A medical education center has opened at Colorado Mesa University in Grand Junction, a facility funded in part by unprecedented donations.

The St. Mary’s Medical Education Center houses physician assistant and occupational and physical therapy programs. The 24,000-square-foot building includes 12 classrooms and laboratory labs, group study areas and office space for staff.

Amy Bronson, director of the physician assistant studies program at CMU, said housing the programs in the same location will foster collaboration among students and staff from the different programs. “In addition to a much-needed building, this new facility helps create an infrastructure where we can more easily adapt the needs of each organization to one another’s and work together to prepare students to enter the medical and health care work force.”

 Robin Brown, chief executive officer of the CMU Foundation and vice president of development, said the project wouldn’t have been possible without the support of SCL Health St. Mary’s Regional Medical Center, Community Hospital and the City of Grand Junction. “We’re grateful that our community partners recognized the need for this facility and the value it brings to our region,” Brown said. “It truly was a collaborative effort that exemplifies the power of working together.” 

SCL Health St. Mary’s Regional Medical Center contributed $3 million to the project, the largest donation St. Mary’s has ever made and CMU has ever received.

Community Hospital and the City of Grand Junction contributed $1 million each. CMU received nearly 30 more gifts to help pay for the $13 million project.

“Both St. Mary’s and CMU have a regional mission to serve. While CMU educates students, we serve the community health and wellness needs of Western Colorado. The two purposes intersect,” said Bryan Johnson, president of St. Mary’s Regional Medial Center. “Many of our nurses and medical professionals are hired from CMU. The new St. Mary’s Medical Education Center will be essential for addressing educational needs and future community health care needs as well.”

The donation represents another part of a history of collaboration between the hospital and CMU. In 1946, the trustees for what was at that time Mesa College donated land where St. Mary’s Medical Center now operates.

Chris Thomas, CEO and president of Community Hospital, said the contribution to the center, the largest ever for the Grand Junction hospital, constitutes an investment in the education of students going into health care. “Western Colorado has a growing need for health care professionals, and Community Hospital is proud to be a part of this endeavor.”

Grand Junction Mayor Chuck McDaniel agreed. “The city has long recognized CMU’s critical role in preparing students for rewarding careers in our community, especially careers in the medical field. We are very proud to partner with CMU on the construction of this new educational facility. We look forward to many community health benefits that will be provided by the next generation of medical professionals.”