University of Louisville's Cardinal Guides Bring Campus to Life

Student tour leaders share the joys and challenges of welcoming new students to campus

Apr. 17, 2026 at 6:30pm

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A bold, colorful silkscreen-style illustration depicting a tour guide leading a group, with the guide's figure repeated in a grid pattern against a backdrop of bright, abstract shapes and patterns.The vibrant energy of University of Louisville's Cardinal Guides brings campus tours to life for prospective students and families.Louisville Today

The University of Louisville relies on a team of enthusiastic student tour guides, known as Cardinal Guides, to provide a warm welcome and engaging introduction to campus for prospective students and their families. These guides, like Carly Lasher, Anavi Reddy, and Lexi Gilboe, bring charisma, confidence, and a personal touch to their tours, despite facing unpredictable weather and occasionally shy or quiet tour groups.

Why it matters

The Cardinal Guides play a crucial role in shaping first impressions of the university, helping to attract and retain new students through their welcoming demeanor and deep knowledge of campus. Their experiences provide insight into the skills and qualities needed to thrive in a public-facing role, as well as the benefits they gain in terms of professional development and priority registration.

The details

Cardinal Guides at the University of Louisville receive $15 per hour and priority registration for classes, allowing them to build their schedules around tour commitments. While the job requires an outgoing personality and strong communication skills, the guides say the role has also helped them become more confident public speakers and "people persons." The guides undergo training to ensure they provide comprehensive information, but they also add personal touches like telling dad jokes to engage tour groups.

  • Cardinal Guides lead tours for prospective students and families every week on the University of Louisville campus.
  • The guides recently shared their experiences and insights in several interviews conducted in April 2026.

The players

Carly Lasher

A Cardinal Guide at the University of Louisville who is known for her charismatic tour style, including telling dad jokes to engage tour groups.

Anavi Reddy

A Cardinal Guide at the University of Louisville who emphasizes the importance of being outgoing and talkative in the role, even when tour groups are shy or quiet.

Lexi Gilboe

A Cardinal Guide at the University of Louisville who highlights the benefits of the role, including priority registration, and the need to balance poise and confidence with a personable demeanor.

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What they’re saying

“I think having more stops inside would be helpful, especially when it's cold outside.”

— Anavi Reddy, Cardinal Guide

“We are able to register for classes around the tour schedule, so we know to make ourselves available for things.”

— Lexi Gilboe, Cardinal Guide

“I would do this job even if I didn't get paid because I love it that much.”

— Carly Lasher, Cardinal Guide

The takeaway

The University of Louisville's Cardinal Guides demonstrate the value of having enthusiastic, personable student ambassadors who can effectively introduce prospective students and families to campus life. Their experiences highlight the skills and benefits of the role, as well as the university's commitment to creating a welcoming environment for new arrivals.