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 .

“Welcome to the design world,” Michael Di Tizio, a senior graphic design specialist with Canon U.S.A., replied with an affirming chuckle. “If your brain isn’t hurting, you’re not designing.”

On March 22, University of Louisville senior graphic design students experienced direct personal mentorship from professionals at , a wholly owned subsidiary of , in preparation for , the capstone project for the bachelor of fine arts in graphic design program. The Canon designers provided expert feedback as students presented their past and current projects in groups, over a multi-session virtual meeting.

“I am always eager to see what the new generation of artists will bring to the table in this industry,” said Veronika Levin, senior manager of creative services at Canon U.S.A. “I believe the group of students I met has a great foundation and strong pieces to showcase for their Portfolio Day.”

During UofL’s Portfolio Day on April 26, seniors showcased their culminating work to community professionals, network with potential employers, celebrate with friends and family, and are awarded their red berets—a symbol of completing their degrees and entering the professional design world. The mentorship sessions were part of Canon Solutions America’s extensive support of UofL activities, including its flagship sponsorship of Portfolio Day.

Suzanne Oddsen, senior graphic designer for Canon U.S.A., felt inspired by the fresh ideas she saw in the students. “They all had unique takes on the same project and professionally conducted them. I provided feedback about how we work in the corporate world, and what we want to see when interviewing,” she said.

In addition to the portfolio review sessions, Canon provided other engaged learning experiences for the graphic design students, including a virtual workshop to help hone their video and still photography skills using Canon cameras, and hands-on sessions at the university’s Canon Solutions America print shop to teach students how to use large-format printers, prepare files and select papers and finishing options for their portfolio projects. In total, Canon Solutions America provided more than eight hours of instruction, helping students bring their projects to the next level with newly gained insights. The organization, which has partnered with UofL since 2018, also offered the graphic design seniors complimentary printing of their portfolio materials and provided the department with a printer, benefitting students for years to come.

Trysh Wahlig, assistant professor and head of graphic design at UofL, lauded the partnership as “truly a win/win.” Not only can instructors create class assignments that take full advantage of the technology and expertise Canon provides, but “the work our students create allows Canon to showcase its printing and imaging technologies in a practical educational setting,” Wahlig said.

“Canon is able to see the next generation of creativity as well as what students are looking for in the workforce, so that we can stay up-to-date,” said Oddsen. “For the students, it is a great way to gather insight of the real-world tools they need to prepare for working with clients or interviews.”

Corporate partnerships such as these lead to student success and offer an advantage in the professional world. They also demonstrate UofL’s role as a premier metropolitan university striving to better serve its students and the community.