Christian Health Honors The DeYoung Family

Christian Health (CHCC) recognized the DeYoung family on June 4, 2018, with the naming of the DeYoung Auditorium.

CHCC and the DeYoungs have a longstanding relationship dating back to 1955, when the late John DeYoung assumed his role as CHCC Maintenance Director. John served in this role until 1985, when he transitioned to Project Manager for the construction of Heritage Manor West Nursing Home, the Commons (including the DeYoung Auditorium), Ramapo Ridge Behavioral Health, and Hillcrest. John had a great understanding of the CHCC campus and the small intricacies that allow it to function so well.

The late Connie DeYoung, John’s wife, served as a CHCC Junior Auxiliary member from 1956 to 1970, Junior Auxiliary President from 1970 to 1971, and Women’s’ Auxiliary President from 1971 to 2006. Connie would help lead the auxiliaries in volunteer activities that were designed to better the lives of our residents. Fundraising was a major part of Connie’s life, and through the auxiliaries’ efforts, funds were raised to assist in the development of numerous facilities still in use to this day.

Sandra DeYoung, RN, EdD, John and Connie’s daughter, has served on the CHCC Board of Trustees since 1988. She became the first female board Chair in 2008. In 2018, she began her fourth term on the board. As a registered nurse and educator, Dr. DeYoung has provided valuable knowledge to our board, which in turn has benefitted CHCC-at-large. Prior to her retirement, Dr. DeYoung served as the Dean of the College of Science and Health at William Paterson University.  She was recently recalled from retirement to serve as Interim Provost for William Paterson while a search is conducted for a permanent Provost.

We have been blessed by the devotion, love, knowledge and service that the DeYoung family has provided us over the past 60-plus years. It is fitting and appropriate that we give thanks to God for the blessing of the DeYoung family to help us foster health, healing, and wellness for those we serve. We will strive to honor the DeYoung name, as this auditorium will serve as space for enlightened thought, discussion, worship, education, discovery, community engagement, and overall well-being.