Linking university to community

The title “trailblazer” is reserved for those exceptional leaders who carve out paths for future generations. Ralph Fitzpatrick had already secured his trailblazer status in 1970 as a young and accomplished undergraduate student who was the first in his family to graduate from college.

After a prolific 46-year career with the university, the vice president for community engagement will begin his well-deserved retirement this summer not only as a trailblazer but also as a paragon of leadership and achievement.

The native Kentuckian entered UofL as an undergraduate in 1970. He fondly recollects being selected as the 1974 Mr. Cardinal, the first Black student in university history to
receive the honor. As UofL transitioned into a premier state-supported metropolitan university, alumni like Fitzpatrick helped establish the university as a champion of diversity and inclusion.

Fitzpatrick’s Cardinal roots run deep. He completed two undergraduate degrees with honors in 1974 and received his master’s degree from UofL in 1975 before earning his doctorate in higher education management from the University of Pennsylvania in 2003. Over his UofL tenure, Fitzpatrick has served as the liaison among the university community, the Greater Louisville community and the president’s office.

“In the office of community engagement, we think of ourselves as that initial door that the community can come to,” he said. “Whether it’s a nonprofit or an educational institution, we’re that first stop that connects the community with the resources of the university – our primary resource being our faculty and staff, who can provide their expertise and knowledge.”

As a first-generation college graduate, Fitzpatrick is most proud of the university’s continued commitment to students from low-income and first-generation families through programs like the Signature Partnership Initiative. The Signature Partnership Initiative was launched under Fitzpatrick’s leadership in 2007 and serves to enhance the quality of life and economic opportunity for west Louisville residents through various programs, scholarships and community projects.

Through Fitzpatrick and his team, the Signature Partnership Initiative has allowed the university to build its Louisville presence and strengthen its relationships with residents, Jefferson County Public Schools, Louisville Metro Government and community organizations. Fitzpatrick further highlighted the importance of the recent health care system acquisition for west Louisville.

The expansion included the acquisition of UofL Health – Mary & Elizabeth Hospital, the only hospital in Louisville west of Interstate 65.

“We haven’t solved all the problems, but we have made a major dent working with JCPS by elevating the educational attainment of the students at those Signature Partnership schools,” Fitzpatrick said. “And now with the health care acquisition properties, we have boots on the ground.”

Peers and colleagues reflect fondly on Fitzpatrick’s impact. Laura Rothstein, a professor and former dean with the Louis D. Brandeis School of Law, has worked with him over her 20-year UofL career.

“Ralph's thoughtful and effective leadership in the community and at the university have made an enormous impact on this community,” she said. “He has attended many of the law school's diversity forums, showing our community the interest and support of the central administration. I have observed his thoughtful listening and guidance at many, many community meetings in west Louisville.”

When reminiscing, Fitzpatrick shared how the university also made a personal impact on his life. He met his wife of now nearly 50 years while the two were completing their
undergraduate programs, and his son later followed in their footsteps by graduating from UofL.

Fitzpatrick has left his mark on the university by blazing the trails ahead for over 50 years not only as a staff member but also as an accomplished alumnus and visionary community leader. His continued commitment to UofL and the surrounding community has helped establish the university as a champion of diversity and inclusion for generations to come.

Read more of Ralph's story and watch The Trailblazer's Tale.