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 .

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

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 .

Raise Some L, a 30-hour fundraising effort, experienced a record-breaking year as 1,544 donors, including alumni, students, staff, faculty and friends from 38 states, gave $503,426 in critical support for more than 100 areas of campus. RaiseRED dance marathon garnered the greatest number of donors with 372, followed by the College of Arts and Sciences with 229 donors.

More than 170 alumni, faculty and staff volunteered as social media ambassadors, sharing the great work taking place at UofL with family and friends to help shatter the 1,200-donor goal set for the day. Current students also played a crucial role. The Student Organization for Alumni Relations (SOAR) organized an on-campus fundraiser and recorded personal thank-you videos to send to donors during a designated hour of thanks. In addition, student employees staffed the campus call center, phoning alumni and donors asking them to give and show their support.

“This was an exciting day for the university, our alumni, fans and friends,” said Josh Hawkins, assistant vice president for alumni relations and annual giving. “It’s a special time for everyone to stand together and support our students, this institution and one another.”

The event kicked off at 6:02 p.m. Oct. 23 and ran through midnight Oct. 24 for a total of 1,798 minutes in honor of the university’s founding date. The online community was so energized that #RaiseSomeL was trending locally in Louisville on Twitter.

Kelsi Worrell, a 2016 graduate and Olympic champion swimmer, will serve as grand marshal for the 2017 Homecoming Parade on Oct. 13. The family-friendly is one of several signature events planned for the week-long “Welcome Home”-themed celebration from Oct. 7-14.

The week also includes several opportunities to give back. Alumni across the country are encouraged to participate in UofL Alumni/Cardinal Day of Service. Volunteer opportunities are available nationwide on Saturday, Oct. 7 through various UofL Alumni councils and chapters. Thanks to a partnership with UofL’s Office of Community Engagement, local alumni can also volunteer at locations across Louisville on Friday, Oct. 6. Register for either date. 

Cardinal supporters can “Raise Some L” during the annual UofL Day of Giving on Oct. 11. The 24-hour call to action helps fund essential areas of need across campus. Become a Raise Some L Ambassador to help spread the word and track your impact.

The Homecoming Golf Scramble tees off Monday, Oct. 9 at the UofL Golf Club in Simpsonville. The scramble is presented by Alumni Association board member and 1993 graduate Chris Puffer of Creative Capital Group. 

Other events for the week include the annual , the Class of 1967 and the Homecoming against Boston College.

For a full schedule of events and registration opportunities, visit the �貹����.��