Richmond University Medical Center honors late beloved colleague with tree-lighting ceremony

New York’s Staten Island. Recently, coworkers, friends, and family came together to honor Laura Gajda, the former vice president of development at Richmond University Medical Center (RUMC).

It was only fitting that a tree erected on the West Brighton hospital’s front lawn was decorated and lit during a ceremony on Thursday, December 19, as Gajda, who died away earlier this year, was in charge of many of the hospital’s December holiday celebrations.

According to her daughter, who was present during the ceremony, “My mom loved RUMC and her time working here.” We appreciate you keeping her in mind and honoring her with this event.

Robert Urs, chair and trustee of the RUMC Foundation, and Brian Gomez, a foundation member, also attended the tribute and spoke about Gajda’s constant commitment and the enduring influence she had through relationships formed at the hospital. They added that many of these connections resulted in the development of various projects, including the Lucille and Jay Chazanoff Surgical Pavilion and RUMC’s new James P. Molinaro Emergency Department.

Others at the occasion talked about her contagious nature and desire to lend a hand, particularly during the pandemic when she was frequently spotted delivering food provided by neighborhood stores to employees who worked long shifts and long hours.

Gajda was born in St. Louis, Missouri, on October 14, 1958, and graduated with a bachelor’s degree in journalism from the University of Missouri-Columbia. She eventually became a fellow of the Association of Healthcare Philanthropy Association and graduated with a master’s degree in business administration from Maryville University.

According to Gajda’s daughter Jackie, “My mom loved RUMC and her time working here.” Richmond University Medical Center is the source.Medical Center at Richmond University

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