Caroline Amplatz gave $50 million to Fairview Health Services and the University of Minnesota to build a new children’s hospital. The hospital is scheduled to open in mid-2011 and will be named in honor of her father, former U professor and medical device pioneer Kurt Amplatz, M.D.
The gift, which will be given over 12 years, will help pay for the programs and infrastructure needed to support pediatric research and care. Kurt Amplatz was a professor of radiology at the U for more than 40 years and was a pioneer in the use of noninvasive techniques, including a device that repairs a congenital heart defect in children and adults.
“My hope is that the Amplatz Children’s Hospital will follow in my father’s footsteps with steadfast and unrelenting determination to improve and save lives,” she said.
In the media:
- University of Minnesota’s press release
- Inventor’s Daughter Donates $50 Million to U
Star Tribune - University of Minnesota Gets $50 Million Gift for New Children’s Hospital
St. Paul Pioneer Press - New: A Special Donation for U, Minnesota
Star Tribune
In December, the U received a $40-million gift from the Richard M. Schulze Family Foundation for diabetes research.
Caroline Amplatz, sounds like an incredible woman!!! What a beautiful gesture to make such a large donation, ultimately for the children. She is furthering her fathers dreams and passions, that is so awesome!
I love children, and have always dreamed of having one, but I have significant back problems which prevent me from carrying. My hope is to be able to find a carrier, I am looking. I hope to give birth to my child at Fairview, because that is where I was born, it is a great hospital. Way to go Caroline!!! You are really special!!!