Nancy L. and Richard K. Donahue Dental Center Dedicated
In recognition of their tremendous contributions to Lowell Community Health Center (Lowell CHC) and the community, Lowell CHC celebrated the dedication of its Nancy L. and the late Richard K. Donahue Dental Center at 101 Jackson Street on Monday, May 13th. More than 75 invited guests, including Donahue family members, friends, and colleagues attended.
In recognition of their tremendous contributions to Lowell Community Health Center (Lowell CHC) and the community, Lowell CHC celebrated the dedication of its Nancy L. and the late Richard K. Donahue Dental Center at 101 Jackson Street on Monday, May 13th. More than 75 invited guests, including Donahue family members, friends, and colleagues attended.
The Health Center’s new dental center opened over one year ago in March and has since served more than 3,500 patients, many of whom were able to access dental care for the first time. Donahue was a major supporter of the capital campaign to renovate space to add the dental center and eye care center, along with expanding access to primary and behavioral health care.
“Nancy, you make us smile,” noted Lowell CHC CEO Susan West Levine. “I never had the privilege of meeting Dick, but I certainly know of his generosity and his commitment to Lowell. You two truly comprised the Dynamic Duo!”
“Thank you for all your contribution to arts. It helped changed and enhanced the quality of life,” said William Samaras, Mayor of the City of Lowell.
Added State Rep. Thomas Golden, “The City of Lowell is made up of many people. In order to be successful, you need a strong foundation and Nancy, you set the foundation of Lowell to be strong. Thank you and your entire family for giving so much to the community.”
After opening remarks, Donahue was regaled with a reading of “Ode to a Mighty Gal” (with apologies to Lord Byron and nightingales everywhere), which extolled her many contributions to the city. Reading the final stanza, West Levine concluded, “We really do think it’s the most logical pick, to dedicate our dental center to Nancy and to Dick.”
West Levine also announced the Health Center’s new Caring for LowellFund, made possible with Donahue’s support, which will allow medical assistants and other staff at Lowell CHC to pursue a nursing degree at Middlesex Community College without taking on undue financial burden.
Said Donahue, “I feel very blessed to help someone who needs a leg up. I can’t imagine Lowell without Lowell Community Health Center. We feel very blessed to help.”
Family members and others then joined Donahue, West Levine, and Board Chair Bruce Robinson in unveiling the dental center signage, amid a flurry of confetti. A luncheon catered by UTEC followed the dedication.
“When we first planned this dedication, we mentioned having a small, intimate gathering,” said Robinson. “Well, small is a relative term, and there is no small way to say thank you to Nancy Donahue.”
Photo caption (left to right): Health Center CEO Susan West Levine, Board Chairman Bruce Robinson, Nancy Donahue, Rep. Thomas Golden, and Mayor William Samaras.
