Alum of the Month

Tim Rice
Staples, MN
1991 (MA '01)
Management

Tell us about the work you do: I am President of Lakewood Health System, a rural integrated health system located in Staples, Minnesota. I provide the leadership to ensure exceptional quality and service are provided at all times to our patients and residents.

A source of pride in your life: My family: my wife, Lynn; children, Amy, Chris, Matt, Stephanie, and Kelsey; and grandchildren Alexander, Alexis and Brianne.

Best St. Scholastica memory: Graduation ceremony. When I received my diploma, my granddaughter yelled "that-a-way grandpa!" It was special that my grandchildren recognized the accomplishment that I had achieved. The other best memories were my instructors. They were exceptional.

Significant influences: My fellow classmates. My classmates stood behind me and were always there for me especially when it, at times, seemed too difficult to finish. The support and friendships helped each of us keep going together to achieve our goals.

Greatest professional moment: I received the Minnesota Health Hero Award in 2009, the Health Leaders Media Rural Health Team Award in 2008, the Citizen of the Year by the Staples Community Foundation in 2006 and the Best Rural Minnesota Workplace Award in 2003.

Tell us something interesting about your life: Over the years, my wife and I have hosted foreign exchange students from Sweden, the Netherlands, Germany, and South Korea. We adopted our youngest child from South Korea and these connections have allowed us to travel and expand our understanding of the world through different cultures as well as have friends and family in many different countries.

Philosophy: Never violate a trusting relationship. Be a person of character - your name is all you have.  Be a humble leader who is respecting of all others.

Impact of the Benedictine values: I am actively engaged in enhancing the quality of life in the community and area where I work and live. Each of us are born with skills that can be used to make a difference for others.  The ability to give back from the gifts God gave us is truly a blessing and honor.