OSF Foundation Celebrates 2024 Pearl Award Recipients
The OSF HealthCare Foundation recently announced the 2024 Pearl Award recipients at its annual Culture of Philanthropy Celebration. The Pearl Award recognizes contributions to philanthropic excellence, compassionate care, and visionary leadership that will transform health care.
The Pearl Award was established in recognition of Dr. Richard Pearl, former director of pediatric trauma and surgeon in-chief at OSF HealthCare Children’s Hospital of Illinois and the former director of surgical simulation at Jump Trading Simulation and Education Center, in recognition of his profound demonstration of the Culture of Philanthropy and his relationships and involvement with the OSF Foundation.
The Pearl Award recipient is presented with a one-of-a-kind, custom-made, hand-blown, glass lotus flower from J. Draper Glass studio in Peoria, Ill. Nestled within the lotus flower rests a stunning pearl. Pearls are known for their beauty, serenity, integrity and loyalty, all traits that the award recipient exemplifies. The lotus flower is unique and ever evolving with its petals always reaching up to the light that brings sustaining life. Each year the colors vary with a touch of Franciscan brown intertwined, similar to how philanthropy is embodied within the Mission of OSF HealthCare and The Sisters of the Third Order of St. Francis.
Three individuals were recognized with the Pearl Award, one from each region served by OSF HealthCare.
Eastern: The Sisters of the Little Company of Mary
The Sisters of the Little Company of Mary are an international, Catholic Congregation of Religious Sisters founded by Venerable Mary Potter in 1877. As Sisters of the Little Company of Mary, they are called in spirit to be companions of Mary, Mother of God: one with her in mind and heart, as they live their lives with and for Christ. In 2019, Congregational Leadership called Sisters to an intentional prayer for peace and understanding between the faiths and cultures of our world: that the spirit of violence and conflict may no longer guide actions and attitudes. The Sisters of the Little Company of Mary bear witness to the healing presence of Jesus by physically caring for the poor, sick, suffering and dying people in our midst. They pray constantly for all suffering and dying people throughout the world. In collaboration with others, they respond to the emerging health needs of the world today. OSF HealthCare welcomed OSF Little Company of Mary Medical Center in Evergreen Park, Ill., into the OSF Ministry in 2020.
Western: Paula Carynski, President, OSF HealthCare Saint Anthony Medical Center
Paula Carynski joined OSF HealthCare Saint Anthony Medical Center in 1985 and became president in 2013 after serving in a number of leadership roles including VP of patient care services and chief nursing officer. A graduate of the Saint Anthony College of Nursing and Rockford College, Carynski earned a Master of Science in Nursing Administration from the University of Illinois at Chicago. A member of the American Organization of Nurse Executives and American College of Healthcare Executives, Carynski is board certified in Nursing Administration by the American Nurses Credentialing Center and has been honored with the Distinguished Nurse Advocate Award by the Illinois Nurses Association District 3. She is actively involved in many Rockford community activities, serving such organizations as the Rockford Chamber of Commerce, Rosecrance, the Rockford Health Council and American Heart Association. In 2014, Carynski received the Business Leadership Award from the YWCA of Rockford and she is one of the Rockford Chamber of Commerce’s People You Should Know.
Central: Ryan Luginbuhl, Vice President, Oncology service line
Luginbuhl is a seasoned health care professional known for strategic leadership and extensive management expertise. As Vice President of the Oncology service line at OSF HealthCare, Luginbuhl integrates and enhances oncology programs systemwide, fostering partnerships to advance patient care. He recently led the development of the OSF HealthCare Cancer Institute Breakthrough Treatment Center, which has started the area’s first phase 1 clinical trials for cancer patients. During his tenure as director of Ambulatory Development, Luginbuhl drove strategic planning of new ambulatory sites and facilitated acquisitions and integrations of large and small practices within OSF. Luginbuhl was recognized in Peoria Magazine’s 2023 40 Leaders Under 40 and Modern Healthcare’s 40 Under 40 in 2024. His holistic approach to health care leadership, coupled with his dedication to community welfare, solidifies his position as a valuable asset and leader in the health care industry.
Learn more about the Pearl Award and honorees at osfhealthcarefoundation.org/cultureofphilanthropy/.