U Of M Children's Hospital Renamed For Largest Donor
MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) -- The University of Minnesota is saying "thank you" for a big donation.
The U announced Tuesday it is renaming its Amplatz Children's Hospital to honor the single largest donor to the university.
In a few weeks, the words at the top of the building will read "University of Minnesota Masonic Children's Hospital."
Minnesota Masonic Charities just gave the university $25 million to support pediatric research and medical care.
That's on top of $75 million for cancer research in the last few years. And with additional gifts, the donation totals $125 million.
A generous donation from the Amplatz family helped pay for that new building that opened in 2011. Earlier this year, the family gave up the naming rights.
The new donor is a social organization with a long history of giving. And Minnesota Masonic Charities is not new to the U. The group helped the university build the Masonic Memorial Hospital 1958, and the Masonic Cancer Research building in the 1990s.
Right now, a Masonic Cancer Clinic is under construction in Minneapolis. Eric Neetenbeek is president and CEO of Minnesota Masonic Charities.
"We're very pleased that we have the ability to do these kinds of things," Neetenbeek said. "It is our hope that others will join with us as well."
Charity is a big part of what Masons believe in. What started as a guild for stone masons in Europe in the 1700s has become a social organization for men that's known for its secrecy.
Today there are more than a million Masons nationwide, and 13,000 in Minnesota.
James Christensen is the grand master of Minnesota Masonic Charities.
"We make good men better. That's what we do," Christensen said.
And with a focus on charitable giving, their work has a huge impact.
"One of the things that we as Masons value is the contribution that we can make to future generations," Neetenbeek said.
Leaders of the group told WCCO that Masons have such a solid reputation for doing good deeds, much of the money they donate comes from people who make financial contributions to them.
Some people even leave their fortunes to them in their wills because they trust it will be used well.
The new sign with the new name will be up in about a month.
The list of famous Masons includes George Washington and actor John Wayne.
If you want to be a Mason, you can petition a local lodge for membership. You'll need to demonstrate good character.