Our Legacy
The physical and philosophical cornerstone of Clarkson Institute was laid in 1869 in the founding of Nebraska’s first hospital, a meager six-room building in Omaha
Across more than 15 decades, Clarkson Institute has invested in innovative ideas, visionary individuals, and frontline institutions advancing health access and health outcomes for Nebraskans.
Learn more about our history and see some of our key milestones below.
1869
Founded
Clarkson Institute was founded as Bishop Clarkson Memorial Hospital as the first hospital in the State of Nebraska.
The hospital was initially founded as the six-room Good Samaritan Hospital by a committee of six churchwomen for the alleviation of human suffering, particularly that of children. Early reports from the hospital state that there was never at any time a lack of patients, but very often a lack of means to care for those patients. Because of the early financial struggles, the property and management of the hospital was soon turned over to the direction of Reverend Robert Harper Clarkson, the first Episcopal Bishop of Nebraska.
The hospital was initially founded as the six-room Good Samaritan Hospital by a committee of six churchwomen for the alleviation of human suffering, particularly that of children. Early reports from the hospital state that there was never at any time a lack of patients, but very often a lack of means to care for those patients. Because of the early financial struggles, the property and management of the hospital was soon turned over to the direction of Reverend Robert Harper Clarkson, the first Episcopal Bishop of Nebraska.
1880
New Home
The Good Samaritan Hospital moved adjacent to Trinity Cathedral and became “The Child’s Hospital and Home.”
The annual report in 1882 list 26 patients being treated that year with the average length of stay being 61 days.
The annual report in 1882 list 26 patients being treated that year with the average length of stay being 61 days.
1888
Vision lives on
Bishop Robert H. Clarkson died of pneumonia in his home at the age of 58 on March 10, 1884.
His wife, Meliora, collaborated with the Trinity Episcopal Cathedral deaconesses to complete his vision by establishing a training school for nurses.
His wife, Meliora, collaborated with the Trinity Episcopal Cathedral deaconesses to complete his vision by establishing a training school for nurses.
1888
First school of nursing in Nebraska
The first training school for nurses in Nebraska, the Bishop Clarkson Memorial School of Nursing, opened under the leadership of Meliora Clarkson.
This institution still exists today, as Clarkson College.
This institution still exists today, as Clarkson College.
1892
Namesake
The “Child’s Hospital and Home” was renamed the “Bishop Clarkson Memorial Hospital for Children”.
Later, as adults were admitted, the name was once again modified to “Bishop Clarkson Memorial Hospital.”
Later, as adults were admitted, the name was once again modified to “Bishop Clarkson Memorial Hospital.”
1909
Era of growth
With the growth of Omaha and the Midwest, acceptance and trust of healthcare professionals continually stressed the demand for patient care. The physical size and scope of services evolved to meet those needs, and Clarkson Hospital led the way with many medical innovations in both the state and the country.
To meet this demand, the hospital built a new 70-bed hospital building in 1909. The building consisted of four stories and a basement and was equipped with an electric passenger elevator. The new hospital served 768 patients in its first year.
To meet this demand, the hospital built a new 70-bed hospital building in 1909. The building consisted of four stories and a basement and was equipped with an electric passenger elevator. The new hospital served 768 patients in its first year.
1955
…And more growth
Bishop Clarkson Memorial Hospital purchased the former 100-bed Lord Lister Hospital and moved to its building in downtown Omaha.
Bishop Clarkson Memorial School of Nursing also moved to the new building, with students housed in several nearby homes.
Bishop Clarkson Memorial School of Nursing also moved to the new building, with students housed in several nearby homes.
1955
A campus emerges
Bishop Clarkson Memorial Hospital moved to a new 200-bed hospital building across from the University of Nebraska Medical Center.
Clarkson Hospital and the University Hospital had cooperative ventures, but the Clarkson hospital remained an independent institution.
Growth continued, with the then-called “North Tower” addition completing in 1969.
Then, in 1980, the Doctors Building North Tower was completed, connecting via a skywalk to the hospital building.
Clarkson Hospital and the University Hospital had cooperative ventures, but the Clarkson hospital remained an independent institution.
Growth continued, with the then-called “North Tower” addition completing in 1969.
Then, in 1980, the Doctors Building North Tower was completed, connecting via a skywalk to the hospital building.
1997
Stronger together
CRHS and the University of Nebraska entered into a Joint Operating Agreement, effectively merging Bishop Clarkson Memorial Hospital and the adjacent University Hospital into one company named Nebraska Health System.
2003
Creating a recognizable “front door”
Nebraska Health System becomes The Nebraska Medical Center. The name change formalized how the hospital campus was referred to colloquially, while it also more closely identified the hospital with its primary clinical partner, University of Nebraska Medical Center (UNMC).
2004
A first-of-its-kind online health management tool
SimplyWell helped organizations improve and simplify the well-being of their employees. Piloted in 1999-2003 at Nebraska Medicine and UNMC, the population health solution delivered well-being programs that combined digital engagement solutions, clinical data analytics, and integrated tech-enabled clinical services–ultimately improving patient and physician satisfaction; producing downstream savings in healthcare costs; and less time off work by employees because of illness.
SimplyWell served 100+ Omaha businesses and expanded nationally to screen 1.2 million individuals annually.
SimplyWell served 100+ Omaha businesses and expanded nationally to screen 1.2 million individuals annually.
2012
Canedy Scholarship established
To honor the legacy of Clarkson Hospital Administrator James A. Canedy, Clarkson Regional Health Services (CRHS) established a scholarship program to cultivate and educate new generations of physician leaders trained in both the business and medical aspects of healthcare. Mr. Canedy was a skilled manager of personnel, resources, ideas, and providing exemplary leadership to Clarkson Hospital for 36 years. Throughout his career, he placed strong emphasis on high-quality patient care and believed in continuing education for health professionals. CRHS has sponsored the Canedy Scholar Program since 2012.
2014
Growing into the future
The name changed from The Nebraska Medical Center to Nebraska Medicine to integrate healthcare services, combine hospitals and clinics, and unify several organizations—The Nebraska Medical Center, Bellevue Medical Center, and UNMC Physicians—under a single entity.
2016
Evolving the legacy
CHRS began to establish new strategic initiatives that have resulted in greater involvement in mission-driven programming and greater philanthropic support to a diverse group of organizations that are committed to improving the health and wellness of Nebraskans.
2018
International recognition
Sir Richard Branson’s Virgin Health approaches and purchases SimplyWell.
2020
Behavioral health emergency
Starting in 2013, a group of Omaha physicians met weekly for Saturday breakfast, a modern-day albeit casual medical salon.
In the beginning stages and height of the COVID pandemic, the mood is somber. There is a collective urgency, concern, and deep desire to help with the multiple mental health crises they are seeing in their patients, clinics, and community.
The seeds for what would eventually emerge as Bridges to Mental Health are planted.
In the beginning stages and height of the COVID pandemic, the mood is somber. There is a collective urgency, concern, and deep desire to help with the multiple mental health crises they are seeing in their patients, clinics, and community.
The seeds for what would eventually emerge as Bridges to Mental Health are planted.
2022
Mission-driven grantmaking
For the first time in its then-153-year-old history, CRHS integrates impact investing into its strategy, kickstarted with a $2.5 million commitment to four Nebraska organizations. As it diversified its strategy, CRHS continued to support Clarkson College and Nebraska Medicine.
2023
Bridges to Mental Health
After discussions with mental health leaders in Nebraska, a review of needs assessment reports, and personal-professional experiences of doctors across the patient population spectrum, the takeaway was clear: Behavioral health workforce capacity was a primary impediment to improving mental health care in Nebraska and Western Iowa.
Bridges to Mental Health was launched as a response to this challenge.
CRHS formalized and amplified this pioneering initiative, with initial and generous support from the Hawks Foundation.
Bridges to Mental Health was launched as a response to this challenge.
CRHS formalized and amplified this pioneering initiative, with initial and generous support from the Hawks Foundation.
2025
Modernizing the mission
Clarkson Institute was established to carry out the modern mission of its antecedent. Through grant-making, internal initiatives and programs, and thought leadership deployed statewide, Clarkson Institute is advancing the health of all Nebraskans.
Under the leadership of Dr. Bill Lydiatt, Clarkson Institute is dedicated to making Nebraska the healthiest state in the nation.
Under the leadership of Dr. Bill Lydiatt, Clarkson Institute is dedicated to making Nebraska the healthiest state in the nation.
2025
Two years of impact
What started as an experiment has now uptrained more than 570 healthcare providers across Nebraska and Western Iowa. True to its mission to improve access, the training programs are offered in locations across the state, and partner initiatives that strengthen and deepen training and access are being deployed.
2025
To the youth
Clarkson Institute launches a Youth Wellness Initiative with digital overuse and technology addiction at the heart. The initiative engages the variety of supports available to Nebraska youth but also gives them a platform to share their perspectives and experiences in their own voices.
Past Leadership
Guided by visionary leaders, we’ve turned care into lasting impact–evolving from a hospital that served to a foundation that leads
Bishop Robert H. Clarkson
Bishop George Worthington
Bishop Arthur Llewellyn Williams
The Right Reverend Ernest
Vincent Shayler
The Right Reverend George Allen Beecher
Peter Kiewit
1966-1979
Robert H. Storz
Bruce Lauritzen
1980-1992
1993-2021
Jim Landen
2022-present
A Legacy of Compassion
Compassion has been the heartbeat of our mission–first in the
hospital halls where care began, and now through our grantmaking
and internal initiatives–extending healing and hope far beyond what
our founder could have imagined in 1869
hospital halls where care began, and now through our grantmaking
and internal initiatives–extending healing and hope far beyond what
our founder could have imagined in 1869
A History of Firsts
From pioneering treatments to groundbreaking community
programs, innovation has always defined us–along the way evolving
from a hospital that healed the body to a foundation with a mission
to make Nebraska the healthiest state in the country
programs, innovation has always defined us–along the way evolving
from a hospital that healed the body to a foundation with a mission
to make Nebraska the healthiest state in the country
…And A Commitment to the Future
Rooted in our legacy, we’re building the future–advancing health,
hope, and possibility for Nebraskans today and tomorrow
hope, and possibility for Nebraskans today and tomorrow