Hard Hats and Shovels in the Heat

On August 2, ground was officially broken for Midwestern University's clinical campus in Downers Grove, IL. Of course, it was a very hot day.

But despite the temperatures and humidity, it was also a very exciting day for the University. We fortunately had a small tent to provide shade and a great turnout of local legislators and business leaders. We also had a fair number of local reporters, and at one point, I was caught in what seemed like a paparazzi shoot of Dr. G and Mayor Tully! With cameras clicking away, there was no way for me to gracefully back out of view. Fortunately, none of those photos make it into the local newspapers.

What did make it into the press were some great pics of hard-hatted administrators, Village councilmembers, and business group leaders wielding shovels and throwing dirt into the air. There is nothing like a groundbreaking for a good photo op!

Photo: Downers Grove Mayor Martin Tully, me, Dr. Mary Lee, Dr. Dennis Paulson, Dr. Kathleen Goeppinger, Dean Malone, and Dr. Arthur Dobbelaere shoveling it.

To start the ceremony, Dr. G welcomed the guests and shared an overview of plans for the clinical campus. The five-story building will include a multispecialty clinic and dental clinic to provide affordable care for the community and training sites for MWU students. The project is also a $120 million investment in the local economy. It will create jobs and generate revenue across many sectors of local businesses.

Midwestern University is very proud of our commitment to Downers Grove. The support of their elected officials and business leaders for our clinical campus is an important partnership for our community and our students. Like my colleagues, I was very proud to don my hard hat and throw some earth for the economy and for healthcare education.