St. Joseph Health Legacy Award Recognizes Two for Living Franciscan Mission, Values

Bryan, TX, June 3, 2022—St. Joseph Health has named Karen Boone, BSN, RN, and David Damian, MD, as 2022 Legacy Award Recipients for their commitment to Franciscan values and for continuing the legacy of the Sisters of St. Francis of Sylvania, Ohio., who founded the health system 87 years ago. St. Joseph Health was pleased to present the Legacy Awards to the recipients at a small ceremony at St. Joseph Health Bryan Hospital last week.

“As interim president of St. Joseph Health, it has been a pleasure to witness our team members’ commitment to the Franciscan values,” said Mark Reifsteck, interim president and CEO of St. Joseph Health. “Mrs. Boone and Dr. Damian are truly committed to our health system and Brazos Valley, and they are extremely deserving of this honor.”

Each year, team members, medical staff and the community have an opportunity to nominate individuals who have dedicated 20 years or more to St. Joseph Health in a commitment to the Sisters’ core values of Tenderness, Humility, Selflessness and Reverence for all Creation. To be nominated, one must be a current or former staff member or medical staff member or have had an association with St. Joseph Health for more than 20 years of service. All nominees must share and showcase the values of St. Francis through their work at St. Joseph Health.

Karen Boone, BSN, RN, began her career in 1978 as a labor and delivery nurse at St. Joseph Health. Mrs. Boone has touched the lives of countless patients and colleagues through her compassion, integrity and dedication. She was an esteemed leader who treated her team members with respect and dignity. Under her leadership, Maternal Child Services expanded, which allowed St. Joseph Health to provide care to more women and babies in the Brazos Valley. After retirement, Mrs. Boone joined the St. Joseph Health Board of Directors and continues to provide guidance to the organization.

David Damian, MD, has dedicated over 25 years of service to St. Joseph Health. He is described by patients and colleagues as compassionate, empathetic and having a “deep commitment to fulfilling the Franciscan values.” Dr. Damian is invested in the well-being and care of those he serves. He has a passion for serving others in a Christ-like manner and continues to grow spiritually, incorporating what he learns into his daily practice. His service and commitment to the mission and values of St. Joseph Health have left a strong and lasting impact on the Brazos Valley.

Honorees receive a plaque, which is displayed in Regional Hospital near the Legacy Tree, a monument commemorating the core values of the Sisters of St. Francis of Sylvania, Ohio. Past award recipients include John Hall, MD; Kathryn O’Briant Wier; Reed Edmundson; Stephen Braden, MD; Betty Jo Harp; C.H. Prihoda, MD; Alan Young, MD; Ralph Young, MD; Mari Szabo, RN; Mark Lindsey, MD; Sister Gretchen Kunz, posthumously; and Caroline McDonald. This year marks the fifth annual Legacy Awards recognition.

About St. Joseph Health: St. Joseph Health is a member of St. Luke’s Health and part of CommonSpirit Health, the largest Catholic health system and the second-largest nonprofit hospital chain in the United States. Since 1936, St. Joseph Health has been the Brazos Valley’s leader in providing high-quality, patient-centered health care. Our expansive network encompasses five hospitals, including St. Joseph Health Regional Hospital in Bryan, College Station Hospital, Madison Hospital, Grimes Hospital, and Burleson Hospital; two long-term care facilities; an assisted living facility and multiple clinics. Regional Hospital is the highest-level trauma center in the Brazos Valley, ready to provide the most comprehensive and state-of-the- art trauma services, 24 hours a day, seven days a week. We are the region’s only air medical service and the first in the region to be accredited as a Chest Pain Center and Primary Stroke Center. 

The St. Joseph and Texas A&M Health Network is a primary care clinical and academic partnership with Texas A&M University Health Science Center. Together, St. Joseph and Texas A&M Health Network employs over 100 primary care physicians, specialists and advanced practice clinicians. [For more information, please contact Communications Manager, Tracy Bates at 713-962-9347 or [email protected].] ###