02/13/2026
On February 11, 2026, Summa Health held a dedication ceremony for The Women’s Board of Summa Health: A Century of Philanthropy legacy wall. The wall represents the story of a group of women who came together in 1922 to establish a fund to cover patient care costs and provide financial support for nurses and the hospital’s nursing school.
Throughout the years, the Women’s Board’s impact could be felt through its annual polo games, rummage sales, cookbooks and opening of the Gift Shop. Its philanthropic giving supported EEG machines, technical laboratories, a chapel, Akron’s first hemodialysis unit and fetal monitors. Its giving continued to be felt through renovations for a new oncology unit, emergency room, medical library and central lounge. The Women’s Board also contributed to new construction projects, such as the Ann and David Brennan Pavilion and the Jean and Milton Cooper Cancer Pavilion.
In recognition of its philanthropy, the Women’s Board was inducted into the Thomas W. Cornell Philanthropic Leadership Society and honored with the Boniface DeRoo Award for Philanthropy.
Celebrating more than a century of philanthropy, the Women’s Board has contributed more than $8.1 million and 350,000 volunteer hours. Its legacy continues to inspire, leaving an indelible mark on Summa Health and the Greater Akron community.