"You Are Our Future": Benefis Celebrates Groundbreaking for New MSU Nursing School Building

Three rows of nursing students stood and received a round of applause at the groundbreaking ceremony for the new state-of-the-art Montana State University Mark and Robyn Jones College of Nursing building. 

"You are our future," Dean Sarah Shannon told the students.

Great Falls is the first of five planned building additions at campuses across the state following a $100 million gift from Mark and Robyn Jones.

MSU President Waded Cruzado thanked Benefis Health System and CEO John Goodnow for being the first to offer a land donation in support of the expansion plan. She recalled receiving frequent, hand-written notes from John since establishing the expansion plan asking, "When are we going to start?"

Benefis Chief Nursing Officer and Hospital Chief Operating Officer Rayn Ginnaty was moved by the ceremony, and said she looks forward to the impact future graduates will have in our community and beyond.

"The energy and excitement in the room was electric, you could feel it," she said. "What an amazing gift for Montana and the future of nursing."

The indoor event was held at The Grandview at Benefis and included ceremonial shovels to scoop dirt from the actual construction site across the street. 

"I want to express how much Benefis appreciates Montana State University," John said during his remarks. "It is a great collaboration."

That collaboration will continue to impact the school's curriculum and provide valuable clinical opportunities to nursing students. According to MSU, 80% of its nursing school graduates stay in Montana. 

Mark and Robyn Jones were unable to attend the ceremony, but prepared remarks delivered by Sarah. She asked the nursing students to stand one more time as she shared the benefactors' heartfelt message for current and future nurses, "You are the heroes in our eyes."