95.3 / 88.5 FM Grand Rapids and 95.3 FM Muskegon
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

Celebrating 15 years of MSU's Secchia Center in Grand Rapids, and why it matters

MSU's Secchia Center on the Medical Mile in Grand Rapids
Courtesy: MSU College of Human Medicine
MSU's Secchia Center on the Medical Mile in Grand Rapids

Michigan State University is celebrating the anniversary of the center's opening as a pivotal medical education facility, and its importance to the area’s economy

Named for lead donors and supporters Peter and Joan Secchia, the center is the headquarters of MSU’s College of Human Medicine.

Dean Dr. Aron Sousa says it symbolizes the university’s special relationship with the Grand Rapids area.

The Secchia Center is a $90 million building that doesn't have any state support. It was entirely supported by the community through philanthropy and Corewell Health.”

168 employees work at the center, and 360 students train there each year, with 27% of alumni practicing within 50 miles of Grand Rapids area.

The Secchia Center is near MSU's Innovation Park, anchoring Grand Rapids’ Medical Mile, and contributing $300 million to the West Michigan economy.

“It ranges from helping train people to become physicians and who then stay in this community, to creating new companies, new innovation and new discoveries that our scientists discover, and turning those into jobs in the community.’

Sousa says over 15 years in Grand Rapids, the College has created a health innovation hub in research, bioengineering, and healthcare technology.

Partnering with the Van Andel Institute, Saint Mary’s, Trinity Health and others, the College plans to expand research and programming.

“We have more space on the other side of the highway on North Monroe, and we look forward to our next expansions.’

For a weekly dose of news right to your inbox, sign up for the WGVU newsletter.

Related Content