FEED Validator

for Atom and RSS and KML

Congratulations!

This is a valid RSS feed.

Recommendations

This feed is valid, but interoperability with the widest range of feed readers could be improved by implementing the following recommendations.

line 60, column 0: content:encoded should not contain sizes attribute (10 occurrences) [help]
```
<figure id="attachment_59525" style="width: 300px" class="wp-caption alignri ...
```

line 272, column 0: content:encoded should not contain data-auth attribute [help]

<p>This is the third graduation ceremony presided over by <a href="https://l ...

line 272, column 0: content:encoded should not contain data-loopstyle attribute [help]
```
This is the third graduation ceremony presided over by <a href="https://l ...
```
line 272, column 0: content:encoded should not contain data-linkindex attribute [help]
```
This is the third graduation ceremony presided over by <a href="https://l ...
```

line 360, column 0: content:encoded should not contain iframe tag [help]

<p><iframe title="YouTube video player" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/a7L5tuR ...

Source: http://uoflnews.com/feed

<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?><rss version="2.0"
xmlns:content="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/content/"
xmlns:wfw="http://wellformedweb.org/CommentAPI/"
xmlns:dc="http://purl.org/dc/elements/1.1/"
xmlns:atom="http://www.w3.org/2005/Atom"
xmlns:sy="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/syndication/"
xmlns:slash="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/slash/"
>
<channel>
<title>UofL News</title>
<atom:link href="https://www.uoflnews.com/feed/" rel="self" type="application/rss+xml" />
<link>https://www.uoflnews.com</link>
<description></description>
<lastBuildDate>Thu, 09 May 2024 17:33:09 +0000</lastBuildDate>
<language>en-US</language>
<sy:updatePeriod>hourly</sy:updatePeriod>
<sy:updateFrequency>1</sy:updateFrequency>
<item>
<title>UofL celebrates another year of academic, research success</title>
<link>https://www.uoflnews.com/post/uofltoday/successful-year/</link>
<pubDate>Thu, 09 May 2024 15:34:09 +0000</pubDate>
<dc:creator><![CDATA[Julie Heflin]]></dc:creator>
<category><![CDATA[Campus & Community]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Featured]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Grads2024]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[President]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[UofL Today]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[2024 spring commencement]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[access]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[affordable]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[affordable college]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Border Benefit Award]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Brown Cancer Center]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Card Nation]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[cardinal commitment grant]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Center for Military-Connected Students]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Christina Lee Brown Envirome Institute]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[cicadas]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Commencement]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[community engagement]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[eating disorders]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Gerry Bradley]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Kim Schatzel]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Louisville Business First]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[McConnell Scholars]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[National Institutes of Health]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Pat Kelsey]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[RaiseRED]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[research]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[research and innovation]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Signature Partnership]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[U.S. News and World Report]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[UofL Health]]></category>
<guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.uoflnews.com/?p=60694</guid>
<description><![CDATA[The University of Louisville’s 2023-24 academic year kicked off with tremendous momentum as a record number of 3,130 first-year students enrolled in fall 2023, an increase of 6.8 percent from 2022, which had also set a record. Part of the growth in numbers comes as the result of major strides in the areas of affordability, […]]]></description>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[The University of Louisville’s 2023-24 academic year kicked off with tremendous momentum as a <a href="https://www.uoflnews.com/post/uofltoday/incoming-first-year-student-numbers-set-record/">record number</a> of 3,130 first-year students enrolled in fall 2023, an increase of 6.8 percent from 2022, which had also set a record.
<figure id="attachment_59525" style="width: 300px" class="wp-caption alignright"><a href="https://www.uoflnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/Orientation_6278.jpeg"><img class="size-medium wp-image-59525" src="https://www.uoflnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/Orientation_6278-300x200.jpeg" alt="Students walk in the background with flowers in bloom." width="300" height="200" srcset="https://www.uoflnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/Orientation_6278-300x200.jpeg 300w, https://www.uoflnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/Orientation_6278-768x512.jpeg 768w, https://www.uoflnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/Orientation_6278-1024x683.jpeg 1024w, https://www.uoflnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/Orientation_6278-696x464.jpeg 696w, https://www.uoflnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/Orientation_6278.jpeg 1068w, https://www.uoflnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/Orientation_6278-630x420.jpeg 630w" sizes="(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" /></a><figcaption class="wp-caption-text">Students walking across Belknap Campus. UofL photo.</figcaption></figure>
Part of the growth in numbers comes as the result of major strides in the areas of <a href="https://www.uoflnews.com/post/uofltoday/affordable-excellence/">affordability, access and equity</a>, meaning Cardinals from a variety of backgrounds can take advantage of learning opportunities and experiences with reduced financial burden. This academic year, UofL announced the <a href="https://www.uoflnews.com/post/uofltoday/uofl-adds-to-border-benefit-award/">expansion of its Border Benefit Award</a> that allows students from some neighboring states to attend UofL at in-state tuition rates, along with the <a href="https://www.uoflnews.com/post/uofltoday/fueling-access-to-higher-education-in-the-commonwealth/">investment of $2.4 million</a> toward the Cardinal Commitment Grant for in-state residents.
UofL jumped 15 places in the 2023-24 U.S. News and World Report <a href="https://www.usnews.com/best-colleges/rankings/national-universities/best-value">“Best Value Schools”</a> ranking, from No. 146 to No. 131, and also topped the list of “best values” among national universities in Kentucky. In the past few years, Cardinals have graduated with the second-lowest student debt among all Kentucky four-year public universities.
New leadership helps guide the way 
Taking the helm in early 2023, UofL’s 19th president, Kim Schatzel, spent six months in some 40 listening sessions to learn what was important to UofL’s students, staff and faculty, as well as community and government leaders.
<figure id="attachment_59344" style="width: 300px" class="wp-caption alignleft"><a href="https://www.uoflnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/inauguration-hero-1.jpg"><img class="size-medium wp-image-59344" src="https://www.uoflnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/inauguration-hero-1-300x163.jpg" alt="UofL’s 19th president, Dr. Kim Schatzel, at the podium during her inauguration ceremony Sept. 29." width="300" height="163" srcset="https://www.uoflnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/inauguration-hero-1-300x163.jpg 300w, https://www.uoflnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/inauguration-hero-1-768x417.jpg 768w, https://www.uoflnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/inauguration-hero-1-1024x556.jpg 1024w, https://www.uoflnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/inauguration-hero-1-696x378.jpg 696w, https://www.uoflnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/inauguration-hero-1.jpg 1068w, https://www.uoflnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/inauguration-hero-1-773x420.jpg 773w" sizes="(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" /></a><figcaption class="wp-caption-text">UofL’s 19th president, Kim Schatzel, at the podium during her inauguration ceremony Sept. 29. UofL photo.</figcaption></figure>
She outlined <a href="https://www.uoflnews.com/post/uofltoday/president-schatzel-outlines-8-priorities/">her first eight priorities</a> in September, and those priorities became the basis for a new 2023-2025 <a href="https://louisville.edu/strategic-plan">Strategic Plan</a>. Schatzel was <a href="https://www.uoflnews.com/post/uofltoday/kim-schatzel-inaugurated-as-uofls-19th-president/">officially inaugurated</a> on Sept. 29 in a joyous ceremony filled with music and tradition that was held on The Oval outside Grawemeyer Hall. The historic event took place during UofL’s yearlong celebration of its <a href="https://www.uoflnews.com/post/uofltoday/uofl-celebrates-225th-anniversary-april-3/">225th anniversary</a>. In recognition of her leadership, <a href="https://www.uoflnews.com/post/uofltoday/uofl-president-kim-schatzel-named-among-most-influential-people-in-louisville/">Schatzel was named among Louisville Business First’s Power 50 </a>for 2024, which identifies the city’s most influential people in business and related communities. The Louisville Defender Newspaper also named Schatzel as one of the “Women Who Choose to Challenge” in the publication’s women’s history recognition edition.
In spring 2024, the university chose <a href="https://www.uoflnews.com/post/uofltoday/bradley-named-university-of-louisville-provost/">Gerry Bradley</a> as permanent executive vice president and university provost. No stranger to the Cardinal community, Bradley had served as dean of the <a href="https://louisville.edu/dentistry">UofL School of Dentistry</a> since 2016 and as interim provost since July 2023. He previously held that same role from January 2022 to February 2023.
Several other top leadership positions have been filled throughout 2023 and 2024, including: <a href="https://www.uoflnews.com/post/uofltoday/kaugars-named-vice-provost-for-its-and-cio/">Karlis Kaugar</a>s, vice provost for information technology services and chief information officer; <a href="https://www.uoflnews.com/post/uofltoday/uofl-announces-college-of-arts-sciences-dean/">Dayna Touron</a>, dean, <a href="https://louisville.edu/artsandsciences/home">College of Arts & Sciences</a>; <a href="https://www.uoflnews.com/post/uofltoday/uofl-announces-kent-school-of-social-work-family-science-dean/">John W. Miller Jr.</a>, dean, <a href="https://louisville.edu/kent">Raymond A. Kent School of Social Work and Family Science</a>; and <a href="https://www.uoflnews.com/post/uofltoday/new-dean-for-public-health/">Kathryn (Katie) Cardarelli</a>, dean, <a href="https://louisville.edu/sphis">School of Public Health and Information Sciences</a>. This summer, <a href="https://www.uoflnews.com/post/uofltoday/university-of-louisville-names-new-nursing-dean/">Whitney Nash</a> becomes dean of the <a href="https://louisville.edu/nursing">School of Nursing</a>, which <a href="https://www.uoflnews.com/post/uofltoday/uofl-school-of-nursing-celebrates-50-years-of-education-and-service/">celebrates 50 years</a> of educating and preparing nurses for distinctive careers.
UofL also welcomed <a href="https://www.uoflnews.com/post/uofltoday/pat-kelsey-to-lead-mens-basketball-program/">Pat Kelsey to lead the men’s basketball program</a>, infusing excitement and enthusiasm into Card Nation.
Renovations, new infrastructure boost student success
The university is updating facilities and building new infrastructure to ensure students have the physical space to unleash their potential.
<figure id="attachment_60130" style="width: 300px" class="wp-caption alignright"><a href="https://www.uoflnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/UofL_SpeedEngineeringBuilding_exterior296.jpg"><img class="size-medium wp-image-60130" src="https://www.uoflnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/UofL_SpeedEngineeringBuilding_exterior296-300x169.jpg" alt="The four-story, 114,000-square-foot building will include classrooms, a makerspace, high-tech lab facilities and room for events and student engagement." width="300" height="169" srcset="https://www.uoflnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/UofL_SpeedEngineeringBuilding_exterior296-300x169.jpg 300w, https://www.uoflnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/UofL_SpeedEngineeringBuilding_exterior296-768x432.jpg 768w, https://www.uoflnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/UofL_SpeedEngineeringBuilding_exterior296-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://www.uoflnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/UofL_SpeedEngineeringBuilding_exterior296-696x392.jpg 696w, https://www.uoflnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/UofL_SpeedEngineeringBuilding_exterior296-1068x601.jpg 1068w, https://www.uoflnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/UofL_SpeedEngineeringBuilding_exterior296-747x420.jpg 747w" sizes="(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" /></a><figcaption class="wp-caption-text">The four-story, 114,000-square-foot engineering student success hub will include classrooms, a makerspace, high-tech lab facilities and room for events and student engagement.</figcaption></figure>
The <a href="https://www.uoflnews.com/post/uofltoday/new-center-open-for-military-connected-students/">Center for Military-Connected Students</a> debuted its newly renovated offices in Brodschi Hall on Belknap Campus. The center focuses on meeting the needs of the more than 2,300 military-connected students enrolled at UofL. At the <a href="https://engineering.louisville.edu/">J.B. Speed School of Engineering</a>, construction of a new four-story, $90 million <a href="https://www.uoflnews.com/post/uofltoday/new-hub-for-next-generation-engineering-education-research/">student success hub</a> is underway. It will help us produce the next generation of engineers.
And thanks to a <a href="https://www.uoflnews.com/post/uofltoday/report-on-legislative-session-highlights-uofl-trustees-meeting/">tremendously successful legislative session</a>, the state budget appropriated $260 million toward a new Health Sciences Center Campus simulation center and collaboration hub. That’s the largest amount of funding for a single project in UofL’s history. It also is the largest project being funded in Louisville and represents the most general fund support for any single project among Kentucky’s colleges and universities this session. UofL also received about $69 million for needed repairs on some existing facilities.
UofL’s research and innovation powerhouse flourishes
Research and innovation continued to soar to new heights in academic year 2023-24. Just a few highlights were:
<ul>
<li>More than $22 million in funding from the Health Resources and Services Administration was awarded to the Schools of <a href="https://www.uoflnews.com/post/uofltoday/uofl-gets-16-million-to-increase-supply-of-primary-care-doctors-in-underserved-areas/">Medicine ($16 million)</a>and <a href="https://www.uoflnews.com/post/uofltoday/uofl-secures-6-5-million-to-enhance-training-for-kentuckys-nursing-professionals/">Nursing ($6.5 million)</a> for physician and nurse training to help increase Kentuckians’ access to health care, particularly in underserved rural and urban areas. </li>
<li>The National Institutes of Health (NIH) has awarded <a href="https://www.uoflnews.com/section/science-and-tech/uofl-scientists-gain-11-6-million-to-learn-how-chemical-exposures-affect-heart-health/">four grants totaling $11.6 million</a> to researchers affiliated with UofL’s <a href="https://louisville.edu/envirome">Christina Lee Brown Envirome Institute </a>to study factors affecting heart health. Through these projects, they hope to better understand how environmental exposures and tobacco products can affect the cardiovascular system, as well as how remodeling takes place in the heart after a heart attack.</li>
<li>UofL researcher Cheri Levinson has received an $11.5 million grant from the NIH to continue her work addressing <a href="https://www.uoflnews.com/post/uofltoday/uofl-awarded-11-5-million-for-research-to-prevent-and-treat-eating-disorders/">the devastating effects of eating disorders</a>.</li>
<li>UofL researchers Susan Harkema, Charles Hubscher and collaborators <a href="https://www.uoflnews.com/section/science-and-tech/uofl-researchers-win-1m-to-advance-spinal-cord-injury-technology/">recently won a $1 million grant from the NIH</a> aimed at helping spinal cord injury patients regain function. They are now among four teams exclusively invited to participate in another competition with a potential prize pool of $5 million.</li>
<li>More than 100 UofL researchers are among the <a href="https://www.uoflnews.com/post/uofltoday/uofl-researchers-among-the-most-cited-in-the-world/">top 2% most-cited in the world</a>, according to a new <a href="https://elsevier.digitalcommonsdata.com/datasets/btchxktzyw/6">list </a>compiled by Stanford University and Elsevier. Citations show the value other researchers around the globe place on UofL research.</li>
<li>Research conducted in UofL’s Micro/Nano Technology Center is investigating whether the antibacterial properties of <a href="https://www.uoflnews.com/section/science-and-tech/uofl-scientists-invent-antimicrobial-surfaces-inspired-by-cicada-wings/">cicada wings</a> can be turned into an antimicrobial for use in places like food service, health care facilities and medical devices. </li>
<li>More than 80 of UofL’s top researchers, scholars and artists <a href="https://www.uoflnews.com/section/science-and-tech/uofl-awards-celebrate-year-of-research-scholarship-and-creativity/">were honored</a> in October at the 2023 Research, Scholarship and Creative Activity Awards ceremony.</li>
<li>Four University of Louisville <a href="https://www.uoflnews.com/section/science-and-tech/uofl-innovators-selected-for-inaugural-national-academy-of-inventors-honor/">innovators have been selected by the prestigious National Academy of Inventors</a> for its 2024 class of Senior Members. The four inventors selected from UofL–the only ones from Kentucky–are: Thad Druffel, Nobuyuki Matoba, Thomas Roussel and Jagannadh Satyavolu.</li>
</ul>
Commitment to serve, transform the community 
Throughout the 2023-24 academic year, Cardinals have utilized knowledge and resources to advance the mutual needs of the university and the community. Earlier this spring, more than 400 students danced for 18 hours at the annual <a href="https://www.uoflnews.com/post/uofltoday/raisered-adds-516000-to-the-fight-against-pediatric-cancer/">raiseRED</a> marathon. 
<figure id="attachment_60143" style="width: 300px" class="wp-caption alignleft"><a href="https://www.uoflnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/maxresdefault.jpg"><img class="size-medium wp-image-60143" src="https://www.uoflnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/maxresdefault-300x169.jpg" alt="Students embrace as part of the 2024 raiseRED celebration. " width="300" height="169" srcset="https://www.uoflnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/maxresdefault-300x169.jpg 300w, https://www.uoflnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/maxresdefault-768x432.jpg 768w, https://www.uoflnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/maxresdefault-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://www.uoflnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/maxresdefault-696x392.jpg 696w, https://www.uoflnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/maxresdefault-1068x601.jpg 1068w, https://www.uoflnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/maxresdefault-747x420.jpg 747w, https://www.uoflnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/maxresdefault.jpg 1280w" sizes="(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" /></a><figcaption class="wp-caption-text">Students embrace as part of the 2024 raiseRED celebration. UofL photo.</figcaption></figure>
The students raised more than $516,000 for Norton Children’s Cancer Institute and the <a href="https://louisville.edu/medicine/departments/pediatrics/divisions/hematology-oncology">UofL Department of Pediatric Oncology and Hematology</a>. This is UofL’s largest student philanthropic effort. It has raised more than $5 million in its 11-year history.
In the mean time, <a href="https://www.uoflnews.com/post/uofltoday/qa-uofl-researcher-raising-awareness-of-occupational-cancer-to-firefighters/">former firefighter James Cripps</a> was awarded one of the <a href="https://louisville.edu/communityengagement/2024-community-engagement-award-honorees?utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=UofL%20Today%20Monday%20March%2025%202024&utm_content=UofL%20Today%20Monday%20March%2025%202024+CID_0f228ee34bce4859c291253b15971960&utm_source=UofL%20Today%20News%20Email&utm_term=webpage">Outstanding Community Engagement Awards</a> for teaching firefighters throughout Kentucky about occupational cancer and mitigation strategies. A manufacturing administrator at the UofL Health <a href="https://uoflhealth.org/locations/brown-cancer-center/">Brown Cancer Center</a>, he hopes to eliminate some of those risks.
<a href="https://uoflhealth.org/locations/uofl-hospital/">UofL Health-UofL Hospital</a>, meanwhile, celebrated a milestone: <a href="https://www.uoflnews.com/post/uofltoday/uofl-hospital-marks-200-years-of-patient-care/">200 years</a> of compassionate care, medical innovation and serving the underserved. It was Kentucky’s first hospital, first admitting patients in a facility downtown in 1823. Now, to address a real need for citizens south and west of Louisville, UofL Health recently cut the ribbon on UofL Health – South Hospital in Bullitt County just off Interstate 65.
<figure id="attachment_60429" style="width: 300px" class="wp-caption alignright"><a href="https://www.uoflnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/ULH_5984.jpg"><img class="size-medium wp-image-60429" src="https://www.uoflnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/ULH_5984-300x200.jpg" alt="UofL doctors Jeffrey Bumpous, interim dean of the UofL School of Medicine, Edward Miller and Tanya Franklin (back row, l. to r.) placed white coats on the shoulders of Central High School juniors participating in the Pre-Medical Magnet Program. UofL Health photo." width="300" height="200" srcset="https://www.uoflnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/ULH_5984-300x200.jpg 300w, https://www.uoflnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/ULH_5984-768x512.jpg 768w, https://www.uoflnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/ULH_5984-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://www.uoflnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/ULH_5984-696x464.jpg 696w, https://www.uoflnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/ULH_5984-1068x712.jpg 1068w, https://www.uoflnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/ULH_5984-630x420.jpg 630w" sizes="(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" /></a><figcaption class="wp-caption-text">UofL doctors Jeffrey Bumpous, interim dean of the UofL School of Medicine, Edward Miller and Tanya Franklin (back row, l. to r.) placed white coats on the shoulders of Central High School juniors participating in the Pre-Medical Magnet Program. UofL Health photo.</figcaption></figure>
As part of UofL’s ongoing effort to collaborate with five <a href="https://louisville.edu/communityengagement/signature-partnership-1">Signature Partnership</a> K-12 schools in West Louisville, Central High School Pre-Medical Magnet Program students received white coats this spring, recognizing their hard work and encouraging them to stay focused on their goals. Students shadow UofL doctors and get to practice performing simpler procedures, like sutures, through this immersive curriculum.
Recently, UofL’s McConnell Scholars and others heard a <a href="https://www.uoflnews.com/post/uofltoday/alabamas-first-elected-female-senator-speaks-at-mcconnell-center/">presentation by Sen. Katie Britt, R-Alabama</a>, who spoke about the importance of respect and trust in building relationships to address the country’s most pressing issues. A guest of the McConnell Center, Britt spoke as part of its Distinguished Speaker Series. Celebrating its 30th year, the center also brought <a href="https://www.uoflnews.com/post/uofltoday/ukraines-ambassador-speaks-at-mcconnell-center/">Oksana Markarova</a>, Ukraine’s ambassador to the United States, to Belknap Campus Oct. 30. She gave a public talk and met separately with the McConnell Scholars.
Students begin their next chapter at commencement
<figure id="attachment_60690" style="width: 300px" class="wp-caption alignleft"><a href="https://www.uoflnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Gabrielle-Runyan_2976-1.jpg"><img class="size-medium wp-image-60690" src="https://www.uoflnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Gabrielle-Runyan_2976-1-300x200.jpg" alt="Gabrielle Runyon smiles with her graduation stool wrapped around her neck." width="300" height="200" srcset="https://www.uoflnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Gabrielle-Runyan_2976-1-300x200.jpg 300w, https://www.uoflnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Gabrielle-Runyan_2976-1-768x512.jpg 768w, https://www.uoflnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Gabrielle-Runyan_2976-1-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://www.uoflnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Gabrielle-Runyan_2976-1-696x464.jpg 696w, https://www.uoflnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Gabrielle-Runyan_2976-1-1068x712.jpg 1068w, https://www.uoflnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Gabrielle-Runyan_2976-1-630x420.jpg 630w" sizes="(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" /></a><figcaption class="wp-caption-text">UofL 2024 graduate Gabrielle Runyon. UofL photo.</figcaption></figure>
On May 11, more than 2,000 of the approximately 3,100 students who applied for degrees and certificates, will go across the stage at the KFC Yum! Center signifying their academic success.
This <a href="https://www.uoflnews.com/post/uofltoday/commencement-set-for-may-11/">Commencement holds particular significance</a> for the high school class of 2020, which graduated at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. For some, it will be their first chance to celebrate their educational achievement by taking part in a complete traditional ceremony.
UofL President Kim Schatzel will preside at both the 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. ceremonies. The <a href="https://louisville.edu/graduate">UofL Graduate School</a> also will host a doctoral hooding and graduation ceremony for more than 100 graduates at 2 p.m. Friday, May 10, on Belknap Campus in the Swain Student Activities Center (SAC) Ballroom, second floor. All of these ceremonies will be broadcast live at <a href="http://uofl.edu/livestream">uofl.edu/livestream</a>.
 
]]></content:encoded>
</item>
<item>
<title>Never too late to dream a new dream</title>
<link>https://www.uoflnews.com/post/uofltoday/tiffany-martin/</link>
<pubDate>Thu, 09 May 2024 12:45:03 +0000</pubDate>
<dc:creator><![CDATA[Audrie Lamb]]></dc:creator>
<category><![CDATA[Campus & Community]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Grads2024]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[UofL Today]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[xLeft]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[2024 commencement]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Class of 2024]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[college of business]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Commencement]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[graduation]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[may 2024 commencement]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Yum! Center for Global Franchise Excellence]]></category>
<guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.uoflnews.com/?p=60729</guid>
<description><![CDATA[Tiffany Martin knew it was time for a change. In 2020, she found herself working long hours, with little time for her family. That’s when she decided to return to school. “My husband said to me, ‘You don’t like this job, you don’t like what you’re doing. Go back to school and do something you […]]]></description>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[Tiffany Martin knew it was time for a change. In 2020, she found herself working long hours, with little time for her family. That’s when she decided to return to school.
“My husband said to me, ‘You don’t like this job, you don’t like what you’re doing. Go back to school and do something you want to do,'” Martin said.
In her previous job, Martin enjoyed training new talent and wanted to pursue a degree in human resources. Her stepdaughters were also an inspiration.
“I watched what they went through in their own lives and what inspired them. They needed a good role model,” said Martin. “No one ever thought I would be a college drop-out. I wanted to go back to get my bachelor’s degree for them but also for myself.”
This spring, Martin will graduate with a bachelor’s degree in business administration and a minor in management, completed online while working full-time. She will also become the second student to complete the <a href="https://business.louisville.edu/about/learning-at-cob/yumcgfe/">Yum! Center for Global Franchise Excellence</a> management certification.
<a href="https://www.uoflnews.com/post/uofltoday/yum-brands-and-uofl-launch-first-of-its-kind-center-for-global-franchise-education/">Established in 2021,</a> the Yum! Center for Global Franchise Excellence in the <a href="https://business.louisville.edu/">College of Business </a>focuses on recruiting and educating underrepresented populations and women on the possibilities of franchising as a pathway to entrepreneurship. The franchise management course, which Martin initially intended to just be an elective, was a turning point in her academic journey.
“Ten minutes into the recorded orientation from center director Kathy Gosser and I knew they were the best thing ever,” Martin said.
Opportunities began opening for Martin. She applied to attend the 2024 International Franchise Association convention, where she joined three other students on a 5-day trip to Arizona to meet with franchisers, business owners and others.
“Without the College of Business and without the Yum! Global Center for Franchise Excellence, I would not have had that amazing experience,” Martin said. 
As she neared graduation, Martin felt a sense of accomplishment going from a college dropout to successful business student and she thought she was done. But then, a professor challenged her to think about what came next.
“I realized there is more out there,” Martin said.
Martin was accepted into the <a href="https://business.louisville.edu/academics-programs/graduate-programs/full-time-mba/">master of business administration</a> program and will return to UofL in the fall.
“You’re never too old to set another goal or dream a new dream,” she said. “Opportunities are out there; you just have to work hard and go for it.”
]]></content:encoded>
</item>
<item>
<title>Inaugural Breonna Taylor Legacy Fellows work for social justice through legal service</title>
<link>https://www.uoflnews.com/post/uofltoday/inaugural-breonna-taylor-legacy-fellows-work-for-social-justice-through-legal-service/</link>
<pubDate>Thu, 09 May 2024 12:31:27 +0000</pubDate>
<dc:creator><![CDATA[Holly Hinson]]></dc:creator>
<category><![CDATA[Campus & Community]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Grads2024]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[UofL Today]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Brandeis Law School]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Breonna Taylor]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Breonna Taylor fellow]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Breonna Taylor Lecture on Structural Inequality]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Breonna Taylor Legacy Fellowship]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Breonna Taylor Legacy Scholarship]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[COMMUNITY SERVICE]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Hope Village]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[law school fellowships]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[law school scholarships]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[public service]]></category>
<guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.uoflnews.com/?p=60719</guid>
<description><![CDATA[The University of Louisville announced a $1 million donation in April 2022 from Amy Sherald, the artist who painted the iconic Breonna Taylor portrait that appeared on the cover of Vanity Fair magazine in 2020. The donation was designated to fund the Brandeis School of Law’s Breonna Taylor Legacy Fellowships and the Breonna Taylor Legacy […]]]></description>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[<a href="https://louisville.edu/">The University of Louisville</a> announced a <a href="https://louisville.edu/communityengagement/news/breonna-taylor-portrait-trust-distributions-result-in-1-million-gift-to-university-of-louisville">$1 million donation in April 2022</a> from Amy Sherald, the artist who painted the iconic Breonna Taylor portrait that appeared on the cover of Vanity Fair magazine in 2020. The donation was designated to fund the <a href="https://louisville.edu/law/">Brandeis School of Law</a>’s <a href="https://louisville.edu/law/admissions/cost-of-attendance/scholarships">Breonna Taylor Legacy Fellowships</a> and the Breonna Taylor Legacy Scholarship for undergraduates. The gift was the result of distributions from the trust Sherald established through the sale of the painting to the Speed Art Museum and the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture.
The annual fellowship awards stipends of $9,000 for up to three law school students with 60 or more credit hours who secure a legal volunteer position over the summer with a social justice nonprofit organization or agency.
The 2023 inaugural fellows, Margaret (Maggie) Fagala and Jasmyne Moore, are now graduating with their law degrees and will participate in the school’s convocation on May 12. UofL News followed up to learn more about their fellowship experiences and how it has inspired their future goals.
UofL News: What was your reaction when you learned you had been selected for the Breonna Taylor fellowship?
Fagala: I felt incredibly excited and very, very thankful. It’s hard to explain how grateful I was for the financial help. There is a lot of work in legal spaces that are entry level positions or internships and not with big law firms or personal injury work; if you want to do public service, they’re usually unpaid. The fellowship is designed for this, and it’s great there’s an opportunity for people who are accepting those jobs that don’t offer money or very little money to help offset the financial costs. This fellowship made it easier for me to take that unpaid job and still pay rent.
Moore: I loved it. Often public service work, especially for minority communities, does go severely underpaid – if paid at all. I think this was the right step for UofL which is dealing with a lot of the DEI issues.
UofL News: Where did you complete your fellowship and what kind of legal work was involved? What was one of your biggest takeaways?
Fagala: I spent my summer with work focused mostly on capital cases in my home state of North Carolina. The biggest thing that I took away from my experience was just a better knowledge of the way that the death penalty is being used as a weapon across the country. There are multiple variances in how different states use the death penalty, but in any place where human beings are still capable of being sentenced to die, I can’t think of a more powerful weapon than the ability to leverage a person’s life.
Moore: I worked at a local nonprofit called <a href="https://www.thehopebuss.org/hopevillage">Hope Village</a>, which helps clothe, feed, and provide other services for the unhoused and some of the population with mental health challenges. I was able to help them prepare contracts and do house general counseling.
My biggest takeaway was seeing many similar Black women doing similar work as me – women that could have been Breonna Taylor. Being in rooms with them helped to empower me. In Kentucky, there are fears with new initiatives surrounding diversity coming down the pipeline. There is a phenomenon of “brain drain” and it felt good being in a room of similar minded, similarly educated people all struggling to figure out how to keep us. There’s just not a lot of incentive for young people to stay in Kentucky. Just being able to help with my little bit of experience in property law – to help Hope Village secure a new building with no liens attached – that was a big victory and a milestone.
UofL News: What influence did your fellowship experience have on your future career plans?
Moore: I think it just solidified my intent. Even before law school, I was politically active. I believe that I have done everything I could with my bachelor’s degree in political science, law, and public policy. Now, my JD (juris doctorate) degree is going to give me and my community a chance to fight even bigger battles that we just don’t know are on the horizon.
UofL News: How does the legacy of Breonna Taylor continue to inspire you?
Fagala: It’s something that has really impacted my life in a unique way because I’m not from Louisville. I wasn’t here when it happened, but I was very aware of it and now, since coming to school here and being given this fellowship, her life and her legacy have affected me in a way that I never expected. I hope that I will be able to carry that opportunity the fellowship gave me into my career and give back, because that’s what the fellowship is designed for – people who are in any way doing the work that needs to be done.
Moore: When I am applying to more conservative fellowships or with conservative judges, I remove all my Kentucky Young Dems work, in fact I remove a lot of stuff. One thing I will never remove is being an inaugural Breonna Taylor Fellow, because a Black woman had to die for me to become that. I think this experience gave me hope that those with the means to do so will support people whose work they admire. Being on the list of Forty under 40, or 25 Attorneys to Watch in the Future; all those titles are beautiful, but they don’t pay my bills. I think people are realizing that if you want the work to continue, whether you are doing it or not, you do have to find a way to support those doing the work.
]]></content:encoded>
</item>
<item>
<title>Kentucky invests to improve rural cancer care</title>
<link>https://www.uoflnews.com/post/uofltoday/kentucky-invests-to-improve-rural-cancer-care/</link>
<pubDate>Wed, 08 May 2024 14:35:12 +0000</pubDate>
<dc:creator><![CDATA[UofL Health]]></dc:creator>
<category><![CDATA[UofL Today]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Brown Cancer Center]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Bullitt County]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Jason Chesney]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Jeffrey Bumpous]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Kentucky Cancer Program]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[rural cancer care]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[UofL Health]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[UofL School of Medicine]]></category>
<guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.uoflnews.com/?p=60696</guid>
<description><![CDATA[UofL Health announced plans to expand the reach of its Brown Cancer Center, building a new $25-million regional cancer center and Center for Rural Cancer Education and Research, with a specific emphasis on increasing access to comprehensive cancer care in south, central and western Kentucky. The cancer center will be located along the growing I-65 corridor […]]]></description>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[UofL Health announced plans to expand the reach of its <a href="https://uoflhealth.org/locations/brown-cancer-center/">Brown Cancer Center</a>, building a new $25-million regional cancer center and Center for Rural Cancer Education and Research, with a specific emphasis on increasing access to comprehensive cancer care in south, central and western Kentucky. The cancer center will be located along the growing I-65 corridor on the campus of <a href="https://uoflhealth.org/locations/south-hospital/">UofL Health – South Hospital</a>, in Bullitt County. The project is made possible with recent funding support from the Kentucky General Assembly.
“I want to thank our state leaders for recognizing the importance of investing to improve access to innovative cancer care, education and research,” said<a href="https://louisville.edu/president/about" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> Kim Schatzel</a>, University of Louisville President. “Building this new regional site for our Brown Cancer Center extends opportunities to benefit from our expertise, research and innovative clinical trials. Kentuckians, particularly in our rural counties and mid-sized cities, need better access to those resources.”
Kentucky has the highest death rate of cancer in the U.S. (182.8 deaths per 100,000 total population), and almost 10,000 Kentuckians die of cancer each year. Twice as many Kentuckians died of cancer than of COVID-19 during the past three years, and cancer rates are expected to increase by 50% in the next 20 years. Cancer health care costs in Kentucky are $2.74 billion per year, while productivity losses from morbidity and early deaths in Kentucky cost an additional $3.1 billion per year.
“This will make a great addition to the newly opened hospital here in Bullitt County providing cancer research, training and treatment for the whole state,” said Kentucky Sen. Michael J. Nemes. “This location, along the I-65 corridor, will mean much easier access to quality cancer care for thousands of Kentucky residents. This is one of those transformational projects that will lead to better health outcomes, some that could mean the difference in life-or-death treatment.”
“As the new representative for the 26th District, I was extremely proud to vote on this budget which included $25 million for the cancer center on the UofL Health – South Hospital campus,” said Kentucky rep. Peyton Griffee. “Bringing the cancer center here is a game-changer for Bullitt County and so many more rural counties that will now have closer access to cancer treatment and research. The health and well-being of our citizens will continue to be a priority for me and our General Assembly.”
<figure id="attachment_60700" style="width: 300px" class="wp-caption alignright"><img class="size-medium wp-image-60700" src="https://www.uoflnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/CHAN8714-300x200.jpg" alt="UofL Health announced plans to expand the reach of its Brown Cancer Center, building a new $25-million regional cancer center and Center for Rural Cancer Education and Research to access to comprehensive cancer care in south, central and western Kentucky. UofL Health photo." width="300" height="200" srcset="https://www.uoflnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/CHAN8714-300x200.jpg 300w, https://www.uoflnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/CHAN8714-768x512.jpg 768w, https://www.uoflnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/CHAN8714-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://www.uoflnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/CHAN8714-696x464.jpg 696w, https://www.uoflnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/CHAN8714-1068x712.jpg 1068w, https://www.uoflnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/CHAN8714-630x420.jpg 630w" sizes="(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" /><figcaption class="wp-caption-text">UofL Health announced plans to expand the reach of its Brown Cancer Center, building a new $25-million regional cancer center and Center for Rural Cancer Education and Research to access to comprehensive cancer care in south, central and western Kentucky. UofL Health photo.</figcaption></figure>
Subspecialty cancer care with comprehensive clinical trials programs and multidisciplinary clinics has been proved to reduce cancer deaths. Currently, there are no comprehensive cancer centers outside of Lexington and Louisville that offer multidisciplinary subspecialist care, clinical trials, access to state-of-the-art screening, and educational and support programs for cancer patients.
“Improving access to health care is our steadfast commitment to the commonwealth, especially in areas that are underserved,” said Tom Miller, UofL Health CEO. “I applaud our elected leaders for working with us to reduce barriers to cancer care for patients in our more rural communities.”
Patients from south, central and western Kentucky have relied on the Brown Cancer Center for a long time. In the last year alone, the Brown Cancer Center’s oncologists saw patients from nearly every Kentucky county, including more than 15,000 outpatient encounters from south, central and western Kentucky.
“The Brown Cancer Center has one unifying mission: To make cancer a disease of the past,” said <a href="https://uoflhealth.org/provider/jason-chesney/">Jason Chesney</a>, director of the Brown Cancer Center. “We are getting closer to that goal and this new regional cancer center brings cutting-edge cancer care and lifesaving clinical trials closer to more Kentuckians.”
The new cancer center will serve as a network base for clinical trials, enhanced nursing/physician educational programs, cancer screening and outreach with partnering oncologists throughout the region. These academic pursuits will be integrated with the Brown Cancer Center’s comprehensive and multidisciplinary programs which attract cancer patients come from all over the United States for second opinions and innovative and highly effective treatment options that are not available at any other cancer centers in our region.
“After my diagnosis of a rare form of melanoma, my close-to-home treatment options were very limited,” said patient Chris Sutton, from Eddyville in rural western Kentucky. “My physician in Paducah referred me to Dr. Chesney. I was fortunate to be able to make the 400-mile round trip every three weeks, but other rural Kentuckians are not. This new center is an important first step to bringing the Brown Cancer Center’s world-class care to more Kentuckians. It will truly save lives.”
Initial plans include space for 20 infusion rooms, five exam rooms, oncology pharmacy and a diagnostic imaging suite. An education space will include a lecture hall, video conferencing space and conference rooms; training for oncology nurses and physicians in clinics; and offer rotations with community oncologists from south central and western Kentucky. A research laboratory for specimen processing and research space for data collection will support cancer clinical trials and translational research.
“For more than 30 years, the <a href="https://www.kcp.uky.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Kentucky Cancer Program</a> has been UofL’s partner, the outreach and community screening arm of the Brown Cancer Center,” said <a href="https://uoflhealth.org/provider/jeffrey-bumpous-ent/">Jeffrey Bumpous,</a> interim dean of the UofL School of Medicine and UofL Physicians head and neck cancer surgeon. “Education, screening and outreach have always been an important part of our mission to serve the underserved. This new Center for Rural Cancer Education and Research will put us closer to community oncologists and underserved patient populations.”
A patient wellness center, in collaboration with the Kentucky Cancer Program, and a cancer screening program connecting primary care providers to innovative screening technologies will provide additional cancer outreach and education to south, central and western Kentucky.
Final design work is underway on the new cancer center, with a groundbreaking expected in the next 12 months. The anticipated opening will be in early 2026.
For more information on UofL Health – Brown Cancer Center visit, <a href="https://uoflhealth.org/locations/brown-cancer-center/">UofLHealth.org/BCC</a>.
]]></content:encoded>
</item>
<item>
<title>UofL unveils new Center for Military-Connected Students</title>
<link>https://www.uoflnews.com/post/uofltoday/new-center-open-for-military-connected-students/</link>
<pubDate>Wed, 08 May 2024 13:00:09 +0000</pubDate>
<dc:creator><![CDATA[uoflnews]]></dc:creator>
<category><![CDATA[Campus & Community]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[UofL Today]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Brodschi Hall]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Center for Military-Connected Students]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Department of Veterans Affairs]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Military Friendly]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Military Tuition Assistance]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Office of Adult Learning]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[University Career Center]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Veteran and Military Alumni award]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[veterans]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Veterans Day]]></category>
<guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.uoflnews.com/?p=59469</guid>
<description><![CDATA[Following a nine-month renovation, the University of Louisville unveiled its Center for Military-Connected Students that aims to better meet the needs of the more than 2,300 military-connected students enrolled at UofL. The three-story, 4,700-square-foot center at Brodschi Hall features a study room, lounge and meeting space, a lactation room and offices for five full-time staff. […]]]></description>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[Following a nine-month renovation, the University of Louisville unveiled its <a href="https://louisville.edu/military-connected-students">Center for Military-Connected Students</a> that aims to better meet the needs of the more than 2,300 military-connected students enrolled at UofL.
The three-story, 4,700-square-foot center at Brodschi Hall features a study room, lounge and meeting space, a lactation room and offices for five full-time staff. There is also flexible office space for support staff to assist military-connected students from the center, kitchenettes and ADA-compliant restrooms with a shower.
Outside, there is a 20-foot flagpole flying <a href="https://www.uoflnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/Ctr-for-Military-Connected-Students_5354-8x12.jpeg"><img class="size-medium wp-image-59468 alignleft" src="https://www.uoflnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/Ctr-for-Military-Connected-Students_5354-8x12-300x200.jpeg" alt="" width="300" height="200" srcset="https://www.uoflnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/Ctr-for-Military-Connected-Students_5354-8x12-300x200.jpeg 300w, https://www.uoflnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/Ctr-for-Military-Connected-Students_5354-8x12-768x512.jpeg 768w, https://www.uoflnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/Ctr-for-Military-Connected-Students_5354-8x12.jpeg 1024w, https://www.uoflnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/Ctr-for-Military-Connected-Students_5354-8x12-696x464.jpeg 696w, https://www.uoflnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/Ctr-for-Military-Connected-Students_5354-8x12-630x420.jpeg 630w" sizes="(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" /></a>the American flag and a Prisoner of War/Missing in Action flag and an ADA-compliant picnic bench.
The Center for Military-Connected Students was renovated using $600,000 in state funds. The Kentucky Department of Veterans Affairs is using the center as a model for other state institutions, and the center has hosted visits from institutions as far away as California.
“This ribbon-cutting marks the achievement of a long-term goal of creating a dedicated and welcoming space to serve these students, who make up more than 10 percent of UofL’s student population,” said Kim Schatzel, president of UofL. “I want to thank Gov. Andy Beshear, state Rep. Kevin Bratcher and the rest of the legislature for providing the funding to enable this project. But even while we celebrate this achievement, we remain committed to continually improving how we serve this important population.”
The next phase of the renovation includes a dedicated space for UofL’s chapter of the Student Veterans of America, an additional study room and lending library in the basement. The basement will also feature a TV, pool table and foosball table for students.
Among the center’s key functions include identifying and tracking military-connected students, policy advocacy, advising use of and processing Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) education benefits, and Military Tuition Assistance processing and residency coding. It also performs undergraduate admissions actions for currently serving members, veterans and dependents using VA education benefits, and advocacy and assistance for graduate admissions.
The center, which moved into Brodschi Hall in October, was formed in 2022 by merging the Office of Military and Veteran Student Services (formerly part of Undergraduate Admissions) and the university’s Fort Knox campus (formerly part of the College of Education and Human Development).
Directed by U.S. Air Force veteran Kyle Hurwitz, the center was cited as a factor in UofL earning the 2023 “Gold” designation from Military Friendly. Of the more than 1,800 participating institutions, UofL was among one of only 33 Carnegie Designated Tier 1 Research institutions in the nation to earn this designation. This recognition highlights the institution’s “commitment, effort and success in creating sustainable and meaningful benefits for the military community.”
Through the center and this new space, the university will increase military-connected student persistence and success rates, as well as enhance their higher education experience through innovation, accessibility, connection and appreciation,” Hurwitz said. “We hope it will be the national model for empowering and supporting military-connected student success.”
Its goal is to improve UofL’s ability to address the academic, financial, physical and social needs of students who are active-duty service members, in the National Guard and the Reserves, are veterans or dependents or who are Army Reserve Officer Training Corps or Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps cadets.
There are currently 2,356 military-connected students enrolled at UofL.
View pictures from the ribbon cutting ceremony of <a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/uofl/albums/72177720316783552/">UofL’s Flickr albums</a>. 
 
]]></content:encoded>
</item>
<item>
<title>UofL spring Commencement set for May 11</title>
<link>https://www.uoflnews.com/post/uofltoday/commencement-set-for-may-11/</link>
<pubDate>Tue, 07 May 2024 20:28:03 +0000</pubDate>
<dc:creator><![CDATA[Audrie Lamb]]></dc:creator>
<category><![CDATA[Campus & Community]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Grads2024]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[UofL Today]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[xMiddle]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[2024 May Commencement]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[2024 spring commencement]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[graduation]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[spring graduation]]></category>
<guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.uoflnews.com/?p=60699</guid>
<description><![CDATA[More than 2,000 of the approximately 3,100 University of Louisville students who applied for degrees and certificates have indicated they will participate in commencement ceremonies. The ceremonies will be held on Saturday, May 11, at the KFC Yum! Center with two separate sessions at 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. This Commencement holds particular significance for […]]]></description>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[More than 2,000 of the approximately 3,100 University of Louisville students who applied for degrees and certificates have indicated they will participate in <a href="https://louisville.edu/commencement">commencement</a> ceremonies. The ceremonies will be held on Saturday, May 11, at the KFC Yum! Center with two separate sessions at 10 a.m. and 3 p.m.
This Commencement holds particular significance for the high school class of 2020, which graduated at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. For some, it will be their first chance to celebrate their educational achievement by taking part in a complete traditional ceremony.
Ethan Rutter, a graduating senior with majors in political science and history, had a five-minute diploma ceremony at Bowling Green High School. Now, he’s fully embracing all the graduation festivities.
“This graduation means a lot to our class,” said Rutter. “It’s a culmination of not just college but everything that led us here.”
Paighton Brooks, salutatorian of her Northern Kentucky high school, spoke to an empty auditorium in 2020. Excelling as a <a href="https://louisville.edu/admissions/cost-aid/scholarships/woodford-r-porter-scholarship">Porter</a> and <a href="https://louisville.edu/mcconnellcenter/scholars">McConnell scholar</a>, she pursued a double major in political science and criminal justice at UofL. She’s ready to celebrate this time with her friends and family.
“It’s really exciting getting to have that in-person experience,” Brooks said. “Especially getting to graduate with my friends, walking the stage with them and seeing them get to that milestone as well, because that is something I missed in high school.”
Student speaker Gilberto Maldonado, graduating with a Doctor of Social Work from the <a href="https://louisville.edu/kent">Raymond A. Kent School of Social Work and Family Science</a>, will address the morning ceremony, while Sophie Broadwater, graduating with a bachelor’s degree from the <a href="https://louisville.edu/music">School of Music</a>, will speak at the afternoon ceremony.
This is the third graduation ceremony presided over by <a href="https://louisville.edu/president/about">UofL President Kim Schatzel</a>. The <a href="https://louisville.edu/graduate">UofL Graduate School</a> also will host a doctoral hooding and graduation ceremony for more than 100 graduates at 2 p.m. Friday, May 10, on Belknap Campus in the Swain Student Activities Center (SAC) Ballroom, second floor. All of these ceremonies will be broadcast live at <a id="OWA04c9f02a-5d87-2cf0-d2bf-6f69e30c7bf3" class="x_x_OWAAutoLink" title="Original URL: http://uofl.edu/livestream. Click or tap if you trust this link." href="https://nam11.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fuofl.edu%2Flivestream&data=05%7C02%7Cjulie.heflin%40louisville.edu%7C320e1718a4954d55a0c708dc6df83d0b%7Cdd246e4a54344e158ae391ad9797b209%7C0%7C0%7C638506160165135560%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=2pxxL4ylGMPZjatBMjKpJx9VvkTLJuE7SaPkHPUQ5HU%3D&reserved=0" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" data-auth="Verified" data-loopstyle="linkonly" data-linkindex="0">uofl.edu/livestream</a>.
In addition, <a href="https://louisville.edu/afrotc?msclkid=dd5270e4a53711eca19b6ea7af77d2ba">UofL’s U.S. Air Force ROTC Detachment 295</a> will hold a commissioning ceremony on Friday, May 10, at 11 a.m. in Floyd Theater in the SAC. Four cadets will be commissioned as second lieutenants in the U.S. Air Force. Earlier in the day, <a href="https://louisville.edu/armyrotc?msclkid=e9481a76a53711ecbd3e6c5f934e077a">UofL’s U.S. Army ROTC cadre</a>, Cardinal Battalion, will hold its commissioning at 9 a.m. in the SAC Ballroom. Thirteen cadets will be commissioned as second lieutenants in the U.S. Army.
Follow #UofLGrads2024 on social media for updates.
 
]]></content:encoded>
</item>
<item>
<title>First for herself, now for others</title>
<link>https://www.uoflnews.com/post/uofltoday/gabrielle-runyon-may-2024/</link>
<pubDate>Tue, 07 May 2024 13:36:45 +0000</pubDate>
<dc:creator><![CDATA[Audrie Lamb]]></dc:creator>
<category><![CDATA[Campus & Community]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Grads2024]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[UofL Today]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[xRight]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[2024 May Commencement]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[advocacy]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[College of Arts and Sciences]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Commencement]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Disability Resource Center]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Muscular Dystrophy Association]]></category>
<guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.uoflnews.com/?p=60685</guid>
<description><![CDATA[As Gabrielle Runyon, a graduating psychology major with a minor in music, goes across the stage this spring, she carries not just a diploma but a powerful message: resilience. Diagnosed with Spinal Muscular Atrophy Type 2 at just 1 year old, she defied the odds against her. “The doctor told my parents that I would […]]]></description>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[As Gabrielle Runyon, a graduating <a href="https://louisville.edu/psychology">psychology</a> major with a minor in <a href="https://louisville.edu/music">music</a>, goes across the stage this spring, she carries not just a diploma but a powerful message: resilience.
Diagnosed with Spinal Muscular Atrophy Type 2 at just 1 year old, she defied the odds against her.
“The doctor told my parents that I would be lucky if I made it past the age of 2,” Runyon said.
Throughout her journey, Runyon encountered assumptions from individuals including doctors and teachers who couldn’t see beyond perceived limitations. These discrimination challenges fueled advocacy efforts for herself and others with disabilities.
In high school, she served as a state Ambassador for the Muscular Dystrophy Association, advocating for bills benefiting the neuromuscular community.
Runyon never envisioned herself advocating at a large scale because of her shyness. Reflecting, Runyon said, “It just kind of happened naturally because I have been advocating for myself for so long.”
After deciding to come to UofL for its affordability, Runyon continued to find ways to help her community. 
In October 2023, Runyon was a part of founding <a href="https://louisville.campuslabs.com/engage/organization/disabledcardsunited">Disabled Cards United</a> (DCU.) DCU is a coalition of disabled students and their allies which works to foster a safe and inclusive environment for disabled students, to promote student led advocacy, and to provide a space for disabled students to build solidarity.
“It’s centered on intersectionality around disability and it’s one of the places I’ve felt is most inclusive and at home just because of the acceptance I’ve had,” Runyon said.
Recognized as the <a href="https://louisville.edu/disability">Disability Resource Center</a> student of the year, Runyon plans to continue her advocacy after graduation. She aspires to be a counselor, driven by a passion to address the lack of understanding in the mental health field, particularly for people of color and those with disabilities.
Transitioning her sophomore year from a music therapy major to psychology, Runyon’s natural inclination towards listening and understanding people guides her path. She now sees her shyness as a strength. 
“It comes naturally to me,” Runyon said. “It’s because I am shy I do so well. I listen more. And I think about what questions to ask. I’m interested in learning more about people and picking their brain.”
As she prepares to participate in <a href="https://louisville.edu/commencement">UofL’s commencement</a> on May 11, Runyon acknowledges her family as her greatest support.
“My family is my backbone, and I would not be where I am today without them,” Runyon said.
]]></content:encoded>
</item>
<item>
<title>Growing on her roots</title>
<link>https://www.uoflnews.com/post/uofltoday/growing-on-her-roots/</link>
<pubDate>Wed, 01 May 2024 19:42:00 +0000</pubDate>
<dc:creator><![CDATA[Betty Coffman]]></dc:creator>
<category><![CDATA[Campus & Community]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Grads2024]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Health & Wellness]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[UofL Today]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[xMiddle]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Anthem Medicaid Rural Medicine Scholarship]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Baptist Health Deaconess Madisonville]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[family medicine]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Kentucky family medicine]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[medically underserved]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Owensboro Family Medicine Residency]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[RMAT]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Rural health]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[rural Kentucky]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Trover rural medicine track]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Trover Rural Track]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[underserved]]></category>
<guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.uoflnews.com/?p=60483</guid>
<description><![CDATA[Muhlenberg County native Caitlan Jones is completing medical school in the hospital where she was born in Madisonville, Kentucky. Jones is part of the University of Louisville School of Medicine’s Trover Rural Track, based at Baptist Health Deaconess Madisonville, which offers students the opportunity to complete medical school in a small community. It has been […]]]></description>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[Muhlenberg County native Caitlan Jones is completing medical school in the hospital where she was born in Madisonville, Kentucky.
Jones is part of the University of Louisville School of Medicine’s <a href="https://louisville.edu/medicine/admissions/programs/trover-rural-track">Trover Rural Track</a>, based at Baptist Health Deaconess Madisonville, which offers students the opportunity to complete medical school in a small community.
It has been a perfect fit for Jones, who will receive her medical degree on May 11 from the <a title="School of Medicine" href="https://louisville.edu/medicine">UofL School of Medicine</a> and hopes to practice in a rural community.
<figure id="attachment_60676" style="width: 300px" class="wp-caption alignright"><img class="size-medium wp-image-60676" src="https://www.uoflnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Caitlin-Jones_SCH5186-MED-CROP-300x249.jpg" alt="Caitlan Jones, 2024 School of Medicine graduate, with her husband, Christian. UofL photo." width="300" height="249" srcset="https://www.uoflnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Caitlin-Jones_SCH5186-MED-CROP-300x249.jpg 300w, https://www.uoflnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Caitlin-Jones_SCH5186-MED-CROP-768x638.jpg 768w, https://www.uoflnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Caitlin-Jones_SCH5186-MED-CROP-1024x850.jpg 1024w, https://www.uoflnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Caitlin-Jones_SCH5186-MED-CROP-696x578.jpg 696w, https://www.uoflnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Caitlin-Jones_SCH5186-MED-CROP-1068x887.jpg 1068w, https://www.uoflnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Caitlin-Jones_SCH5186-MED-CROP-506x420.jpg 506w" sizes="(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" /><figcaption class="wp-caption-text">Caitlan Jones, 2024 School of Medicine graduate, with her husband, Christian. UofL photo.</figcaption></figure>
“I want to practice wide-spectrum family medicine in Western Kentucky. I like the community clinics and small towns,” Jones said. “My husband is from Owensboro and we both like our families, so we want to stay in Western Kentucky.”
Physicians are badly needed in rural areas of the commonwealth, where many communities are medically underserved.
“If you look on a map of health professional shortage areas, almost all of Western Kentucky is blocked out. They don’t have enough of anything,” Jones said.
Jones, who grew up on a farm with her three siblings, is grateful for her down-to-earth upbringing.
“I was raised by a great set of parents. My dad has made an impressive career in the coal mines, runs the family farm and in his little spare time he is a volunteer firefighter,” Jones said. “I am outgoing and talkative just like my dad, but I don’t think I could ever be as hardworking. My mom works as a bookkeeper, taught us about Jesus and was very involved in our education.”
She also is inspired by her parents’ generosity in the community.
“Seeing how hard my parents worked and how involved they were in communities was enough for me to say I want to come back somewhere similar to home and be involved in that same way.”
Jones sees medicine as a perfect way for her to be involved.
“I like that it’s challenging, I’m always reading and learning and problem solving,” she said. “I also think there is a gap in medicine. I have a really strong faith and I think you miss that a lot in the medical community—doctors that pray and believe in healing and the other side that so many patients also do. So, filling that gap is a big part of why I am in medicine. I want to love others.”
After being introduced to Trover as an undergraduate at Murray State University, Jones spent a summer participating in the Trover Campus Rural Scholars Program. That experience sealed her decision to practice rural medicine.
“I was offered acceptance at four medical school programs, but I chose UofL largely because of the great experience I had in undergrad at the Trover Campus,” Jones said.
<figure id="attachment_60675" style="width: 200px" class="wp-caption alignleft"><img class="wp-image-60675 size-medium" src="https://www.uoflnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/CJ-Dr-Crump_1005-MED-200x300.jpg" alt="Caitlan Jones and William Crump, associate dean of Trover Campus at the UofL School of Medicine. Students can spend part of medical school in Madisonville, Ky. preparing to practice in a small community. UofL photo." width="200" height="300" srcset="https://www.uoflnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/CJ-Dr-Crump_1005-MED-200x300.jpg 200w, https://www.uoflnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/CJ-Dr-Crump_1005-MED-768x1152.jpg 768w, https://www.uoflnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/CJ-Dr-Crump_1005-MED-683x1024.jpg 683w, https://www.uoflnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/CJ-Dr-Crump_1005-MED-696x1044.jpg 696w, https://www.uoflnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/CJ-Dr-Crump_1005-MED-1068x1602.jpg 1068w, https://www.uoflnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/CJ-Dr-Crump_1005-MED-280x420.jpg 280w" sizes="(max-width: 200px) 100vw, 200px" /><figcaption class="wp-caption-text">Caitlan Jones and William Crump, associate dean of Trover Campus at the UofL School of Medicine. Students can spend part of medical school in Madisonville, Ky. preparing to practice in a small community. UofL photo.</figcaption></figure>
Although she did part of her training in Louisville, Jones likes the environment in Madisonville, which provided more one-on-one time with attending physicians.
“I see people all the time I know. It’s different to be somewhere you know people but also, it’s a different feeling from a big university hospital,” Jones said. “People know my parents or I know people’s parents, so it’s a different level of connection.” 
Jones will reach her goal a year sooner than most medical students thanks to Trover’s Rural Medicine Accelerated Track (RMAT), a program allowing students who intend to practice in a rural Kentucky community to finish medical school in three years rather than the typical four.
Jones and Bradley Watson, the 2024 graduates of the RMAT, are completing the program a decade after <a href="https://www.uoflnews.com/post/uofltoday/accelerated-rural-medical-education-program-graduates-first-physician/">the first graduate</a> finished in 2014. Jones and Watson also both were awarded the 2023 <a href="https://louisville.edu/medicine/news/helping-hometown-health-care-heroes-uofl-and-anthem-kentucky-medicaid-launch-new-rural-medicine-scholarship-program">Anthem Medicaid Rural Medicine Scholarship</a>, which supports RMAT students.
In July, Jones will begin residency training at the UofL <a href="https://www.owensborohealth.org/choose/family-medicine-residency">Owensboro Family Medicine Residency Program</a>.
“It doesn’t really feel real,” she said. “I am finishing a year early so it doesn’t feel like I’ve been doing it that long. But I’m really excited to see what comes next.”
Watch the video:
<iframe title="YouTube video player" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/a7L5tuRMEG0?si=vpzKmiQ3h2uouMKi" width="560" height="315" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe>
 
]]></content:encoded>
</item>
<item>
<title>UofL researchers honored for groundbreaking study linking cancer and kidney disease</title>
<link>https://www.uoflnews.com/section/science-and-tech/uofl-researchers-honored-for-groundbreaking-study-linking-cancer-and-kidney-disease/</link>
<pubDate>Wed, 01 May 2024 17:58:38 +0000</pubDate>
<dc:creator><![CDATA[Baylee Pulliam]]></dc:creator>
<category><![CDATA[Advancing our Health]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Health & Wellness]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Science & Tech]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[UofL Today]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[xLeft]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Andrew Orwick]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Brown Cancer Center]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[cancer]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Health]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[innovation]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[jon klein]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[kidney disease]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Leah Siskind]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[levi beverly]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[research]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[research at UofL]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[School of Medicine]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[technology]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[UofL Health]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[UofL research]]></category>
<guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.uoflnews.com/?p=60625</guid>
<description><![CDATA[A team of researchers at the University of Louisville has been honored for their pioneering work in uncovering a new connection between cancer treatment and kidney disease. Their award-winning study, named Paper of the Year by the American Journal of Physiology, sheds light on the heightened risk of kidney complications in cancer patients undergoing treatment. […]]]></description>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[A team of researchers at the University of Louisville has been honored for their pioneering work in uncovering a new connection between cancer treatment and kidney disease.
Their award-winning <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36727944/">study</a>, named Paper of the Year by the American Journal of Physiology, sheds light on the heightened risk of kidney complications in cancer patients undergoing treatment. The study revealed that cancer itself may harm the kidneys, but that damage and scarring is intensified when patients take cisplatin, a commonly used chemotherapy drug. 
“Everything in your body is connected, from your internal systems to the medications we take,” said Andrew Orwick, lead author and recent doctoral graduate in pharmacology and toxicology.
Orwick’s doctoral research in the laboratory of researchers Leah Siskind and in collaboration with Levi Beverly, both from the <a href="https://louisville.edu/medicine">UofL School of Medicine</a> and <a href="https://uoflhealth.org/locations/brown-cancer-center/">Brown Cancer Center</a>, examined the interplay of cisplatin and lung cancer, which is highly prevalent in Kentucky.
“By better understanding what those interactions are and how they happen,” he said, “we can take them into consideration and improve outcomes for the patient.”
Ultimately, that could lead to new diagnostics, more effective drugs and treatment plans that better consider the patient’s overall health and avoid or limit kidney damage.
Chronic damage to the kidneys can <a href="https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/chronic-kidney-disease/symptoms-causes/syc-20354521">cause</a> nausea, vomiting, fatigue, high blood pressure and even death, without transplant or dialysis. Because symptoms progress slowly, patients may not notice the condition until its advanced stages. Even so, current testing methods are difficult and invasive.
The UofL researchers think their work could help clinicians better predict not only which patients will react negatively to cisplatin and other chemotherapy drugs, but also identify potential kidney problems early. The goal is to better understand the underlying mechanisms and biomarkers, so clinicians can make more informed decisions.
“Obviously, addressing the cancer is first and foremost, but if we can do that while also preserving the patient’s overall health and feeling of health, that’s optimal,” said Siskind, a professor and senior author on the study. “The great news is that the fact that we’re even having this conversation means we’re making progress in solving cancer — we’re considering not only life, but the quality of that life.”
Siskind said the paper represents a paradigm shift in how researchers think about and treat both cancer and kidney disease. As it stands, no treatment for this form of kidney disease has made it past a phase 2 clinical trial or been approved for use in patients. This research could also help inform better drugs and experiments to fill that need. 
That innovative thinking and broad impact is likely part of why this work was selected as Paper of the Year, said Jon Klein, interim executive vice president for <a href="https://louisville.edu/research">research and innovation</a>.
“Being selected for this honor is a massive accomplishment and underpins the immense value of the research being done by this team and across UofL,” Klein said. “This is work that truly can save and improve lives.” 
]]></content:encoded>
</item>
<item>
<title>UofL equine business alumna Isabella Leslie: Bluegrass racetracks to Dubai and back</title>
<link>https://www.uoflnews.com/post/uofltoday/uofl-equine-business-alumna-isabella-leslie-bluegrass-racetracks-to-dubai-and-back/</link>
<pubDate>Mon, 29 Apr 2024 20:22:04 +0000</pubDate>
<dc:creator><![CDATA[Gabrielle Lawless]]></dc:creator>
<category><![CDATA[Business & Economy]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[UofL Today]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[xRight]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[150th Kentucky Derby]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[America’s Best Racing]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Bluegrass]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Bluegrass State]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[C1 Championship]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[camel racing]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Churchill Downs]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[derby]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Equine Industry Business Program]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[horse racing]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[JockeyCam]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Kentucky Derby]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Mark Casse]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Run for the Roses]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[thoroughbred]]></category>
<guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.uoflnews.com/?p=60634</guid>
<description><![CDATA[As anticipation builds for the 150th Kentucky Derby, many will be searching for the perfect hat to wear to Churchill Downs. Isabella Leslie, a University of Louisville College of Business alumna, wears several. Among them are: social media coordinator for JockeyCam and America’s Best Racing, U.S. assistant racing manager at AMO Racing, UofL Equine Industry […]]]></description>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[As anticipation builds for the <a href="https://www.kentuckyderby.com/">150th Kentucky Derby</a>, many will be searching for the perfect hat to wear to <a href="https://www.churchilldowns.com/">Churchill Downs</a>. Isabella Leslie, a <a href="https://business.louisville.edu/">University of Louisville College of Business</a> alumna, wears several.
Among them are: social media coordinator for <a href="https://jockeycam.net/about/">JockeyCam</a> and <a href="https://www.americasbestracing.net/">America’s Best Racing</a>, U.S. assistant racing manager at AMO Racing, <a href="https://business.louisville.edu/academics-programs/equine/">UofL Equine Industry Business Program</a> graduate and all-female camel racing <a href="https://adcrc.me/c1-championship/">C1 Championship</a> winner.
It’s easy to wonder what led Leslie from the Bluegrass State’s horse tracks to camel racing in Dubai. This week, she’s back in Louisville providing professional social media coverage of the Run for the Roses. 
UofL News caught up with the accomplished alumna to hear more about her journey and the influence of the university. 
UofL News: What initially sparked your interest in the Equine Industry Business Program at UofL? 
Leslie: I was intrigued by the program because there isn’t anything else like it. Being able to get a business degree while specializing in the equine field was something that really drew me in. I also liked that it was a very close-knit program and the class sizes were small. 
UofL News: Can you share with us the journey that led you from studying equine business at the University of Louisville to becoming involved in camel racing and eventually winning the C1 Championship in Dubai? 
Leslie: I worked in the Thoroughbred industry throughout college and took every opportunity to meet new people. Working for Thoroughbred racehorse trainer Mark Casse, I met a lot of connected people who had an influence on where I am today. In 2022, I went to Dubai for America’s Best Racing and it was then that I was first introduced to camel racing. I went out to film a segment on unique things to do in Dubai at the only camel riding school in the UAE, and that is where I met Linda Krockenberger, who co-founded the school and started the C1 Championships. We joked that it would be cool for me to one day compete in a race, and little did we know it would lead to this. Two years later the dream became a reality, and it turned out better than we both could have imagined.
UofL News: Do you have any memorable experiences or lessons from your time as a student at the University of Louisville that have stuck with you since graduating? 
Leslie: I enjoyed meeting students with similar passions, even if we weren’t focused on the same discipline – we all shared the love for the horse. I really enjoyed my time on the UofL Saddleseat Team, in which we took home the national title. I have had a passion for horses since I can remember, but being surrounded by like-minded people on a daily basis certainly helped ignite my dream of working in the Thoroughbred industry. Terri Burch welcomed me into the program with open arms and for that, I’m forever grateful.
UofL News: Have you ever participated in any Kentucky Derby events or festivities? Did the university’s proximity and ties to Churchill Downs help your career? 
Leslie: Yes, I was very lucky to work for Mark Casse when we had several horses competing in the Derby. War of Will in 2019 (who went on to win the Preakness Stakes), Enforceable in 2020 and Soup and Sandwich and Helium in 2021. 
I was at the track every morning before heading to school, so being nearby was ideal, especially when my alarm went off at 4:30 each morning. I had to have a nap every day in between classes, but the hard work definitely paid off. 
UofL News: What advice would you offer to prospective or current students in the Equine Industry Business Program at UofL who may be considering various career paths within the industry? 
Leslie: Take every opportunity. Even if you feel as though the event, person or whatever it may be might not benefit you, you never know who you’ll meet. I exhausted myself, but it was the best thing I could have done for my career. If I hadn’t jumped at every opportunity, I wouldn’t be in the position I am today. I never gave up, and I knew that going to college while working and traveling wouldn’t be easy, but I was lucky to have a support system that helped me follow my dreams.
]]></content:encoded>
</item>
</channel>
</rss>

If you would like to create a banner that links to this page (i.e. this validation result), do the following:

Download the "valid RSS" banner.
Upload the image to your own server. (This step is important. Please do not link directly to the image on this server.)
Add this HTML to your page (change the image src attribute if necessary):

<a href="http://www.feedvalidator.org/check.cgi?url=http%3A//uoflnews.com/feed"><img src="valid-rss-rogers.png" alt="[Valid RSS]" title="Validate my RSS feed" /></a>

If you would like to create a text link instead, here is the URL you can use:

http://www.feedvalidator.org/check.cgi?url=http%3A//uoflnews.com/feed

Home · About · News · Docs · Terms