Building on 50 years of excellence

For 50 years, the many faces of UTHealth Houston have committed themselves to saving and improving lives. Just as our supporters have helped open new possibilities in health education, research, and patient care for each generation, we give thanks for the generosity they showed in Fiscal Year 2022.

A total of 2,404 donors contributed more than $39 million to the university, growing our endowment to more than $855 million as we continue to develop new treatments, educate future health experts, and serve the communities around us. 

In addition, the UTHealth Houston Many Faces. One Mission. campaign reached more than 96% of our $500 million goal, having raised a total of $478,749,187 to advance brain and behavioral health, train the next generation of health professionals, and improve Houston’s health.

Record breaking Giving Day
Friends of UTHealth Houston from across the country came together to support causes important to them during the university’s fourth annual Giving Day in April.

A total of 571 donors from 20 states gave $249,085—breaking records in the number of donors and total raised—to strengthen health education, research, and community outreach. These included white coats for medical students, scholarships for future nurses, support for the Mobile Dental Van, and resources for the Dean’s Excellence Funds at all six schools.

To encourage participation, generous donors offered dollar-for-dollar matching gift opportunities for some initiatives, allowing supporters to double the impact of their philanthropy.

A visionary gift
In a transformational contribution to vision research and education at McGovern Medical School at UTHealth Houston, Eunise Hermes Davidson made a significant commitment to the Ruiz Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Science through her estate.

• The Eunise Hermes Davidson Distinguished University Chair will serve as a tremendous resource for faculty recruitment, retention, and research.
• A current-use glaucoma research fund will jump-start discoveries that will help patients who struggle with this incurable disease.
• The endowed Eunise Hermes Davidson Glaucoma Research Fund will provide a perpetual source of funds to spark advances in the prevention and treatment of glaucoma.

Coming back together
With the advent of widespread vaccinations and effective treatments for COVID-19, we have been able to enjoy in-person university events once again.

On March 23, 2022, nearly 100 friends of UTHealth Houston gathered for the Founders Circle Luncheon, held in honor of endowment and estate commitment donors. With all six UTHealth Houston deans in attendance, a panel of students and faculty held a lively discussion about the powerful impact of scholarship support.

Less than a month later on April 13, 2022, PARTNERS held its annual Spring Luncheon, drawing nearly 250 attendees to support the faculty and students of Cizik School of Nursing at UTHealth Houston. The event, which honored nurses throughout the Texas Medical Center and their dedication during the most difficult days of the pandemic, raised more than $205,000 for student scholarships, research, and faculty support.

A new era for the Development Board
Virginia “Ginni” Mithoff concluded her two-year term as Chair of UTHealth Houston Development Board. Her leadership helped guide the board during the most challenging period for UTHealth Houston in recent memory, keeping us on a path to growth even as COVID-19 upended the world. We are grateful for everything she has done for the university.

Please join us in welcoming Ransom Lummis as the new Chair of the Development Board! We are excited about the experience he brings to the table, and we appreciate his commitment to help lead an exceptional group of volunteers.

Looking ahead
As we embrace the opportunities brought to life by the Many Faces. One Mission. campaign, UTHealth Houston begins a new chapter with great possibilities to transform health science and serve our communities.

“We have come a long way thanks to the hard work of our people and generosity of our supporters,” says Kevin J. Foyle, MBA, CFRE, Senior Vice President for Development and Public Affairs. “As we close out the campaign in the next year, I am confident that we will accomplish so much more in the next 50 years at UTHealth Houston.”