Sue Espenshade, manager of volunteer services at Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, has been presented with the 2016 Evelyn Burston Award. The honor is given by the State Association of Directors of Volunteer Services at its annual state conference to a director who best exemplifies Burston's vision, energy and professionalism. Burston’s career in volunteer services and public relations spanned 20 years from 1957 through 1977. Her pioneering accomplishments were respected and emulated by her state associates.
Espenshade, a registered nurse, has worked at the Medical Center for more than 34 years. Her career in volunteer services leadership began in 2008. She has held positions in the local, state and national Volunteer Services Society including as treasurer at the regional and state levels. She has also served on committees for the society’s regular meetings, special events and annual conferences.
At the Medical Center, Espenshade had led creative and innovative initiatives including the Teen Volunteer program, the Pet Therapy program, the addition of a new Patient Experience volunteer role, major fundraisers for Children’s Miracle Network including volunteering at its telethon, transition to an online volunteer hour recording system, reduced volunteer onboarding time and increased gift shop sales by spotting trends during buying trips. Espenshade led the A-Tisket-A-Tasket for 18 years, which has raised $270,000 to date for Children’s Miracle Network.
Espenshade coordinates seven groups from the Hershey Medical Center involved in Project Fellowship, a group home adoption program that provides mentoring to Milton Hershey School students. Espenshade also served as the liaison between the local Ronald McDonald House Charities to establish a family room in the Children’s Hospital.