HOSPITAL BEGINS NICU renovation
UChicago Medicine AdventHealth Hinsdale celebrated its neonatal intensive care unit renovation project Feb. 8 with a special event at the hospital that featured celebratory remarks, a blessing and recognition of donors. Donors had the opportunity to sign a NICU wall leaving well wishes and blessings for patients.
The updated NICU will be designed for infants’ healthy development, private family bonding and patient safety. The space will provide a state-of-the art healing environment for the hospital’s tiniest patients and their families.
The renovation project was made possible by donations to the Hinsdale Hospital Foundation, including a $1 million gift from longtime philanthropist and community member Kay Birck. Kay, a former NICU nurse, and her husband Mike, also made a $1 million gift to the hospital’s Women and Children’s unit in 1996.
“We are so grateful to Kay Birck and the contributions of all our donors,” said foundation board Chair Karen Fiascone. “Each person in this room tonight helped get this project off the ground. We couldn’t have gotten to this point without your support.”
Adam Maycock, UChicago Medicine AdventHealth Hinsdale president and CEO, also offered words of thanks.
“This is an exciting time for our hospital, community and team members. We couldn’t have considered this much needed renovation without the support of our community, our foundation and the transformational gift from the Birck family,” Maycock said. “The new beautiful space will complement the expertise and outstanding quality of care provided by our NICU staff and physicians.”
During construction, the hospital will continue serving the most critical needs of infants across the region. The redesigned unit is scheduled for completion in late summer of 2025.
Photos appear online at http://www.facebook.com/thehinsdalean.
STAFF WIN THOSE WHO EXCEL AWARDS
Hinsdale Middle School staff members Leah Thulin and Michelle McGrath received Those who Excel Awards from the Illinois State Board of Education.
Thulin received the Admin Special Recognition award and McGrath received the Educational Support Personnel Excellence award.
Since 1970, the Illinois State Board of Education has sponsored the Those Who Excel & Teacher of the Year program to honor educators who have made significant contributions to our state’s public and nonpublic elementary and secondary schools. Awards are presented in seven categories. Application materials are evaluated by a selection committee composed of individuals representing various educational organizations. All awardees are honored at an annual banquet in the Spring.
STUDENTS up for NATIONAL award
Three seniors from Hinsdale Central — Ediz Canigur, Isabella Levinthal and Kevin Zhang — have been named candidates for the 2023 U.S. Presidential Scholars Program.
The program was established in 1964 to “recognize and honor some of our nation’s most distinguished graduating high school seniors.” It was extended in 1979 to “recognize students who demonstrate exceptional talent in the visual, creative and performing arts.” It was extended again in 2015 to “recognize students who demonstrate ability and accomplishment in career and technical education fields.”
Each year, up to 161 students are named Presidential Scholars, which is considered one of the nation’s highest honors for high school students.
‘UNLEASHED’ EVENT A SUCCESS
The Hinsdale Humane Society’s held its first fundraiser of the year, Unleashed, on Feb. 25.
The event raised more than $60,000 to support the shelter’s animals and the people that are part of its community.
