UofL ready to Raise Some L

Every fall semester, during a 30-hour sprint in mid-October, Cardinals on campus and from every corner of the U.S. and beyond come together with one goal in mind - to make a big impact and Raise Some L.

Beginning at 6:02 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 15, 2024, and continuing through midnight on Wednesday, Oct. 16, the University of Louisville's annual day of giving - affectionately known as Raise Some L - will run for an inspiring 1,798 minutes in honor of UofL's founding year. This unique fundraising event, strategically set during Homecoming week, unites the Cardinal community in support of initiatives that will shape a thriving future for all.

"Your support of the UofL family ignites transformative opportunities for our students, patients and community and empowers the next generation of Cardinals to reach their full potential," said President Kim Schatzel. "Together, we are building a brighter tomorrow."

Several major gifts have already been pledged in advance of the day, including:

• $1.5 million gift from The Bufford Family Foundation/Susan and Randy Bufford to support the College of Business, including scholarships and personal success investments for student-athletes.
• $1.1 million beneficiary designation from an anonymous alumnus in support of the J.B. Speed School of Engineering.
• $1 million bequest from a loyal UofL supporter for the benefit of the Department of Biology.
• $300,000 gift from Lucy Helm for a leadership initiative to advance UofL's mission through philanthropy, community engagement and service.
• $150,000 gift from Strong Hold to support the new Speed School building.
• $125,000 from the Greater Louisville Medical Society Foundation to support scholarships for the School of Medicine
• $50,000 challenge gift from UofL Health to support the UofL Health Employee Emergency Fund.
• $25,000 gift to support the Tung-ho Chen Endowed Graduate Student Scholarship.
• $13,000 in matching gifts from 1970's alumni to support the Speed Golden Alumni Scholarship Endowment, the Medicine Class of 1971 Scholarship Endowment, and the 1970s Biology Graduate Student Endowment.
• $10,000 gift from the MW Fund to advance spinal cord injury research and provide patient assistance.

"Raise Some L is critical to keeping UofL accessible and affordable for students, fostering groundbreaking research and driving our growth as a leading metropolitan research university," said Julie Dials, interim vice president for philanthropy and alumni engagement. "We are deeply grateful to our dedicated alumni, faculty, staff and friends who rise to the challenge each year. Your unwavering commitment makes all the difference."

To amp up the excitement of the day, the Student Organization for Alumni Relations (SOAR) will host Raise Some L block parties in front of the Red Barn on the Belknap Campus and at the HSC Quad on the Health Sciences Center Campus. Stop by for snacks, activities, prizes and more.

Last year, Raise Some L set a record with 2,093 donors contributing $1.3 million. Every dollar raised immediately supports vital areas across campus and the community. For the third consecutive year, Cardinals from all 50 states united to paint the nation red.

To learn more about UofL's annual day of giving and how to become an advocate, visit RaiseSomeL.org. And be sure to spread the excitement on social media by using #RaiseSomeL.

For a full list of what's happening during UofL Homecoming week, visit uoflalumni.org/homecoming.