Dunlap Gift to Mayo Clinic Supports Cancer Center at Luther Midelfort

Tuesday, October 26, 2010

ROCHESTER, Minn. — Mayo Clinic and Luther Midelfort — part of Mayo Health System — will be celebrating the completion of the Albert J. and Judith A. Dunlap Cancer Center on Wednesday, Oct. 27, 2010. The center will open for patient care in February 2011. Earlier this year Mayo Clinic announced that it received a $5 million gift from Albert and Judith Dunlap of Ocala, Fla. The gift supports the creation of The Albert J. and Judith A. Dunlap Cancer Center which is located at Luther Midelfort in Eau Claire, Wis., which is part of Mayo Health System. Mayo Health System is Mayo Clinic's network of community-based health care providers in Minnesota, Iowa and Wisconsin.

The center will provide Mayo Clinic radiation oncologists and Luther Midelfort oncologists the space to work together to coordinate patient care. The addition of the cancer center is part of a $112 million capital project undertaken at Luther Midelfort to address the health care needs of the community.

Mrs. Dunlap, a native of Eau Claire, cites her desire to support the community as the basis for the gift. "I'm pleased to be able to give something back to my hometown," she says. "I grew up there, and it is where my husband and I met and were married. We're honored to partner with Mayo Clinic in creating the cancer center and grateful that we have this opportunity to help improve the lives of people there."

Randall Linton, M.D., chief executive officer and president of Luther Midelfort, welcomes the new era that will be ushered in with the opening of the cancer center. "This generous gift will expand our ability to deliver high-quality health care and service to Eau Claire area residents, especially those affected by cancer," he says.

The cancer center is surrounded by landscaped terraces that offer a healing environment for patients and visitors. The area will be named the "Joseph and Virginia Stringer Garden" to honor Mrs. Dunlap's parents.

Mr. Dunlap is a retired international corporate executive, best-selling author and graduate of West Point. Throughout his career, Mrs. Dunlap has been by his side — traveling with him extensively, building relationships with his business associates and encouraging the family's philanthropy. Both have been patients at Mayo Clinic in Florida.

"Mayo's commitment to quality care is legendary," says Mr. Dunlap. "Seeing our names displayed on one of their buildings and knowing that we can make a difference in the lives of patients is truly a privilege."

Through their generous gift, the Dunlaps join the ranks of Mayo Clinic Principal Benefactors. This is a select group of individuals and organizations that demonstrate distinctive leadership through their philanthropy.

The gift to Mayo Clinic is the latest in a line of philanthropic support from the Dunlaps. Previously, they had provided gifts to Florida State University, most notably to fund the Albert and Judith Dunlap Student Success Center. They also have supported Mr. Dunlap's alma mater and animal shelters around the world.

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