Minnesota Masonic Charities extends U of M investments to include healthy aging

This week Minnesota Masonic Charities publicly announced a transformative new gift to the University of Minnesota, growing the organization’s previous investments in long-time research priorities like cancer and pediatrics while also launching a new investment in the field of healthy aging. This $35 million gift brings the total financial investment in the U of M by the Minnesota Masonic Charities to $195 million over the 60-plus-year relationship between the two organizations.

This latest investment commits $15 million to the Institute for the Biology of Aging and Metabolism (iBAM), an interdisciplinary, trans-departmental endeavor across the University of Minnesota Medical School to advance research on the fundamental biology of aging. Led by globally recognized aging research experts Laura Niedernhofer and Paul Robbins, and supported by other donors and government funding, the institute is designed to discover ways to therapeutically extend the period of good health in old age and quality of life for the elderly.

"We are deeply grateful that Minnesota Masonic Charities recognizes the significant momentum of aging biology research,” said Niedernhofer. “This new and invaluable partnership reflects a critical investment in translating our groundbreaking discoveries to benefit the citizens of Minnesota, enhancing our understanding and promotion of healthy aging, and accelerating clinical trials to bring these innovations to life."

In recognition of this most recent gift, the University will add the Masonic name to the institute, which will now be known as the Masonic Institute for the Biology of Aging and Metabolism (MiBAM). This new named recognition will be added to four existing named facilities: Masonic Cancer Center (2008), M Health Fairview Masonic Children's Hospital (2014), Masonic Cancer Clinic at Fulton Ave. (2016), and Masonic Institute for the Developing Brain (2020).

"Minnesota Masonic Charities has been a proud partner of the University of Minnesota Medical School for more than six decades, beginning with the opening of the first Masonic Memorial Cancer Hospital in 1958,” said John Schwietz, CEO of Minnesota Masonic Charities. “Our commitment to advancing cancer research and care has expanded over the years to include a focus on children's health and wellness, reflecting our belief in the importance of caring for individuals across every stage of life. Now, with the naming of the Masonic Institute on the Biology of Aging and Metabolism, we are honored to come full circle, returning to our roots in supporting the aging population—a mission that began more than a century ago with the founding of the Masonic Home. We look forward to the continued impact of this extraordinary partnership."

The remaining $20 million of this latest gift will be added to previous gifts to the field of cancer research and care ($15 million) and to pediatrics research ($5 million).

"With the renewed and steadfast backing of Masonic Charities, the Masonic Cancer Center will continue to pursue bold initiatives in cancer research and treatment. This latest gift will amplify our efforts to uncover new solutions, directly improving the lives of patients and their families while advancing our vision to reduce cancer’s burden worldwide," said Jeffrey Miller, interim director of the Masonic Cancer Center.

“The Masons have made a real difference in the lives of children not only in Minnesota but around the world,” said Joe Neglia, chair of the U of M Department of Pediatrics. “Their commitment to improving health across the lifespan and across geographies is truly amazing.”