Guthrie Celebrates Renovated Education Building, Honoring Philanthropy and Commitment to Rural Healthcare Education
The Guthrie Clinic marked the completion of a major renovation to the Patterson Education Building & Mark and Debbie Stensager Auditorium on its Sayre campus during a special event Tuesday, April 7, celebrating philanthropy, partnership and a shared commitment to advancing education and research in rural healthcare.
“Tonight marks both a recognition of our efforts and a glimpse at Guthrie’s future -- a future where learning is constant, research is closer to the bedside and innovation is built into our daily work,” said Dr. Edmund Sabanegh, Guthrie President and CEO.
The building holds deep historical significance for Guthrie and the Sayre community. Originally constructed through the generosity of Carl Patterson, a Towanda scientist and industrialist whose work in Xray technology transformed diagnostic medicine worldwide, the Patterson Education Building was dedicated in 1969 through a gift from his widow, Katherine Patterson. From its earliest days, the space was designed to educate future caregivers.
That legacy continues today through the Stensager family. The renovated auditorium now bears the name Stensager Auditorium in recognition of the generosity and leadership of Mark and Debbie Stensager, whose longstanding commitment to Guthrie and the region helped make the modernization possible. Mark Stensager served as President and CEO of the Guthrie Healthcare System and later as Co-CEO of Guthrie Health, while Debbie Stensager supported Guthrie through community leadership, philanthropy and relationship building that strengthened the organization’s ties across the region.
“For many new caregivers and learners, this building is one of their very first impressions of Guthrie,” Sabanegh said. “Every learner who studies here is preparing to care for someone’s parent, someone’s child, someone’s neighbor. When we strengthen the environments where our caregivers learn and grow, we strengthen the care our communities receive.”
The renovation transformed Stensager Auditorium into a flexible, technology-enabled space designed to support modern education, research presentations and systemwide collaboration, including Guthrie’s annual Research Day. The adjacent Beck Library was also reimagined, featuring enhanced study areas, collaborative zones and private pods that support focused work, interviews and scholarly collaboration.
The project was funded through a generous gift from the Stensagers and through the Emily Guthrie Trust, allowing Guthrie to invest in education and research without diverting resources from clinical care priorities.
Several partners were recognized for their role in bringing the project to life, including BNY Mellon, Highland Associates, Welliver, Automated Lifestyles, Sedgwick Business Interiors and Guthrie’s internal construction team. The evening also included remarks from Representative Tina Pickett and recognition of Guthrie’s Board of Directors, led by Board Chair Ken Levitzky.
“As Guthrie continues to grow, our focus remains on ensuring excellence in healthcare is never limited by geography,” Sabanegh said. “This investment reinforces our belief that rural communities deserve the very best -- and that begins with how we educate, innovate and support our caregivers.”
The renovation aligns with Here. For Good. – The Campaign for Guthrie, Guthrie’s largest philanthropic initiative, focused on strengthening education, expanding access to care, investing in innovation and supporting caregivers across the region. Projects such as the Stensager Auditorium and Beck Library reflect the campaign’s commitment to building environments where learning and collaboration thrive.
Those interested in supporting Here. For Good. – The Campaign for Guthrie can learn more here.