An MUSC Hero
Marketing's Ruppel works in interest of others
by Cindy AbolePublic Relations
Whatever the role, Mark Ruppel’s efforts are always in the best interest of others.
“When Mark Ruppel is around, it is
categorically impossible to be grumpy. He is the antidote for whatever
ails you. But then again, if you get too comfortable, watch out, ‘cuz he’ll
superglue your phone to your hand or put Tabasco in your coffee. He’s just
that kind of guy.”
—Susan Kammeraad Campbell, Director
of Marketing Publications
A Pennsylvania transplant, Ruppel has made his own “mark” around MUSC and the Lowcountry community as a spirited, dedicated and giving individual and citizen.
Ruppel has successfully channeled his compassion and “joie de vivre” attitude with co-workers, patients, children and people in the community connected through his work and volunteerism.
As director of community relations in Business Development and Marketing Services, Ruppel provides a distinct level of expertise in media relations and business services to marketing support with the new Heart and Vascular Center and other areas of the medical center.
“Mark is an exceptional person—always prepared to help others and go beyond any expectations that people have of him,” said Chris Murray, director of Business Development and Marketing Services. “Whether it’s on the job, as a volunteer or as a friend, his compassionate nature has him placing others and their needs above his own.”
Prior to his work on the marketing and business side, Ruppel worked with MUSC’s Transplant Center.
“Mark is a very caring and compassionate individual,” said Kathy Turrisi, R.N., MUSC Transplant Center program director. “He is a strong believer in giving back to the community as evidenced by his many volunteer activities. He is one of those rare individuals who naturally reframes problems into opportunities. Even during the worst of times, Mark is always there to give others a guiding hand.”
Transplant center liaison Jennifer Milton has worked with Ruppel since 1996 when he was a community organ donation coordinator. It was then that she was able to witness his extraordinary compassion among families of people who died tragically to offer them the option of donating organs. Later, he joined MUSC’s Transplant Center staff as a legislative liaison acting as an advocate for patients too sick to be advocates for themselves regarding their care.
Although Ruppel moved on, he and Milton have continued to work together—this time, as advocates for the Lowcountry Juvenile Diabetes Research Fund. Ruppel’s commitment to helping to find a cure for the disease has allowed him to be an active volunteer and past president with the organization.
“In everything Mark does, he is always trying to help others: whether it’s saving their house and memories from a fire, saving a life, in fund-raising for the JDRF to find a cure for a terrible disease or in advocating for MUSC patients,” said Milton. “He’s just a great guy!”
Other community involvement includes work as a volunteer firefighter for the Town of Mount Pleasant. A former emergency medical technician, Ruppel responds to calls, assists staff, prepares incident reports and command chart and even shares in some of the same level of training as many of the department’s 100-plus paid firefighters and service to more than 58,000 residents.
Earlier this year, Ruppel was instrumental in helping to acquire funds to help purchase automated external defibrillators (AEDs) for the Mount Pleasant Fire Department. Working in conjunction with the department’s public access program efforts, Ruppel secured a grant from a private organization that allowed the department to buy seven portable life-saving units —enough for each fire station, plus the town’s recreation departments.
For his hard work and initiative, Ruppel was honored as one of two employees of the month by the Mount Pleasant Fire Department in August.
“Mark is a very nice person and one of the most thorough guys to work with,” said Robert Wagenbrenner, assistant chief, Mount Pleasant Fire Department. “He’s dedicated in his volunteer efforts and is an ideal liaison working with local businesses, companies and organizations.”
Editor’s note: At MUSC, heroes abound. They exist in the form of
caregivers, faculty, students and staff. The Catalyst's MUSC Heroes is
a column that offers employees and staff the opportunity to recognize MUSC's
everyday heroes. Send an e-mail about your MUSC hero along with your name
and office phone number to catalyst@musc.edu.
Catalyst Online is published weekly, updated as
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