On January 28, 2025, Cooper University Health Care held a groundbreaking ceremony on the first phase of a transformative $3 billion expansion of its Health Sciences Campus in Camden. When complete, Cooper’s “Project Imagine” will mark the largest building investment in Camden County’s history.
George Norcross III, Chairman of Cooper University Health Care’s Board of Trustees, and Cooper Co-CEOS Kevin O’Dowd, JD, and Anthony J. Mazzarelli, MD, JD, MBE, were joined at the groundbreaking ceremony by New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy and former Governors Chris Christie, Jon Corzine, James McGreevey, and Tom Kean, and a special appearance by television icon, South Jersey native, and long-time Cooper supporter Kelly Ripa, underscoring the project’s significance to the state and region.
Click here to read the full press release.
Kelly Ripa Kicks Off Project Imagine With Heartfelt Thanks
After the press event, Kelly Ripa upheld the promise she made during the pandemic and hosted a disco party with disco-ball-themed red velvet cake thanking Cooper team members for their COVID-19 response. While space was limited for the event, all Cooper team members will receive their red velvet treat in coming days.
Click here to see a clip from Live With Kelly and Mark where Kelly recaps the celebration.
Event Photos
Groundbreaking
Disco Party
News Coverage
- Cooper groundbreaking: A day of celebration, collaboration and hope in Camden
NJ BIZ - Cooper University Health Care celebrated the start of construction on a $650 million patient tower
The Philadelphia Inquirer - Construction begins on New Jersey system’s $3B expansion
Becker’s Hospital Review - TV host Kelly Ripa and 5 N.J. governors praise indicted party boss at hospital groundbreaking
NJ.com - A hospital groundbreaking in Camden drew powerful guests
NJ Spotlight News - Four Ex-Governors and Gov. Murphy show up to praise Cooper Health, Break Ground for $3B Expansion
Tap Into Camden - Cooper celebrates Project Imagine with groundbreaking event
6 ABC clip 2
6 ABC (extended clip)
NBC 10
Fox 29
- Officials celebrate Cooper expansion groundbreaking, Camden and Norcross
WHYY - Cooper University Health Care breaks ground on $3 billion hospital expansion in Camden
Philly Voice - Gallery: Kelly Ripa fulfills pledge to host party for Cooper University Hospital employees
Courier Post - Four Ex-Governors and Gov. Murphy show up to praise Cooper Health, break ground for $3B expansion
Tap Into Camden - Cooper University Health breaks ground on $3 billion campus expansion
CoStar News - Cooper Hospital breaks ground on phase one tower of $3 billion expansion effort
42 Freeway - New Jersey governors join groundbreaking for $3B Cooper Hospital expansion
Newsbreak - South Jersey native Kelly Ripa returns home to honor Cooper Health’s recent past, celebrate its future
Tap Into Camden - It’s Kelly Ripa disco day in Camden
Politico - Cooper Health breaks ground on $3B ‘Project Imagine’ expansion
New Jersey Business - How Kelly Ripa made good on her COVID-era promise to Cooper University Health Care workers
Courier-Post - What our photographers saw Tuesday, January 28 (Cooper groundbreaking event among those featured)
The Philadelphia Inquirer