Jazz Brunch 2026: Diamond of the Season
Dearest gentle reader, and esteemed members of the Neal-Marshall Alumni Club
It is with the greatest pleasure—and no small measure of admiration—that I welcome you to the Neal-Marshall Alumni Club’s 19th Annual Jazz Brunch, an affair certain to rival the most splendid gatherings of the season.
Set within the elegant surrounds of VisionLoft STUTZ and adorned in the charm of a Bridgerton-inspired garden party, this occasion invites us not only to revel in fine company, but to celebrate a bond far more enduring—our shared legacy as alumni of Indiana University. It is a connection marked by distinction, cultivated through excellence, and carried forward with unmistakable IU reverence.
Indeed, one cannot help but note that the true brilliance of this gathering lies not merely in its setting, but in those assembled. Among you are leaders, innovators, and changemakers whose journeys reflect the very finest traditions of the Neal-Marshall Alumni Club and Indiana University alike.
As the afternoon unfolds, we will take particular delight in honoring our Rising Star and Alumni Achievement Award recipients—individuals whose accomplishments have already stirred admiration and whose futures promise even greater intrigue. One suspects their names shall not soon be forgotten.
And so, dear alumni, your presence here does not go unnoticed. On the contrary, it affirms what this community has long known: that when Neal-Marshall alumni gather, excellence is not only expected—it is ensured.
With deepest appreciation for your continued engagement and in celebration of all that unites us, I remain yours most sincerely.
Paul J. Clifford
Chief Alumni Officer
Order of events
- Doors open
- Welcome and opening remarks
- Paul J. Clifford, Indiana University Foundation Chief Alumni Officer
- Brunch service and live music
- Catering by Jacquie’s Gourmet Catering, Punkin’s Pies, and Tea’s Me Cafe
- Entertainment by Rob Dixon and the Rob Dixon Quartet
- Awards presentation
- Cynthia Carter-Spencer, BSW’14, MSW’16, Alumni Achievement Award winner
- Ellise Antoinette Smith, MS’19, Rising Star Award winner
- Door prizes
- Bestow your highly esteemed judgment upon the season’s most anticipated deliberations. Pray, do hasten to cast your votes for:
- Most dapper
- Awarded for: Exceptional tailoring, impeccable fit, and outstanding craftsmanship. This honor recognizes the guest whose ensemble showcases superior construction, thoughtful details, and timeless sophistication.
- Best on theme
- Awarded for: The most successful interpretation of Regency Garden Elegance through color, silhouette, styling, and overall presentation.
- Best modern interpretation
- Awarded for: A fresh, fashion-forward take on Regency-inspired style. This award celebrates contemporary design that creatively reimagines the theme while maintaining elegance and refinement.
- Raided the queen’s closet
- Awarded to: The guest whose attire most authentically reflects the elegance and style of the Regency era (1811–1820). Historical inspiration is encouraged, though theatrical costumes are not required.
- Excellence in accessories
- Awarded for: The thoughtful use of accessories that complete your look. Whether it’s an elegant hat, fascinator, gloves, fan, parasol, jewelry, pocket square, cane, or exquisite hairpiece, this award recognizes impeccable finishing touches.
- The perfect gentleman
- Awarded to: The gentleman whose attire exemplifies confidence, impeccable tailoring, and polished sophistication while embracing the spirit of the day’s theme.
- Most likely to cause a scandal
- Awarded for: The ensemble that turns heads and sparks conversation with confidence, glamour, and undeniable style. Bold yet tasteful, this look is unforgettable without sacrificing elegance.
- Best family dynasty
- Awarded to: The best-coordinated family or group whose attire captures the essence of the theme while showcasing unity, creativity, and style.
- The queen’s court award
- Awarded by: The Court of Queen Gloriana and the Neal-Marshall Alumni Club Leadership Council.
- A special recognition presented to a guest whose presence, elegance, and embodiment of the spirit of the event make them truly worthy of royal distinction.
- Most dapper
- Bestow your highly esteemed judgment upon the season’s most anticipated deliberations. Pray, do hasten to cast your votes for:
- Closing toast
- Charlie Nelms, MS’71, EdD’77, LHD’19, Chancellor of IU East (1987–1994)
- Music and mingling
Celebrating our Diamonds of the Season
In honor of remarkable leadership and service to the community, the Neal-Marshall Alumni Club presents two awards to outstanding, peer-nominated Indiana University alumni.
The Alumni Achievement Award celebrates IU alumni with distinguished career history and exceptional professional success, strong moral character and leadership contributions, and enduring service to community advancement.
The Rising Star Award honors emerging professionals for their extraordinary early career achievements and dedication to uplifting and advancing their communities.
Rising Star Award
Ellise Antoinette Smith, MS’19
Ellise Antoinette Smith, candidly known as the #DEIHomegirl, brings an incredible wealth of experience and passion for social justice to the spaces she occupies via storytelling, history, and education. Hailing from Detroit, Mich., she is a scholar, activist, creative visionary, and advocate. Through her powerful work, she utilizes photography, podcasting, spoken word poetry, and social media to center the voices and narratives of those who have been historically silenced.
As a doctoral student, Ellise dedicates her academic pursuits to creating celebratory spaces for marginalized identities, challenging dominant ideologies, and ensuring these voices are heard and valued in and outside of academia. Her commitment to equity and justice for underrepresented populations has also led her to work extensively with first-generation students and low-income communities.
Ellise's recent recognitions include the prestigious 2025 IU Indianapolis Dr. Martin Luther King Persistent Pathfinder of Justice Award, the 2025 Women’s History Month Award, and the 2026 American Council on Education Women’s Network Indiana Distinguished Woman Leader Award.
Alumni Achievement Award
Cynthia Carter-Spencer, BSW’14, MSW’16
Cynthia Carter-Spencer is a compassionate leader, licensed social worker, certified life coach, spiritual counselor, author, and motivational speaker dedicated to helping individuals discover their capacity for growth, healing, and transformation. She believes that recognizing our shared humanity empowers us to create stronger communities and a better future for all.
Cynthia earned her Bachelor of Social Work degree in 2014 and was recognized as the 2013–2014 BSW Student of the Year. She later earned her Master of Social Work degree in 2016. Passionate about mentoring future professionals, she serves as a practicum/task instructor for the Indiana University Northwest Social Work Division—a role for which she was honored in 2026 with the Outstanding Practicum/Task Instructor Award.
As the first college graduate among nine siblings, Cynthia understands the value of perseverance, education, and service. She currently works with Indiana University Health and is the founder of Better Tomorrow Counseling and Consulting, where she supports individuals on their journeys toward healing and personal growth.
Throughout her career, Cynthia has received numerous honors, including the Humanitarian Award from Methodist Hospitals, the Civility Award from the Gary (Ind.) Chamber of Commerce, and recognition as a nominee for Northwest Indiana Influential Women. She also serves as a minister at Embassies of Christ Ministry and is an active member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.
As the author of Going Through and co-author of I Am a Natural Woman: From Transformation to Self-Discovery and Seeds of Wisdom, Cynthia inspires others through both professional expertise and lived experience. Grounded in faith and humility, she is committed to serving, encouraging, and empowering others to embrace transformation and live with purpose.
Support the next generation of diamonds
Continue impacting the IU community at all nine campuses across the state by giving a gift to the Neal-Marshall Alumni Club Scholarship. Your support provides annual scholarships to students who have financial need and are in good academic standing at any IU campus. Your gift will increase the level of support we offer, creating even more educational opportunities for the current and future alumni we serve.
Vendors
Thank you to the many vendors and small businesses that have helped bring Jazz Brunch 2026 to life.
Venue
Photography
Décor and gifts
Door prize sponsors
- Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., Kappa Tau Omega Chapter
- Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., Fort Wayne Alumnae Chapter
- Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., Indianapolis Alumnae Chapter
- Indiana District of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.
- Tau Chapter, National Sorority of Phi Delta Kappa, Inc.
- The family of Judge Viola and George Taliaferro
- Zeta Epsilon Chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc.
- Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc., Upsilon Kappa Zeta Chapter