2025 Founders Ball

Spirit of Healing Honorees

It is our honor to announce the recipients of the 2025 Holy Name Spirit of Healing Award.

Congregation of the Sisters of St. Joseph of Peace

The dedicated service, pursuit of quality, and compassionate commitment to the individual that have so dramatically defined the Holy Name health system and differentiated it from others throughout the last century, are rooted in the mission and values of the Congregation of the Sisters of St. Joseph of Peace.

When the Congregation established Holy Name Hospital and Holy Name School of Nursing 100 years ago, these institutions were profound statements and pragmatic applications of the Sisters' charism.

During that inaugural year, 1925, The Record newspaper quoted Dr. George Pitkin, the surgeon with whom the Congregation founded Holy Name. He spoke of "these self-sacrificing Sisters" who "give their talent, their work, and their lives, without any remuneration to serve humanity." He called their souls "sanctuaries of faith, love, and mercy." In their work, he saw they "draw no race, no creed, no class lines. All are received and all are given the best treatment and care that the hospital facilities afford, and that is the best that modern science supplies."

The era never changed the mission - or its results. Through wars, pestilence and sociopolitical transformation, the Congregation's courageous leadership and love for humanity generated a century of progress, often with advancements in hospital administration and practice that were far ahead of their time. Over the years, the Sisters - some of whom were graduates of Holy Name’s School of Nursing, now the Sister Claire Tynan School of Nursing - have been credited with achievements that will live in perpetuity for their forward-thinking nature and long-term impact.

The Congregation has been the cornerstone of Holy Name's legacy; it is undeniable that the Sisters' enduring influence and benediction will help guide our health system into the next century.

Aleta and Rich Taylor

To whom much is given, much is expected. For Aleta and Rich Taylor, these words are a way of life. So much so, they named their family foundation, Serviam - Latin for "I will serve."

Thirty years ago, the Taylors made their first donation to Holy Name. Since then, the couple and the health system have forged a bond of friendship and support. Rich and Aleta’s generosity is responsible for rebuilding Holy Name’s ICU, now called the Serviam Foundation Intensive Care Unit; and for the construction and upgrade of the medical center’s special care nursery to the newest, state-of-the-art Level III Neonatal Intensive Care Unit in Bergen County.

During the early years of their marriage, Rich honed his electrical and electronic skills, earning his electrical contracting license, opening his own business, Machinery Services Corp., and later, purchasing Rapid Pump & Meter Service Co., Inc. Both companies provide diverse electrical and mechanical services to a broad customer base. Aleta had pursued nursing, ministering to patients in the burn unit -- physically and emotionally demanding work that was as much a calling as a career. After retiring to raise their growing family, Aleta helped her husband expand his businesses, while raising their four children and volunteering.

By focusing on what matters -- quality, service, an exceptional concern for their customers' needs, and treating employees like family -- Rich’s company has thrived. Just as important, he has used his construction industry experience to contribute to the development of many individuals, businesses and charitable organizations. In addition to healthcare, the couple’s deep commitment to making a positive social impact extends to education, poverty, hunger, homelessness, recovery and faith-based organizations through their Serviam Foundation, and each are trustees of organizations close to their hearts; Holy Name Foundation for Rich, and Oasis for Aleta.