Sellout Crowd Celebrates 35th Anniversary
With UT Health Science Center at Houston

A sellout crowd of 500 gave a standing ovation to Dr. James T. and Nancy Beamer Willerson at the 35th anniversary dinner for The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, April 24 at the River Oaks Country Club.

Friends and supporters donated about $400,000 in honor of Dr. Willerson, who is president of the UT Health Science Center, and his wife, Nancy.

In tribute to Dr. Willerson, who is a world-renowned cardiologist, the dinner was sold out even before the first invitations were mailed.

New Scholarships

He, in turn, paid tribute to the event co-chairs, Mayor Bob and Elyse Lanier and Christopher and Courtney Sarofim. “I want you all to know,” Dr. Willerson said, “The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston tonight has established two new scholarships in its Medical School, each for $10,000,” in the names of the co-chairs.

He expressed appreciation to dinner underwriters H-E-B and Memorial Hermann Healthcare System and to the people of Houston, “the most generous city I’ve ever been in.”

“Your support for The University of Texas Health Science Center now has it poised for greatness,” he said. “What you’ve done to help is tremendous. And not just the UT Health Science Center, but every Texas Medical Center institution.”

David Grimes, chair of the UT Health Science Center Development Board, announced that proceeds from the event will be used to establish six new President James T. and Nancy Beamer Willerson Endowed Scholarships – one for each of the schools in the UT Health Science Center. In addition, a special allocation will go to the Medical School’s existing Doris Simon Endowed Scholarship, awarded by the Faculty Wives and Women Faculty organization, to which Nancy Willerson has contributed many hours of her time.

Burnt Orange

The dinner’s theme, “An Evening of Texas Traditions,” was reflected not only in the burnt orange attire of the honorees and some of the guests, but also in the welcoming contingent from the Texas Cowboys honor organization and music by members of the Texas Longhorn Band. A highlight was the introduction of special surprise guest Vince Young, former Texas Longhorns quarterback and 2006 NFL Rookie of the Year. Young presented an autographed football to Dr. Willerson.

Dr. Willerson, who was a thrice-lettered varsity swimmer and a member of the Texas Cowboys before graduating Phi Beta Kappa from UT Austin, is known as an avid UT athletics fan.

Representing the UT System at the dinner were Regents Robert Estrada, Scott Caven and Judith Craven, M.D.; Former Chairman of the Board of Regents Charles Miller; and Vice Chancellor for External Relations Randa Safady, Ph.D. Co-emcees were UT alumni Tom Roupe and Rand Holstead, who is a member of the UT Health Science Center’s Leaders of Tomorrow.

– By Ina Fried, Institutional Advancement

Houston and the medical community are much richer for Dr. and Mrs. Willerson being here and for all that they do. Our goal for the evening was to raise awareness of the UT Health Science Center, as well as to raise funds. Based on the response that we’ve seen from all of you, it’s been a tremendous success.” — Christopher Sarofim

You’ve given great service to this community. You’ve made this city a better place. You’ve made The University of Texas Health Science Center a more effective institution by leading it. For your visionary work, for your healing touch, and your inclination for doing the right things, for that, this city loves you.” — former Mayor Bob Lanier