News and updates from U of L

Stem Cell Findings Hold Therapeutic Promise
In a discovery that has the potential to change the face of stem cell research, a U of L scientist has identified cells in the adult body that seem to behave like embryonic stem cells. The cells, drawn from adult bone marrow, look like embryonic stem cells, says Mariusz Ratajczak, research project leader and director of the stem cell biology program at U of L's James Graham Brown Cancer Center. Stem cells hold promise for treating conditions such as stroke, heart attack, diabetes, arthritis and more.

Language Professor Receives Prestigious Award
Robert Redford and Meryl Streep have something in common with U of L professor Wendy Pfeffer. They all share the title "chevalier" in the distinguished Ordre des Arts et des Lettres (Order of Arts and Letters), awarded by the French government. The title is usually bestowed upon famous people in the arts, but Pfeffer recently was recognized because of her scholarly contributions furthering the arts in France and throughout the world.

U of L's David Padgett. (AP Photo/Timothy D. Easley.)

Cardinals Fall to Villanova in Big East Opener Randy Foye scored 24 points and the third-ranked Wildcats pulled away late to beat No. 9 Louisville 76-67 on Thursday night. Allan Ray added 17 points for the Wildcats (10-0, 1-0), who's four-guard lineup proved to be too much for the Cardinals (11-2, 0-1). Villanova's start is its best season-opening stretch since 1995-96. They out-rebounded Louisville 42-34 and held the Cardinals to 43 percent shooting from the field.

Honor Someone Special in Your Life
Sponsoring an engraved brick in the James Graham Brown Cancer Center's Garden of Hope allows you to honor someone special in a unique way. Bricks are $100 each and can be engraved in honor or memory of a loved one, or in a family's name. All proceeds benefit the Brown Cancer Center. Visit the center's website or call 502-852-8021 for more information.

Upcoming Events
Find out about upcoming alumni events by visiting the alumni event calendar.
To find out about concerts scheduled at the School of Music, visit the school's event calendar.

Important Notice
If you'd like to forward comments about U of L Connection, please feel free to send them to alumnews@gwise.louisville.edu.
The University of Louisville Alumni Association, in conjunction with the university’s Office of Communications and Marketing, publishes the U of L Connection for alumni and friends of the university. Information on how to subscribe/unsubscribe to U of L Connection can be found below this newsletter.

Master’s student Korin Kormick will compete in the Tri-State Regional Auditions of the Metropolitan Opera National Council. (Photo courtesy of Jan Abbott.)

Master’s Student Auditions for Legendary Met Opera Domingo, Caruso, Callas, Pavarotti. They’ve all performed at the Metropolitan Opera. U of L music graduate student Korin Kormick is one of many young singing hopefuls striving to share some of that greatness on stage at the Met. Kormick is competing this weekend in Cincinnati at the Tri-State Regional Auditions of the Metropolitan Opera National Council. Kormick, a mezzo soprano, was one of three winners in the Kentucky district portion of the auditions in November.

Helping the Heart Protect Itself
Heart disease is the leading cause of death and hospitalization in the United States. Roberto Bolli, chief of the division of cardiology at U of L, has spent many years researching an innovative therapy involving genetics that allows the heart to protect itself from damage during and after a heart attack.

Other University News
To find out about other university news and events, visit the U of L news web pages.

Join the U of L Online Community!
Register with the U of L Online Alumni Directory and you can update your information as well as search for former classmates and friends. Joining is free.