On Wednesday, August 22, NorthShore University HealthSystem (NorthShore) Foundation, the philanthropic entity for NorthShore, proudly inducted the Owen L. Coon Foundation into the organization’s Legacy Society, NorthShore’s highest level of recognition for its most generous donors. The Coon family joins a respected group of philanthropists whose substantial contributions and unwavering support for NorthShore have greatly helped the organization continue the delivery of excellent patient care, the very best academic medical education and furthered leading-edge research.

The Coon family has generously supported NorthShore for more than 65 years. Owen L. Coon created the Owen L. Coon Foundation in 1946 with a philanthropic vision which has been passed on through the generations. The family established the Louise W. Coon Chair of Medicine, the first Endowed Chair at NorthShore. Through the years, the Coon family continued to make significant contributions to NorthShore, including their support of the Cardiac Catherization Laboratory, the Coon Ocular Center, the Owen L. Coon Research Center and the Owen L. Coon Chair of Cardiothoracic Surgery.

Recently, the Owen L. Coon Foundation donated a $1.5 million gift to establish the Owen L. Coon Chair of Family Medicine at NorthShore, which was celebrated after the Legacy Society induction with an Investiture Ceremony for the Endowed Chair. This recent gift brought the Owen L. Coon Foundation’s lifetime giving to more than $5 million. 

“NorthShore’s pursuit of excellence is significantly impacted by generous donors such as those within the Owen L. Coon Foundation, who support our work through a legacy based on their personal gratitude and empathy for others,” said J.P. Gallagher, President of NorthShore Evanston Hospital. “We are humbled that NorthShore continues to be a recipient of their philanthropy and they have chosen to further their longstanding commitment to the organization by establishing the Owen L. Coon Chair of Family Medicine at NorthShore.”

For more information about ways to support NorthShore University HealthSystem, please call (224) 364-7200 or visit northshore.org/foundation. 

About NorthShore University HealthSystem

Headquartered in Evanston, Illinois, NorthShore University HealthSystem (NorthShore) is a comprehensive, fully integrated, healthcare delivery system that serves the Chicago region. The system includes four hospitals in Evanston, Glenview, Highland Park and Skokie. NorthShore employs approximately 10,000 and has 2,400 affiliated physicians, including an 800+ physician, multispecialty group practice with over 100 office locations. Further, NorthShore supports teaching and research as the principal teaching affiliate for the University of Chicago Pritzker School of Medicine.

The NorthShore Research Institute focuses on clinical and translational research, including leadership in clinical trials and medical informatics. The NorthShore University HealthSystem Foundation is the primary philanthropic entity of NorthShore. The Foundation raises charitable contributions and engages volunteer friends in support of NorthShore’s ongoing mission to preserve and improve human life.

NorthShore has significant capabilities in a wide spectrum of clinical programs, including Kellogg Cancer Center, NorthShore Neurological Institute, cardiovascular care, orthopaedics, high-risk maternity and pediatrics. NorthShore is a Magnet recognized organization, the first in Illinois designated as a system to receive this prestigious honor that demonstrates excellence in nursing and high standards in patient care. NorthShore is a national leader in the implementation of innovative technologies, including electronic medical records (EMR). In 2003, NorthShore was among the first in the country to successfully launch a system-wide EMR with demonstrable benefits in quality, safety, efficiency and service to patients. NorthShore has been recognized by multiple national organizations for this notable achievement.