Trustee Irene Caudillo Receives SCL Vincentian Charism Award

As the Sisters of Charity of Leavenworth commemorated their 162nd anniversary in November, they also took time to celebrate their roots.

For the second year in a row, they presented the Vincentian Charism Award, which honors the works and witness begun by Mother Xavier Ross and the founding SCLs, whose charism is deeply rooted in the life and spirit of Saint Vincent de Paul.

University of Saint Mary Board of Trustees member Irene Caudillo was the 2020 honoree.

Caudillo has devoted her life to helping children, youth, adults, and families in a variety of service-related positions. Since 2013, she has served as the president and CEO of El Centro, a nonprofit agency whose mission is “strengthening communities and improving the lives of Latinos and others through educational, social, and economic opportunities.”

“We are pleased to acknowledge Irene, whose life and work exemplifies the spirit and service of Saint Vincent de Paul,” SCL Community Director Sister Constance Phelps, C’62 said. “She has been a life-long advocate for the needy, a voice for the voiceless, and a champion for diversity, especially on behalf of the Latinx community. Irene embodies the characteristic Vincentian virtues of compassion, justice, and charity.”

In addition to her Saint Mary service, Caudillo is also a board member of the Wyandotte Health Foundation, the Governor’s Council on Education, and the Advancement Board for the University of Kansas.