Beyond 100: Bryan Health Celebrates 100 Years of Care, Looks to Future
Bryan Health will honor its history and look toward the future as the organization celebrates 100 years of providing care to the people of Nebraska in 2025-2026.
"As much as Nebraska and the rest of the world have changed in the last century, our values have stayed the same,” said Russ Gronewold, president and CEO, Bryan Health. “Our commitment to provide excellent patient care. Our stewardship to the communities we serve. Our dedication to staff, providers, students and volunteers. All of these, and more, are our tethers to a rich past and north stars to a bright future.”
In the early 1900’s, Lincoln was a still-developing state capital. As the city grew, key leaders saw the need for improved health care in the community. Proposals for two hospitals were developed to help meet the needs of a growing population.
In 1920, Lincoln Rotary Club #14 conceived the idea to build a general hospital in Lincoln. They led a public campaign for funding, raising $100,000 to match an amount from the city. A gift from R.E. Moore after his death, a former mayor of Lincoln and Nebraska senator, helped push fundraising near the finish line. In 1925, Lincoln General Hospital opened its doors.
Around the same time, a group of ministers and laymen met at Grace Methodist Church to plan for a new civic hospital. Two years later, William Jennings Bryan, a Nebraska businessmen and politician, donated his Fairview home and surrounding farmland as the site of the new facility. In 1926, Bryan Memorial Hospital opened its doors, named in Bryan’s honor after his death.
Now, 100 years later, the grounds of both original buildings are still dedicated to exceptional patient care. In 1997, Bryan Memorial and Lincoln General merged to form BryanLGH. Bryan Memorial became present day Bryan East Campus, while Lincoln General became Bryan West Campus. In 2012, the system was renamed Bryan Health.
Over the past two decades, Bryan has thoughtfully accepted invitations to expand outside the city of Lincoln. The additions of Crete Area Medical Center, Merrick Medical Center, Kearney Regional Medical Center and Grand Island Regional Medical Center have allowed Bryan to serve an increasing number of Nebraskans. In 2024, Bryan Health cared for more than 264,000 unique patients from every county in Nebraska.
On Monday, March 24, Bryan Health officially kicked off its 100th anniversary celebration. Employees across the health system participated with anniversary cake gatherings to mark the occasion. Numerous events are planned over the course of the next fourteen months, including:
- 100 Acts of Kindness in the communities we serve
- Unsealing of 1985 time capsule and resealing of 2026 time capsule
- Weekly, public tours of Fairview home at Bryan East Campus throughout summer
For more information, visit bryanhealth.org.
