Barbara Gillespie is Ambassador of September 2016

Barbara-GillespieBarbara Gillespie, a 42-year food and nutrition department member, is Franciscan St. Anthony Health-Michigan City’s September Ambassador of the Month.

The award has been presented by the hospital’s Social and Recognition Committee since 1988 and recognizes employees who exhibit the mission and values of Franciscan Alliance, which include compassion for those in need, respect for life and the dignity of mankind, wellness and prevention of illness, restoration to health and acceptance of death as the final step toward wholeness. Recipients also have demonstrated courtesy, the proper attitude and enthusiasm for their work.

Gillespie, who resides in Michigan City, was nominated for the award by a fellow employee, who said, “she greets everyone with a warm and caring smile and is kind and compassionate to everyone entering the cafeteria.”

Asked how she felt about receiving the honor, Gillespie said she was surprised, overwhelmed and humbled.

“I want to thank Lynette Sims for getting me the job and Kathy Kesling, my present manager, for preparing the department to the transition to our new hospital in 2018. The dietary team is one, big happy family,” Gillespie said.

Her hobbies include gardening, jazzercise and volunteering at her church kitchen.

In recognition of the honor, Gillespie, as are all Ambassador recipients, was honored with a special billboard display for the month, a privileged parking spot, an Ambassador badge holder, a photo on the Ambassador of the Month wall that displays the previous 12 months’ winners, and $150.