Former Polaris CEO donates $27.5 million to Mayo Clinic

Mayo Clinic
The front entrance of the Mayo Clinic's Gonda Building.
MPR Photo/Sea Stachura

The former CEO of Polaris Industries has given the Mayo Clinic $27.5 million. The gift helped open the Mayo Clinic's new musculoskeletal center.

W. Hall Wendel Jr.'s gift is part of the Mayo Clinic's campaign for philanthropic support. The goal is $1.25 billion. Wendel says he made the donation in part because Mayo has taken such good care of him.

"I did a lot of mountain climbing. I climbed the seven summits, which are the highest peaks in the seven continents. I've run a bunch of marathons. But that comes at a price. And the price has been two full knee replacements and two full shoulder replacements all within the last three years. They're as good as new. I do everything that I want to do," said Wendel.

The facility covers five acres within the Mayo Clinic's Gonda Building, and is named after Wendel. The center brings together doctors such as hand surgeons and orthopedic surgeons, who will work together on patient care. There are also eight outpatient operating rooms.