UTMB leaders joined a large crowd of employees and students in front of Old Red on Oct. 5 to kick off a yearlong celebration honoring UTMB’s 125th anniversary and its lasting commitment to defining the future of health care.
“Today is about the celebration,” said UTMB President David Callender. “Over the next year, we will reflect upon all the accomplishments we’ve made since opening as Texas’ first academic health center in 1891—and also consider what we’ll make possible in the next 125 years.”
Hundreds of attendees enjoyed the beautiful fall weather and were treated to lunch while listening to Dr. Danny Jacobs, executive vice president and provost and dean of the School of Medicine, and Pamela Watson, ScD, dean of the School of Nursing, provide comments about UTMB’s rich history and legacy.
It was on Oct. 5, 1891, when the founding members of the University of Texas Medical Department met for the first time—in Old Red—with 23 students and 13 faculty members. Little did they know that UTMB would become a center for scientific inquiry, a training ground for the future of health care and a catalyst for improving the health of society.
“Today, we’ve educated more physicians in Texas than any other school in the state and have built a robust research enterprise that has earned a national and international reputation for excellence,” said Jacobs. “We look forward to a very bright future as a university and as a public trust.”
As the university begins a yearlong celebration that will culminate in October 2016—UTMB’s 125th birthday—the School of Nursing is concluding its own 125th anniversary celebration. UTMB’s SON first opened in 1890 as the John Sealy Hospital Training School for Nurses.
“Over the course of 125 years, we have helped transform the nursing profession, and we will continue to advance nursing education, research and practice for the next 125 years and beyond,” said Watson.
More pictures from the kick-off celebration, as well as UTMB facts, key accomplishments and alumni, historical photos and more are available at www.utmb.edu/125. Stay tuned for future events!