Spalding University honors four local leaders
The Board of Trustees of Spalding University and the University community will honor four distinguished individuals with deep roots in the Louisville community or who have made significant contributions in their fields of service at the 2011 commencement service. The honorees receiving honorary doctorates are Walter Malone, Jr., D.Min., Mary Elizabeth Miller, SCN, and Susan Stout Tamme. Elmer Lucille Hammonds Allen will be honored with the Caritas Medal, the highest honor the university confers on an alumna. The commencement service and the honoring of award recipients takes place at 10 a.m. on Saturday, June 4, 2011 at Canaan Christian Church, 2840 Hikes Lane.
Dr. Walter Malone, Jr., is pastor of Canaan Christian Church in Louisville, Ky., a 4,500 member congregation, which he founded in 1983. Dr. Malone developed and launched Canaan Community Development Corporation (CCDC), a program that fosters social and economic empowerment in distressed communities to help families rebuild their neighborhoods and create vibrant communities. He is a noted preacher, author, and teacher. For his vision and accomplishments as a leader, Spalding University will award him the Doctor of Humane Letters.
Sister Mary Elizabeth Miller is president of Sisters of Charity of Nazareth and a lifelong educator, social worker and community leader. Her career has been in the greater service of education of women and of ministry to marginalized members of society. In addition to her current role, she has also served at social service agencies and has taught and served as principal at several catholic high schools, including Sacred Heart Academy. For her devotion, spirit of service and career as a caregiver, Spalding University is awarding her the honorary degree of Doctor of Public Service.
Susan Stout Tamme, president of the Louisville Market for Baptist Healthcare System, is a leader and business woman whose career of service is rooted in providing the highest quality healthcare to members of the Louisville community. She has been recognized nationally for her contributions and leadership in her field, and is an active volunteer and board member for many local and regional organizations. Under her leadership, Baptist Hospital East has earned designation as the Best Place to Work in Kentucky and as a top hospital from multiple organizations and accrediting bodies. For her leadership and community service, Spalding University will award Tamme the honorary degree of Doctor of Public Administration.
Elmer Lucille Hammonds Allen will be awarded the Caritas Medal, the highest honor Spalding University grants an alumna. Allen graduated from Nazareth College, Spalding University’s predecessor, in 1953 with a Bachelor of Science degree in mathematics and chemistry. Always a trailblazer, Ms. Allen was the first African American chemist and the first woman chemist hired by the Brown-Forman Corporation. One of only three women hired by the company in the 1960s, she held the title of senior analytical chemist. After retiring Allen returned to school, earning her master’s degree in creative arts, fiber and ceramics at University of Louisville. Her artwork has been exhibited throughout Kentucky, Indiana, and Kansas, and her work is included in numerous permanent collections throughout the region.
President Tori Murden McClure says, “Each of these notable citizens has sacrificed ego, wealth and personal time in pursuit of higher callings and the betterment of their communities. Spalding University is pleased to recognize their advanced citizenship with honors as part of the 2011 commencement ceremony.”
