Saint Paul Philanthropist Makes $60M Donation To Mayo Clinic

ROCHESTER, MN — The Mayo Clinic this week announced it will name a recently completed patient bed tower on its Saint Marys Campus after the late husband of Helene Houle, a Saint Paul philanthropist who recently donated $60M to the hospital system.

According to a news release from Mayo Clinic, the tower will be named for Arthur Nasseff, who first became involved with the hospital while having a life-saving surgery at the age of 16.

Nasseff and Houle made several donations to the hospital over the years in honor of Dr. Burton Onofrio, a surgeon, and the other health care professionals who have cared for their families over the years, the release states.

"John Nasseff and Helene Houle have had a significant impact on Mayo Clinic over the decades of their support," Dr. Gianrico Farrugia, Mayo Clinic president and CEO, said in a statement. "We are incredibly grateful to Ms. Houle for this generous gift, and we cannot think of a more fitting way to honor Mr. Nasseff."

The hospital said Nasseff Tower is the first building on the Saint Marys Campus to be named after a grateful patient.

"The story of Mr. Nasseff mirrors the story of the Sisters of Saint Francis. From humble beginnings grow great hope and compassion for those who come to us in need," Sister Lauren Weinandt of the Sisters of Saint Francis of Assisi said in a statement. "Ms. Houle's investment in Mayo Clinic allows us to carry forward our mission for generations to come. We are proud to partner with the Nasseff family."

The 11-story tower is made up of 430,000 square feet and includes space for 162 patient beds.