On Oct. 13, 2014, the University of Minnesota’s Children’s Hospital was renamed the University of Minnesota Masonic Children’s Hospital in recognition of a $25 million gift from the Minnesota Masonic Charities.

When added to the $75 million in gifts to support cancer research and care since 2008 and additional donations the Masons have made over the last six decades, this gift brings the Mason’s total support of the University of Minnesota to more than $125 million.

The new $25 million gift will be used to enhance the patient experience for children and families and advance research in areas such as neurobehavioral development, rare and infectious disease, and stem cell therapies affecting children here and around the world.

University of Minnesota Masonic Children’s Hospital is located on the west bank of the Mississippi River in Minneapolis and is affiliated with the University of Minnesota Medical School. It provides a broad range of pediatric programs and has a long history of bringing medical breakthroughs to patients while providing top quality care.

Last year, the University of Minnesota Masonic Children’s Hospital cared for children from 80 of Minnesota’s 87 counties. It averages 6,700 in-patient stays per year.

With support from Minnesota Masons, the University built the 80-bed Masonic Memorial Hospital in 1958 and the Masonic Cancer Research Building in the mid-90s. Minnesota Masonic Charities historic pledge of $65 million, made in 2008, to name the Masonic Cancer Center continues to have a profound impact. And the Masonic Cancer Clinic, currently under construction, will provide compassionate care until a cure is in hand. 

The result: Minnesota Masonic Charities has become the largest donor to the University of Minnesota, having contributed $125 million to accelerate cancer and children’s health research and outcomes.