Lindenwood Magazine - Spring 2025

18 SPRING 2025 EDITION THE LINDENWOOD CANOPY The Mighty THE GIFT OF INTENTIONALITY Jane and Ron Puszkar believe in the power of education and community. Between the two of them, they earned five degrees, raised two children, and found powerful ways to support students at Lindenwood University. They chuckle when asked how they met, which happened in a Kmart parking lot. A carefree choice about which seat to take in the car may have been Jane’s last unintentional decision, because once Ron and Jane met, their lives changed for the better. Since meeting, the Puszkars have committed their lives to being intentional and serving others. Jane has dedicated her life and her learning to understanding the ‘why’. She earned her MBA from Lindenwood University and worked in the pharmaceutical industry. Impressed by the knowledge of nurses, and the ways in which they advocated for patient needed, she decided to pursue a third degree in nursing. Jane found ways to improve the environment for both patients and practitioners. She established the Association of Stroke Coordinators, a group of nurses who connect to share best practices in patient care and collaborate for discussion about clinical efforts for treatment. What started as 12 nurses from major hospitals in the St. Louis area has now grown to more than 70 members. Ron, on the other hand, spent his professional career in medical marketing, where he excelled in understanding the needs of physicians. His ability to listen and improve systems made him a valuable asset in his field. A chemistry major, Ron went back to school for an MBA at Lindenwood which he attributes to his foray into management. “School is important to be successful in society,” Ron shared. He focused on what he wanted to do, what he was passionate about, and then pursued the qualifications to get him there. Ron was intentional in serving others through his work.