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851 Alumni Spotlight & Caritas Award

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851 Spotlight Nomination

851 Alumni Spotlight & Caritas Award

Spalding University celebrates the accomplishments of our alumni through regular recognition programs. Learn how you can nominate a Spalding alumnus for the 851 Alumni Spotlight or the Caritas Award.

851 Alumni Spotlight

Do you know a Spalding alumnus whose story deserves to be told? Maybe they’re changing the world through public service or impacting the greater good in business. They might be improving health outcomes, educating students or creating art that speaks to the mind and stirs the spirit.

We want to hear all about the Spalding alumni who are making a difference. Please fill out this form to nominate an alum to be featured in our monthly 851 Alumni Spotlight.

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Caritas Award

The highest award bestowed by Spalding University, the Caritas Medal has recognized the alumna or alumnus of the year since 1961. “Caritas,” meaning “charity” in Latin is a central element of the motto of the Sisters of Charity of Nazareth: “Caritas Christi Urget Nos,” or “The Charity of Christ Urges Us.” As such, the Caritas medalist is recognized for his or her contributions in a particular field and for exemplifying a spirit of service consistent with the mission and tradition of Spalding.

The award is presented annually during Commencement to a former graduate of Spalding University of Nazareth College who has been selected via nominations from Spalding’s diverse community of graduates. Nominations are accepted year round, but nominations must be submitted prior to January 15 each year to be considered for that year’s award.

2025 Award Winner

Nomination Form

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2025 Caritas Award Winner

Jennifer Kumari-Adams Tucker ’15

Jennifer Kumari-Adams Tucker lives in Louisville, Kentucky with her husband Darryl and their four children, Sydney, Darryl Jr., Danyelle, and Dominique. When Darryl and Jennifer were faced with the challenge of raising three Autistic children, they knew the road would not be easy; through faith, love, and dedication, the Tuckers found ways to embrace these challenges. Jennifer authored Autistic Angels – The Story of a Mother to Her Children, which details the Tuckers’ journey raising children with autism and provides encouragement for families facing similar challenges. She – and her husband, Darryl, and daughter, Sydney – published Up to Bat, a children’s book also promoting autism awareness.

Jennifer has been employed at Humana Inc. for 18 years and is a Senior Provider Data Management & Contract Load Professional for National Providers. She obtained a bachelor’s degree in history from the University of Louisville in 2006, a Master of Business Administration degree from the University of Phoenix in 2009, and a Master of Science in Business Communication degree from Spalding University in 2015.

In her tireless advocacy efforts for autism awareness and the special needs community, Jennifer has served on numerous boards and commissions. She was appointed by Governor Steve Beshear to the State Advisory Board for Exceptional Children and the Kentucky Early Intervention System Interagency Coordinating Council in 2012 and reappointed in 2024. Jennifer was appointed by Governor Andy Beshear to the Kentucky Applied Behavior Analysis Licensing Board. She was appointed by Mayor Greg Fisher to the Louisville Metro Human Relations Commission Advocacy and Enforcement boards. Mayor Fisher also placed Jennifer on the Healing Possible Quorum to define ways to fight racism and discrimination in our communities. Jennifer served on the Board of Directors for the Families of Early Autism Treatment (FEAT) from 2011-2019 and was reappointed in 2025. She served on the Exceptional Teens and Adults (ETA) Board dedicated to working with special needs families.

Jennifer has received the Business First Magazine Forty Under 40 Award and the Salute To Women Entrepreneurs and Emergent Leaders Award (2014), The Woman of the Year Award from Community Missionary Baptist Church (2006), the Today’s Woman Magazine “Way to Go Woman” Award (2013), featured in Business First Magazine’s “People on the Move” profiles (2012), and featured in Louisville Magazine for advocating autism awareness (2012) and as a Louisvillian who makes Louisville a better place to live (2013). In 2017, she was inducted into the Kentucky Civil Rights Hall of Fame for her work with the special needs community throughout Kentucky.

“Give Thanks to the Lord. For He is good. His love endures forever!”