About Beth Hersh Goldsmith
Founding Executive Director
In 2003, Beth Goldsmith became the Craig H. Neilsen Foundation’s first Executive Director. She worked closely with Craig to build the Foundation and helped establish initial peer-review boards for its scientific research and quality of life program grants. Following Craig’s passing in 2006, Beth continued to work with the Co-Trustees and Board of Directors to carry on Craig’s vision for the Foundation. After a courageous, hard-fought battle with cancer, Beth passed away in 2015. Beth was not only an influential colleague, but a friend and an incredible advocate for those without a voice. Her memory will not be forgotten. To ensure that her legacy lives on, the garden at the entrance to the Craig H. Neilsen Rehabilitation Hospital at the University of Utah is named in her memory. The Beth Hersh Goldsmith Garden is a place for patients and their families to reflect and relax in a peaceful setting.
When the Craig H. Neilsen Rehabilitation Hospital opened, Beth’s contributions to the Neilsen Foundation were memorialized with the Beth Hersh Goldsmith Garden. Recently the Goldsmith Garden was awarded the ASLA (American Society of Landscape Architects) highest award by the Illinois Chapter.