The Center for Free Enterprise at UofL

We think CFE reading groups are kinda chic. More info and application at: https://forms.gle/EUs3vV9Sn3KN2gTx6
Deadline to apply is Friday, August 21 at 5 p.m.

It was so much fun to meet Class of 2030 BizCards during the UofL College of Business open house today. We can’t wait to see everyone back on campus Monday!

Happy Birthday America. Cheers to 250 years!

CFE director Steve Gohmann recently had the opportunity to catch up with alums Bella Beilman and Julianna Sims. Bella (now with Dress for Success Louisville) and Julianna (Thumbprint Consulting), were active participants in CFE programming throughout their time at UofL. It's always great to see former students thriving and making lives better.

Do you know an incredible family business or leader in our community that deserves recognition? The UofL Family Business Center is accepting nominations for its annual awards celebration. The FBC is looking for businesses and leaders that demonstrate strong leadership, innovation and a commitment to multi-generational success.

Read more about the awards and nominate here: https://tinyurl.com/ye2ay846
Nominations are open through July 3.

Congratulations to our College of Business grads and the entire class! 🎓You may be moving on, but you'll always be a Cardinal. ❤️🖤Best of luck in your next chapter.

Today we celebrate Center for Free Enterprise participant Janie Rowland who graduates from the University of Louisville this Saturday with her bachelor’s degree in business administration.

Janie originally joined the CFE reading group program to deepen her connection with other students, faculty and organizations on campus. Looking for an opportunity to learn and grow alongside her peers, she engaged in thoughtful discussions about books and the world around her. She said the conversations helped her learn more about economics, critical thinking and policy, and because of her involvement, she has begun to read and discover more on these topics. “It has motivated me to be a lifelong learner and contributor to a better society.”

During her time at UofL, Janie has also gained hands-on experience with The Bird’s Nest Agency, where she worked on social media and strategy planning for multiple clients. She was a member of Pi Beta Phi and the College of Business Student Council. Janie maintained an impressive 3.8-4.0 GPA throughout her college career, even while holding down jobs and her other extracurricular activities.

Janie said she is looking forward to her future, which includes working in social media and event management. She also plans to open a real estate media and marketing consultancy.

Great work Janie – congratulations!

It’s Commencement Week at the University of Louisville and we’re shining the spotlight on CFE students graduating on Saturday.

Congratulations to Victoria (Tori) Iorillo who will pick up her bachelor’s degree with a double major in marketing and equine business.

As a first-time participant in the Center for Free Enterprise reading groups, Tori took full advantage of opportunities offered by the center. Among them, having lunch and dinner with authors and Menard Family Lecture Series speakers, like social entrepreneur Martin Burt, author of “Who Owns Poverty?”
“It is a rare opportunity to directly engage with such an influential author,” said Tori. “Hearing his insights firsthand made the concepts we read about even more impactful.” Tori also said her experience in the reading groups and other CFE programming strengthened her critical thinking and her ability to connect ideas to real-world issues, which she knows will help her in her career.

Tori stayed engaged and active during her time at UofL. She was a member of the rowing team, an equine program student ambassador, a member of the hunt seat team and worked with the FCA Serve team. She was active in the College of Business Student Government Association, worked with the Birds Nest Marketing Agency and was Vice President of Public Relations for the CoB Investment Club. Tori gained work experience as an athletics gameday marketing intern, an ACCN/ESPN broadcast and production intern and was CardsTV on-air talent. Even with all of her extracurricular activities, Tori maintained her grades to be named Dean’s List Scholar.

Following graduation, Tori will be volunteering abroad and then plans to work in collegiate or professional sports. Amazing work Tori – we can’t wait to see where your journey takes you.

As we close out the semester, we'd like to recognize and thank our spring 2026 Menard Family Lecture Series speakers.

We're grateful for these professionals who shared their time and expertise with our students. Their ability to engage, inform and inspire offered students a deeper understanding of poverty and the economy - and the impact they can make as future business leaders.

🟥"The Cost of Homelessness: A Panel Discussion" | Susan Buchino, Lisa Dischinger, Ryan Dischinger & Rebecca Fleischaker
⬛️"Who Owns Poverty? A Radical Shift from Aid to Action" | Martin Burt
🟥"The American Economy at 250" | Phillip Magness, Ryan Yonk