New Fountain at AMH Named In Honor of Paul Lauschke

Outgoing Board Chairman Will Continue to Lead Hospital Foundation

PHOTO BY RUSTY INGRAM
Paul Lauschke Jr., center, and his family stand beside the fountain named in his honor Nov. 18 in the Healing Garden adjacent to the Alton Memorial Hospital�s new Duncan Wing.

(Alton, IL - Decmeber 7, 2009) � The Healing Garden adjacent to Alton Memorial Hospital�s Duncan Wing is taking shape, featuring a fountain named in honor of Paul Lauschke Jr.

Lauschke, stepping down this year after a long stint as chairman of the hospital�s board of directors, was honored at the Alton Memorial Health Services Foundation�s annual dinner on Nov. 18. The fountain dedication was made by AMH President Dave Braasch and former president Ron McMullen.

�Ron and I decided that we wanted our gift to the capital campaign to recognize Paul for his efforts on behalf of the hospital,� Braasch said. �It�s with heartfelt appreciation that we dedicated the Healing Garden fountain in his honor. It will serve as a constant reminder of Paul�s many accomplishments as chairman of the hospital board.�

Lauschke is stepping down as chairman of the hospital board of directors at the end of 2009. He has served as a hospital board member for 40 years and as board chairman since 1995. Ken Balsters, a longtime hospital and Foundation board member, will become chairman of the hospital board in January. Lauschke will continue to serve as chairman of the Foundation�s board of directors.

�Paul has been a distinguished leader, visionary and champion of Alton Memorial during my and Dave�s years as hospital president,� said McMullen, now the president of Christian Hospital in St. Louis. �He has guided us through major construction projects, financial challenges and the medical liability crisis.

�Paul could have stepped down as board chairman a few years ago, but instead asked for an extension so that he could see the Duncan Wing through to completion.�

�I�m honored and moved that Dave and Ron have chosen to recognize me in this manner,� Lauschke said. �The Duncan Wing is a lasting tribute to the combined efforts of the employees, physicians, volunteers and members of the community.�

Lauschke was honored before a large crowd of Foundation supporters, which included several members of the Lauschke family. Event attendees enjoyed a preview of the new Duncan Wing, scheduled to open in the spring.