The final support beam was placed at the end of the ceremony, signaling a new phase in the building process.
Ronald E. Dean, President and CEO of SGMC Health, closes out the speeches before the beam is lifted.
“ This expansion project is a direct result of our SGMC Health physicians’ desire to provide an unsurpassed patient experience and unequaled access to advanced capabilities and the hard work and dedication of our 3,200 health system employees.”
~ Ronald E. Dean, President and CEO
The ceremony began even before the event started, with the future staff members of the wing signing their names on the final support beam, leaving their mark on the last section of the building’ s framework.
Community leaders, SGMC staff and members of the community at large were invited to attend the ceremony. This included a breakfast buffet, speeches by members of the hospital board and a tradition of placing a Christmas tree and an American flag on the final support beam.
The tree that was placed with the beam is rooted in a few different traditions, including Scandinavian and Native American, and often symbolizes fortune and harmony with nature around the building. The flag was added as a way to honor the nation. Together, SGMC honored a tradition of celebrating the land and the nation they are building on.
“ We are building more than a structure,” Gibbs said.“ We are building a stronger future for the next generation of South Georgians.”
October 2025 | Valdosta Scene 15