GREENPORT, NY, June 12, 2025 - Stony Brook Eastern Long Island Hospital (SBELIH) has named Linda S. Sweeney, Vice President of Foundation/Community Relations, the recipient of the 2025 Laura Goodale Award. Presented annually by the Rotary Clubs of Southold and Greenport, this prestigious honor recognizes individuals who exemplify the selfless spirit of Laura Goodale, a beloved former Eastern Long Island Hospital nurse of 42 years known for her extraordinary service, compassion, and commitment to the community.
The award ceremony, now in its 40th year, opened with Rotary Club of Southold member Walter Krupski, who shared the history of the award and reflected on Goodale’s legacy. “While Laura Goodale never had formal training, she was an unforgettable nurse and caregiver. She was dependable, conscientious, and deeply caring,” said Krupski. “She was an inspiration to patients and staff alike.”
Paul Connor, Chief Administrative Officer of SBELIH, recognized Mrs. Sweeney and past recipients as individuals who have helped shape the hospital’s values and impact. “It’s staff members like these, those who go above and beyond in both quiet acts of service and bold leadership, who create and sustain the strong culture of caring we’re so proud of at Stony Brook Eastern Long Island Hospital,” said Connor. “Linda, like the remarkable honorees before her, exemplifies the true spirit of Laura Goodale, selfless, dependable, and deeply committed to others.”
During the award presentation, Suzie Marriott, MS, RN, PMH-BC, Chief Nursing Officer and Senior Vice President of Patient Care Services, praised Sweeney’s leadership and community impact. “Linda’s natural ability as an ambassador for our hospital has elevated us in the community. Her initiatives in staff well-being and engagement are huge too. She thinks about what we need before we need it. Our growth because of you is immeasurable. The hospital has benefited from Linda’s initiatives in fundraising, giving SBELIH the ability to expand the services available to the community. Linda brilliantly continues to raise awareness as we work toward the Primary Stroke Center designation and has successfully fundraised for this very important lifesaving service for our community. You make sure people get the care that they need. You truly walk in the shoes of Laura Goodale.”
In her role with the ELIH Foundation, Mrs. Sweeney works tirelessly to raise funds for the hospital. Through strategic partnerships, community outreach, and donor engagement, she plays a vital role in securing the philanthropic support that enables SBELIH to expand services, enhance patient care, and invest in life-saving medical advancements.
Helene V. Fall, President of the ELIH Auxiliary, presented a special acknowledgment on behalf of the ELIH Auxiliary, noting Sweeney’s longtime membership and dedication. “She’s dedicated to us, and we are forever grateful,” said Fall.
In her heartfelt acceptance speech, Mrs. Sweeney thanked hospital leadership, her team, the ELIH Auxiliary, the Rotary Clubs, and her family. “It’s an honor to be part of this team and our mission. I’m proud to be a Rotarian, your dedication to the community is inspiring. Being part of SBELIH is the experience of my life. Thank you for allowing me to be part of something that makes a difference.”
SBELIH extends its deepest gratitude to the Southold and Greenport Rotary Clubs for continuing to celebrate those who carry on Laura Goodale’s enduring legacy of compassionate care.
Photo: (From left to right)
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Credit: Photo by Nicole B. Brewer
About Stony Brook Eastern Long Island Hospital:
As part of Stony Brook Medicine, Stony Brook Eastern Long Island Hospital (SBELIH) combines the best in academic and community medicine, improving access to advanced medical care for residents of the North Fork and Shelter Island. With 70 beds, SBELIH is Suffolk County’s first hospital, serving all of Suffolk County since 1905. SBELIH provides care to 25,000 year-round residents, and expands to 60,000 summer residents, with comprehensive healthcare solutions, including behavioral health, medical-surgical, orthopedics and general surgery, wound care, interventional pain management, gastroenterology, advanced ambulatory care, diagnostic laboratory and radiology services, and physical therapy services. The hospital is also a clinical campus and training site for Stony Brook Medicine, with its first SBELIH Psychiatry resident having graduated in 2022. To learn more, visit https://elih.stonybrookmedicine.edu/.
About the Eastern Long Island Hospital Foundation:
The Eastern Long Island Hospital Foundation (ELIHF), established in 2006, is the fundraising and communications arm of Stony Brook Eastern Long Island Hospital (SBELIH). All of the Foundation's philanthropic efforts are independent of Stony Brook Medicine (SBM), and all funds raised by the Foundation remain local to benefit SBELIH in Greenport. SBELIH is one campus of the SBM system. All hospitals fundraise to enhance services, attract physicians and healthcare professionals, and to build infrastructure for current and future healthcare needs. The Foundation promotes participation in developing and maintaining a positive relationship between our community, healthcare providers and the hospital. To learn more visit: https://elihfoundation.org/.