From curveballs to commencement: Siblings graduate from UofL

For Kaitlyn Piekarczyk, commencement day at the University of Louisville will be a whirlwind of celebration. As soon as she receives her diploma at the KFC YUM! Center, she’ll be making a quick trip downtown to the Kentucky International Convention Center to watch her older brother, Alex, graduate from the UofL School of Medicine.

Five years apart, the siblings from northwest Illinois both found their way to the Louisville campus for their collegiate careers. Alex, who earned a biology degree from the College of Arts and Sciences in 2020, spent time working as an EMT before beginning medical school in the fall of 2021 through the U.S. Navy. His positive experience in Louisville played a significant role in Kaitlyn’s college decision. She started in the J.B. Speed School of Engineering in the fall of 2021.

“I applied to only four colleges, all out of state. I applied to UofL because Alex said I should and they offered me the most financial aid,” Kaitlyn said. “Also, I knew I wanted to go to engineering school and the co-op program here at UofL is awesome. It made college much more affordable, and I gained a lot of experience from it.”

Alex also helped Kaitlyn acclimate to campus life, introducing her to mentors and groups such as the Student Organization for Alumni Relations (SOAR). Both siblings were actively involved during their time at the university. 

“One of the beautiful things about UofL is that it’s large but it’s also small. We have all the resources of that any large university has but if you are feeling overwhelmed there is always that safety net you can find,” Alex said.   

A shared passion for sports further cemented their bond and appeal to Louisville.

“Sports are a big part of my life and Alex’s life, and it’s something we bond over,” Kaitlyn said. “Whether it’s a football, basketball, baseball, volleyball, or any Louisville sporting event, we have a great time.”

She fondly recalled their playful, and sometimes contentious, backyard games growing up.

“Whenever Alex and I would play catch, he would love to throw a curveball without telling me and usually hit me in the shins, the cause of many arguments,” she said. 

While Kaitlyn will remain in Louisville to begin her career with C&I Engineering after graduation, Alex will head to the east coast for his residency. Adding to an already significant May, Alex will also be celebrating his wedding the weekend following graduation.

Even as their journeys branch out after graduation, the shared UofL experience will undoubtedly remain a heartwarming chapter in the Piekarczyk sibling narrative.

“(Kaitlyn) coming to UofL definitely made a big difference that we could get a lot closer,” said Alex. 

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