October 19, 2001

Near right, Mongan receives his 5-year service award. Far right, 60-year recipient Wilhelmina Van Dyke, MD

Glimpses of MGH history reveal themselves each year on Ether Day as the hospital applauds its employees – some of whom have worked at the MGH for more than half their lives – for their years of service.

More than 1,500 employees and staff who have worked at the hospital for 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50 and 60 years were honored Oct. 12. They were recognized with pins and colored flowers distinguishing years of service, a celebratory ceremony and a reception with refreshments.

Edward Lawrence, chair of the MGH Board of Trustees, was on hand to present a special service award to James J. Mongan, MD, president of the MGH. Mongan received an enlarged MGH shield pin and carnation (see photos right and below left) for his five years of service at the hospital.

Jeff Davis, senior vice president for Human Resources, emceed the event, recognizing the 5- to 35-year honorees by group and the 40-, 45-, 50- and 60-year honorees individually. As Davis announced each group, the audience had the opportunity to stroll down memory lane when the number one hit song for each milestone year was played. Guest speakers Peter L. Slavin, MD, chief executive officer of the Massachusetts General Physicians Organization, and Mongan offered their congratulations to the honorees for their dedication and commitment to the hospital.