St. Paul philanthropist gives $60 million to Mayo Clinic

Twin Cities philanthropist Helene Houle has provided Mayo Clinic with a $60 million gift in honor of her late husband, John Nasseff.

In an announcement Monday, Mayo said the funding will help “accelerate its efforts to transform health care delivery in Minnesota.”

In recognition of the contribution, Mayo will name its recently-completed patient bed tower on the St. Marys Hospital campus after Nasseff. It marks the first time the Clinic has named a building at St. Marys after a patient.

“We are incredibly grateful to Ms. Houle for this generous gift, and we cannot think of a more fitting way to honor Mr. Nasseff,” said Dr. Gianrico Farrugia, president and CEO of Mayo Clinic.

The Nasseff family’s relationship with Mayo spans decades, beginning in the 1960s when Naseff’s youngest son, Arthur Nasseff, had lifesaving surgery at Saint Marys at the age of 16. Since then, Nasseff and Houle have made several gifts to Mayo to honor Arthur's surgeon, Dr. Burton Onofrio, and other physicians who have cared for the family.

"When I go to Mayo, I know I'm going to receive the best care possible," Houle said in the announcement. "There's a special human touch that gives you confidence in knowing you are getting the answers you can trust."

Nasseff, who grew up in St. Paul, made a name for himself at West Publishing, where he started off working in boxcars before climbing the ladder to become its only top executive without a college degree. He was often referred to as the "rags to riches philanthropist," reports the Pioneer Press, due to the couple’s “extraordinary gifts to countless organizations.”

"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," said Sister Lauren Weinandt of the Sisters of Saint Francis of Assisi. "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 John M. Nasseff Tower, located on the east side of the St. Marys campus, encompasses 430,000 square feet and includes 162 patient beds.

Cover photo: Helene Houle with her late husband John Nasseff / Mayo Clinic