Since 2001, Jim Rand has spent nearly each of his Thursdays volunteering at Emerson Hospital. His role is unique because he is the only volunteer at the hospital who does what he does. Jim uses his vast knowledge working for decades at Raytheon as an electronic systems engineer to help keep technology running smoothly throughout the hospital.
During a regular day volunteering, Jim will walk all over the hospital to deliver toners, computer carts, and lots of other technical supplies to every department, including the pharmacy, lab and each of the hospital floors. He also helps service printers and computers. “The exercise is wonderful and I enjoy interacting with everyone I see at Emerson – employees, visitors and patients. It is a very special place.”
Recently, Jim was honored with the prestigious Joan Schiller Outstanding Volunteer Award at Emerson’s annual Volunteer Awards and Appreciation Luncheon. Each year, one volunteer who has made a significant contribution in service to Emerson is honored with the award. Jim said he “feels blessed to volunteer. I enjoy the work and being with the people is the best reward.”
Jim, who is 86 and lives in Acton, has served more than 5,500 hours since he began volunteering at Emerson. Both of his sons were born at Emerson and his wife volunteered for many years at the front desk helping visitors. Jim was born in a farm house in Maine, attended the University of Maine with a degree in electrical engineering and went on to receive his MBA from Pepperdine University when he was midway through his work career. Jim worked at several locations for Raytheon and during two East/West coast transfers, he flew his private aircraft across the country. He says that volunteering at Emerson provides him with great satisfaction. When a printer is jammed or needs toner, or a computer needs service on a Thursday, Emerson employees know that Jim will be there quickly to help and offer kind words and a smile.
“With his immense knowledge of technology and his thoughtful approach, Jim helps keep Emerson’s technology running smoothly so our clinicians can focus fully on patient care,” said Christine Schuster, President and CEO of Emerson Hospital. “We are all lucky to have Jim in our Emerson family and are grateful for the tremendous service he provides.”
"Emerson has more volunteers per patient bed than any other hospital in Massachusetts," explains Janet Davis, Director of Community Services at Emerson. "However, it is not simply how many volunteers we have, but the caliber of volunteers we have that contributes to our success. Each of our volunteers bring their unique knowledge to their service at Emerson. Jim’s deep understanding of technology and his keen ability to not only fix things, but to truly help people, makes him very deserving of the Joan Schiller Outstanding Volunteer Award."
For information about volunteering at Emerson Hospital, please visit https://www.emersonhospital.org/support-emerson/volunteering.
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