Impact Stories

Meet Our Donors

We are thankful for each individual who has made a gift to UofL through their estate. Here are some of their stories.

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The Secret of Success

Martin and Jill Meisenheimer have successfully saved and planned for their retirement while also giving generously and strategically to the University of Louisville.

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It All Began With a Bequest

In 2021, the Hite Institute of Art and Design celebrated its 75th year at the University of Louisville—a noteworthy tribute to the vision and generosity of Allen and Marcia Hite, who left a generous bequest to UofL in 1946.

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A Second Chance at Life Strengthens Connection to Philanthropy

Conn Legacy Society members, Alan and Bea Rosenberg are thankful for Alan’s second chance at life and have decided to express their gratitude by leaving a gift to UofL’s Brown Cancer Center.

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Community Comes Together to Establish a Legacy

Read how a scholarship brings the UofL community together to remember the late Hannah Lee Cooper (UofL BSW 2011 and MSSW 2012) and her legacy of compassion.

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Veteran and Dental Alumnus Continues Service to Others

Through their gift, Dr. Robert McGuinn and wife, Penny, want to inspire others to help students and faculty succeed. “I hope current students see our names on the wall and think they can do the same one day. I hope alumni remember that the School of Dentistry gave them their profession.”

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Retired Teacher Creates Legacy Scholarship for Next Generation of Educators

As a special education teacher, alumnus Ivan Bailen made a lasting impact on his students. Now he is using a gift in his will to impact the lives of UofL students for years to come.

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Inspired By Those Before Them, Researchers Make Future Gift

After 25 years as professors, Maureen and Ron are making a philanthropic investment in UofL. Through a deferred charitable gift annuity for Maureen, they’ll not only receive life income but also support future scientists and faculty.

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A Perfect Combination of Law and Education

Janet Myers-Siegfried created a memorial scholarship to honor her husband Doug, a 1974 Brandeis Law alumnus and well-known Kentucky attorney. Jan intends to endow the scholarship and make a gift through her will to ensure its continuation.

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Inspiring New Knowledge Now and in the Future

During her professional career, Dr. Suzanne Brouse found joy in supporting fellow nurses and researchers. Her gifts to UofL, through her will and IRA, will support future generations of nurses.

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Gift to UofL Continues Life’s Work

Jesse Wright, a psychiatry professor and founding director of UofL's Depression Center, gives back in appreciation for the support the University has given him throughout his career. A gift in his estate plan ensures his work continues.

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Showing Appreciation Through Giving

Thankful for her time at UofL and the research of our Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Geneva Metzler Matlock is making an impact on our future while receiving payments in return.

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A Lifetime of Caring and Giving

Thankful for her fulfilling career in social work and the education that made it possible, Gail Hart gives back to the University of Louisville so future students can have the same opportunities.

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Passion Inspires Poet's Legacy Gift

Recognizing that UofL is an important part of the Louisville community, poet Lee Pennington created a legacy gift to University Libraries Archives and Special Collections, as the Lee and Joy Pennington Cultural Heritage Gallery.

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Giving Back: Alumna's 'Secret Sauce' of Life

Driven in spirit and grateful for life's opportunities, Dr. Jane Burns has established an endowed scholarship fund for graduate students in accounting at UofL. She's also designated UofL as the beneficiary of a life insurance policy to be added to the endowed fund.

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For the Public Good: From Virus Research to Economic Development

Barbara (Vinsel) Tallman's fascination with viruses began when she had pneumonia as a child. At UofL, she researched viruses and continued that work after graduation. To advance future generations, Barbara and her husband, George, found a tax-wise way to give back while honoring her father.

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A Member of UofL's "Winning Team"

As an "adopted alumnus," Paul Burchell believes in the value of a UofL education. By naming the University as owner and beneficiary of a life insurance policy, he’s making a lasting mark without causing a dent in his bank account.

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The Beat Goes On in Music Education

The University of Louisville was the background music to John M. Hoover's successful career in music education, constantly supporting him and accentuating the highlights of his life. Now he's giving back in a meaningful way.

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Honoring the Legacy of Speed’s Wartime Dean, Ford Lee Wilkinson Jr.

Walta Lee Wilkinson Carmichael felt at home at the University of Louisville. To honor her father, who served as Dean for a time, and make an impact on students, Walta decided to include UofL in here estate plan.

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Advocating for Women's Health

Dr. Jan Rogers credits UofL for teaching her the leadership skills she's needed throughout her career. Her gift will help deserving students get the same education she did.

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Service to Country and Others

Tim and Nancy Pifer continue to demonstrate their commitment to service after a lifetime of military service and have recently established an endowed scholarship fund to assist undergraduate history students.

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A Gift Years in the Making

To mark their first wedding anniversary, Annabelle and Albert Woody ventured into the stock market, sparking a lifelong interest in investing. When Albert passed away, Annabelle used a mutual fund to create a named scholarship at the UofL School of Medicine.

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Building 'Something Good'

Dr. Donald Fry and his wife are working to 'build something good' in Louisville. Their future gift will ensure their support for UofL continues for years to come.

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Alumna Says Thank You with Scholarship Bequest

Susan Smith found the perfect way to express her gratitude to the University of Louisville by creating an endowed scholarship.

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Giving the Gift of a UofL Education

Milton Roggenkamp credits UofL for his hard-won medical career. He and his late wife, Ruth, are making it easier for future students to pursue STEM education.

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An Executive Touch

Supporting their community is a shared value for Ken and Kathy Henderson, and the University of Louisville is the latest beneficiary of the couple’s generosity.

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Slide Rule, Speed School and Lasting Impact

Dale and Alice Bratcher created a named scholarship to support their love of Cardinal Athletics and Speed School.

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