Lake Sunapee Region VNA & Hospice to Receive Colby-Sawyer’s 2020 Community Award

Colby-Sawyer College is pleased to announce that Lake Sunapee Region VNA & Hospice (LSRVNA) has been selected to receive the 2020 Community Award in recognition of its many contributions, and commitment, to the college.

The Community Award, formerly the Town Award, is presented annually to an area resident or organization who has demonstrated extraordinary involvement in, and made noteworthy contributions to, Colby-Sawyer. Through nearly all of its 50 years of service to the greater New London community, LSRVNA has opened its doors to hundreds of Colby-Sawyer students, and inspired many to pursue careers in home care, hospice or palliative settings.

“It is especially meaningful to receive the Community Award in 2020 because this year marks the 50th anniversary of Lake Sunapee Region VNA & Hospice,” LSRVNA President and CEO Jim Culhane said. “Our entire team has been reflecting on this milestone and is reminded that our strength today would not be possible without strong partnerships like the one we enjoy with Colby-Sawyer College. We are honored to receive this award and are grateful for the college’s impact in so any ways.”

Since 1970, LSRVNA has provided healthcare and hospice services to individuals and families in the greater Lake Sunapee Region, in both home and community settings. During that time, LSRVNA has been a consistent source of opportunity for the college’s health science students, whether through internships or by providing mentors for Capstone projects centered around public health.

LSRVNA has continually guaranteed employment to students pursing degrees in nursing, primarily as licensed nursing assistants (LNAs), and often hires graduates of Colby-Sawyer’s nursing program as registered nurses. Through the years, LSRVNA has held health fairs, immunization screenings and preventative screenings at the college, as well as its annual “Women Who Have Made a Difference Luncheon.” Staff have also served as guest speakers in classes and special events, and taught courses as part of the college’s Adventures in Learning program.

“Lake Sunapee Region VNA & Hospice has been a generous partner of the college, providing important experiences for students interested in home healthcare and hospice work,” Colby-Sawyer President Susan D. Stuebner said. “We are so very fortune to have had them in our region for the past 50 years, and we thank them for their support of our students, and for all they do for the region.”

This year’s award was scheduled to be presented to LSRVNA leadership May 27 during the college’s annual President’s Community Forum. The forum was canceled as a result of COVID-19, however, and plans are in the works to present the award this fall.