UHS Delaware Valley Hospital (DVH) marked a significant milestone in the construction of its Medical Neighborhood project with a Beam Topping Ceremony celebrating the placement of the final structural steel beam. On an unseasonably warm November day, employees, donors, community members, project partners, and local leaders gathered to commemorate the occasion and sign the beam before it was lifted into place.
A longstanding construction tradition, a beam topping ceremony signifies the completion of a building's steel framework and honors the many individuals whose efforts have helped bring a project from vision to reality.
"This ceremony is more than a construction milestone," said DVH President and CEO Boomer Bojo. "It's a symbol of our commitment to this community and our confidence in its future. This is what's possible when a community supports its hospital and a team comes together."
Before the beam was raised, hundreds of hospital employees, community members, and project supporters added their signatures and messages to its surface, creating a lasting tribute to the people who have helped make the Medical Neighborhood possible.
"To see so many people want to leave their mark on this beam is humbling," Bojo said. "It tells me they feel connected to what we're building here. The Medical Neighborhood is about more than a new facility. It's about expanding access to care, creating opportunities, and strengthening our community. Those signatures are a visible reminder that this vision belongs to all of us."
The beam was adorned with both an American flag and a tree, longstanding symbols in topping out ceremonies.
According to Adam Green, Vice President of LeChase Construction, the American flag represents patriotism and the American dream, while the tree symbolizes life, growth, prosperity, and good fortune for the project and the community it will serve.
During the event, Bojo shared the Latin phrase he signed on the beam: "Aut inveniam viam aut faciam"—"I will either find a way or make one."
"In many ways, that phrase reflects the approach we've taken throughout this journey," Bojo said. "When there's a need in our community, we have a responsibility to find a way to meet it. And if that way doesn't exist yet, we make one. That's what this Medical Neighborhood represents: a commitment to innovation, collaboration, and ensuring better health outcomes for generations to come."
The Medical Neighborhood project broke ground just over a year ago and has made substantial progress since construction began.
"I get goosebumps every time I drive into work and see the progress, our vision becoming a reality," Bojo said. "Right now we're looking at steel and structure, but soon we'll begin to see patient spaces, clinical areas, and all the details that will make this facility functional and welcoming. Every milestone brings us closer to opening the doors and serving our community in new ways."
Bojo also recognized the many groups whose support has helped advance the project, including hospital staff and physicians, the Board of Directors, UHS leadership, donors, community partners, architects, engineers, construction teams, and his family.
"Most importantly, I'd like to thank the community," he said. "Their trust and support have made this project possible. This facility belongs to them, and we're building it with their future in mind."
As construction continues over the coming year, the Medical Neighborhood will move from steel framework to interior buildout, bringing the vision of expanded healthcare services and enhanced patient access one step closer to reality.
"Today was a visible reminder that this project belongs to our community," said Hillary Zujovic, Director of Community Relations & Executive Operations at UHS Delaware Valley Hospital. "Seeing hundreds of signatures on the beam and so many people come together to celebrate this milestone reflects the pride, partnership, and shared vision that have driven the Medical Neighborhood from the very beginning."
Thank you to everyone who joined us at DVH to celebrate this significant milestone!
View photos from the ceremony:
