The fingerprints Laurie Salonen left on the med center’s liver failure and transplant program – and the organization as a whole – continue past her retirement.
At the transplant coordinator’s retirement reception in January, the University of Nebraska Foundation announced that an anonymous $50,000 donation was received to establish the Nebraska Medicine Laurel Williams Salonen Endowed Nursing Fund. This fund will be used for professional and leadership development for Nebraska Medicine solid organ transplant coordinators and nursing staff.
“In my first role as a CNA in the liver special care unit, I was immediately connected to Laurie and was inspired by her professionalism, knowledge and the respect she was shown by her colleagues and patients,” said Kelly Vaughn, chief nursing officer. “Laurie contributed significantly to my personal development as a nurse and patient care team member and continued to be a mentor for me throughout my career. This endowment fund is a testament to her nursing leadership and her commitment to patients and their families.”
Colleagues, patients and community members who would like to honor Salonen’s legacy and contribute to the future of the transplant program are encouraged to donate to this nursing fund.
One-time donations and recurring gifts can be made online at this link for the NU Foundation. Gifts can also be given anonymously.
Read this article to learn more about Salonen and the impact she has made on so many lives.
For additional questions about the fund, contact Rico Zavala, director of development for Nebraska Medicine, University of Nebraska Foundation, by email.