$5.1 Million Raised During the Family Campaign’s First Year

Scan a list of UTMB departments whose employees gave to the Family Campaign, and it’s apparent that generosity originated from every corner of campus and from across the region and state.     

More than 3,800 UTMB employees have contributed $5.1 million to the Working Together the Future is Ours Family Campaign since its launch a year ago. The ongoing Family Campaign is part of the Working Wonders Campaign, the most ambitious fundraising effort in UTMB’s history.

The $5.1 million raised thus far offers a stirring indication of employees’ commitment to UTMB and its future, campaign leaders said.

“I am proud of all those at UTMB who made the Family Campaign a remarkable success during its first year,” said Donna K. Sollenberger, executive vice president and CEO of the UTMB Health System. Sollenberger and Dr. Ben G. Raimer, UTMB’s senior vice president for health policy and legislative affairs, both are serving as campaign chairs.

 “The overwhelming support has already inspired so many others to give, helping pave the way for the success of the $450 million Working Wonders Campaign,” Sollenberger added.      

The campaign officially kicked off last February with a rally at Levin Hall.

During the April 20 groundbreaking ceremony for the new Jennie Sealy Hospital, Sollenberger and Dr. Raimer presented a $3.8 million check to UTMB President Dr. David L. Callender representing the amount raised after the campaign’s first couple of months.

 Since then, UTMB employees have contributed an additional $1.3 million. A final tally will be taken at the conclusion of the campaign in five years. Meanwhile more employees continue to sign pledges, and many newly hired have also made commitments.      

 “The extraordinary giving of the UTMB family of faculty and staff communicates a remarkable message of their commitment and dedication to this great institution,” said Betsy Clardy, UTMB’s vice president and chief development officer.    

For members of the Department of Anesthesiology, the Family Campaign presented another opportunity to honor a well-regarded colleague who recently passed away.      

Daniel L. Traber, PhD, a UTMB alumnus, longtime professor and director of the Investigational Intensive Care Unit, died last September. When the Jennie Sealy Hospital opens its doors in early 2016, his name will adorn the fellows office in recognition of the hundreds of young scientists he mentored during his more than 50-year career. Those scientists are affectionately referred to as members of the “Traber Army.”  

 “It wasn’t a hard name to come up with once we realized what would be appropriate for us,” said Dr. Michael Kinsky, an associate professor in the Department of Anesthesiology.

Kinsky and Dr. Donald Prough, the department’s chair, spearheaded the effort to raise $35,000 for the tribute from their department.

 Similar amounts were raised within many other UTMB departments, including the School of Nursing. The $25,000 the school’s faculty and staff members raised signifies their stake in the new Jennie Sealy Hospital, explained Dean Pamela G. Watson, RN.

 The additional beds in the new hospital will not only boost the number of patients who can be treated, they also mean more nursing, health professions and medical students and residents can train at UTMB, Dean Watson said.

 “We loved the chance to be a part of the Family Campaign,” she said, “and we’re proud to make this gift to UTMB, which is so important to all of us.”