UTMB celebrated its 125th Anniversary with a black-tie gala fundraiser at Galveston’s Moody Gardens Convention Center on May 21.
More than 750 UTMB supporters attended the “Milestones Gala—125 Years—The Best is Yet to Come.” The event generated $3.7 million in gifts that created 19 faculty and scholarship endowments.
“UTMB’s reputation for innovation, for service to our community and to improving health, has rested with the people who have attended our schools, practiced medicine in our hospitals and clinics, and taught in our classrooms,” said UTMB President Dr. David L. Callender during his gala address.
"UTMB’s founders likely did not envision that this institution would become an international centerpiece of scientific inquiry and a training ground for the future of medicine, nursing, health professions and biomedical research. Or that UTMB would be a catalyst for improving the health of society, that it would lead innovations in research that continue to transform care throughout the world.
“Our success is tied to a story of resilience, of a never-ending quest for excellence, and of a lasting commitment to defining health care.”
The highlight of the evening was an interview with University of Texas System Chancellor William McRaven conducted by award-winning national news correspondent Stone Phillips.
In addition, four families and foundations were recognized for their philanthropic legacy to UTMB: The Sealy & Smith Foundation, The Moody Foundation, The Harris and Eliza Kempner Fund, and The Cynthia and George Mitchell Foundation.
The Sealy & Smith Foundation has given over $900 million to UTMB.
Event co-chairs were Pat and Fred Burns, David Gibbs and Dr. Barbara Gibbs, and B.J. and Buddy Herz.