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SIERRA VISTA — In a glittery Mardi Gras setting filled with the traditional charms of New Orleans, the Sierra Vista Regional Health Center recently honored employees, board members and volunteers for their exceptional contributions.
The hospital held its 26th annual service recognition banquet on April 3, celebrating more than 1,000 collective years of service given to the hospital and community.
The event, held at the Windemere Resort and Conference Center, included awards presented to hospital staff, physicians, board members, volunteers and members of the community, while carrying a “Magic of Mardi Gras” theme throughout the evening.
In her opening remarks, SVRHC President and Chief Executive Officer Margaret Hepburn praised staff and volunteers for demonstrating exemplary service and leadership.
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“Tonight is an opportunity for all of us here to honor and pay tribute to many individuals who have provided excellent service to Sierra Vista Regional Health Center,” Hepburn said.
When her name was announced as Physician of the Year, Dr. Jody Jenkins received a standing ovation and thundering round of applause.
Dr. James Griggs presented the award, with the following tribute. “As a physician, she is known to always put her patients first and to maintain professionalism at all times. Her willingness to help, along with her kindness and devotion to her patients and her family is outstanding.”
Sierra Lutheran Evangelical Church was honored with the Community Award for “outstanding hospital and community support.” The church’s clergy intern program brings intern chaplains to the hospital every year.
Jennifer Falkman, the outgoing chaplain, was recognized. Falkman counsels grieving families, visits hospitalized patients and offers encouragement to staff members.
Hepburn presented the Past Foundation Chairperson award to Gene Manring who chaired the organization for three years. “Under his leadership the foundation developed significantly and raised substantial funds for the hospital,” Hepburn said. “Gene Manring gave generously and graciously of his time in support of Sierra Vista Regional health Center.”
Bob Murphy was honored as Foundation Member of the Year, with Chairman of the Hospital Board of Trustees Ron Wagner presenting the award. “He finds no job too small or too big to tackle and his fingerprints are all over the projects of the Foundation,” Wagner said. “A long time member of our community, he understands the importance of quality health care and provides support to the Foundation and thus the hospital every day.”
The Trustee of the Year award, also presented by Wagner, went to Lanny Kope, EdD for his involvement and commitment to health care advocacy issues. Kope chairs the Trustees Government Relations Committee and is well known in the circles of Who’s Who within the Arizona Hospital Association, as well as the American Hospital Association, Wagner stated during the award presentation.
Kope’s work as a grassroots advocate for hospitals earned him an award from the American Hospital Association. “His dedication to our hospital and its success is evident with every action he takes on our behalf,” Wagner said.
Mitzi Kirmse presented the Volunteer of the Year award to Virginia Napolitano for her dedication to the hospital Auxiliary, especially its Telecare program, which Napolitano chairs. The Telecare program is designed for the community’s homebound residents, with Auxiliary volunteers contacting the homebound patients on a regular basis.
“With her able assistants, a call is received or placed daily to each member in the program to ensure the person is safe,” Kirmse said. “Once a year she brings all the participants together with the program’s members for a breakfast. Through the member’s eyes you see how important this program is for them and how appreciative they are for the people who call them each day.”
Hepburn presented the award for Leader of the Year to Steve Calabrese, controller of the finance department. Praised for his reputation of being professional, knowledgeable, thorough, engaging and for his ability to make others smile, Calabrese is known for his “good nature and desire to help those seeking his assistance.”
Throughout the evening, Hepburn presented six employees with an Employee of the Year Award, with each person representing one of the hospital’s six values.
Hospital Librarian Cheaney Seth earned the award for integrity; Kathy Carpenter of the Diagnostic Imaging Department received the award for quality; Registered Nurse Kathy Davis was honored for compassion; Ricardo Herrera of information services was selected for collaboration; Rita Eckles, who works in the hospital laboratory, received the award for stewardship; and Sharon Reynolds of the finance department, for innovation.
Also recognized was long-time hospital supporter, Rusty Carter, who died in January. An active member of the hospital foundation, Carter had an integral role in developing the hospital’s annual golf tournament, which bears his name. The Carter Classic is one of the foundations largest fundraisers.
Years of service
Jackie Angeline of the Post Anesthetic Care Unit earned a place on the Hall of Fame for her 25 years at the hospital. Angeline started at the hospital as an aide, working in the Med/Surg Department, Nursery and Emergency Department. She earned her LPN in 1986 and became a registered nurse in 1988.
Registered Nurse Loraine Rutheford was recognized for 30 years of service at the hospital. She has worked in several different departments and has taken on such roles as nurse educator, clinical leader and interim eanager. Rutheford is currently involved with the development of an Advocacy Center for victims of sexual assault.
Dr. William McCormick was honored for his 30 years on the hospital’s medical staff. During that time, he served on the hospital board of trustees for 16 years and was the chief of staff for two years. McCormick has been awarded the Emeritus Status and is a “stellar donor” to the hospital Foundation.
He and his wife, Connie, are recognized on the Patron Wall of Honor for contributions that range between $25,000 and $50,000. They have contributed to the hospital’s new Digital Mammography system, as well as a surgical suite. McCormick is a major sponsor of the hospital’s golf tournament luncheon, part of the annual Carter Classic.
Herald/Review reporter Dana Cole can be reached at 515-4618.
Lori Rutherford wrote on Apr 12, 2008 10:53 AM: