40th anniversary celebration highlights big weekend for Student Affairs

Homecoming is a big weekend.

But Student Affairs might be hosting the biggest weekend ever.

In addition to its annual slate of homecoming activities with RSOs and Cardinal Family Weekend, Student Affairs will be commemorating its 40th anniversary.  

The milestone anniversary celebration honors the dedication of current and past staff and students to the University of Louisville.

“It’s a wonderful opportunity to invite back former student leaders and celebrate our collective success and the positive impact on people’s lives,” said Michael Mardis, dean of students and chief Student Affairs officer.

Combined with events that celebrate campus life, such as Homecoming and Cardinal Family Weekend, “it creates the atmosphere of a big family reunion,” Mardis said.

Check out a sampling of the weekend’s big events below.   

Student Affairs 40th Anniversary Weekend


Forty years ago, campus life at UofL changed as the Division of Student Affairs was created, unifying departments across campus to better the student experience. Since its inception, the division has grown and thrived to allow students to reach their fullest academic and personal potential.

During the weekend of Oct. 20-23, the division will host a series of events commemorating the 40 years of success of the Division of Student Affairs. The central event is an awards ceremony celebrating past vice presidents of student affairs. Each will speak on their experience at UofL. More information is available online. 

Oct. 20

Student Affairs 40th Anniversary Campus Celebration Cookout, 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., Red Barn; Free. 

Staff, faculty and students are invited to come to a “Traditional Red Barn Cookout” and mingle/connect and share stories about the 40 years of engaging students across campus.

October 21

UofL Student Affairs Legacy Award Ceremony and Distinguished Panel, 2:30 to 4:30 p.m., Multipurpose Room, Student Activities Center; Free. Former vice presidents will be awarded the inaugural Legacy Award.

UofL Student Affairs Legacy Award Networking Reception, 4:30 to 6 p.m., George J. Howe Red Barn; Free. Mingle with the former vice presidents and student affairs staff.

October 22

UofL Student Affairs 40th Anniversary Football Tailgate, 9 a.m. to noon, Papa John’s Cardinal Stadium in between Gate 9 and Gate 1 behind the Schnellenberger Complex on the North end zone side of the stadium; $20 per person. Celebrate at the Student Affairs tented tailgate prior to the football game.

Cardinal Family Weekend

Each year, Student affairs host Cardinal Family Weekend. Families from around the country arrive on campus to see how students are acclimating to college life, and explore campus and the city. Details are available online.

Oct. 22

UofL Parents Association Tailgate/Meal, 9 a.m. to noon, Papa John’s Cardinal Stadium, in between Gate 9 and Gate 1 behind the Schnellenberger Complex on the North end zone side of the stadium; $20. Join families for a tailgate before football game.

Oct. 23

UofL Parents Association Family Brunch, 10 a.m. to noon, The Ville Grille; Pay upon entry. Enjoy a meal with family and sign up for a raffle to win a flatscreen TV.

Homecoming Week

This year’s Homecoming Week takes place Oct. 17-22 and includes festivities such as a concert hosted by the Student Activities Board, the National Pan-Hellenic Council’s homecoming step show, the homecoming parade, and the homecoming football game.  

Oct. 20

Student Activities Board Concert: Waka Flocka Flame, 5:30 to 9 p.m., Cardinal Blvd., in front of Cardinal Towne; Free. Join UofL SAB as Waka Flocka Flame performs.

Oct. 21

National Pan-Hellenic Homecoming Step Show, 7:30 p.m., Louisville Memorial Auditorium; $15 advance tickets, $20 at the door. UofL NPHC will be performing in the 23rd annual homecoming step show.

Homecoming Parade, 6 p.m., starts at Cardinal Boulevard and 3rd Street intersection by Cardinal Towne; Free.