New Fund Honors Retired Chief Nursing Officer   

Retired Chief Nursing Officer Nancy Semerdjian expressed complete surprise to learn of a fundraising initiative established in her honor. The fund was unveiled at a retirement party celebrating her 45 years of distinguished service.

Without Semerdjian’s knowledge, more than 400 donors from across NorthShore—including many former colleagues and employees—contributed more than $318,000 to the Nancy T. Semerdjian Nursing Excellence Fund. Funding priorities include specialty nursing certifications, professional development opportunities and nursing-based research.

“Nancy will continue to have an influence on the professional development of NorthShore’s nursing staff for a long time to come,” said newly installed Chief Nursing Officer Mary Keegan, RN, MS. “Just as Nancy has supported nurses in continuing their formal education through the Nursing STARs program, this fund will enable staff to attain certification in their specialty as well as gain new skills through continuing education.”

Medical Group President Joseph Golbus, MD, called the new fund a fitting tribute.

“Nancy has been our conscience and has always kept our mission at the forefront of all discussions,” Dr. Golbus said. “She’s been an essential element of NorthShore’s successful evolution.”

Semerdjian is credited with empowering nurses to actively participate in clinical decision making, including improved patient safety protocols, the launch of Epic and leading-edge nurse research.