seeing how the school is thriving and how we’re furthering the public interest.”

Halton, associate rector at Christ Church Cathedral in Lexington, argues in his 2021 “A Human-Shaped God: Theology of an Embodied God” that embracing a God with human qualities can deepen our theological connection and inspire moral growth.

This perspective earned him the 2024 Grawemeyer Award in Religion, presented by the Louisville Presbyterian Theological Seminary and the University of Louisville. The award recognizes those who have presented ideas with the potential to bring about change in the world through religion.

At a , Halton presented examples of God’s emotions, such as regret. He reasoned that the modern interpretation of the rainbow focuses on love and promises after devastation, but scripture actually states God regretted destroying everything except Noah’s Ark.

“In the story I had always assumed, I was supposed to look out in the world and see the rainbow and I am supposed to be reminded of God’s love and care and provisions,” he said. “That’s not what the book of Genesis says. It says God made the rainbow to remind God to never do that again.”

Halton believes a deeper understanding of God’s human-like depictions in the Old Testament, when combined with traditional theology, offers a richer perspective.

“The God of Genesis experiences emotion, changes their mind, has regret, makes promises to be better in the future,” Halton said. “This is a God who is on a moral arc. It’s a God who is in relationship with creation. It’s a God who is in the process learning, even about God’s self, within this relationship with God’s creation. The more God learns about itself, the more God wants to change and be more kind, more loving, more charitable and embracing of God’s creation.”

By emulating this evolving God, Halton encourages individuals to find inspiration for their own understanding of how to move in the world.

The $100,000 Grawemeyer prizes also honor seminal ideas in , ,�������Ի���. Winners visit Louisville to accept their awards and give free talks on their winning ideas.

Schatzel was named among Louisville for 2024, which identifies the city’s most influential people in business and related communities. She secured a position on the fourth annual edition of the list after being included in the publication’s “Five on the Rise” in 2023.

Arriving at UofL in February 2023, Schatzel hit the ground running with more than 40 listening sessions that included 1,200 people both on campus and in the community. The listening tour resulted in plans to increase student success, enhance research and innovation and raise the university’s profile in the community and beyond, which she laid out in eight priorities for her first full semester as , all before her inauguration on Sept. 29.

Louisville Business First selected the Power 50 from individuals nominated by the public and those covered in the publication’s own reporting and sourcing, which did not include elected officials.

Returning to the Power 50 list is , who has led the university’s academic health system since early 2019. Miller led the integration of the hospitals and medical centers of the former KentuckyOne Health into the organization, creating one of the city’s largest health systems and its only academic medical center. Miller currently is overseeing the construction of UofL Health – South Hospital to increase access to health care for residents of Bullitt County and southern Jefferson County.

The 2024 Power 50 list also includes major university donors Christina Lee Brown and Steve Trager. Brown provided foundational funding for the UofL Christina Lee Brown Envirome Institute and New Vision of Health Campus in downtown Louisville. The Trager family funded the UofL Trager Institute/Republic Bank Foundation Optimal Aging Clinic, the Trager Center indoor athletic practice facility and the Trager MicroForest Project at Founder’s Square.

Former UofL Trustees Junior Bridgeman, Sandra Frazier, Kevin Cosby and Phoebe Wood – all of whom made the list in 2023 – are on the list again in 2024.

UofL alumni also wield power in the community, and a dozen made the Power 50 list in 2024:

• Junior Bridgeman, ’75, Owner, Heartland Coca-Cola Bottling Co. and Bridgeman Sports and Media
• Russell Cox, ’81, President and CEO, Norton Healthcare Inc.
• Steve Trager, ’85, Chairman, Republic Bank & Trust Co. and CEO, Republic Bankcorp Inc.
• Earl Winebrenner, ’88, Managing Member, Winebrenner Capital Management LLC
• Kevin Cogan, ’79, Owner/CEO, Jefferson Development Group
• Condrad Daniels, ’03, President, HJI Supply Chain Solutions
• Chris Dischinger, ’90, Co-founder and Principal, LDG Development
• Ryan Bridgeman, ’04, President and CEO, Manna Inc.
• Debbie Ford, ‘87, Chancellor, Indiana University Southeast
• Todd Spencer, ’93, Executive Chairman, Doe-Anderson
• Andre Kimo Stone Guess, ’90, President & CEO, Fund for the Arts
• John Hollenbach, ’16, Managing Partner, Hollenbach Oakley

Marcus Withers, ‘00, owner, MKM Investment Group and The Property Group LLC, and dealer principal, Withers Automotive, was on the list of business and community leaders LBF believes will make waves in the coming year.

A profile of each of the honorees will be published in print and online March 29.

The UofL community and public are encouraged to nominate graduates who deserve to be recognized for their career accomplishments, philanthropic endeavors and contributions to the community. A formal recognition ceremony for all honorees will take place in fall 2024 during Homecoming week on UofL’s Belknap Campus.

“Our annual Alumni Awards celebration is the signature event of our week of Homecoming festivities. These awards recognize distinguished graduates who are exemplary ambassadors for the university and reflect the high standing and character of their alma mater,” said Josh Hawkins, assistant vice president for Alumni Relations and Annual Giving.

In addition to the Alumni Fellow awards designated for each school and college, Louisville Alumni will also present awards for Emerging Leader, Diversity Leadership, Military Alumni, Alumni Ambassador and the Wilson Wyatt Alumnus/a of the Year.��

The Wilson Wyatt Alumnus/a of the Year award personifies the qualities, mission and values of the university. The 2023 Alumnus of the Year was awarded to Steve Trager, executive chair of Republic Bank and Trust Company.

Students, graduates and friends of the university can submit online nominations to the Office of Alumni Relations through Friday, March 1.

Criteria for each award, as well as nomination forms, are available online at . Listings of previous Alumni Awards honorees can also be found on the website. For more information, contact the Office of Alumni Relations at 502-852-6186 or visit .

Shannon Tivitt will join the university Feb. 1 as vice president of government relations. In this role, she will lead all university efforts to develop and maintain productive and positive relationships with all levels of government (federal, state, and local), collaborate with industry, community and governmental partners on joint initiatives, and provide ongoing monitoring and analysis of proposed legislation and emerging issues that could potentially impact the university.

“I’m incredibly honored to return to��my alma mater and be part of President��Schatzel’s leadership team,” Tivitt said.��“UofL is a vital component in so many ways to our city and state and I look forward to representing��the university��in our community.””

Currently serving as executive director of The One Water Partnership for Louisville Water/MSD, Tivitt has more than two decades of experience in government affairs, including serving as deputy chief of staff for former Gov. Steve Beshear and as chief of staff to Lieutenant Gov. Jerry Abramson. She also served as chief of staff and deputy secretary of the Cabinet for Community Development in Abramson’s Louisville mayoral administration.

“Shannon has the expertise, the skills, the contacts and the reputation to excel in representing the University of Louisville with leaders at all levels of government,“ said UofL President Kim Schatzel. “As the university works closely with government leaders on a variety of issues and projects, it was important to find someone who could hit the ground running. We clearly have that person in Shannon. I look forward to working with her during the current legislative session and into the future.”

Tivitt holds a Bachelor of Arts in political science from UofL.

Tinker, who earned her degree in nursing, is from San Diego, California. Originally from China, she was adopted by an American family as a child. “A big part of my story is being adopted from China,” she said. “So coming from that and being an orphan to being commencement speaker at an amazing university is something I’m very proud of and grateful for.”

She found her college home at UofL after discovering a new career path during the pandemic. At UofL, Tinker became involved in several groups, including serving as president of the Student Nursing Council. Her involvement helped her grow as a leader and set her up for success after graduation.

UofL News had the opportunity to speak with Tinker ahead of graduation to find out more about her experience at UofL and her plans moving forward.

UofL News: Why did you choose UofL?

Tinker: I chose UofL because I wanted an out-of-state school with both great academics and school spirit. I wanted research opportunities and a strong health care environment, but also a tailgate scene and things like that.

��UofL News: Why did you decide to on nursing as your career path?

Tinker:��I went to school in D.C. until COVID hit. I had interned for the House of Representatives and I was really into the Capitol Hill vibe. (But) I switched over to nursing. I was inspired by seeing what the nurses did during the pandemic. I just kind of made a big decision to change my path to nursing.

UofL News: How has the School of Nursing at UofL helped you?

Tinker:��The School of Nursing is very, very special. I have a lot of friends in other majors and we’ll chit-chat about the relationships they have with faculty and … the faculty of the School of Nursing is by far the most supportive. They take an interest in their students individually. Just the mindset, there is always growth, so I feel like everyone’s always trying to make the School of Nursing the best that it can be.

UofL News: What professor had the greatest impact on you?

Tinker:��I would say Imelda Wright. She was my first medical surgical nurse and she’s just an angel on Earth. She always comes to class in really cool high heels and just is the epitome of a strong woman role model. The other one would be Paul Clark, he is just the most supportive, positive professor. He focuses on mental health in a way that I feel like most professors just don’t. Love them both.

UofL News: What was your most memorable moment at UofL?

Tinker:��I would probably say rushing the field at the Notre Dame football game. We were right there at the front and my friends and I stormed the field and I got elbowed in the eye really hard. My contact popped out … I was running with one eye closed and it was just really fun.

UofL News: What are your plans after graduation? What type of nurse are you aspiring to become?

Tinker:��I have accepted a job in the UofL Hospital Emergency Department, a Level 1 trauma center.

UofL News: How has UofL helped you grow?

Tinker:��UofL has helped me grow through tough classes, clinical experiences, involvement like SGA, opportunities like the Research Scholars Program, leadership roles like being president of Nursing Student Council, etc. I filled my schedule to the max because of so many opportunities from classes to extracurriculars; I’ve grown from being pushed to my limits – usually in a good way! I’ve learned what I’m capable of.��