Celebrating Presidential Employee Excellence Recognition Program Honorees

The Rutgers University Spirit Award celebrates differences and recognizes significant contributions to cultivating a beloved community – one in which all members work together and are heard at the university. This individual or team exemplifies this commitment by promoting and advancing dialogue, mutual respect and a spirit of belonging to create a healthy Rutgers ecosystem. The Rutgers Center for Adult Autism Services (RCAAS) is a leader in providing essential services for autistic adults in New Jersey, where the prevalence of autism is among the highest in the nation. Led by Christopher J. Manente, RCAAS integrates neurodivergent adults into the Rutgers community through initiatives like the College Support Program, Intensive Outpatient Clinic, and SCALE, which focus on education, behavioral support, leisure, and employment. The center's innovative approach provides alternatives to institutionalization and has significantly improved outcomes for its participants and enhanced Rutgers' reputation as an inclusive and supportive environment for neurodiverse individuals. The RCAAS's work has also gained national and international recognition, highlighting Rutgers as a major player in autism research and advocacy.