UofL celebrates 225th anniversary

April 3, 2023, is a big day for the University of Louisville.

UofL will celebrate 225 years as the higher education leader in Kentucky’s largest metropolitan area on the date known in UofL history as its Founders Day.

It commemorates the day in 1798 when eight Louisvillians – Richard Clough Anderson, Alexander S. Bullitt, William Croghan, John Thruston, William Taylor, James Meriwether, Henry Churchill and John Thompson – declared their intention to establish an education institution called Jefferson Seminary and began raising funds for their plan. For more about Founders Day, see this story.

“I am thrilled to help celebrate 225 years of Cardinal pride,” UofL President Kim Schatzel said. “Today, the influence of modern-day UofL stretches through this city, this region and around the world. We couldn’t be more proud of our more than 163,000 alumni who planted the roots of their vocations on our campuses and have gone on to make significant contributions to society.”

As one of the first city-owned, public universities in the nation, UofL’s dynamic connection with Louisville has flourished over the past two and a quarter centuries, fueling success for both. UofL is redefining what success means for thousands of students and creating impacts that make a difference through research and innovation.

That history of success is cause for celebration. And the university plans to celebrate through the Fall 2023 semester.

Festivities will kick off with a spring football game Founders Day tailgate, Friday, April 21, followed by Grad Day at the Downs, an event for UofL graduates and alumni, Thursday, May 11, and the spring Commencement ceremony, Saturday, May 13. For more information on these events, go to uofl.me/225. 

Additional anniversary celebrations will take place throughout the year, including a series of events leading to the September inauguration of Schatzel as UofL’s 19th president, homecoming week and Fall 2023 Commencement.

With support from alumni and friends, the University of Louisville can invest in and brightly look forward to a remarkable next 225 years of achievement. Visit give.louisville.edu/225 today to make a gift.

Watch President Schatzel's video message below.