There, at a table labeled “Therapists for Protester Wellness,” marchers likely found Millicent Cahoon, a UofL counseling psychology doctoral student, or Cheryl Ades ’92, a Kent School of Social Work alumna, among the volunteers.

Their alliance began the June day after a photographer documenting protests at their downtown core was killed by civilian gunfire, devastating other protesters.

Cahoon knew she had to do something. So she appealed to fellow mental health professionals via Facebook to join her there to help. Ultimately, about 50 people offered aid. 

“It was those who felt very strongly about the movement and wanted to advocate for the clients,” Cahoon said. “This group is just awesome. It shows therapy is not just a job for most of them. They feel strongly about helping other people.”

Counselors rotated in to listen and offer onsite encouragement, wellness exercises, educational materials and referral lists noting therapists of color and others offering services – many at reduced rates or free to those protesting. Cahoon credited Ades with helping to quickly compile resources, some for people who might be seeking emotional care for the first time.

“More than ever mental health has had a huge platform,” Cahoon said. “I really do think it’s starting to take down some of that stigma.”

Coming from an outpatient therapy job and aspiring to a private practice and research in Black mental health, the new student said she sought out the College of ����ֱ�� and Human Development doctorate in part because of UofL’s Cardinal Success Program. The program, at the Nia Center, is a partnership to make counseling services more accessible to West Louisville.

“I’m very thankful UofL has been so open to supporting a Black student,” Cahoon said. “They’ve been reaching out to me and being super supportive.”

A trauma specialist, Ades said she’s mindful of the protesters’ concerns, understanding that they may be experiencing ongoing trauma every day.

“I’ve wanted to give back more,” Ades said. When not working the table, Ades often joined with protesters to march, knowing the movement has sparked more attention to societal issues.

“I’ve never been prouder to be a social worker,” Ades said. “I think actually a lot more people are going to go into social work. Law, criminal justice and social work are going to explode.”

Their efforts, including “to remind people to take care of themselves during this movement,” after the height of the protests last summer.

This story was initially published in the Fall/Winter 2020 edition of UofL Magazine. 

The awards ceremony recognizes high achieving graduates based on their merit and contributions to the community. Each year, one alumna or alumnus of the year is selected along with 13 Alumni Fellows from each of the schools, colleges, libraries, and student affairs. 

Alumna of the Year

• Jenny L. Sawyer ’78, executive director of admissions at the University of Louisville.

Alumni Fellows

• Brandeis School of Law
  Edwin S. Hopson, Sr. ’67, ’69, partner at Wyatt, Tarrant and Combs.
• College of Arts and Sciences
  George Nichols, III ’85, president and chief executive officer of the American College of Financial Services.
• College of Business
  Raymond E. Loyd ’68, founder of Derby Industries and Derby Fabricating.
• College of ����ֱ�� and Human Development
  Linda F. Hargan ’71, ’73, ’93, founder, president, and chief executive officer emeritus of CTL.
• J. B. Speed School of Engineering
  Gerald G. Hubbs ’64, ’76, retired vice president and director of engineering at the Brown-Forman Corporation. 
• Kent School of Social Work
  Ruby Gordon ’66, ’72, former social worker with JCPS and Hillebrand House.
• School of Dentistry
  Karen L. Pierce-West ’77, ’82, dean and professor of biomedical sciences at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas School of Dental Medicine.
• School of Medicine
  Shawn C. Jones ’82, ’86, ’93, founder of Purchase ENT, an ENT-otolaryngologist specialty group in Paducah, Kentucky. 
• School of Music
  John M. Hoover ’63, ’69, former director of bands at the University of Louisville.
• School of Nursing
  Flora Ponder ’87, former head nurse at the Louisville and Jefferson County Health Department and director of nurses at the Park-Duvalle Community Health Center. 
• School of Public Health and Information Sciences
  Lewatis D. McNeal ’16, assistant dean of administration of inclusive excellence and special projects at Northern Kentucky University.
• Student Affairs
  Todd A. Schmiedeler ’97, Trilogy Health Service’s senior vice president of Foundation & Workforce Development and founder and president of Thumbprint Consulting.
• University Libraries
  Morris M. Weiss Jr. ’58, cardiologist with Medical Center Cardiologists and clinical professor of medicine in cardiology at the University of Louisville.

This year’s awardees will be honored at the 2019 Alumni Awards ceremony October 24.

That’s the logistical dilemma facing the Sanders family May 14 as it celebrates the graduation of siblings Sara (medicine), Matt (law) and Jon (social work).

Parents Sharon and Chris Sanders, both UofL alumni, will divvy up responsibilities on the big day and have already called in grandparent reinforcements.

Here’s how it will work:

• Mom Sharon, a full-time instructor and 1983 graduate of the Kent School of Social Work, will accompany son Jon—who has earned a master’s degree in social work—at the 2 p.m. ceremony at the KFC Yum! Center.
• Dad Chris, a 1988 graduate of the law school, will stick with Matt, who has earned the same degree as his father, at the 5 p.m. law school celebration, Brown Theatre.
• Grandmother Marilyn Sanders and grandfather John Sanders, both retired doctors, will accompany Sara for the 4:30 p.m. School of Medicine hooding ceremony at the Kentucky International Convention Center. In fact, they will have the honor of placing the hood on their granddaughter. Marilyn is a 1958 alumna of the school and John also took classes there during the 1950s.

“It’s really special that my grandparents can do my hooding,” said Sara. She notes that when her grandmother attended medical school she was one of just five women in a class of 100.

Sharon said she never imagined a time when all of her children would earn professional degrees on the same day.

“It’s a proud day for me,” Chris said.

To recuperate after all those years of classes and the grand finale of commencement, the Sanders family will spend a week at Disney World.

Jon said he was looking forward to commencement because it would give him a sense of completion.

“It’s knowing that you’re done, really done,” he said.