Jacque Schweighart, M.Ed., has accepted the position of chief development officer and president of OSF HealthCare Foundation.  

Schweighart will be accountable for defining and driving a unified philanthropic strategy that aligns donor priorities with the Mission of OSF HealthCare and strategic focus areas. She will lead an integrated fundraising enterprise across all giving channels, accelerate endowment growth through strategic partnerships and serve as the Foundation’s chief ambassador to internal and external stakeholders.

Schweighart most recently served as senior vice president of Central Development Services for the University of Illinois Foundation. She has led and worked in nearly all areas of development and fundraising, from major, principal and planned giving programs, to annual giving and volunteer engagement programs and has built donor recognition, stewardship and campaign infrastructure.

Schweighart earned her Bachelor of Science in advertising from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, where she also earned a Master of Education in educational organization and leadership. Her new position is effective August 3.

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/.

OSF HealthCare is excited to share the news that Polly Barton has generously made a $2 million gift to the OSF HealthCare Cancer Institute, specifically focused on proton beam therapy. The area containing the proton beam will now be known as the Glen and Polly Barton Beam.

Polly Barton is a lifelong resident of Peoria and her late husband Glen spent 43 years at Caterpillar, Inc., retiring as CEO in 2004. He died in 2016 from cancer. The Barton’s commitment to the community and philanthropic endeavors is well-known, and this gift further solidifies that dedication. Polly served on the executive steering committee for the OSF Cancer Institute, which opened earlier this year.

“I had to be involved, Glen would have wanted me to help. The Mission of OSF Saint Francis is the constant, I’ve grown up in Peoria and I would not go anywhere else. The Cancer Institute is for the community, and I am so proud to have played a role in the campaign,” said Barton about her work on the steering committee.

An unveiling of the sign bearing the Barton’s name in the proton therapy area was held July 25.

“I am immensely grateful for Polly Barton's generous gift which significantly enhances our ability to provide cutting-edge proton therapy to our patients,” said Dr. James McGee, radiation oncologist and founding director of the OSF Cancer Institute. “The ‘Barton Beam’ will be a beacon of hope and a testament to the power of philanthropy in advancing cancer treatment and research. Polly Barton's support allows us to push the boundaries of medical innovation and improve the lives of those battling cancer.”

In addition to the Barton Beam announcement, Huan Giap, M.D., PhD., was introduced as the medical director of Proton Therapy for the OSF Cancer Institute. Dr. Giap brings extensive expertise in nuclear engineering, biophysics, and medical science, along with radiation oncology and proton therapy to his new position.

He obtained his PhD. in biophysics from the MD Anderson Cancer Center University of Texas Health Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences. Dr. Giap completed a medical residency in radiation oncology and proton therapy at Loma Linda University Medical Center, further enhancing his specialization with a Clinical Fellowship in Stereotactic Radiosurgery (SRS), Stereotactic Body Radiation Therapy (SBRT), and Brachytherapy from Scripps Clinic. In addition to his academic accomplishments, Dr. Giap holds six copyrights and patents for innovative medical devices.

Proton therapy treatment at the OSF Cancer Institute began April 1. Since then, 47 patients have undergone treatment with the daily schedule routinely seeing 18 patients, a daily patient volume that was not anticipated until closer to the one-year mark of operation. A wide variety of cancers have been treated:  head and neck, prostate, esophagus, brain, lymphoma, and bone metastasis. The SDX respiratory gaiting system will be fully installed in early August, which will allow the proton therapy department to begin treating tumors that are subject to movement from breathing, such as breast, lung, and abdominal masses. 

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.

This year, three individuals were recognized with the Pearl Award, one from each region served by OSF HealthCare.

Eastern: Kelly Jefferson, MSN - President, OSF HealthCare St. Francis Hospital & Medical Group, Escanaba, MI.

Kelly began her career with OSF HealthCare in 1998, progressing from a registered nurse at the bedside to president. She has worked in several areas across the OSF HealthCare System including as a Registered Nurse in general pediatrics and the neonatal intensive care unit. Her experience working in clinical care and performance improvement helped her develop an in-depth understanding of many aspects of the health care delivery system. Kelly was named to her current role in January 2022. 

According to her nominator, as president Kelly has been a leader in philanthropy. She makes a special point to share insights with community members, and generously gives of her time and talents to assist with cultivation and stewardship efforts. Kelly’s commitment and care for her patients and Mission Partners (employees), and her encouragement of fundraising initiatives elevates her as a champion of philanthropy.

Western: Breanne Cinnamon, PT-DPT, MBA, MPH – Supervisor, Rehabilitation Services, OSF HealthCare Saint Luke Medical Center, Kewanee, Ill.

In addition to her position as rehab services supervisor, Brea was a co-leader for a local Parkinson's Disease Support Group. She and her husband cofounded a nonprofit organization, Fueling a Future, that aims to ease the burden of transportation costs for children requiring medical care. Their vision became clear shortly after their daughter Lauren was born and upon learning that she had a very rare diagnosis, requiring follow-ups with multiple specialists and eventually, two open heart surgeries and a brain surgery, all before she turned 3. Their vision was born and the idea to guarantee that other families in their local communities had the same opportunities to provide the best care for their child(ren) without the financial constraints on their mind was accomplished. Since January of 2020, Fueling a Future has provided nearly $20,000 in gas cards to families in areas surrounding Henry, Bureau, and Stark Counties. 

According to her nominator, Brea’s dedication to enhancing access of care doesn’t end on a personal level, but with a professional tie by educating and connecting local patients to the Transportation Project, which allows access to transportation for those living in rural communities.

Central: Michelle Carrothers, CPA, MBA, FHFMA - Vice President of Strategic Reimbursement, OSF HealthCare Ministry Services, Peoria, Ill.

Michelle has been with OSF HealthCare for 40 years and has held many key leadership roles. She has been Vice President, Strategic Reimbursement in the Finance department since 2014. Previously she has served as a member of the OSF Ministry Joint Finance Committee, the Ministry Compliance Committee, OSF Investment Committee and Chair of the Ministry Charity and Community Benefits Committee and was President of the St. Francis Community Clinic Board. She currently serves as a Business Leader for the Ministry Community Health Needs Assessment initiative and has helped lead the OSF Campaign since 2012. 

Michelle and her husband, Ron, were named the 2023 McCord Philanthropists of the Year for Heart of Illinois United Way. They have been leadership donors and active volunteers for Heart of Illinois United Way for more than 20 years. Michelle has been an active supporter of a variety of initiatives for the OSF Children’s Hospital of Illinois, Richard L. Owens Hospice Home, Jump Simulation, the College of Nursing and supporting the areas of greatest need at OSF Saint Francis Medical Center in Peoria, OSF St. Mary Medical Center in Galesburg, and OSF Saint James-John W. Albrecht Medical Center in Pontiac.

Learn more about the Pearl Award and honorees at osfhealthcarefoundation.org/cultureofphilanthropy/.

November 8 is National STEAM Day – a day that inspires kids to explore and pursue their interests in Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Math. But OSF HealthCare is making a point to celebrate and promote OSF STEAM learning throughout the month of November.

Noël Adams, vice president, Academic Collaborations and operations, OSF Innovation Labs at OSF HealthCare says the STEAM lab will mark National Steam Day by kicking off the first of a series of augmented reality (AR) lessons for its Anatomy Academy.

Adams explains students can access a free lesson by registering on the OSF STEAM website and they’ll receive a series of QR codes to scan with their mobile phone or tablet to trigger digital images via augmented reality that can put a trainer in the child's hand.

“As we go through and we teach different modalities or different trainers or different human anatomy, we can change whatever it is that child is holding just through the QR code. And so, it really equalizes our ability to, not only teach remotely because we can put a trainer in any kid's hand anywhere, but also there's no cost barrier in our training.”

This live course on systems of the body will run once a month for the next year. The curriculum was developed by OSF Innovation engineers and faculty at the University of Illinois for
6^th-12^th grades. Adams thinks it could be a great option for home schooled kids whose parents might not be experts in anatomy.

“There's not a lot out there for homeschool kids as far as health care curriculum and STEAM so we did make a strategic effort to create something that's very welcoming to them. So, these courses actually run during the day when they would have traditional schooling and again on-demand if they want to do their schooling at night.”

A recorded version of the live lesson will also be available on the OSF STEAM website.

Throughout November, OSF HealthCare will be hosting school children at Jump Trading Simulation & Education Center in Peoria where they can learn about careers such as medical visualization and bioengineering. Innovation engineers will also be traveling to schools. For example, in Pontiac, Illinois, students will get a DIY lesson detailing how to make their own anatomage table for less than $50. The device uses advanced 3D anatomy visualization to teach lessons about the body.

The engineers will also mark National STEAM Day by leading hands-on STEAM activities for hospitalized kids and their siblings at OSF HealthCare Children’s Hospital of Illinois. Throughout the year, OSF provides free bedside STEAM programs so children can stay engaged in learning while they’re out of school due to their illness.

The range of OSF STEAM programs cover grade school through college  and include simple, free online activities and at-home courses that come with activity kits. There are mini-med classes for college-age students to explore various aspects of medicine plus internships that focus on creating STEAM activities.

Community Partnerships

OSF is bringing STEAM education to as many young people as possible, particularly those who are under-represented in fields related to Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Math, including women and people of color. According to the National Science Foundation (PDF) and the National Academies, women and certain ethnic groups –Blacks, Hispanics, and American Indians – are considered underrepresented in STEAM.

Community partnerships are an important way to reach under-represented groups and introduce young people to ideas and experiences that can create an “ah hah” moment, where they discover a passion for health care. Peoria’s Friendship House President and CEO Marcellus Sommerville says plenty of young people have lit up with ideas after participating in a STEAM activity, such as a baby shark dissection led by OSF STEAM educators who came on-site to guide the effort.

“I mean, we've had experiences where kids have said they want to be a biochemist, and they're really excited; they see themselves as you know, dissecting and explaining and exploring. For each kid, it allows him to dream of what possibilities are there for them.”

Sommerville says as many as 40 young people from Friendship House also spent time over one week, learning about career options by exploring the various labs and technology at Jump.

“They got to touch the manikins, they got to see how the blood flowed and all the different things I mean, for that week, they were overjoyed. So, I think that's the fun part about the partnership – exposing these kids to bigger and better things that they necessarily would not see or did not know.”

The Anatomy Academy augmented reality lessons will generate excitement, Sommerville says, because with only a smartphone, kids will get a more immersive experience. In that way, easy technology can be an equalizer 
as Sommerville sees it.

“I think it could offset and help the kids who maybe don’t have those opportunities to have a laptop at home or bigger devices, but most kids have a mobile phone and if they can use it in a proper way, it can be a huge benefit.”

Sommerville is also grateful to donors to the OSF STEAM program because, he says, they’re investing in the community and helping kids dream of how they can join the medical workforce of the future.

Noell Adams

Marcellus Sommerville

National STEAM Day AR Lessons B-roll