University of Louisville leaders and the Cardinal community honored Muhammad Ali at a Jan. 15 ceremony releasing new U.S. Postal Forever stamps featuring the boxing legend.
The event, held at the Angel’s Envy Bourbon Club at UofL’s L&N Federal Credit Union Stadium celebrated the ongoing legacy of the three-time heavyweight boxing champion, activist and humanitarian.
UofL has a strong connection to Ali and the Muhammad Ali Center, founded by the Louisville native and his wife Lonnie Ali, a longtime friend and supporter of the university. UofL’s Muhammad Ali Scholars Program offers undergraduate students a unique two-year experience combining leadership development, community engagement and service. Inspired by Muhammad Ali’s courage, resilience and commitment to humility and service, students prepare to lead engagement projects that impact the community.
“The Greatest of All Time certainly deserves this national recognition, as we know his impact was felt here in Louisville and extends far beyond the ring and this city,” said President Gerry Bradley. “His legacy continues to inspire our students to champion meaningful change on campus and around the world.”
In 1998, Ali was named a United Nations Messenger of Peace. In 2005, he was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the nation’s highest civilian honor. UofL honored Ali in 2015 with the inaugural Grawemeyer Spirit Award, recognizing his humanitarian efforts and inspiring actions.
Ali also was a true Cardinal. His son, Assad Ali, played baseball at UofL and is a member of the athletics staff. Muhammad Ali was honorary captain of the 2007 Orange Bowl championship team.
The U.S. Postal Service plans to sell 22 million commemorative Ali stamps.
