The People Behind Student Affairs
Honoring 50 individuals who built something worth celebrating.
Sidebar
Honoring 50 Years of Leadership, Service, and Belonging
Since 1976, the University of Louisville Division of Student Affairs has been shaped by extraordinary leaders whose vision built the foundation we stand on today. The 50 Pillars of UofL Student Affairs recognition celebrates these changemakers - the people who paved the way for what Student Affairs is today and whose work continues to help thousands of Cardinals succeed, thrive, and find their place at UofL. As we mark this milestone, we proudly recognize the pillars who built our legacy.
* In Memoriam
50 Pillars of UofL Student Affairs
Former Vice Presidents for Student Affairs
Dr. Edward Hammond
A 2016 Legacy Award recipient and UofL’s first Vice President for Student Affairs (1976–1987), Dr. Edward Hammond laid the foundation for the division, shaping its structure and a culture centered on serving students and caring for colleagues.
Dr. Denny Golden
A 1994 Harold Adams Award winner, a 2016 Legacy Award recipient, and Vice President (1988–1994), Dr. Dennis Golden made time for people and led with genuine care, shaping UofL Student Affairs while also helping lead the profession nationally.
Dr. Denise Gifford
A 2016 Legacy Award recipient and Vice President (1996–2005), Dr. Denise Gifford was a deeply engaged leader who championed global learning, launched ISLP, and opened new opportunities and perspectives for generations of Cardinals.
Dr. Michael Cuyjet
A 2006 Harold Adams and 2016 Legacy Award recipient, Dr. Michael Cuyjet served UofL from 1979–2007. He provided steady leadership as Interim VP (2005-2007) during a pivotal time for Student Affairs and impacted generations through the CSP program.
Dr. Tom Jackson, Jr.
A 2016 Legacy Award recipient and VP from 2007–2014, Dr. Tom Jackson Jr. championed veterans, global learning through ISLP, and professional development. An ACPA president, he encouraged staff to grow, lead, and engage in the profession.
50 Pillars of UofL Student Affairs
Distinguished Honorees
Sana Abhari
As 2010 SGA President, Sana Abhari helped carry forward the student vision for a new Student Recreation Center. Her leadership and advocacy advanced this landmark project, which continues to support recreation and wellness for Cardinals today.
Harold Adams*
As AVP for Student Affairs, Harold Adams shaped campus life through housing, student activities, recreation, and Greek life. A beloved leader who poured into students, his legacy of care and service continues through the award bearing his name.
Victoria Allen
As 2015 SGA President, Victoria Allen helped finalize the Student Activities Center expansion, bringing student input into its final design. Her leadership improved dining and shaped gathering spaces around how students used campus.
Stavan R. Bhatt
From an involved student to a mentor of generations, Stavan Bhatt has spent more than three decades giving back to UofL. Through Fraternity and Sorority Life, fitness, and countless acts of service, he has never stopped showing up for Cardinals.
Louis & Louise* Bornwasser
UofL graduates and 2017 Legacy Award recipients Louis and Louise Bornwasser spent decades giving back through RBAA. Louis helped make the Red Barn a reality, and together they created a fund easing financial burdens for Cardinals facing emergencies.
Bill Brasch
A 2021 Legacy Award recipient, Bill Brasch has devoted more than 50 years to UofL. His impact can be seen across campus, from facilities he helped bring to life to generations of Phi Kappa Tau students he has mentored and supported.
Joni & Kelly Burke
Legacy Award recipients Joni and Kelly Burke have committed their lives to UofL. Through decades of leadership in Fraternity and Sorority Life, generosity, and continued involvement, they have built a legacy of showing up for students.
Pam Curtis
A 2020 Harold Adams Award recipient, Pam Curtis devoted 34 years to UofL, shaping residential education, civic engagement, and student leadership. A thoughtful mentor, she helped generations of Cardinals recognize their strengths and grow.
Angela Ford
UofL’s first female SGA President, Angela Ford broke barriers for women in student leadership. A 2011 A&S Alumni Fellow, she carried that leadership into a distinguished legal career, helping expose a major scandal that harmed Kentuckians.
Dr. Monali Haldankar
As 2014 SGA President, Dr. Monali Haldankar helped turn plans for the Student Activities Center expansion into a bigger, bolder vision. Her advocacy helped shape the gathering and event spaces that continue to bring Cardinals together today.
Kelly Hodges
A 2025 Legacy Award recipient, Kelly Hodges turned his love for UofL into a lifetime of service. Through alumni leadership, Fraternity and Sorority Life, and generosity to the university, he continues to champion students and give back.
Brian Hoffman
As 2007 SGA President, Brian Hoffman helped establish the Club Programming Committee (CPC) and expand the International Service Learning Program (ISLP), creating opportunities that continue to shape the student experience.
George Howe
A living legend at UofL, George Howe is the essence of Student Affairs. His legacy is woven throughout campus, with both the George J. Howe Red Barn and the University’s most prestigious staff award bearing his name.
Frank Jemley
A two-term SGA President from 1983–1985, Frank Jemley championed the Student Activities Center, helping create a true campus gathering place with expanded recreation facilities and a family room designed to better serve students.
Doug Kemper
A former SGA President and 2016 Legacy Award recipient, Doug Kemper turned student leadership into lifelong service through the Alumni Association, giving back, supporting TKE, and championing a scholarship for Student Orientation Staff.
David Lawrence*
Serving as Dean of Men from 1952–1963 and Dean of Students from 1963–1978, David Lawrence guided generations of Cardinals and helped lay the foundation for the student-centered work that would become UofL Student Affairs.
Andrew Masterson
For decades, Andrew has been a devoted champion of UofL, supporting students and Fraternity and Sorority Life while continuing the Masterson’s Restaurant tradition of building community and connection for generations of Cardinals.
Terina Matthews-Davis
A 2020 Legacy Award recipient, Terina Matthews-Davis has spent decades pouring into UofL students. Through NPHC, Delta Sigma Theta, and impactful mentorship, she helped generations of Cardinals find community, grow as leaders, and know they belong.
Carrie Mattingly
As 2013–14 SGA President and student trustee, Carrie Mattingly helped shape the Student Activities Center expansion, advocating for student priorities and helping create the gathering, dining, and engagement spaces Cardinals use today.
Ellis Mendelsohn*
For 41 years, Dr. Ellis Mendelsohn shaped UofL recreation, guided by his belief in “a sport for everyone and everyone in a sport.” He built a culture of participation, connection, and mentorship that influenced generations of Cardinals.
Frank Mianzo
A 2002 Harold Adams Award recipient, Frank Mianzo was a mainstay in Residence Life and the VPSA Office, always looking ahead and helping move Student Affairs forward through technology, innovation, and a commitment to better serving students.
Tim Moore
A 2022 Harold Adams Award recipient, Tim Moore brought professionalism and attention to detail to UofL Student Affairs. He led the SAC renovation and Ballroom addition, launched Family Weekend, and expanded opportunities for student involvement.
Stuart Neff
For more than 2 decades, Stuart Neff shaped student life through SAB and Student Involvement. Behind countless programs was a mentor who gave Cardinals opportunities to learn, lead, discover their talents, and turn involvement into lifelong passions.
Dr. OJ Oleka
As 2009–10 Student Body President and student trustee, Dr. OJ Oleka turned a conversation about campus recreation into a vision for a new Student Recreation Center. He championed the idea from the start, creating a lasting impact on student wellness.
Bill Olsen
A two-time UofL graduate and Athletic Director from 1980–1997, Bill Olsen helped build Cardinal Athletics into a national powerhouse. His leadership elevated UofL on the national stage and inspired generations of students to become devoted Cards fans
Larry Owsley
A 2012 Harold Adams Award recipient, Larry Owsley was known for listening to students and turning their ideas into action. His commitment to student voice helped shape housing, dining, recreation, and campus facilities across UofL.
Cathy Patus
A 2016 Harold Adams Award recipient and longtime Disability Resource Center director, Cathy Patus championed students with disabilities, removing barriers and helping create a more accessible, supportive UofL.
Dr. Kathy Pendleton
A 2017 Harold Adams Award recipient, Dr. Kathy Pendelton devoted two decades to UofL Student Affairs. Her work created lasting opportunities for students, including the 2010 TRIO Student Support Services grant that continues to serve Cardinals today.
Dr. Bridgette Pregliasco
A 1996 Harold Adams Award recipient, Dr. Bridgette Pregliasco shaped UofL Student Affairs as an AVP and educator, leading Student Life while preparing and mentoring generations of future higher education and student affairs professionals.
Dale Ramsay
A 2021 Harold Adams Award recipient, Dale Ramsay spent his entire 41-year career in UofL Student Affairs, including 38 years leading recreation. He built more than programs; he created places to belong and mentored generations of Cardinals.
Henrietta Ransdell
As a student leader, Henrietta “Henny” Ransdell turned care into action, co-founding the Cardinal Cupboard and leading across Student Affairs. Now a scholar and educator abroad, she continues to build community and care for others around the world.
Dr. Fred Rhodes
A 1991 Harold Adams Award recipient and former AVP for Student Affairs, Dr. Fred W. Rhodes championed student well-being and invested in people, encouraging colleagues to continue their education, grow professionally, and become leaders in the field.
Jenny Sawyer
A 2010 Harold Adams Award recipient, Jenny Sawyer is a tireless advocate who has spent her career opening doors for Cardinals. From orientation to supporting vulnerable students, she gives her time freely to help every student find a path to success.
Dr. Todd Schmiedler
A 2019 Legacy Award recipient and former SGA President, Dr. Todd Schmiedler has spent 30+ years investing in UofL. From student advocate to alumni leader and mentor, he has helped generations of Cardinals lead, grow, and launch their careers.
John Smith
A longtime Campus Rec leader and long-serving Staff Senate president, John Smith strengthened intramurals and club sports while advancing technology across Student Affairs. A champion for staff and students, his impact reached beyond recreation.
Rudy Spencer
As 2008 SGA President, Rudy Spencer took on tough issues and championed dining changes that helped UofL grow as a residential campus. His commitment continued long after graduation through university leadership, alumni involvement, and service.
Dr. Shannon Staten
Dr. Shannon Staten helped transform residential life at UofL, guiding the growth of campus and affiliated housing as the university moved beyond its commuter roots. Her leadership created more opportunities for Cardinals to live, connect, and belong.
Doris Nickel Stokes*
Dean of Women from 1958–1970 and later Associate Dean of Students, Doris Nickel Stokes championed women across campus. Remembered for her care and compassion, she helped generations of Cardinals find support, opportunity, and belonging.
Kurtis Sunset
As 2011–12 SGA President, Kurtis Sunset doubled SGA’s annual budget, creating more opportunities for student organizations and campus programming. He also brought ELSB into SGA, strengthening opportunities for Cardinals to lead, serve, and connect.
Dr. Pat Terrell
A 1989 Harold Adams Award recipient and Ed Hammond’s first hire, Dr. Pat Terrell helped build UofL Student Affairs in its earliest days. She later carried that leadership to four universities, breaking barriers as the first woman in each senior role.
Jeanine Triplett
A 2018 Legacy Award recipient, Jeanine Triplett turned student leadership into 40+ years of service to UofL. From Delta Zeta and Greek Life to Fryberger, Miss UofL, and the University Club, she has never stopped showing up for her alma mater.
Brandon Washington
For decades, generations of students have known Brandon “DJ Deuce” Washington as UofL’s DJ. A proud Alpha Phi Alpha member, he has brought Cardinals together and created lasting memories across campus with his talents.
Sherill Zimmerman
From UofL cheerleader and coach to Hall of Famer and university trustee, Sherrill Zimmerman has spent a lifetime investing in Cardinals. An educator and student advocate, her care and leadership continue to impact generations of UofL students.