The following is the written message Karoly Mirnics, MD, PhD, shared with attendees at the Munroe-Meyer Institute’s June 8 opening event.
Thank you for caring, sharing and shaping our vison. The results are truly remarkable: Welcome to the most advanced building in the world that is dedicated to the needs of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) and their families.
We envisioned the future: a place to overcome obstacles, to achieve goals, to soar. This building sends a powerful message – our community believes in awareness, acceptance and opportunity for all individuals.
We set out on this journey, led by a few caring visionaries, more than a century ago. As an institute, we have weathered storms, celebrated victories, expanded, transformed and evolved. But in the ever-changing world, one thing never changed nor will ever falter: our guiding light that burns as brightly as on the day when the institute was born — to transform lives of individuals with IDD and their families.
Today, my heart is overflowing. I am proud to be part of this remarkable community that made this dream become a reality. I also feel an immense gratitude to the countless individuals who poured their hearts, knowledge, talents and resources into this project.
I am in awe of the possibilities, but also aware of the expectation placed upon us. Our amazing building is a vessel for services, and they must be as extraordinary as our new home is.
Let us write the next chapter together.