Neil Tucker and Karen Jonasse Tucker '73

For over 32 years, Karen and Neil Tucker have supported the University of Rochester Medical Center and began directing their giving to orthopaedic and musculoskeletal research in 2013. At a University event, the Tuckers learned about the Center for Musculoskeletal Research (CMSR) and joined the Wilson Society with a significant gift through their estate to support arthritis research.

In 2017 at the annual Toast to Your Health Wine Auction, the Tuckers established the Neil and Karen Jonasse Tucker Research Endowment with lifetime gifts. In 2019, the couple established the Neil and Karen Jonasse Tucker Endowed Professorship in Orthopaedic Research to support a research faculty member with a primary appointment in the department of orthopaedics.

The Tuckers are active advocates for the CMSR and feel strongly that the community needs to be aware of the importance of supporting research. Karen is an inaugural member of the newly created Musculoskeletal Council at the University of Rochester and has participated in multiple initiatives in support of orthopaedics.

Karen graduated in 1973 from the University of Rochester. During her 27 years at Bausch & Lomb, she had numerous leadership positions in research and development; international and domestic marketing; and sales in the soft contact lens division.

Neil worked for Kodak briefly after service in the Navy. After leaving Kodak, Neil founded Tucker Printers which was later sold to RR Donnelley. He also founded Concorde Archives, a record storage company, which he sold to Iron Mountain. Neil is currently a retired real estate developer.

The Tuckers are enthusiastic and energetic travelers who have been to over 70 countries and all 50 states. Personal highlights include a safari in Africa; sailing around the world on small ships; a bicycle tour in Ireland; and visiting both Machu Picchu and Angkor Watt. They have recently returned from Norway and the Arctic Circle.