UofL commencement brings thousands to KFC Yum! Center

LOUISVILLE, Ky. – More than 1,700 newly minted graduates and their families took part today in the University of Louisville’s commencement ceremony at the KFC Yum! Center.

There were two ceremonies – 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. – with a reception for graduates and their families from noon to 1:30 p.m.

UofL President James Ramsey presided at both ceremonies and recalled recent university highlights such as higher graduation rates, an increase in doctoral degrees, the surpassing of a major fundraising milestone and campus improvements.

“We know—let me repeat, we know—that the great things that have happened at the University of Louisville have happened because of you,” Ramsey told the graduates.

UofL physics professor David Brown was honored at the 10 a.m. commencement ceremony with the 2014 Trustees Award. The prize is the highest honor given by the trustees. It recognizes outstanding contributions to the student experience and carries with it recognition on a plaque in the Swain Student Activities Center and a $5,000 prize.

Dentistry graduate Michael Rolf was the student speaker at the morning ceremony.

At the 2 p.m. ceremony, university administrators bestowed an honorary degree on entrepreneur Sam Swope, who founded several auto dealerships in Kentucky and has been a long-time UofL supporter.

Carrie Mattingly, who majored in economics and political science, was the student speaker for the afternoon event.

In addition to the 1,700 who took part in commencement, another 1,200 completed requirements and earned a degree during the spring 2014 semester.