There are moments in an institution’s history that mark more than a new beginning. They reflect years of dedication, countless acts of generosity, and a community united around a shared purpose.

On June 26, the National University of Natural Medicine official celebrated the opening of its new downtown Portland campus, welcoming students, alumni, faculty, staff, donors, community partners, and elected officials for an afternoon of celebration and gratitude.

The celebration recognized two significant milestones: the opening of NUNM’s new campus and the beginning of the university’s 70^th anniversary year, honoring seven decades of paving the way in natural medicine.

Guests gathered to hear from university leaders, community partners, and public officials who reflected on the significance of the moment and the many people who helped make it possible.

Opening the ceremony, Carrie Baldwin-Sayre, ND, shared “the new campus represents so much more than a new address. It represents the future of NUNM. It’s a place where students will learn, where knowledge will be discovered, where future healthcare professionals will be trained, and where our mission of whole-person health will continue to grow and evolve for generations to come.” 

• 

• 

Student Government Association Vice President, Sienna Van Broome, delivered a thoughtful land acknowledgement, recognizing the Indigenous communities who have cared for the land for generations and honoring their enduring contributions to healing, medicine, and stewardship.

NUNM President Melanie Henriksen, ND, LAc, CNM reflected on the university’s journey from a single naturopathic medicine program to the institution it is today. While celebrating this milestone, she emphasized that the new campus is ultimately about the people who make NUNM what it is.

“Every person in this room, almost without exception, has played a role in helping us get here,’ she said. “Our community came together in a way that I truly do not believe any other institution could have done. That says everything about who we are.”

• 

• 

Dr. Henriksen also thanked the faculty, staff, students, alumni, donors, and community partners who supported the move over the past five years, recognizing the remarkable effort it took to relocate the university while continuing to educate students and care for patients without interruption.

Board Chair, Leah Holland, ND,  MPH spoke from both personal experience and deep appreciation for the NUNM community.

“The true heartbeat of this university has never been its buildings,” she said. “It has always been its people.”

Looking toward the future, Dr. Holland shared her hope for every student, patient, employee, and visitor who enters the new campus: “May everyone who walks through these doors feel what so many of us have felt, that they are welcomed, inspired, deeply cared for, and loved.”

The celebration also welcomed Oregon Governor Tina Kotek, Portland Mayor Keith Wilson, Oregon State Senator Lisa Reynolds, MD, and Prosper Portland Executive Director Cornell Wesley, each recognizing NUNM’s impact on healthcare, education, and the continued revitalization of downtown Portland.

Governor Kotek congratulated the university on its resilience and thanked the NUNM community for serving patients and strengthening Oregon’s healthcare workforce.

• 

• 

“I believe in what you do here,” she said. “I’m just incredibly excited for this expansion.”

Mayor Wilson celebrated the university’s investment in Portland, describing the new campus as another step in the city’s continued renaissance and a place that will bring students, healthcare providers, and new energy into downtown for years to come.

The afternoon concluded with remarks from distinguished alumnus and donor, Noel Peterson, ND, who reflected on more than 50 years of involvement with NUNM and the generations of leaders who have helped shape the university.

“We did not get here by ourselves,” he said, thanking the many people whose vision and commitment made the new campus possible.

• 

• 

• 

Following the program, guests gathered outside for the official ribbon cutting before exploring the new campus together. As guests toured the new campus and celebrated, there was a shared sense that this was a significant moment beyond the opening of a building. It was the beginning of NUNM’s next chapter, one built on decades of dedication and community that believes deeply in the healing power of whole-person care.

As Dr. Melanie Henriksen shared, “NUNM is proud to be part of the Portland downtown revitalization story. We chose this city, this neighborhood, this block. And we are grateful for the community that has shown up alongside us, our donors and partners who made this possible, our alumni who carry this institution’s identity into the world, and the patients who trust us with their care.”