FAQs
Why did Knute Nelson and Walker Methodist change their names?
After our two organizations merged in January 2024, we knew we needed a single, unifying name that was easy to say, easy to remember, and big enough to take us into the future. We have exciting plans for how to serve our communities in more ways than ever—and, as we continue to grow, we needed a name that could grow with us.
We’re very excited about this new name, and we’re looking forward to bringing it to life along with you.
How did you choose this name?
We started by conducting interviews with 33 leaders in our organization and surveying over 420 employees, residents, and clients to make sure we understand the core of what makes us tick, who we are, how we live out our mission, and what would be needed in a new name.
Using those findings as a springboard, we generated a long list of names (over 400!), which we proceeded to rank and sort. We knew we needed a name that’s easy to say and spell, one that we can own, and most importantly, one that reflects who we are in the world.
Over a period of several months, we eventually landed on Vivie. It became clear to us that this name filled everything we were looking for. Its life-giving meaning and energy feels like a perfect fit.
What does Vivie mean?
Language after language uses the Latin root “viv” to paint a compelling picture of what it means to live.
In English, “viv” becomes: Vivid. Vivacious. Revival. Survivor. In French, it’s vivacité: A spirit of liveliness. In Portuguese, it’s vivência: The process of living. And in Spanish, it’s vivienda: A dwelling place. In every case, “viv” means to be alive, to be full of life.
How did you come up with the new logo?
Even as we move forward with our new name, we know we’ve been built on the amazing foundation that was set by both Knute Nelson and Walker Methodist for over 75 years. We wanted to find a way to honor this history, and one thing both of our previous logos had in common was leaves.
So the Vivie logo includes an icon V created by the leaves of two organizations. The leaves are uplifted in joy with a sprout of things to come.
How did Vivie come to be? Were you bought out?
Not at all. Vivie is the result of a merger between Walker Methodist and Knute Nelson.
Over the years, Walker Methodist and Knute Nelson had remarkable overlap in their missions to transform how people live, age, thrive. But we had slightly different skill sets and we were working in different (but adjacent) communities—Walker Methodist in the Twin Cities and Knute Nelson to the northwest of the cities.
We realized that, together, we would create something truly unique and meaningful.
So, no, we were not bought out. We are the same people who’ve been operating as Knute Nelson and Walker Methodist. Now, as one unified organization, we are excited to be able to provide a complete circle of services for people as they age.
What does this new name mean for my residence?
Our residence names will stay the same—because the heart of these places have not changed. The difference you will see is the addition of “by Vivie” at the end of your community name. As the merger continues to roll out, you’ll also start to see additional services that are made possible by the strength of our combined organization.
What does this new name mean for services I've been receiving?
The only difference is you’ll see a new name with that service. And, over time, you’ll continue to see improvements in the ways we deliver care. Behind the scenes, we’re working to strengthen our offerings so our care remains the best in class and is delivered seamlessly throughout all of life’s changes.
Where is the rest of your website?
We’re working on our full Vivie website right now, and we’ll be rolling it out soon. For the time being, you can continue to find what you’re looking for at www.walkermethodist.org or www.knutenelson.org.
Will all of your email addresses be changing?
Eventually, yes. (It will be so nice to have a sweet and simple address that ends with Vivie.org.) For the foreseeable future, though—and even after we consolidate under one website—you’ll be able to reach us at our old addresses.