Mayo Clinic T. Denny Sanford Pediatric Center To Celebrate Grand Opening on June 20

Monday, June 18, 2007

ROCHESTER, Minn. — On June 20, from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., Mayo Clinic will welcome the public to the grand opening of the Mayo Clinic T. Denny Sanford Pediatric Outpatient Center. The pediatric center is funded by a $15 million gift from T. Denny Sanford, a South Dakota banker and businessman. This new center brings together many pediatric subspecialty staff and services into a single location dedicated to children. The center features an inspiring Midwest nature theme designed to calm, as well as engage patients and their families visiting the clinic.

Events will be held both outdoors at Annenberg Plaza, a pedestrian plaza between the Plummer and Mayo buildings, as well as in the pediatric center on the 16th floor of the Mayo Building. A special highlight will be a butterfly tent that children can enter and explore.

The grand opening will feature more than 30 performing arts groups, from storytellers to music ensembles to dancers. Additionally, representatives from the Minnesota Zoo, Quarry Hill Nature Center, Oxbow Park, The Zumbro Valley Audubon Society and the State Department of Natural Resources, will offer demonstrations, hands-on activities and educational opportunities.

A dedication ceremony will be held from noon to 12:30 p.m. on the Mayo Building 16th floor. Dignitaries and special guests have been invited. Speakers include: Glenn Forbes, M.D. CEO of Mayo Clinic Rochester; Kenneth Mack, M.D., Ph.D.; Nancy Henry, M.D., Ph.D.; and Robert Jacobson, M.D.

Lee Ehmke, Minnesota Zoo director and CEO, also will be on hand to unveil the new webcam feature that will be a permanent fixture in the pediatric center. The webcam will offer patients and families live views of animals at the Minnesota Zoo.

The public is encouraged to explore the pediatric center to learn more about its features and benefits. Free refreshments with an emphasis on good nutrition will be served, such as granola bars and bottled water.

"Part of the idea behind the pediatric center nature theme and the opening celebration is to encourage kids to both take care of themselves and to take care of the earth. If offers them an opportunity to learn about our own wonderful and varied Midwest habitats," says Jane Matsumoto, M.D., Mayo Clinic pediatric radiologist, who worked on the development of the pediatric center. On July 16, the center will open for patient care.

Each of the four major corridors in the pediatric center showcases an Upper Midwest habitat — lakes, forest, wetlands and prairies. Colorful mosaics, floor-to-ceiling imitation birch trees, a representation of the Mississippi River meandering through the lobby, and a glass "Discovery Wall" are just some of the fascinating artistic features visitors will discover.

Sanford is chair and president of United National Corporation and First Premier Bank, a holding company and regional bank, headquartered in Sioux Falls. He has a special interest in supporting organizations and groups that focus on the needs of children.

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