Elaine M. Hill Award

For Distinguished Volunteer Service

Elaine M. Hill was one of the volunteers who served refreshments during the opening of the hospital in 1952. From that day forward, she was active in the UNC Medical Center volunteer program - first as a volunteer from 1967 to 1990 as director of Volunteer Services.

During her years of service, Elaine Hill exemplified the heart and soul of the volunteer spirit of caring. Her commitment to excellence in patient care and services makes her one of the true heroes of UNC Health Care.

In recognition of her leadership, UNC Hospitals Board of Directors approved in naming the annual distinguished volunteer award in her honor.

Nomination Criteria

Staff and adult volunteers are encouraged to nominate any active or retired adult UNC Health Care volunteer who has demonstrated:

• Dedication to UNC Medical Center and commitment to its ideas and values
• Exemplary service of putting others first
• Concern for physical and emotional well-being of patients and their families
• Sensitive, empathetic caring approach to volunteer tasks whether work involves direct patient interaction or operational/administrative responsibilities

Previous Award Recipients

2016 Elaine Hill Award Winner: Ann Kennedy

Volunteer Services at UNC Medical Center honored Ann Kennedy with the 2016 Elaine M. Hill Distinguished Volunteer Service Award. Kennedy has volunteered with UNC Mammography since 1991 -- and with UNC Hospitals since the mid-1970s. Read More

2014 and 2015 Elaine M. Hill Award Winners: Bill Derey and Caroline Resnick

For more than 22 years, Caroline Resnick has been a hospital volunteer at UNC, working as a patient navigator in the ICU Waiting Room and coordinating weekly pediatric brunches. Bill Derey, volunteer in Cancer Hospital Registration. Derey, a retired letter carrier, wanted to give back to his community in his free time. Since 2011, he has contributed 1,500 hours as a volunteer. Read More

2013 Elaine M. Hill Award Winner: Jim Dixon

To the Emergency Department at UNC Medical Center, Jim Dixon is a core member of the team and an integral part of the care delivered to patients and their families. Read More