The Richard J. Mazurek, M.D. Medical Education Commons Groundbreaking Ceremony, held on September 17, 2007, marked a monumental historic occasion for the Wayne State University School of Medicine. What initially originated as a vision to optimize on-campus educational experience for students and clinicians, has transformed into a reality. The Mazurek Medical Education Commons will elevate the learning and teaching opportunities for students and practicing physicians and serve as a model for the nation's medical colleges.

The 53,000 square foot, two-story linear building will provide a new public face and image for the medical school. It will consolidate resources for undergraduate and graduate students and for physicians continuing their education in medicine. As of now, nearly $25 million had been raised in support of this project from private donors. In order to meet the challenge issued from The Kresge Foundation, The School of Medicine must raise $30 million toward the project goal. "The Kresge Foundation saw the potential at Wayne State University," says the Dean of the School of Medicine, Robert M. Menzter, Jr., M.D. "Its $3 million challenge grant and guidance helped position of the School of Medicine to pursue a capital campaign of this magnitude."

The development of the Medical Education Commons, named in honor of 1961 School of Medicine graduate, Richard James Mazurek, M.D., was made possible from the generous donations of Mazurek's partner and business associate, Nick Labedz. The California real estate developer has donated a total of $25 million dollars to the School of Medicine, making him the single largest donor in the University's 139-year existence. With $10.2 million of his donation funding the Commons facility, Labedz says that hard work and dedicated fundraising are the foundation of what have made this opportunity possible. "Seeing is believing," says Labedz. "You can just tell there is a spirit in this city, I feel comfortable here. This (Medical Education Commons) will last years after we are gone, and no doubt affect thousands of patients here in Detroit."

There were several influential speakers present to celebrate the groundbreaking ceremony. Robert R. Frank, M.D., executive vice dean of the School of Medicine, Eugene Driker, chair of the board of governors, President Irvin D. Reid, Wayne State University, Robert M. Menzter, Jr., M.D., dean of the School of Medicine, Tyler Southwell, president of the student senate, School of Medicine, and Nick J. Labedz, lead donor to the Richard J. Mazurek, M.D. Medical Education Commons.