The Mercy Medical Center Foundation has announced that Russell and Marilyn Christiansen will be this year's recipients of the Dr. George G. Spellman Annual Service Award.
Marilyn Christiansen will accept the prestigious honor at the Mercy Medical Center Foundation's annual gala, which will be Nov. 6 at the Marina Inn in South Sioux City, Neb. Russell Christiansen, who died in November 2000, will be honored posthumously.
Named for one of the most distinguished physicians in Sioux City's history, the Dr. George G. Spellman Annual Service Award pays special recognition to a community member who has given of his/her time, talent and dedication to exemplify the values of Mercy. Spellman, who died early in 2002, and his wife, Carol, were the first recipients of the honor in 2002. Martha Burchard, a long-time health professional, was honored with the award last year.
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Peter and Cyndi Makowski and Carla Galloway nominated the Christiansens for the 2004 award.
"Marilyn has served Mercy as a tireless volunteer on our Mercy Gala Committee, and the Mercy Alliance for Women's Health," Peter and Cyndi Makowski wrote in their nomination. "Russell served on Mercy's board of directors. The couple has also been very active in other community agencies.
"Russell will long be remembered as a man of great vision and talent. He served Mid-American Energy for more than 30 years, his last 11 as CEO. He is credited with founding Dakota Dunes and Gateway Business Park as well as helping Siouxland expand business and attract new business.
"Marilyn's greatest talent is in her love for people. She stands with everyone by living what our faith represents and asks," Peter and Cyndi Makowski added.
Long-time supporters of Bishop Heelan High School and Sioux City's Catholic Schools system, the Christiansens served as honorary chairs for the Catholic School's' annual dinner and auction. Marilyn served on the Catholic Schools of Sioux City's Development Committee for eight years and was chair of the school system's capital campaign, "So Generations Might Know." Marilyn currently serves on the board of trustees of Briar Cliff University and is chairperson of the President's Leadership Council. The Christiansens received the Leadership in Catholic Education Award from the Sioux City Diocese in 2000.
Marilyn Christiansen has been actively involved in numerous community efforts and organizations. She has supported programs at Jackson Recovery. In addition to the Mercy Foundation and Catholic Charities, she also serves as a volunteer for the Siouxland Regional Cancer Center.
Russell Christiansen served on the boards of several local banks, the Sioux City Symphony, Goodwill Industries, Mercy Medical Center, Briar Cliff University, South Dakota State University, the South Dakota Community Foundation and Catholic Schools Foundation. He also served on the Iowa State Regulatory Commission, the Iowa Board of Natural Conservancy and the Edison Electric Institute.
"As evidenced by their decision to form the Christiansen Family Foundation, Russell and Marilyn Christiansen have a sincere commitment to share with others through their gifts of time, talent and financial support," Peter and Cyndi Mak-owski told the Mercy Foundation Board in making their nomination. "The Christiansens have been notable leaders in promoting awareness of social services and education."
For more information about the Mercy Foundation's 2004 Gala, or to reserve tickets for the event, call (712) 279-2223.
