Mary Radcliffe (Board, Kentuckiana Pride Foundation), Brian Buford, Stacie Steinbock, Katy Garrison, Chaz Briscoe, Emily Noonan, Lisa Gunter, Rodney Coffman (Director, Kentuckiana Pride Foundation)
Mary Radcliffe (Board, Kentuckiana Pride Foundation), Brian Buford, Stacie Steinbock, Katy Garrison, Chaz Briscoe, Emily Noonan, Lisa Gunter, Rodney Coffman (Director, Kentuckiana Pride Foundation) display a check from the foundation to the LGBT Center in response to a recent act of vandalism near the center.

Kentuckiana Pride is helping turn an unfortunate event into a victory for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) students at the University of Louisville.

In response to a recent incident in which a threat against LGBT students was painted on the walkway in front of UofL’s LGBT Center, the Kentuckiana Pride Foundation has donated $500 to the center to help further its work. Kentuckiana Pride is an organization devoted to supporting creative expression and education related to the LGBT community through charitable and in-kind donations.

“While those who fight so hard against the LGBT community are becoming more and more of the minority thinkers, it is certainly a disheartening feeling when something like this happens,” said Brandon Fullen, co-director of the Kentuckiana Pride Foundation. “We hope this gift allows us to show our love for all people and that we will bond together with that love in the face of hate.”

UofL has been cited as the most LGBT-friendly public university in the South and one of the most supportive in the nation. The LGBT Center supports people of all sexual orientations, gender identities, and gender expressions through support, educational resources and advocacy.

“The support we receive from Kentuckiana Pride and the entire community is overwhelming,” said Brian Buford, assistant provost for diversity and director of the LGBT Center. “This gift and continued funding from our allies will enable us continue to help students who often are in need of support and services they need to thrive on our campus and in the community.”

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John Drees is a 35-year veteran in the Office of Communications and Marketing. As vice president, communications and marketing, he works closely with the president, provost and other senior administrators, oversees the Office of Communications and Marketing, including media relations, marketing and brand, broadcast, social media, internal communication, crisis communication, visitor services and special events and activities. A former sports editor for the Voice Newspapers, he was a regular contributor to a variety of publications, including the Kentucky Sports Report and the Courier-Journal. A poor but enthusiastic golfer, he is an avid Cardinal sports fan. He also loves the Detroit Lions, so pity him.