Brightening the Path

Radiance Program Brings Together First-Year Students

A single cardinal is a striking sight, but a group of them is known as a radiance — a name that perfectly captures the idea that students shine brighter when they are supported by a community. The Radiance program at the University of Louisville College of Business ensures that first-year business students do not have to navigate the complexities of higher education alone. We connected with Lexus Gardner, who oversees the initiative alongside Academic Advisor Anna Goodner, to discuss the program’s evolution from a staff-led initiative into a student-driven community. In the following interview, Gardner shares how peer-to-peer connection helps students "Radiate Together," building the confidence necessary to thrive throughout their academic journey.

College of Business: Where did the idea to create the College of Business student program, Radiance, come from?

Lexus Gardner: Radiance was created as an extension of the CAMP 100 course that first-year students take during their fall semester. CAMP 100 provides structured guidance on many aspects of college life, including navigating campus resources and preparing for registration. However, once the spring semester begins, that built-in structure is no longer there, and students are expected to navigate these processes more independently. Radiance was designed to continue bridging that gap by offering ongoing support as students adjust to the realities of college beyond their first semester. 

The name itself came from a conversation with Dr. Raymond Green, who shared that a group of cardinals is called a radiance. That moment tied everything together. It captured the idea that students are not meant to navigate this transition alone and that they shine brighter when they are supported as a group.

College of Business: Why did you believe that a dedicated first-year CoB student-focused program was important for our undergraduate students new to UofL?

Lexus Gardner: It was important to create a program where first-year students could clearly see and feel that the College of Business is here to support them. The transition to college can be overwhelming, and students often hesitate to ask questions or are unsure where to turn. Radiance creates a space where students can get to know College of Business staff, connect with other students and build trust early in their college experience. At its core, the program is about comfort. When students feel supported and welcomed by the College of Business, they are more confident navigating challenges, asking questions and engaging fully in their academic journey.

College of Business: How have you seen Radiance evolve since its inception?

Lexus Gardner: Since its inception, Radiance has grown beyond a staff-led initiative into a more student-driven community. One of the most notable changes has been the involvement of upper-class students who are actively bringing first-year students into the space. That peer-to-peer connection has strengthened the program and expanded its reach. You can truly see the group growing as students begin to believe in Radiance and choose to devote their own time to it. That level of ownership and organic growth has been one of the clearest signs of its evolution and long-term potential.

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College of Business: What can students expect from participating in Radiance? What sorts of activities, events and other benefits come from being part of this group?

Lexus Gardner: Students can expect a welcoming, low-pressure environment where they can connect with peers, learn practical college skills and ask questions they may not feel comfortable asking elsewhere. Activities include structured discussions, skill-building sessions such as registration preparation, wellness-focused events and informal opportunities to connect with staff and other students. The primary benefit is feeling less alone while gaining tools that support academic and personal success.

College of Business: How do you believe students in this program, “Radiate Together?”

Lexus Gardner: Students radiate together by sharing experiences openly, supporting one another through challenges and recognizing that their struggles are not individual failures but common parts of the transition to college. The program encourages peer affirmation, collaboration and mutual accountability, which helps students build confidence both individually and collectively.

College of Business: With spring semester sessions that include “Registration Prep,” and a “Meditation and Study Session,” for example, Radiance includes a wide range of events. What types of student support activities have you seen resonate most with your attendees?

Lexus Gardner: The sessions that resonate most are those where students receive something immediate and personal from the experience. Programs that walk students through processes they are navigating for the first time, such as scholarship submissions or registration, tend to be the most popular. Many students have never completed these steps independently before and value having someone review their work and confirm they are on the right track.

The scholarship submission session has been well attended, as students are navigating unfamiliar deadlines and requirements. Registration preparation also draws strong engagement for similar reasons. This will be the first time offering a meditation and study session, but there is strong interest and high hopes that it will meet students where they are academically and emotionally during the semester.

College of Business: How do you believe being part of this group can lead to more academic success in a student’s first year as a college student?

Lexus Gardner: Radiance helps students build awareness of resources, improve self-advocacy and develop planning skills earlier in their college careers. When students feel connected and supported, they are more likely to seek help, stay engaged and persist through challenges. While Radiance is not an academic intervention program, the sense of belonging it fosters directly supports behaviors associated with academic success.

College of Business: What has been your favorite part of seeing Radiance students connect through the program?

Lexus Gardner: My favorite part has been watching students realize they are not the only ones feeling uncertain or overwhelmed. Seeing those moments of relief and mutual understanding, when students start talking to one another instead of only to staff, has been especially meaningful.

One of my most memorable moments happened during the first Radiance session last year. Students initially sat apart, clearly unfamiliar with one another. We hosted a large kickoff event designed to gauge how students were feeling mentally and emotionally during their first year, and it was evident that many did not yet feel connected. A few days later, I saw several of those same students sitting together in the atrium studying. That moment made it clear that Radiance was doing exactly what it was intended to do.

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College of Business: What kind of feedback have you received from students that have participated in Radiance?

Lexus Gardner: Students have shared that Radiance feels approachable, supportive and different from more formal programming. Many have said they appreciate having a space where they can be honest about their experiences and learn things they did not realize they needed to know. While feedback has been informal rather than survey-based, it consistently highlights the value of connection and reassurance.

College of Business: What goals do you have for Radiance in the coming academic years, and how do you see the program evolving?

Lexus Gardner: Future goals include expanding participation, incorporating more peer leadership and continuing to refine session topics based on student input. I also see potential for deeper collaboration with other College of Business support offices so Radiance can serve as a connective hub rather than a standalone program.

College of Business: What is one thing you would like every first-year student in the CoB to know about Radiance?

Lexus Gardner: Radiance is not about having everything figured out. It exists specifically for students who are still learning, adjusting and finding their place. Students do not need to be struggling or perfect to belong here.

College of Business: Are there any other insights or information about Radiance you would like to share with our readers?

Lexus Gardner: Radiance was intentionally designed to be flexible and student-centered. It is shaped by the real experiences of first-year students, not assumptions about what they should need. That adaptability is one of its greatest strengths.

About the UofL College of Business:

Founded in 1953, the UofL College of Business fosters intellectual and economic vitality in our city, region and the global business landscape. Our academic programs, research, community outreach initiatives and commitment to student success inspire lives and businesses to flourish through entrepreneurship, innovation, critical thinking, diversity and the power of people. 

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