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

Bryan, TX, May 3, 2022—St. Joseph Health named Sherri Welch, RN, and Terry Jenkins, MD, as 2023 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 88 years ago. St. Joseph Health was pleased to present the Legacy Awards to the recipients at a ceremony at St. Joseph Health Bryan Hospital last week.

 “As I continue to learn more about St. Joseph Health’s rich history in the Brazos Valley, I am constantly, pleasantly surprised to see the depth of dedication so many individuals have to our organization, to our patients and to the community. These Legacy Award winners and winners from the past really have left a lasting legacy. They have, and continue, to touch the lives of so many,” said Kim Shaw, BSN, MBA, FACHE, President and CEO of St. Joseph Health. “It is truly an honor to add Sherri and Dr. Jenkins to this distinguished list of individuals.” 

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. Nominees 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. 

Sherri Welch, RN, dedicated over 25 years to serving others. Before retiring from St. Joseph Health in 2022, others described Sherri as “compassionate” and “truly cares about our patients, families, employees, and physicians.” Sherri could often be found in the hospital early in the morning and late at night, rounding on patients and checking on employees to ensure they had what they needed. Sherri has played an active role in many community organizations, including the Bryan/College Station Chamber of Commerce, March of Dimes, Southeast Chapter of the American College of Healthcare Executives, Ronald McDonald House Charities of Brazos County, and Health for All. 

Terry Jenkins, MD, joined the Cancer Clinic in 1997, and has dedicated his life to providing excellent care for cancer patients in the Brazos Valley. Not only is he known for his quality care, but Dr. Jenkins provides compassion, wisdom, humor, and connection for his patients, their families, and those he works with. On numerous occasions, Dr. Jenkins has gone above and beyond to ensure his patients receive the care they need. During the COVID-19 pandemic, he remained steady on the front lines, not wavering, despite the medical community’s uncertainty. Dr. Jenkins lives Franciscan values of reverence, selflessness, humility, and tenderness daily. His commitment to his patients and the mission of health care continues to leave a lasting impact on all he touches. 

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; Anna Damian, MD; 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; Caroline McDonald; Karen Boone, BSN, RN; and David Damian, MD. This year marks the sixth 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. St. Joseph Health is 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. St. Joseph Health is an academic and clinical partner of Texas A&M Health Science Center, working together St. Joseph Health and the Texas A&M Health Network employ over 100 primary care physicians, specialists and advanced practice clinicians. To learn more, visit St-Joseph.org.

[For more information, please contact Communications Manager, Tracy Bates at 713-962-9347 or [email protected].]