The William D. Reynolds Award - 2015: Karen Gunter ’79 M.S.A.

2015: Karen Gunter ’79 M.S.A.

In honor of her steadfast support of impoverished children, Karen Gunter ’79 M.S.A. is presented with the 2015 William D. Reynolds Award.

Gunter received her diploma in nursing from Evanston Hospital School of Nursing and her bachelor’s degree from Saint Mary’s of the Woods before earning a master’s degree in health care administration from Notre Dame. She began her nursing career at Memorial Hospital in South Bend, where she eventually held several top administrative roles. She left Memorial for Chicago, where she became the president of Concerned Care, a pediatric home care company, and then Melmedica Pediatric Home Care Company.

In 1999, Gunter’s passion for serving disadvantaged children inspired her to co-found Kid Care International, a non-profit organization dedicated to providing nutrition, education, and basic health care for children throughout the world. Over the last 16 years, Kid Care International has enriched the lives of children in impoverished areas of Tanzania, South Africa, and other countries.

"I am thankful for this award and to be recognized by my Notre Dame family, fellow alumni, and for those who have accomplished so much before me. I hope by my receiving this recognition, other graduates of Notre Dame will say to themselves, “If she can do it, so can I.”

It doesn’t take a special person to accomplish what I’ve done and for which I am receiving this award. It only takes a simple yes when called. The rest is in the hands of our Lord. He set my feet on the path to help the children and has provided everything needed to be successful.

"The journey continues to be wonderful and I strongly urge the students and faculty to listen for the call to service, say yes, and experience an unbelievable joy."