University Hospitals announces visionary support from Carol and John Fountain to help sustain its community-focused mission

CLEVELAND – University Hospitals (UH) is honored to announce a visionary gift from Carol and John Fountain to the Because of You campaign, helping to sustain UH’s enduring mission: To Heal. To Teach. To Discover. In recognition of their extraordinary generosity, the South Pavilion at UH Ahuja Medical Center – a cornerstone of the recent UH Ahuja expansion – will be named the Carol and John Fountain Pavilion.

“We believe deeply in University Hospitals and in the vital need for quality, community-based care,” said Carol Fountain. “It’s an incredible honor to be able to make this gift and help preserve the UH mission for generations to come.”

Completed in 2023, the Phase 2 expansion of UH Ahuja Medical Center was a $236 million investment in the health and vitality of Northeast Ohio. The project added more than 216,000 square feet of advanced clinical and patient care space, including: UH Drusinsky Sports Medicine Institute, UH Cutler Center for Men, the Potash Women & Newborn Center, and expanded emergency, imaging and breast health services.

“UH Ahuja Medical Center represents what’s possible when a community invests in its own future,” said John Fountain. “We’ve seen firsthand how care here touches lives — with skill, compassion and innovation. Our hope is that this gift not only supports exceptional care today but also inspires others to imagine how their own giving can make a lasting difference.”

While the completion of the expansion marked a milestone, the Fountains’ gift demonstrates that the story of UH Ahuja continues to evolve — shaped by the generosity and vision of those who believe in its mission.

“Carol and John believe that our community deserves the very best in health care, close to home,” said Cliff A. Megerian, MD, FACS, University Hospitals CEO and Jane and Henry Meyer Chief Executive Officer Distinguished Chair. “Their gift embodies a rare kind of foresight: an understanding that philanthropy doesn’t just build buildings, it builds possibilities.”

A devoted supporter of University Hospitals, Carol Fountain serves as a former trustee of the Rainbow Babies & Children’s Foundation. With this gift, she and John will be recognized as UH Visionaries and distinguished members of the Samuel Mather Society. They will also be named Honorary Trustees to the UH Board of Directors.

Because of You: The Campaign for University Hospitals has now surpassed $1.7 billion in support, on the path toward its ambitious $2 billion goal.

“Philanthropy is an essential part of how we bring world-class facilities and compassionate care to our patients,” said Dee Haslam, Because of You Campaign Co-Chair. “The Fountain Pavilion will stand as a lasting symbol of Carol and John’s faith in the UH mission. For those who wish to join them in shaping the future of healthcare, there are still meaningful ways to support UH Ahuja Medical Center.”

To learn more about giving opportunities at UH Ahuja Medical Center, please contact UHGiving@UHhospitals.org or call 216-983-2200.