President James Ramsey and Athletic Director Tom Jurich accepted the award, which honored the university’s recent acceptance as the Atlantic Coast Conference’s (ACC) newest member.

“The inclusion of UofL into the ACC is representative of both the university’s proven athletic success in the past as well as its exceptional positioning for continued success in the future, where it will now be competing at the highest level in all facets of the collegiate sports experience. The ACC has long been recognized as a vibrant conference that remains steadfast in its commitment to balancing academics and athletics,” GLI said in a press release.

GLI also noted that in announcing UofL’s acceptance, that ACC officials cited the university’s “aggressive approach to excellence in every respect” as the reason why it will enhance the league’s culture and commitment to the cornerstones it was founded on 60 years ago. UofL officially joins the ACC in 2014.

The Silver Fleur-de-Lis Award recognizes outstanding achievement in the Greater Louisville community. GLI gives it to individuals and organizations that show leadership and action to make the region a better place.