Happy National Volunteer Week!

Apr 21, 2021 | Rebecca Hynes | @hynesrebecca

Mayo Clinic in Rochester looked a bit different this past year due to the pandemic, but the return of many volunteers to campus has been a positive change to the landscape. Many of you were eager to return to campus to resume serving patients, visitors and staff, and embraced new roles while patiently waiting for your favored service area to resume on-campus volunteer activities.

In celebration of National Volunteer Week, meet some of the many volunteers who have taken on new roles.

Pete Ingvarsson is nearing his fourth year as a Saint Marys Campus volunteer. Prior to taking on his new role at the Francis Welcome Desk, where he provides patients and visitors with helpful information, Pete offered light hand massages to patients, caregivers, family members and staff as a member of the Caring Hands team.

Becky Licatino has been a Caring Hands volunteer at Methodist Campus for over two years, offering light hand massages to patients, caregivers, family members, and staff. She now volunteers at the Methodist Campus Gift Shop, where she assists with assists with the cash register, phone orders, and customer service.

Ann Oldenburg is a Pink Ribbon Mentor. For 10 years she has provided one-on-one emotional and informational support to patients with breast cancer. Now Ann is also a Welcome Desk volunteer at the Charlton Building. With her warm disposition, Ann provides information and directions to help patients and visitors reach their destination.

John Plizga is a volunteer at the Saint Marys Campus. He has served as a liaison in the Emergency Department lobby for almost eight years, welcoming patients and family members. John now serves as a Wayfinder where he walks the hallways of the Francis and Mary Brigh Buildings and escorts visitors and patients to their destination.

Lynn Stolp is a No One Dies Alone (NODA) volunteer, serving as a companion to patients who are in their last hours of life. Lynn welcomed the opportunity to assist in two areas of the Gonda Building, the elevators and Welcome Desk. She enjoys assisting patients and guests at the elevators and providing helpful information and directions.