A South Shore Legend has been chosen to be added to the “Wall of Legends,” at the Indiana Welcome Center in Hammond, Indiana. Awardees have accomplishments that resonate in and beyond northwest Indiana that demonstrate innovation, creativity, courage and/or exploration.
Consuelo Ornelas-Garcia, the first Hispanic nurse in Northwest Indiana
Consuelo Ornelas-Garcia, the first Hispanic nurse in Northwest Indiana, will be honored on on Thursday, October 3, 2024 at 5:00pm at the Indiana Welcome Center in Hammond. This annual event will also honor an additional Legends Scholar from one of the local universities.
After 32 years of employment with US Steel ‘s Medical Department, Consuelo Ornelas-Garcia, retired in 1984. In the spring of 1996, she was honored by the National Association of Hispanic Nurses (NAHN), Northwest Indiana Chapter as the first known Hispanic nurse of Northwest Indiana. She formally received this recognition on April 13, 1996, at formal NAHN gathering at Teibel’s restaurant near her home in St. John. In 2000, the Northwest Indiana Hispanic Nurses’ chapter recognized Connie again for her contributions to the nursing profession and with the help of her daughter, developed a Nursing scholarship in her honor.
The South Shore Legends Wall at the Indiana Welcome Center pays tribute to the remarkable individuals who have made a significant impact on Northwest Indiana. The digital redesign can now showcase an infinite number of Legends inductees, and a section of the wall is interchangeable, allowing a new legend to be showcased periodically
“Recognizing people from Northwest Indiana for their contributions to the region and to greater society is an important part of creating region pride and providing inspiration to future generations,” said Kelly Anoe, Legacy Foundation President & CEO. “We are excited to be a partner in bringing this program back.”
Legends are individuals, living or dead, who have had a substantial impact with lasting implications and have lived or worked in Lake, Porter, La Porte, Jasper, Newton, Pulaski or Starke counties.
“With the support from Legacy Foundation and BP Whiting Refinery, the Indiana Welcome Center completely redesigned the Wall of Legends to an interactive kiosk for the 20th anniversary,” stated Phil Taillon, CEO & President at the South Shore Convention & Visitors Authority. “The rich history of these legends is an inspiration to all of us who live and work in the area.”
South Shore Legends are typically historical contributors, not modern-day innovators. Past Legends include Orville Redenbacher, Charles Bowman & Garnet Findling for revolutionizing the popcorn industry, Frank Borman – Apollo 8 Commander, “A Christmas Story” author Jean Parker Shepherd, and many others.
South Shore Convention & Visitors Authority
7770 Corinne Dr. | Hammond, IN | 46323
www.alongthesouthshore.com
Susie Young Baxter, CEO, has published PanoramaNOW Magazine for 31 years. Her hobbies are Camping, Boating, Hiking, Nature, Gardening and Outdoor Activities. She is an Artist, Graphic Designer, an Avid Seamstress, Dabbles in Homemade Crafts and Landscaping. Since her Father was a Health Teacher, she also likes homeopathic Health Solutions. Since blogging started over 10 years ago, PanoramaNow has been added to Newsbreak – a national news affiliate.
