The $25.5 million commitment includes a $16.5 million commitment that will be used to construct and equip the intensive care complex in Jennie Sealy Hospital, which will have 54 dedicated intensive care beds and the latest technology to help patients recover from serious illness or injury. The commitment also includes a pledge of $9 million to $18 million to support the university’s research endeavors.

 

“The Moody Foundation was chartered ‘to benefit in perpetuity present and future generations of Texans,’” said Frances Moody-Dahlberg, executive director and trustee of The Moody Foundation. “Through its role in health sciences education, translational research and advanced patient care, UTMB’s new Jennie Sealy Hospital and its research enterprise exemplify the concept of benefiting future generations, and The Moody Foundation is proud to be part of the university’s efforts to ensure a bright future for Galveston, our region and our state.”

 

When open for patients in 2016, the Jennie Sealy Hospital will house 310 patient rooms, a 28-bed day surgery unit and 20 state-of-the-art operating suites. Its resilient, patient-centered design will feature abundant natural light to promote healing, as well as large rooms to comfortably accommodate family members. Elevated walkways will connect the hospital to the university’s Level I trauma center and new Clinical Services Wing. It will complement the existing John Sealy Hospital, which is currently undergoing extensive modernization, and restore UTMB’s inpatient capacity to pre-Hurricane Ike levels.

 

“The Moody Foundation has played a pivotal role in the economic health of Galveston and the progress of UTMB through its visionary philanthropy over the years, and we extend our deep gratitude for these most recent, transformational gifts,” said Dr. David L. Callender, UTMB president. “In supporting the Jennie Sealy Hospital and our research enterprise in such a significant way, the Moody Foundation is helping to ensure a well-trained health care workforce for Texas, expanded biomedical knowledge, and improved access to the latest in medical, surgical and trauma care for our region.”

 

The Moody Foundation was established by W.L. Moody Jr. and his wife, Libbie Shearn Moody, in 1942. The more than $54 million in UTMB projects funded by The Moody Foundation have included construction of the Mary Moody Northen Pavilion and Moody Medical Library, as well as support for the Cognitive Rehabilitation Program and other research initiatives. The foundation’s contribution of 2,500 historically significant books, letters, manuscripts and early printings made the UTMB’s renowned Blocker History of Medicine Collections one of the largest repositories of Louis Pasteur writings outside of France.

 

Construction of the $438 million Jennie Sealy Hospital will be funded through debt service on $150 million in Tuition Revenue Bonds, $18 million in UTMB funds and $270 million in private philanthropy.