Jersey Shore University Medical Center Renames HOPE Tower in Honor of Transformative Philanthropists

Hackensack Meridian Jersey Shore University Medical Center announced the renaming of its state-of-the-art outpatient facility from ‘HOPE Tower’ to the ‘Dr. Robert H. and Mary Ellen Harris HOPE Tower.’ The renaming celebrates a legacy of profound generosity from Mary Ellen Harris and the Golden Dome Foundation, whose contributions to Hackensack Meridian Health have surpassed $50 million over the last seven years. The Golden Dome Foundation trustees include Mary Ellen Harris, Judith Lolli, Colonial Charles Grinnell, and Paul M. Petigrow, Esq.

The newly named tower was unveiled during a special ceremony on January 9 attended by Hackensack Meridian Health and community leaders, hospital executives and team members to honor Mary Ellen Harris’s unwavering commitment to advancing health care in the region. Her visionary support, totaling more than $30 million to Jersey Shore University Medical Center alone, has been instrumental in acquiring game-changing cardio and neuroscience technology.

"The generosity of Mary Ellen Harris and the Golden Dome Foundation is truly transformative,” said Robert C. Garrett, the CEO of Hackensack Meridian Health. “Their support has propelled our mission forward, giving our world-class team members the tools to provide the most advanced care possible. This renaming is a fitting tribute to a legacy that not only builds facilities but, more importantly, hope for our patients and their families every single day. We are honored by their incredible partnership."

Mary Ellen’s philanthropic spirit has funded numerous advancements across the Hackensack Meridian Health network, including the Dr. Robert H. and Mary Ellen Harris Heart & Vascular Center at Ocean University Medical Center and the Dr. Robert H. Harris Emergency Care Center at Bayshore Medical Center. At Jersey Shore University Medical Center, her support has led to the creation of the Dr. Robert H. Harris Neuroscience Treatment Center, the Dr. Robert H. and Mary Ellen Harris ZAP-X Center for Noninvasive Neurosurgery and the Epilepsy Monitoring Unit, as well as updates to the Cardiology Waiting Area.

“You cannot walk too far in our academic medical center without seeing the names and profound impact of Dr. Robert H. and Mary Ellen Harris,” said Vito Buccellato, president and chief hospital executive at Jersey Shore University Medical Center. “Mary Ellen’s vision, along with that of her board of trustees at the Golden Dome Foundation, will continue to provide our patients comfort, expert care and hope - not just at Jersey Shore, but Ocean University Medical Center and Bayshore Medical Center as well. That is priceless."

The renaming of the HOPE Tower stands as a testament to the enduring impact of Dr. Robert H. Harris. Dr. Harris, a dedicated researcher, was instrumental in bringing the pain reliever Advil to market and developed Vimpat, a crucial drug for epilepsy treatment. Mary Ellen Harris continues to build on his legacy through the Golden Dome Foundation.

In a heartfelt address, Mary Ellen Harris said, "My husband, Dr. Bob, as I called him, had such empathy for people. Being able to give back to help others, and to honor his legacy, is everything to me. You have to remember - where there is life, there is hope. So if you look at this building, this is where life is going to begin. Not end, begin."

During the ceremony, Joyce Hendricks, president and chief development officer of Hackensack Meridian Health Foundation, presented Mary Ellen Harris with a stethoscope, symbolizing her vital role in the health care network. "Your generosity has been transformative, and words truly feel inadequate to convey the depth of the impact you have made," said Hendricks. "For us, this instrument is a powerful symbol of what you have given us. Its most basic function is to listen to the very heartbeat of a person. And in so many ways, your incredible generosity has become the very heartbeat of this health care network."

The Dr. Robert H. and Mary Ellen Harris HOPE Tower, a $265 million, 10-story facility, opened in 2018 and offers a wide range of outpatient services such as the John Theurer Cancer Center at Jersey Shore University Medical Center and infusion center, pediatric sub-specialties, imaging and lab work, and is home to the Christopher Center for Mental Health & Wellness, as well as advanced academic and research space. The renaming ensures that the legacy of Dr. Robert H. and Mary Ellen Harris will continue to offer hope and healing and be recognized for generations to come.

To learn how you can make a gift to a Hackensack Meridian Health hospital or program, visit HMHBeTheDifference.org.

ABOUT HACKENSACK MERIDIAN HEALTH FOUNDATION
Hackensack Meridian Health Foundation, a registered 501(c)(3), is the philanthropic division of Hackensack Meridian Health, a leading not-for-profit health care organization that is the largest, most comprehensive and truly integrated health care network in New Jersey, offering a complete range of medical services, innovative research and life-enhancing care. The foundation oversees fundraising for the network’s three academic medical centers, two children’s hospitals and seven community-based medical center foundations, as well as key initiatives, programs and services offered by Hackensack Meridian Health, including nursing support, behavioral health, children’s health, Hackensack Meridian Health’s Center for Discovery & Innovation and Hackensack Meridian School of Medicine.

Hackensack Meridian Health Foundation has been designated as both a High Performer Overall and Healthcare System High Performer by the Association for Healthcare Philanthropy (AHP) within their 2024 Report on Giving.

In September 2024, Hackensack Meridian Health Foundation publicly launched its Be The Difference campaign, a one-billion-dollar fundraising initiative built upon four pillars, each designed to support Hackensack Meridian Health’s vision for New Jersey, including better delivery of patient care; revolutionizing medical education and supporting the nursing profession; accelerating research and discovery; and ensuring more equitable access to advanced care. To learn more about the campaign, visit HMHBeTheDifference.org.

To make a gift in support of Hackensack Meridian Health Foundation, visit GiveHMH.org/Donate.

ABOUT JERSEY SHORE UNIVERSITY MEDICAL CENTER

Jersey Shore University Medical Center is a not-for-profit academic medical center and the only Level I Adult and Pediatric Trauma Center in Monmouth and Ocean counties. It is the fastest growing N.J. hospital, home to K. Hovnanian Children’s Hospital, and a leading provider of advanced cardiovascular, neuroscience, oncology, and surgical services. With more than 1,600 physicians and dental staff in 60 specialty areas, JSUMC's team provides high-quality care in a patient-centered, environmentally-friendly setting.

Jersey Shore's clinical research program and longstanding commitment to medical education is evident through affiliations with Hackensack Meridian School of Medicine and St. George’s University School of Medicine. With more than 190 residents and fellows in 19 accredited programs, Jersey Shore advances medical knowledge, trains future physicians and provides the community access to promising medical breakthroughs and clinical trials. In recent years, Jersey Shore launched a Movement Disorder Program, Neuro-Oncology Program, and opened the Dr. Robert H. Harris Neuroscience Treatment center — a centralized entry point for patients to access a complete array of neuroscience services. The Center for Paralysis and Reconstructive Nerve Surgery provides the most advanced treatment options to help restore function in patients from around the world who have suffered from stroke, neuropathy, brachial plexus injuries, diaphragm paralysis and other conditions. Hackensack University Medical Center’s Organ Transplantation Division provides transplantation services and Hackensack Meridian John Theurer Cancer Center provides a bone marrow transplant program and nationally recognized blood cancers program.

Jersey Shore University Medical Center has been ranked by U.S. News & World Report as a Top 10 hospital in New Jersey for 13 consecutive years, including #5 in N.J., with the best Obstetrics & Gynecology services in the state, and high-performing in 17 specialties, procedures/conditions, 2025-26. Jersey Shore has received 10 consecutive 'A' grades for patient safety from The Leapfrog Group. U.S. News & World Report ranks K. Hovnanian Children's Hospital, with Hackensack Meridian Joseph M. Sanzari Children's Hospital, as the #1 Children's Hospital in N.J. for four consecutive years, and nationally ranked in Pediatric Nephrology, Neurology & Neurosurgery, Cancer and Urology.

Healthgrades recognizes Jersey Shore as one of America's 250 Best Hospitals (2021-25), 50 Best for Cardiac Surgery (2024, 2025), 100 Best Hospitals for Stroke Care (2021-25), 100 Best Hospitals for Gastrointestinal Care (2022-25), 100 Best Hospitals for Cardiac Care (2023-25), and with Excellence Awards in Patient Safety (2024, 2025), Neurosciences (2021-25), Bariatric Surgery (2021-25), Critical Care (2023-25) and Cranial Neurosurgery (2022-25). For information, visit www.hackensackmeridianhealth.org.