VGH Celebrates the VGH Legacy Honorees 2024
Pictured front row: Terri Buelow, Dawn Stephenson, Jan Roth; back row: Michele Schoonover, Monica Stark, Barb Parbs, Dick Kerdus, Don Logan, Dave Vermedahl
Terrie Buelow
Virginia Gay Hospital is proud to announce Terri Buelow as one of the esteemed recipients of the 2024 Legacy Honors. Terri devoted an incredible 26 years to Virginia Gay Hospital. Much of her career was spent working nights and second shifts, where she quickly became a trusted leader, advocate for both staff and patients, and a source of innovation and dedication.
Terri’s exceptional work ethic, attention to detail, and pride in the hospital’s service to the community have left an indelible mark. Known for her ability to work behind the scenes, her organizational skills, and her steadfast commitment, Terri’s contributions go far beyond her daily responsibilities. Her strong faith and passion for volunteering have been evident throughout her career. In fact, Terri made it a personal mission to travel to Louisiana after Hurricane Katrina, assisting in recovery efforts and exemplifying her readiness to help in times of need.
Her genuine belief in the mission of Virginia Gay Hospital and her commitment to its success is unwavering. Over the years, Terri has consistently identified areas for improvement, implementing solutions and innovations that have become known as “Terri-isms.” Many of these “Terri-isms” remain in place today, continuing to enhance the hospital’s operations and care.
Terri Buelow’s dedication, compassion, and leadership have left an enduring legacy at Virginia Gay Hospital, and we are honored to recognize her contributions with this prestigious award.
Dawn Stephenson
Virginia Gay Hospital is proud to announce Dawn Stephenson as a 2024 Legacy Honors Award recipient. Dawn’s journey with VGH began in 1977, when she joined the hospital’s Annex team as a high school senior. Over the past 47 years, Dawn’s dedication to healthcare, patient safety, and education has had a lasting impact on the hospital and the community. Her commitment and passion have made her a cornerstone of VGH, earning her this distinguished recognition.
Dawn’s formal career in nursing started in 1979 when she earned her LPN license from Hawkeye Tech and began working weekend shifts. By 1989, she had completed her RN training and transitioned to a daytime role in Cardiopulmonary Rehab. Dawn’s career later expanded into Quality and Education, areas in which she has left a remarkable legacy. Her efforts have helped VGH continuously elevate its standards, creating a culture of continuous improvement and excellence in patient care.
One of Dawn’s standout achievements is her pioneering work in Quality and Education, where she launched programs from the ground up and established collaborative networks across departments and with other facilities. Her initiatives have led to important training programs, including CPR and Instructor Certification, ACLS, and PALS, which she has overseen for more than 32 years. Her leadership has been instrumental in achieving 100% compliance with annual education requirements for employees, a testament to her commitment to safety and professional development.
Beyond clinical and educational roles, Dawn has made a profound impact on patients and residents in a deeply personal way. She creates personalized photo montages for residents of Nursing & Rehab, fostering meaningful connections and bringing comfort to patients. In her Quality role, she has also excelled in leading investigations and implementing solutions, consistently working across departments to improve outcomes and resolve complex issues effectively.
Reflecting on her career, Dawn identifies the advent of the AED and safety needles, as well as the shift from fax machines to electronic medical records, as some of the most significant innovations she has witnessed. Currently, she is focused on preventive healthcare through Annual Wellness Visits, which help detect and address health issues early. Her leadership in Patient Satisfaction, Risk Management, and the Safety Zone Portal further highlights her commitment to advancing patient care. Dawn’s dedication to patient safety and community outreach, including her work with the Iowa Association of Healthcare Quality and local programs, is a testament to her enduring impact on VGH and beyond.
Jan Roth
Virginia Gay Hospital is proud to announce Jan Roth as the 2024 Legacy Honoree, recognizing her remarkable dedication and impactful contributions to our community and to the advancement of quality healthcare. Jan’s steadfast support, both through her philanthropy and her personal dedication, has been instrumental in sustaining accessible healthcare close to home.
Jan’s involvement in our annual Tree Walk fundraiser has been a defining highlight of her contributions to Virginia Gay Hospital. Through her artistry and skill, she creates beautifully hand-knitted pieces that have become cherished symbols of community warmth and care. From her heartwarming mini sweaters, festive mitts and hats, and delicately crafted snowmen to her enchanting Santa Claus gift bags, Jan’s creations bring joy and a deep sense of togetherness. This year, she surpassed expectations with the addition of a stunning blanket, thoughtfully designed to provide warmth and comfort—qualities that mirror the mission of Virginia Gay Hospital.
Jan’s creations represent more than just holiday decorations; they embody the spirit of giving and her unwavering dedication to Virginia Gay Hospital and the wider community. Each piece she makes is woven with care, thoughtfulness, and generosity, leaving an indelible mark on those touched by her work.
Through years of dedicated support, Jan Roth has not only contributed financially but has also fostered a legacy of compassion, creativity, and commitment. Her work helps ensure that our community will continue to have access to quality healthcare, right here at home.
Virginia Gay Hospital is deeply grateful to Jan Roth for her kindness, creativity, and enduring dedication. We are honored to name her as the 2024 Virginia Gay Hospital Legacy Honoree, celebrating her generosity of spirit, service, and inspiring leadership.
Virginia Gay Hospital is proud to recognize Michele Schoonover for over four decades of remarkable dedication, passion, and leadership. As an influential leader in healthcare, Michele’s 44-year journey has shaped the hospital’s growth and strengthened healthcare services for the Vinton community and beyond.
Michele Schoonover
Michele joined Virginia Gay Hospital in 1980 as a radiology technologist and quickly rose through the ranks, pursuing further education while working full-time. Her commitment to excellence led her to earn a Bachelor of Arts degree in Business from Mount Mercy University and later an MBA from California National University. Her contributions span the planning, development, and implementation of essential healthcare services and programs, and her leadership extends to state-wide platforms, where she has served as past president of the Iowa Hospital Association’s Purchasing and Materials Management Group and a member of the IHA Council on Education and Member Services.
Michele’s community involvement has been equally impactful. A dedicated member of Vinton Kiwanis for over 31 years and a longtime volunteer for initiatives such as the Dementia Friendly Vinton Action Team, she has tirelessly advocated for quality of life in her community. Michele’s legacy at Virginia Gay Hospital and throughout Vinton is marked by an unwavering commitment to healthcare excellence, compassionate service, and an indelible influence on those she has mentored and inspired.
Virginia Gay Hospital proudly recognizes Monica Stark with the 2024 Virginia Gay Hospital Legacy Award, Monca began her employment at Virginia Gay Hospital (VGH) on March 17, 1987, after completing training at Shoitz Hospital in Waterloo, Iowa. At the time, Monica was the second full-time employee in the X-Ray Department primarily performing X-rays and assisting with EKGs, only one day of radiologist coverage per week.
Monica Stark
In early 1991, Monica transitioned to the role of manager after Michele Schoonover became the Director of General Services. One of her key goals was to bring as many of our contract services in-house as possible. With our sole radiologist preparing to retire, Monica began searching for a radiology group to ensure continued coverage. After careful consideration, contracted with Radiologist Consultants of Iowa, a partnership that remains in place to this day.
With the unwavering support of the Medical Staff, Virginia Gay Board, and Administration, Monica was able to recruit and train new employees for advanced modalities to bring in-house, including CT, Ultrasound, MR, Bone Densitometry, and Mammography. The introduction of new modalities kept Monica eager to learn and grow, welcoming change as a sign of progress.
Throughout Monica’s career, she has served on numerous committees, including Medical Staff, Management Team, Infection Control, Safety, Medicare Compliance, Quality Assurance, and Employee Recognition/Appreciation/Retention. Monica also embraced more lighthearted roles, such as being the Easter Bunny egg-stuffer for over 10 years. (A little secret: no child ever got a black jellybean, as that was her “fee” for services rendered!)
Additionally, Monica has spearheaded the Toy Drive at VGH in collaboration with Horizons/Lutheran Services of Iowa, a project I have led for nearly two decades. Monica has made great efforts to be a part of community events which include Farmer’s Market, Benton County Health and Wellness Fair, “Pink” basketball games, Ladies’ Night, Breast Cancer Awareness events, and the Pink 5K. Monica and her husband’s usual spot Party in Pink 5K is at the corner of 2nd Avenue and 5th Street, where I’m always happy to see familiar faces.
Monica has made a difference and is grateful for the satisfaction of having had a fulfilling and rewarding career. She would not trade it for the world. Monica considers herself incredibly lucky to have started—and now to be ending—her journey here at VGH.
Barb Parbs
Virginia Gay Hospital proudly announces Barb Parbs as its 2024 Legacy Honoree in recognition of her unwavering dedication to the community as a Senior Health Insurance Information Program (SHIIP-SMP) Counselor. Since joining Virginia Gay Hospital as a volunteer in August 2022, Barb has been instrumental in guiding individuals through the complexities of Medicare and related insurance options. Her voluntary service has empowered countless individuals to make informed healthcare decisions, and her commitment to the community has been invaluable.
Kristin Griffith, Director of SHIIP/SMP, praised Barb’s outstanding contributions, noting that over the past seven years, she has counseled more than 1,400 Medicare beneficiaries and was pivotal in establishing the SHIIP-SMP site at Virginia Gay Hospital. Barb’s dedication extends beyond standard counseling, as she often works extra hours, including weekends, to meet the heightened demand during Medicare open enrollment periods.
Beyond her counseling work, Barb actively participates in key community initiatives, including the Virginia Gay Hospital Health Fair and the Welcome to Medicare Seminar. Her engagement in these events has provided crucial support, helping many in the community navigate their healthcare options more confidently.
Barb’s selfless dedication reflects a profound compassion and commitment to service. Her tireless efforts have made a lasting impact on the lives of many, embodying the spirit of philanthropy and community service that Virginia Gay Hospital cherishes.
Virginia Gay Hospital is honored to recognize Barb Parbs as the 2024 Legacy Honoree, celebrating her generosity, service, and leadership in improving the health and well-being of others.
Dick Kerdus
Virginia Gay Hospital proudly recognizes Richard (Dick) Kerdus with the 2024 Virginia Gay Hospital Legacy Award, celebrating his 31 years of exceptional service on the Health Care Foundation Board of Directors. Through decades of dedicated leadership, Dick’s contributions have profoundly shaped the hospital’s growth and enhanced healthcare access for the community.
Dick joined the board when the Foundation was in its formative years, helping transform it into a critical source of support for healthcare close to home. His leadership was instrumental in three major fundraising campaigns: “Investment in our Future,” “Commitment to Caring,” and “Quality Care Close to Home,” which collectively raised over $10 million. This funding has been pivotal in modernizing and expanding facilities, including the renovation of the hospital and Vinton Family Medical Clinic, as well as the acquisition and development of clinics in Van Horne, Urbana, and Atkins. Thanks to Dick’s efforts, local patients can access top-quality care within their own community.
“Dick has been more than just a leader,” said Robin Martin. “He has served as a trusted advisor, tireless advocate, and inspiring force for all of us. His commitment to healthcare access and his legacy of service have made Virginia Gay Hospital a stronger, more capable institution for generations to come.”
Virginia Gay Hospital and the entire Vinton community extend heartfelt gratitude to Richard Kerdus for his enduring service, generous spirit, and visionary leadership.
Don Logan
Virginia Gay Hospital is honored to announce Don Logan as a recipient of the 2024 Legacy Award, recognizing his exceptional leadership, dedication, and generosity. Don’s contributions as chair of the Virginia Gay Hospital Health Care Foundation Board have been transformative, bringing both growth and sustainability to the hospital’s mission of delivering outstanding healthcare services to the community. His steadfast commitment has left an indelible impact on Virginia Gay Hospital and the broader community it serves.
Under Don’s leadership, the Tree of Lights Campaign achieved remarkable success, raising $1.4 million. This incredible fundraising effort provided essential resources for the hospital, allowing it to acquire state-of-the-art diagnostic and treatment equipment. These advancements have greatly enhanced Virginia Gay Hospital’s ability to deliver high-quality care and improve patient outcomes, reinforcing the hospital’s role as a trusted healthcare provider in the area.
In addition to the Tree of Lights Campaign, Don played a crucial role in the “Quality Care Close to Home” campaign, an initiative aimed at ensuring that local residents have access to advanced healthcare services without the need to travel far. This campaign has made a meaningful difference to countless families, allowing them to receive top-notch medical care in their own community. Don’s vision and dedication to expanding local healthcare options have set a new standard of excellence for rural healthcare in our region.
Don’s legacy is not only marked by his leadership and fundraising acumen but also by his unwavering commitment as an advocate and supporter of Virginia Gay Hospital. His role as a trusted advisor and dedicated supporter has strengthened the hospital’s foundation and inspired those around him. Through his actions, he exemplifies what it means to be a true community leader, and his impact will be felt for generations.
With profound gratitude, Virginia Gay Hospital is proud to name Don Logan as a 2024 Legacy Award Honoree. His dedication and generosity have enriched the hospital and community alike, creating a lasting legacy that will continue to benefit future generations. Congratulations, Don!
Dave Vermedahl
Virginia Gay Hospital is honored to name Dave Vermedahl as the 2024 Legacy Honoree in recognition of his outstanding service and leadership on the Virginia Gay Hospital Board of Directors. Since joining the board in 1998—initially as Mayor of Vinton and, since 2001, in an ongoing role that now includes Vice Chair—Dave has played a vital role in guiding the hospital through transformative projects and initiatives that have enhanced local healthcare access and sustainability.
Throughout his tenure, Dave has been instrumental in several major projects, including the $2.5 million expansion of the Vinton Family Medical Clinic in 2004, the $8.4 million renovation of the hospital in 2006, the opening of the Atkins Family Medical Clinic in 2012, and the $5 million “Quality Care Close to Home” initiative in 2015. His business insight and thoughtful guidance have ensured the success of each project, reinforcing Virginia Gay Hospital’s mission to provide accessible, high-quality healthcare to the community.
In addition to his service on the board, Dave has been a leading figure in fundraising, helping raise $3.4 million through the “Commitment to Caring” and “Quality Care Close to Home” campaigns. His unwavering commitment to the hospital reflects the legacy of Virginia Walcutt Gay, supporting the hospital’s growth as a vital, independent healthcare provider.
Virginia Gay Hospital is deeply grateful to Dave Vermedahl for his exceptional dedication and contributions to our community’s health and well-being. It is with great honor that we celebrate Dave Vermedahl as the 2024 Virginia Gay Hospital Legacy Honoree, recognizing his generosity of spirit, visionary service, and steadfast leadership.
