Mott Children’s Hospital and Women’s Hospital Groundbreaking Ceremony

Oct. 6, 2006

I want everyone here to look around for a moment and take in today’s view. It’s going to change very soon. The next four years are going to bring dust and noise and a small bit of chaos to this corner of our campus.

But we need to look past the construction cranes and yellow tape that is coming and see what is really unfolding—and that is the future.

The new Mott Children’s Hospital and Women’s Hospital will be a source of hope and a place of healing.

There is no more profound vocation at the University of Michigan than that of improving the health of children and women. In our everyday lives here at the University, we know this work as patient care, or research, or education of tomorrow’s doctors and nurses. It is a tremendous responsibility, and one we approach with compassion and commitment.

But when we step back and look beyond the hospital beds and the clinics, what we really do at Mott is give parents their sons and daughters. We give them the first day of kindergarten, and high school graduation, and a walk down the wedding aisle. And that is why today is so wonderful.

I want to thank the families who are with us today. The phrase “Mott Children’s Hospital and Women’s Hospital” would not carry the prestige it does without your belief in, and support of, our health care professionals. You make us a stronger place by entrusting your children and their mothers with us.

I want to thank the co-chairs of our Champions for Children campaign: David and Jan Brandon and Lloyd and Laurie Carr. Their leadership has been inspired and inspiring.

I also want to thank the Charles Stewart Mott Foundation for its unflagging support of the University of Michigan. We are joined today by William White, the president and CEO of the Mott Foundation, and I hope you will join me in showing our deep appreciation for the Foundation’s generosity.

We applaud all the donors who have made today possible. Some people have written very large checks. Others have sold candy bars and held garage sales and car washes.

You are all champions for the health of children and women, and you have helped to make the Michigan Difference for countless families throughout Michigan and beyond.

Now let’s look forward—to the future!