Setting a New Standard in Health Care

Defining the Future of Health

Three medical professionals walking down a hallway

The pursuit of life-changing medical advancements is defined by innovation, boldness and excellence. Donor support creates opportunities for our faculty, researchers and students to put innovative ideas into action, to follow their inspiration to bold discoveries, and to achieve unparalleled excellence that will have a far-reaching impact, well beyond the Forty Acres.

Health starts here, and it starts with you.

Building for the Future

The University of Texas at Austin Medical Center will feature a state-of-the-art UT tertiary hospital, a world-renowned MD Anderson Cancer Center, and academic and research expertise from across the Forty Acres. UT Medical Center, to be constructed on the site of the former Frank Erwin Center, will set the standard for excellence in integrated, multidisciplinary patient care, pioneer research with meaningful impact, and lead innovation in medical education.

With an emphasis on collaboration and research, the center will help UT and MD Anderson continue their history of joint efforts, including breakthrough research in cancer detection, diagnosis and treatment. And with the strengths of both institutions and Dell Medical School, the center will develop collaborative solutions to give everyone a fair and just opportunity to be as healthy as possible, empowering patients, families and communities to be active participants in the health care process through information, access, engagement and agency.

Two photos; medical scientists, medical professional looking at charts

A Heartfelt Gift

When Charlie Raymond was diagnosed with congenital heart disease, his parents, John and Leigh Anne, B.S. ’96, sought out pediatric heart surgeon Dr. Charles D. Fraser, Jr., a world-renowned leader in congenital heart surgery and UT alumnus.

Dr. Fraser is currently executive director of UT’s Institute for Cardiovascular Health and a professor in Dell Medical School’s departments of Pediatrics and Surgery & Perioperative Care. He moved his career from Houston to Austin based on the strength of UT, which Dr. Fraser says “presents almost limitless potential — innovative patient care, collaborate research and education opportunities, and creating powerful platforms to take on tough problems.”

The Raymonds have generously expressed their appreciation for the expert care and support Dr. Fraser provided to Charlie and his family by establishing the Raymond Family Endowed Chair in Cardiovascular Health at Dell Med.

Endowed positions such as this help recruit and support exceptional faculty like Dr. Fraser, ensuring the level of care Charlie received will be available to thousands of patients in Austin and Central Texas.

Dr. Fraser holding a pixelated heart art piece.

“As we reflect on the care we witnessed Dr. Fraser and his team of talented physicians provide Charlie, we can’t think of a better way to honor Dr. Fraser’s distinguished career and passionate commitment to excellence. We hope our gift creates awareness towards the further advancement of the groundbreaking work being done at the Institute for Cardiovascular Health and inspires others to support the institute’s efforts for the benefit of all children.”

— John and Leigh Anne Raymond

Finding Allies

In 2022, Robert Smith was diagnosed with two rare forms of cancer. He and his wife of 41 years, Kathryn, found a strong ally in Dell Medical School oncologist Dr. William Matsui. Throughout the Smiths’ ongoing journey, Dr. Matsui has offered more than medical advice; he has provided emotional and psychological support and strategies on how to navigate the multiple challenges that accompany illness.

Kathy and Bob Smith

To express their gratitude for his compassionate care and guidance, the couple created The Robert S. and Kathryn D. Smith Lymphoma Research Fund. Their gift will benefit the Department of Oncology and the Livestrong Cancer Institutes within Dell Med. Through their generous support, the Smiths are providing funds necessary for the exploration and discovery of groundbreaking new treatments, and renewing hope for future patients.

Nurturing Nurses

Tamra Beasley graduated from UT’s School of Nursing in 1990 and spent 25-plus years caring for patients in the Austin area. In memory of Tamra’s life and her dedication to the nursing profession, her father, Roger Beasley, BBA ’61, has created the Tamra Beasley Endowed Undergraduate Scholarship in Nursing. This permanent endowment will benefit the School of Nursing, providing scholarship support for undergraduate students. “Nursing was definitely part of my mother’s identity,” says Tamra’s daughter, Avery Bon, B.S. ’16. “We hope the scholarship will take some financial burden off of students who are just as passionate about nursing and taking care of people as she was.”

Tamra Beasley (right) with daughter, Avery

Powering Progress in Pediatric Care

According to the Texas Education Agency, approximately 6,000 Texas children are hospitalized each year due to traumatic brain injury (TBI). Children may experience potentially disastrous long-term effects, such as a shorter life expectancy and persistent mental health issues, even in cases of moderate brain injury.

Dr. Kate Remick, an associate professor and the associate chair for quality, innovation and outreach in Dell Medical School’s Department of Pediatrics, is committed to improving outcomes of pediatric TBI patients. The National Pediatric Readiness Quality Initiative (NPRQI), headed by Dr. Remick, has received a $1 million investment from the Toyota Foundation’s Way Forward Fund.

Dr. Remick’s team established nationally validated performance measures for pediatric TBI and a unique web-based platform that assists all emergency departments (EDs) in achieving high pediatric readiness. The NPRQI platform supports EDs to monitor pediatric care through a provider-driven, patient-centered approach and benchmark performance. The Toyota Foundation’s gift will support the expansion of NPRQI to enhance emergency care of children at the site, regional and state levels, thereby driving significant improvements in pediatric TBI outcomes for children across Texas.

Prescribing Success

Helping students succeed has always been a top priority for Patricia and Daniel Acosta, B.S. ’68. As a former professor in UT’s College of Pharmacy, where he helped develop the nationally ranked Toxicology Training Program as its first director, Daniel guided his students toward their academic goals, while Patricia nurtured them beyond the classroom. The couple created long-lasting professional and personal relationships with the students — they’re proud godparents to some of the graduates’ children.

Now retired, Dr. Acosta remains involved in pharmacy, professional and scientific organizations, including serving as a member of the advisory board for the College of Pharmacy. With a continued focus on student success, the couple has made a generous gift that will give graduate students additional support and encouragement. The Daniel and Patricia Acosta Graduate Endowment in Pharmacology and Toxicology provides master’s and doctoral students with stipends, travel funds and other financial assistance, opening doors to learning opportunities beyond the Forty Acres.

Daniel Acosta, B.S. ’68 & Patricia Acosta

“We hope our endowed scholarship will allow students to do things they might not be able to do otherwise, and that others will also make gifts to provide more financial assistance to students.”

— Daniel and Patricia Acosta

A Gift of Encouragement

From an early age, it was evident to Madeline Streifer, Ph.D., Pharmacology and Toxicology ’24, that science was her passion. Support and encouragement from her parents helped guide her future. “On Sundays, my dad used to conduct science experiments in the backyard with me and my brother,” she recalls, “and my mother took me to a lot of ‘Women in STEM’ events.”

Now the Acosta family’s gift provides similar encouragement, helping Madeline move toward her goal of using research to change lives through improved health care. “The Acostas’ generosity has provided funds for every conference I’ve attended,” she says. “Conferences give students the opportunity to network with other scientists and professionals and open their eyes to new developments in their field.”

Grateful