Welcome Brunch
Formal communication to follow, but we are sad to announce Mayo Leadership has suspended in-person gatherings now through the end of 2021. Unfortunately, this means we are no longer able to hold our welcome brunch. We were so excited to meet you all and hope to hold an event including everyone next year.
While there will be no brunch this year, you can still request to be assigned a buddy! To request a buddy, click here.
Welcoming MFC Members who moved to Rochester in 2020 and 2021
Join us on Saturday, August 14th, 2021 at 10:00am-12:30PM
Hilton Rochester Mayo Clinic-10 East Center Street, Rochester MN 55904 (it's the Hilton hotel, not the Mayo Clinic Hilton building)
The annual MFC Welcome Brunch brings together new and current MFC members for a morning filled with great food, fun, and friends. Those new to Rochester and Mayo are given an opportunity to make new friends, get involved in MFC Special Interest Groups, and learn about the Rochester community. The Welcome Brunch is the biggest MFC event each year, and a favorite for new and current MFC members. Questions about the event or inquiries to volunteer can be directed to our Welcome Brunch Organizers.
Photo by Sonya G Photography
Frequently Asked Questions
I am a trainee, am I invited to the brunch, too?
The MFC Welcome Brunch is for spouses and significant others of medical residents, fellows and medical students only. Mayo Families Connection, the event sponsor, is a group specifically for those in a relationship with a medical trainee. If you are a trainee and have a spouse or significant other, we would love to have them at the Welcome Brunch!
As a trainee, you will be invited to be part of Mayo Fellows Association (MFA), which is the group for Mayo residents, fellows and students. You can find more about that organization here (must be logged on to Mayo network) or here.
What if my spouse/significant other and I are both trainees?
You are in a unique position to belong to both the MFA (Mayo Fellows Association) and MFC (Mayo Families Connection). You and your spouse/significant other are both welcome to participate in MFC events since you are in a relationship with a trainee. We hope to see you at the brunch!
I'm nervous to attend the Welcome Brunch alone. Can I bring my spouse/significant other/family member/friend?
Due to limited space, we are unable to accommodate guests at the Welcome Brunch. The purpose of the Welcome Brunch is to give you the opportunity to meet others new to Rochester as well. Please know that many people will be attending alone, so it's very easy to meet others just like you!
We also encourage you to sign up for MFC Buddies and attend with your buddy. Otherwise, there is an opportunity to meet other significant others prior to the brunch at the "Making the Move" workshop. Many people who connect at those events chose to meet up again at the Welcome Brunch.
I've heard about a Making the Move workshop and a Welcome Brunch. Are they the same thing? Which one should I attend?
The Making the Move workshop is an event put on by the Mayo Clinic School of Graduate Medical Education (MCSGME) and is an educational event meant to provide information on living in Rochester, networking, and employment assistance. MFC members also speak on a panel and answer questions during this event. The Welcome Brunch is an event put on by Mayo Families' Connection (MFC) and is a social event meant to help medical spouses and significant others connect. The event is mostly social and networking, with some information provided about local businesses who make raffle prize and swag bag donations. For more information on Making the Move Workshops, click here.
MFC feels that both events are important in their own way and encourage you to attend both if possible! To receive more information on Making the Move, contact Michelle Pederson at pederson.michelle@mayo.edu and register for the Welcome Brunch at the top of the page.
What is the dress code for the brunch?
There is no dress code for the Welcome Brunch. Many attendees often choose dressy casual or business casual attire.
Where do I park?
Street parking and city ramps downtown are free on weekends, the closest city ramp is the Center Street Ramp (11 Center Street) kitty corner from Hilton. Please email mayofamiliesconnecion@gmail.com with any questions.
The Gonda building doors are locked on weekends. How do I access the brunch?
*Please note that this year the welcome brunch is at the Hilton hotel instead of the Gonda building.*
The doors at street level on the west side of the Gonda building (across from the Damon parking ramp) will be unlocked from 10:15 to 11:00am. Please do not use the doors on the east side (across from the Kahler Hotel) or subway level.