A former Iowa State employee has donated $53,900 to the pediatrics unit at Mary Greeley Medical Center.

The Lawrence D. Davis Children’s Respiratory Program, established on Monday, was made possible by the bequest from Davis, who died in September 1995.

“The Davis bequest gives us the opportunity to enhance our services to children with lung disease and allow us to take our tobacco prevention education to more school-aged children in our region,” said Tammy Jarnagin, director of respiratory care at Mary Greeley. “Additionally, the bequest provides funding to bring a national speaker to central Iowa to address a key children’s health issue.”

There will be a designated room honoring Davis on the fifth floor of the pediatric ward at Mary Greeley. In-patients will have access to a computer, and staff will have educational material available to them, Jarnagin said.

“The Lawrence Davis Children’s Respiratory Program has many components,” Jarnagin said. “My department just purchased a therapy vest that makes chest percussions that helps loosen mucus for children with cystic fibrosis.”

Kim Russel, president and chief executive officer at Mary Greeley, announced Monday night that the board of trustees accepted the $53,900 bequest from Davis.

“We are very appreciative of Mr. Davis’ gift,” Russel said. “We can now increase our respiratory education and home-care treatment, our all-around treatment program, as well as developing a children’s outreach program.”

Davis started working as a carpenter at ISU during July 1962. Gary Birkestrand, manager of the ISU carpenter shop, started working with Davis in 1963.

“Lawrence was one heck of a craftsman,” Birkestrand said. “He was a handy guy to have around the carpenter shop because he took care of making a lot of special orders.”

“Lawrence was a nice gentlemen to my staff,” Jarnagin said. “He is someone you will remember.”