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CMU and partners celebrate start of new facility in Saginaw
On Tuesday, September 22, Central Michigan University broke ground on the new MyMichigan Health CMU Medical Education Building in Saginaw, which will become the new home of its Covenant HealthCare College of Medicine at Central Michigan University.
Leaders from CMU, Covenant HealthCare, and MyMichigan Health were joined by hundreds of local and regional health care partners, community leaders, faculty, staff, and students for the ceremony.
The groundbreaking marks a significant milestone in CMU’s Advancing Health Together initiative and the university’s plans to bring all four years of its medical education program to Saginaw. It also marks the beginning of a new chapter in the university's longstanding partnerships with Covenant HealthCare, MyMichigan Health and the Saginaw community.
The new facility, part of the Medical Diamond project, represents a shared vision and investment in the future of medical education and health care in the region. Covenant HealthCare and MyMichigan Health each pledged $40 million toward the project, and several other state and local organizations have made generous donations of support.
“The Advancing Health Together initiative has been, from the very start, a collaborative effort and would not be possible without the extraordinary support of our donors and partners,” said CMU President Neil MacKinnon. “Major achievements like this never happen in a vacuum – they are only possible through the collective efforts of many individuals and organizations. We are extremely grateful to the many partners who have helped make this vision a reality.”
When complete, the 90,000-square-foot facility, designed by HDR, Inc., will provide an environment where students, faculty and health care partners can collaborate, learn from one another, and make advancements in clinical education, medical research and health care delivery.
“The new facility is being designed with adaptable learning spaces, a standardized patient learning center, a simulation center, offices and meeting spaces for faculty and staff, and facilities where students can study, rest, relax and even work out,” said Joshua Nosanchuk, dean of the Covenant HealthCare College of Medicine at CMU. “The building’s design pays homage to Saginaw’s history in the lumber industry and incorporates warm wooden elements that connect it to the city’s past. We will also acknowledge and celebrate the history of the Saginaw Chippewa people through art, open spaces, and more.”
While the college will continue to maintain a strong health and research presence on CMU’s campus in Mount Pleasant, the new building is closer to health care partners and will create a more connected, comprehensive academic and clinical training environment in the region.
“Ultimately, this project isn’t about a building,” said Bryan Cross, President and CEO of MyMichigan Health. “It’s about the people who will learn here, and the patients they will one day serve. It’s about preparing future physicians not only with the science of medicine, but with an understanding of the communities they will serve. And it’s about creating a stronger pipeline for Michigan, particularly in rural and underserved communities where the need is greatest. That aligns perfectly with MyMichigan’s purpose [of] creating healthy communities together. This partnership is that purpose in action.”
The project enhances the robust partnerships between CMU and its clinical training partners. Covenant HealthCare and MyMichigan Health have played important roles in educating CMU medical students, residents and fellows.
“This project is a powerful example of what can happen when organizations come together around a shared purpose,” stated Beth Charlton, President and CEO of Covenant HealthCare. ‘Central Michigan University, Covenant HealthCare, and MyMichigan Health each bring distinct strengths to this partnership, united by our shared commitment to patients, learners, and the future of healthcare in our region. We are proud to help bring this vision to life and grateful to everyone whose dedication and collaboration have brought us to today’s groundbreaking.”
Construction of the MyMichigan Health CMU Medical Education Building is expected to continue through 2028. Faculty and staff anticipate moving into the new facility in the summer and plan to welcome students that fall.
