Silver Cross Hospital Honors Employees for a Combined 3,285 Years of Service

In 1971, Americans were tuning in to All in the Family, bell-bottoms were in style, and a gallon of gas cost about 36 cents. Amid a world of change, two individuals walked through the doors of Silver Cross Hospital, beginning careers that would outlast five plus decades of medical advances, leadership changes and even the hospital’s move to a new campus. Fifty-five years later, their remarkable journeys are still unfolding.

Among those celebrating milestone anniversaries this year were Doretta Dragovan, a menu clerk in Silver Cross’ Nutrition Services department, and Kenneth Schroeder, a senior application analyst in the Information Systems department, whose remarkable 55 years of service place them among the hospital’s longest-tenured employees.

Also recognized was Leanne Stukel of the hospital’s 6:3 oncology unit, who reached an extraordinary 50 years of service milestone this year. When Stukel joined Silver Cross in 1976, America was celebrating its Bicentennial, Apple Computer had just been founded, and the idea of carrying a computer in your pocket seemed more like science fiction than reality. At Silver Cross, ultrasound technology was still on the horizon, making its debut just a few years later.

Reflecting on her career, Dragovan said, “Silver Cross has always felt like family to me. The people, the patients and the friendships I’ve made over the years are what kept me here. I’ve seen a lot of changes throughout my career, but the compassion, teamwork and commitment to our patients have never changed. That’s what has made Silver Cross such a special place to work and why I’ve been proud to call it home for 55 years.”

Schroeder added, “When I started at Silver Cross in 1971, healthcare technology looked very different than it does today. I’ve had the privilege of seeing incredible advances that have transformed the way we care for patients, but what has never changed is the commitment of the people who work here. After 55 years, it’s still the teamwork, dedication and sense of purpose that make Silver Cross such a special place.”

“When I joined the Silver Cross family 50 years ago, I never imagined I would meet so many strong, caring and wonderful nurses and staff members, both past and present,” said Stukel. “They made such an impact on me, and I am the woman I am today in part because of them. It has been 50 years of great memories. Silver Cross has always been good to me, and I feel like it is my second home.”

They were joined by 193 fellow honorees whose combined service totals an impressive 3,285 years, a testament to the dedication and loyalty that define the Silver Cross family. All were recognized during the annual Silver Cross Awards Recognition Dinner, held Sept. 9 at DiNolfo’s Banquets in Homer Glen, where colleagues, family members and friends gathered to celebrate decades of commitment, compassion and excellence in serving the community.

In addition to the hospital’s 55- and 50-year honorees, Silver Cross recognized six employees for 40 years of service, three for 35 years, six for 30 years, 20 for 25 years, 37 for 20 years, 32 for 15 years and 88 employees celebrating 10 years of service.

Silver Cross President and Chief Executive Officer Michael Mutterer told attendees that the hospital’s success is rooted in the people who have dedicated their careers to serving patients and one another.

“When I look around this room, I see the people who have built Silver Cross into the organization it is today,” Mutterer said during the event. “Our honorees’ years of service tell a remarkable story of loyalty, resilience and dedication. Through every challenge, every change and every opportunity, they have helped shape our culture, mentored future generations, comforted patients and strengthened our community. Their impact can't be measured in years alone. It’s reflected in the countless lives they’ve touched and the legacy they continue to build every day.”

Mutterer added that while healthcare continues to evolve, Silver Cross’ greatest strength remains unchanged.

“One of Silver Cross’ greatest strengths has always been our people,” he said. “Technology changes, facilities evolve and healthcare continues to transform, but our culture of teamwork, respect and service remains constant because of employees like those we honored tonight. Their dedication reminds us that our greatest competitive advantage isn’t a building or a piece of equipment. It’s our people and the way we come together around a shared mission. That’s what makes us truly better TOGETHER.”

From 10-year milestones to an extraordinary 55 years of service, this year’s honorees represent generations of employees who have helped shape Silver Cross, cared for countless patients and families, and built a culture that continues to thrive. Together, their 3,285 years of service tell a powerful story of commitment, excellence and the enduring spirit of Silver Cross Hospital.

For more information or to find your career at Silver Cross, visit silvercross.org