By Baylee Pulliam
Bernard Trager, University of Louisville benefactor and former Board of Overseers chairman, died Friday. He was 83.
He began his career in the field of banking and finance in 1952. He was the chairman, founder and majority shareholder of Republic Bancorp, Inc.
Trager’s contributions pepper the Belknap campus and Louisville-metro.
His donations to the university include funds for the indoor football practice facility near Papa John’s Cardinal Stadium and the field hockey stadium, both of which are named for him.
Trager Plaza, a student sitting area with a fountain and bronze statue, opened in June 2011. Trager and his wife were in attendance at the ceremony between Lutz Hall and the Miller Information Technology Center.
Trager did not graduate from the U of L, but according to Forbes.com, he was an adopted alumnus.
Photo: Republic Bank
