Four years ago, Jim Walls drove nearly 500-miles from Fayetteville, Georgia, to begin his freshman year at the University of Louisville. Prior to arriving on campus, Walls was acquainted only with his future roommate from Maryland, whom he had briefly interacted with on Instagram over the summer.

Even though he was far from home, Walls’ strong desire to connect with the UofL community proved invaluable during his first year. He actively sought out opportunities to get involved, which ultimately helped him find his place on campus.

“I had to come in with the mindset of being at a disadvantage because I’m from so far away,” said Walls. “But I knew if I put myself out there and got involved in different organizations, I’d be able to make my own friends and find groups of people to interact with.”

Walls was drawn to UofL because of the pre-dentistry program, . UofL School of Dentistry offers early admission opportunities to exceptional high school seniors who demonstrate a commitment to pursue a lifelong career in dentistry. As a pre-dental student, Walls was able to take a class at the School of Dentistry called “Introduction to Dentistry.” His favorite part was doing community service work with the school.

“There’s one instance where we went over to Seneca High School and actually were teaching some students about oral hygiene and handing out toothbrushes and other items,” he said. “That was a very enriching experience I’ve really taken to heart and is something I’ll always use as motivation going forward in my career.”

Walls became interested in the field of dentistry in elementary school when his family dentist discovered a tumor in his mom’s throat during a normal check-up.

“It ended up being something that potentially changed and saved her life, so from an early age I’ve always thought very highly of my dentist,” Walls said.

Walls, a biology student graduating from the , plans to attend dental school after graduation.

From Kenya to Kentucky

Ibrahim Henry Peterson, an international student in the , found his passion for the field through his upbringing in an orphanage in Kenya.

“Growing up without parents and going to school was not an easy experience. I faced many challenges, but it also taught me resilience and the value of hard work,” he said. “These experiences have deeply influenced my desire to make a positive impact on others’ lives.”

One of Peterson’s biggest adjustments as a student was the differences in cultural and academic environments. He vividly remembers doing poorly on his first exam.

“Despite my disappointing performance, every teacher congratulated me on my effort and encouraged me to keep studying hard. They all believed in my potential, which was a stark contrast to my experiences back home,” Peterson said. “Their support and belief in me inspired me to persevere and improve.”

After graduation, Peterson is considering a career as either a nurse anesthetist or a medical doctor. His goal is to start a clinic in his Kenyan community to provide much-needed health care services and give back to the area where he grew up.

Reflecting on his time at UofL, Peterson advises incoming international students to view challenges as opportunities for personal and academic growth.

“Don’t hesitate to seek help from academic advisors, tutors, and counseling services whenever needed,” Peterson said. “Practicing your English regularly will also enhance your communication skills. Exploring the city of Louisville can offer a well-rounded experience, so take the time to enjoy what it has to offer. And lastly, prioritize your health and well-being to maintain a balanced and successful academic life.” 

UofL President Kim Schatzel will preside at the event and Melissa Johnson, a graduate student from the School of Public Health and Information Sciences, and outstanding Air Force leader, will be the student speaker.

The ceremony will be broadcast live at .

This year’s commencement will feature a with a walk-out song set to “Joker and the Thief,” a popular tune already familiar to Cardinal fans from athletic events. The Student Government Association initiative was created by students, for students and is a collective way for graduates to mark their transition from student to alumnus.

In addition, 50 graduates are expected to attend the ‘s doctoral hooding and graduation ceremony at 2 p.m. on the same day. The ceremony will be held on the Belknap Campus in the Swain Student Activities Center Ballroom, second floor. Schatzel will preside.

For more information, visit .

Jessica Carney-Perks, an undergraduate communications student in the College of Arts and Sciences, attended Noe Middle School and duPont Manual High School. Her collegiate journey took her to two other universities before transferring to UofL where she completed her degree.

“There’s nothing like it, especially to return home. These are my roots,” she said. “To be in this space and transition from all of these locations, it’s all been a part of the journey.”

Carney-Perks said the decision to transfer to UofL came with support from her family.

“They’ve been through every twist, turn, curve I’ve hit,” said Carney-Perks.

Carney-Perks was surprised with a letter from her mother, who spoke of her intelligence, strength and humor.

Alison Jackson, a graduate student in the College of ����ֱ�� and Human Development, is from Lexington and said UofL created an environment where she felt connected to her fellow students from day one.

“I was looking for an environment that was supportive of non-traditional students,” said Jackson.

Jackson completed her bachelor’s degree in May 2023 and jumped into the master’s program soon after, all while having a full-time job and taking care of her family. She said she would often do homework with her grandson at the kitchen table.

“He calls me ‘honey’ and he would often look at me and say, ‘Honey, are you finished with your work?’ Being able to see him encourage and support me was fun and made a difference in my life and his as well,” she said.

Jackson’s daughter Ashlee wrote the letter and spoke on Jackson’s resilience and dedication to achieving her education all while supporting their family.

This heartwarming event serves as a reminder of the profound impact that family support has on the lives of UofL students and the importance of celebrating their achievements.