MICHAEL KAHN
Founder, The Cary Council, 2015
Chair, The Cary Council, 2015-2020
AMANDA GEORGE
Member, The Cary Council’s Founder’s Circle
Chair, The Cary Council, 2020-2023
JOSIE SEWELL
Member, The Cary Council’s Founder’s Circle Chair, The Cary Council, 2023-2025
JONATHAN DIETZ
Chair, The Cary Council, 2025-Present
Michael McMahan President & CEO
At Southwestern Medical Foundation, we remain steadfast in our mission to advance excellence in medicine and meet the continually evolving health care needs in North Texas. We are proud to bring together committed leaders and innovative thinkers who empower the full continuum of medical progress—from early-stage discovery to long-term investment in transformational research, medical education, and exceptional patient care.
In this issue of Perspectives, we highlight how philanthropic partnerships drive medical excellence and scientific innovation to serve the growing number of individuals and families in our region and beyond. As you will hear from founder Michael Kahn, The Cary Council has spent the last decade building an alliance of young visionaries who are committed to supporting promising science at UT Southwestern Medical Center and inspiring their peers to join them in nurturing this vital work.
Community support has also been instrumental in UT Southwestern’s expansion projects. In response to the region’s growing pediatric needs, UT Southwestern and Children’s HealthSM are collaborating on a new $5 billion pediatric campus in Dallas’ Southwestern Medical District, which recently received a historic nine-figure gift from the Moody Foundation, in addition to the generous $100 million early gifts from both the Pogue Foundation and Rees-Jones Foundation. Set to open in 2031 as Moody Children’s Hospital, the facility will replace Children’s Medical Center Dallas and nearly double its current capacity to serve one of the nation’s fastest-growing pediatric populations.
Additionally, UT Southwestern is expanding west to meet the region’s mounting need for specialized cancer care with a new $177 million radiation oncology center in Fort Worth’s Medical District, building on decades of cancer care through Moncrief Cancer Institute. Expected to open in 2028, the new facility will offer comprehensive, high-quality health care close to home.
Breakthrough treatments are on the horizon through the newly established Center for Cellular Therapies and Cancer Immunology, led by Jaehyuk Choi, M.D., Ph.D., a physician-scientist whose discoveries have transformed the field of cancer immunology. Dr. Choi is guiding the center’s efforts to develop and translate innovative cell-based therapies for solid tumors, intending to bring promising discoveries into first-in-human clinical trials.
Each of us has a unique role to play in creating a better world. Through mindful stewardship, generous contributions, passionate leadership, and meaningful community engagement, we can fuel scientific and medical innovation to serve the people in our developing region. Together, we have the power to shape what comes next.
EDITORIAL DIRECTOR
Victoria Jett Kuper, LDWW
EDITORIAL ASSISTANT
Maddie Holbert, LDWW
DESIGN DIRECTOR
Ken Maxwell, LDWW
EDITORIAL TEAM
Emily Davis
Blake Evans
Sarah Fletcher
Trae Holmes
Brittany Lebling
Dustin Magwire
Michael McMahan
Paget Paul
Madi Richardson
Stephanie Vidikan
WRITERS
Sharon Reynolds
Hannah Rotwein
Elaine Gantz Wright
PHOTOGRAPHERS
Scott Booth
Grant Miller
Erin Moore
Ren Morrison
Jay Simon
Editorial comments and contributions are welcome.
Send correspondence to:
Southwestern Medical Foundation
Parkland Hall at Old Parkland 3889 Maple Avenue, Suite 100 Dallas, Texas 75219
info @ swmedical.org 214-351-6143
5 A Son’s Tribute
After witnessing his mother’s valiant battle against brain cancer and the exceptional care she received at UT Southwestern Medical Center, Michael Kahn found a meaningful purpose in his loss.
32
In March of this year, the generous donors and patrons who make UT Southwestern scholarships possible were given the unique opportunity to connect with scholarship recipients.
As The Cary Council celebrates 10 years of service, its founders and members reflect on the Council’s innate purpose and its impactful work over the past decade, while looking ahead to what its members plan to accomplish in the future.
Celebrating A Decade of Impact
As The Cary Council celebrates its 10th anniversary, founders of the philanthropic group share in their own words what it means to make an impact in North Texas and their hopes for the future.
36 The Sprague Award
Southwestern Medical Foundation honors Sarah and Ross Perot, Jr. for continuing the philanthropic legacy of their esteemed family through their significant contributions to the betterment of North Texas, its communities, and its residents.
18
Paving Tomorrow’s Path
By investing in the brightest and most innovative minds at UT Southwestern through its Early-Stage Research Grants, The Cary Council has helped pave the way for researchers and physicians to develop breakthrough medical discoveries and outcomes.
40
Leading The Conversation On Health
Through a panel-style conversation, hosted by the Foundation, this year’s forum explored how the Perot family helped shape a nationally renowned M.D./Ph.D. program.
42 30 Years Of Paramount Giving
Dr. Kern Wildenthal joined Michael McMahan for a conversation on The Wildenthal Society’s rich history, remarkable growth, and its enduring potential to drive meaningful impact.
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The Future of North Texas
As a proud partner of UT Southwestern, the Foundation is honored to support its key initiatives, such as Moody Children’s Hospital, its Fort Worth Expansion, and the Center for Cellular Therapies and Cancer Immunology.
A Letter From Foundation Chair, Jere Thompson, Jr.
To close the 2025 issue of Perspectives, Southwestern Medical Foundation Chair Jere Thompson, Jr., shares his outlook for a bright future ahead and underscores the responsibility each of us carries in helping realize that vision.
HONORING BETH KAHN:
Michael Kahn set out with a purpose to create a philanthropic group of young leaders dedicated to the advancement of UT Southwestern Medical Center, its faculty, talent, and medical research capabilities.
The Cary Council was inspired by and founded to honor a beloved woman whose passion for helping others influenced everyone around her. After Beth Kahn’s valiant fight with brain cancer, her son, Michael, transformed his family’s personal loss into purpose by uniting a group of visionary young leaders who have created tangible momentum for medical progress. Ten years later, The Cary Council has made an impressive impact on the world, but this milestone is just the beginning.
Beth Kahn was a treasured member of the Dallas community. She was a mom and a gifted teacher who had an extraordinary ability to motivate others to live their best lives. She was a tremendous role model and lived by her “roots and wings” philosophy: teaching core values and principles (roots) and instilling the confidence to chase dreams (wings).
In May 2013, Beth was diagnosed with glioblastoma, an aggressive and life-threatening brain cancer. She received exceptional care from her team at UT Southwestern Medical Center and was nurtured by the love and support of family and friends.
“When you or someone you love receives a life-altering diagnosis, it’s an extraordinary gift to be able to drive a few miles—rather than fly across the country—for worldclass care,” said Michael Kahn.
For three years, the Kahn family was at Beth’s side while she bravely battled the aggressive disease with dignity and grace. “My mom led by example, living a life of
meaning and purpose, celebrating small victories, and deeply appreciating the preciousness of each moment. She understood that the most important qualities are those you cannot measure and quantify with statistics qualities like faith, love, and especially hope,” said Michael.
Beth passed away on January 17, 2016, but her experience at UT Southwestern had already set in motion the creation of The Cary Council the year prior. Michael was deeply inspired by his mother’s gratitude for the tremendous care she received, and he saw how critical it was to support medical progress that could one day eradicate diseases like his mother’s. To honor his late mother and ensure continued investments in early-stage medical research, he helped found The Cary Council, named after the late Dr. Edward H. Cary, one of the primary founders of Southwestern Medical Foundation and Southwestern Medical College, known today as UT Southwestern.
Michael’s goal was to recruit a new generation of young community leaders who wanted to make a meaningful contribution to health care in North Texas. When The Cary Council launched in 2015, its members spent time exploring how best to make a difference. What emerged was a shared commitment to early-stage medical research. In 2017, the group awarded its first Early-Stage Research Grants—$50,000 seed grants designed to accelerate promising ideas from early-career investigators at UT Southwestern.
A decade later, The Cary Council has achieved remarkable success. Through proceeds from its signature fundraiser, An Evening with DocStars, the Council has awarded $1.2 million in grants to support twenty-four promising scientists. These investments have helped launch careers, retain top talent at UT Southwestern, and spark innovations that have since attracted nearly $30 million in additional funding. The research they’ve supported spans breast cancer, genomic technologies, infectious disease, pediatrics, and other critical areas of medicine.
THE CARY COUNCIL WAS FOUNDED WITH A COMPELLING VISION: WHEN WE ENGAGE THE NEXT GENERATION OF COMMUNITY LEADERS IN ADVANCING INNOVATIVE RESEARCH, WE CREATE REAL MOMENTUM FOR MEDICAL PROGRESS. “ ”
IT HAS BEEN A PRIVILEGE TO WITNESS THE EXTRAORDINARY GROWTH AND SUCCESS OF THE CARY COUNCIL OVER THE PAST DECADE. WHAT BEGAN AS A PROMISING IDEA HAS EXCEEDED ALL EXPECTATIONS, DEMONSTRATING THE LASTING VALUE OF THOUGHTFUL LEADERSHIP AND A CLEAR, SHARED PURPOSE.
JAMES R. HUFFINES PAST CHAIR, SOUTHWESTERN MEDICAL FOUNDATION BOARD OF TRUSTEES
“One of the most powerful things The Cary Council has done is create space for personal storytelling,” said Michael. “Everyone has a story, and more importantly, behind every grant is a story. A vote of confidence. A breakthrough that may never have happened otherwise.”
While these seed grants empower early-stage researchers to pursue their bold ideas that might not otherwise receive funding but have the potential to transform medicine for generations, the Council’s impact goes far beyond financial contributions.
“I believe the legacy of The Cary Council won’t be measured solely by grant totals, follow-on funding, or even membership growth though we’re proud of all those things. It will be measured over decades, in the lifelong engagement our members have with UT Southwestern and in the role we continue to play in advancing medicine in Dallas, across North Texas, and beyond,” said Michael.
Reflecting on the past decade of creating lasting impact with The Cary Council, the Kahn family is most grateful for the beautiful legacy of hope that Beth’s story has created for the future.
THE MOMENTUM OF THE CARY COUNCIL CONTINUES TO GROW. WITH AN ENDOWED $100,000 GIFT TO UT SOUTHWESTERN’S CAMPAIGN FOR THE BRAIN AND MORE YOUNG PROFESSIONALS JOINING THE CAUSE, THE POTENTIAL FOR IMPACT HAS NEVER BEEN HIGHER. THE SMALL RIPPLES THEY HAVE CREATED OVER THE LAST DECADE WILL CONTINUE TO GROW, SHAPING ADVANCEMENTS IN MEDICINE FOR YEARS TO COME.
SINCE ITS FOUNDING, THE CARY COUNCIL HAS AWARDED TWENTYFOUR RESEARCH GRANTS TO UT SOUTHWESTERN INVESTIGATORS. THESE GRANTS HAVE RESULTED IN NEARLY $30 MILLION IN FOLLOW-ON FUNDING, AN EXPONENTIAL RETURN ON INVESTMENT. BUT THE TRUE MEASURE OF SUCCESS IS IN THE LIVES IMPROVED THROUGH THESE ADVANCEMENTS, FROM PIONEERING CANCER TREATMENTS TO BREAKTHROUGHS IN NEUROLOGICAL CARE.
MICHAEL MCMAHAN PRESIDENT AND CEO, SOUTHWESTERN MEDICAL FOUNDATION
“The Cary Council began with a single story that was deeply personal,” said Michael’s wife, Alexandra Kahn. “What inspires me today is how that story continues to grow through each new member and each new idea. When young leaders come together to support bold research, they are helping shape a better future. That is what gives me hope.”
“A lifelong teacher and exceptional role model, Beth was an extremely compassionate and caring person who inspired all who knew her,” said her husband, Gary. “Central to The Cary Council’s mission, Beth strongly believed that investing in education and research is key to innovation and advances in medicine and patient care. As The Cary Council celebrates its 10th anniversary, I know she would be so proud of the leadership team and their contributions to UT Southwestern and the medical community.”
While this group of philanthropic leaders was created from a place of loss, its growth and the significant impact it has had not only on medical investigators but on past, present, and future patients is a true testament to the light that can be found in the darkness.
“We believed that great pain must not be wasted,” Michael added. “And we learned that big impact often starts small, especially when you’re surrounded by the right people. One of the most rewarding and unexpected parts of this journey has been the deep friendships we’ve created. Building The Cary Council has meant working alongside incredibly talented, thoughtful individuals who share a commitment to community and a passion for driving meaningful change. We will never stop fighting.”
MEMBER, THE CARY COUNCIL’S FOUNDER’S CIRCLE CHAIR, THE CARY COUNCIL, 2020-2023
manda George built her career by combining business leadership with a strong commitment to community service. As Executive Vice President of John Eagle Dealerships, she developed a deep understanding of the company’s operations by engaging directly with every part of the business, learning the value of collaboration and persistence.
In 2015, Amanda became a founding member of The Cary Council. She later served as Co-Chair of An Evening with DocStars in 2019, helping raise support for the Council’s growing grant program.
From 2020 to 2023, Amanda served as Chair of The Cary Council, guiding the group through a pivotal time during the COVID-19 pandemic and helping sustain momentum for its mission. Over the past decade, she has been instrumental in the Council’s growth and success in awarding grants that have fueled scientific discoveries and generated significant follow-on funding.
Amanda is now Owner and CEO of Unwind Massage Lounge, a modern spa offering an innovative approach to relaxation and wellness. She serves on the Board of Trustees of Southwestern Medical Foundation and remains committed to supporting innovative research, fostering leadership, and strengthening the Dallas community.
MEMBER, THE CARY COUNCIL’S FOUNDER’S CIRCLE CHAIR, THE CARY COUNCIL, 2023-2025
osie Sewell earned her Master of Science in Nursing from Vanderbilt University before moving to Dallas. She went on to serve as a nurse practitioner in neuro-oncology at UT Southwestern Medical Center’s Simmons Cancer Center.
During that time, she cared for patients facing challenging brain conditions and was especially moved by the enduring spirit of her patient, Beth Kahn—a powerful connection that led to Josie becoming a founding member of The Cary Council in 2015.
Josie played a central role in shaping the Council’s mission of funding early-stage research. She served as Membership Chair and stepped into the role of Council Chair in 2023. Her medical background, coupled with personal experience, continues to inform her leadership. When her youngest son, Connor, was born with a congenital heart defect, Josie and her husband, Carl, relied on Children’s Health and UT Southwestern specialists to guide his care and recovery.
That deeply personal encounter with innovative medical care strengthened her understanding of the real-world impact of philanthropy in supporting lifesaving treatment and research. Josie now serves as a member of Southwestern Medical Foundation’s Board of Trustees. As a Past Chair of The Cary Council, she is a strong advocate for connecting donor generosity with scientific innovation to benefit families across North Texas.
CHAIR, THE CARY COUNCIL, 2025-PRESENT
onathan Dietz carries forward a family tradition of philanthropy that has long supported education, health care, and medical research in Dallas. His late grandfather, Robert H. Dedman Sr., together with his wife, Nancy, established the Robert and Nancy Dedman Foundation, whose support of UT Southwestern has created enduring opportunities for physicians and researchers. That legacy of giving has shaped Jonathan’s own approach to service and leadership.
Jonathan and his wife, Saryn, joined The Cary Council in 2015, recognizing its role in engaging young civic leaders to fund early-stage research at UT Southwestern. Jonathan served as Program Chair, and they later served together as Chairs of An Evening with DocStars in 2023.
Building on this experience, Jonathan stepped into the role of Chair of The Cary Council in 2025, guiding the group during its 10th anniversary year and helping chart its future direction. His leadership reflects a belief that philanthropy at every stage of life strengthens both institutions and communities.
Jonathan founded Mayborn Capital, where he previously led one of his portfolio companies and now invests in small business acquisitions through search funds. Jonathan also serves as President of the Dedman Dietz Family Foundation, where he continues his family’s longstanding commitment to higher education, health care, and the arts. Through his personal service and his family’s legacy, he encourages the next generation of leaders to invest in research, care, and innovation.
FOUNDERS OF THE CARY COUNCIL REFLECT ON ITS EARLY DAYS AND MEANINGFUL PROGRESS
“The Cary Council not only fulfills the goal of leadership and community involvement, but also provides the ability to have hands-on experience with evaluating and ultimately funding early-stage research. Funding this research, and more importantly, partnering with the people behind the research is very special. Being able to see their progress over the years, hear their updates along the way, and then witness the long-term impact of this funding—it’s rare to find something so rewarding.”
“When we formed The Cary Council a decade ago, many of us were complete strangers to each other, and our group didn’t even have a name, much less a roadmap— just a shared vision and willing hands ready to work. What inspired me most was the belief that through commitment and collective effort, passionate young leaders could create something truly transformative that has indeed grown beyond any of our initial imaginations.”
“When I joined The Cary Council, my initial goal was to honor the life of a loved one lost too soon. After experiencing the helplessness that often accompanies illness, I felt compelled to take meaningful steps toward improving health outcomes for others. I was deeply inspired by Michael’s story and the way he wanted to honor his mother’s legacy. His courage, dedication, and initiative have grown a single act of tribute into an influential collective effort, inspiring many to turn our own individual ‘whys’ into action.
Our combined experiences and motivations have built something that is advancing medical innovation, creating measurable impact, and positively affecting the lives of our community members. That sense of shared purpose and impact has been both humbling and incredibly hopeful.”
“I had the privilege of being one of the health care professionals who cared for Beth Kahn during her cancer journey. Michael’s love and dedication to his mother were profound. And just as powerful is the idea her life inspired, which has grown into a lasting force for early-stage medical research.”
JOSIE SEWELL
“When we helped found The Cary Council, we believed the next generation of discovery needed the next generation of supporters. My grandparents, Eugene and Margaret McDermott, understood that the right investments at the right time could change the trajectory of a city. Supporting early-stage research at UT Southwestern continues that tradition—often backing breakthroughs before the world even knows we need them.”
“Dallas has experienced such meaningful growth over the past several decades in large part due to the generous investments and strategic planning made in our communities by past generations of civic leaders. Chief among these trailblazers are UT Southwestern and Southwestern Medical Foundation. In helping found The Cary Council, it was my hope that a new generation could be introduced to these civic crown jewels. It is imperative to learn about their critical importance to the health outcomes of North Texans and be inspired by Dr. Cary and other visionaries, past and present, as they consider their own opportunities to support and create the institutions that underpin a brighter future for our city, state, and country.”
“It has been so rewarding for me to have connected with friends from varied aspects of my life to further the mission of UT Southwestern! I have also enjoyed watching these incredible people develop transformative friendships with one another through The Cary Council and the opportunities for education and fellowship that UT Southwestern has provided.”
“By supporting early-stage research at UT Southwestern, our community is carving out pathways to discovery that will address and solve some of the greatest health challenges we face today. It is a tremendous honor to carry forward our region’s longstanding focus on investing in the top talent, technology, and infrastructure necessary for progress. We are grateful for each change-maker joining us in this worthy mission.”
FOUNDED IN HONOR OF BETH KAHN TO INSPIRE YOUNG CIVIC AND PHILANTHROPIC LEADERS, LED BY MICHAEL KAHN AS CHAIR.
FIRST AN EVENING WITH DOCSTARS EVENT HELD; FIRST THREE EARLY-STAGE RESEARCH GRANTS AWARDED AT UT SOUTHWESTERN.
LEARNING FROM LEADERS PROGRAMMING BEGINS WITH A FIRESIDE CHAT WITH HARLAN CROW ON THE OLD PARKLAND CAMPUS.
AMANDA GEORGE ELECTED AS CHAIR.
THE CARY COUNCIL CONTRIBUTES
$100K ($50K IN MATCHING FUNDS FROM THE SOUTHWESTERN MEDICAL FOUNDATION) TO ESTABLISH A FELLOWSHIP AT UT SOUTHWESTERN’S O’DONNELL BRAIN INSTITUTE; NEARLY $7M IN FOLLOW-ON FUNDING IS SECURED BY FORMER EARLY-STAGE RESEARCH GRANT RECIPIENTS.
$1M+ IN GRANTS GIVEN TO UT SOUTHWESTERN RESEARCHERS; SOUTHWESTERN MEDICAL FOUNDATION EXPANDS LEARNING FROM LEADERS PROGRAMMING TO INCLUDE A MONTHLY PODCAST, HOSTED BY MEMBERS OF THE CARY COUNCIL.
JOSIE SEWELL ELECTED AS CHAIR.
JONATHAN DIETZ ELECTED AS CHAIR; COUNCIL CELEBRATES 10 YEARS OF IMPACT AND INNOVATION; NEARLY $30 MILLION IN FOLLOW-ON FUNDING MILESTONE REACHED.
AFFECTIONATELY CALLED “DOCSTARS,” THE CARY COUNCIL’S EARLY-STAGE RESEARCH GRANT RECIPIENTS ARE LEADING MEDICAL PROGRESS FORWARD. READ ON FOR EXCITING UPDATES ON A FEW.
Emily H. Adhikari, M.D., is an Associate Professor in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology and Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine at UT Southwestern Medical Center. In addition to her role as a Clinical Scholar at UT Southwestern, Dr. Adhikari is the Medical Director of Perinatal Infectious Diseases for the Parkland Health System. Dr. Adhikari’s clinical and research efforts focus on improving maternal and neonatal health outcomes related to infectious diseases in disadvantaged communities. In 2021, Dr. Adhikari earned an Early-Stage Research Grant from The Cary Council to study both the effects of the COVID-19 virus on pregnancy and COVID-19 vaccine protection for fetuses. That same year, she received UT Southwestern’s Fund to Retain Clinical Scientists award, which was created to support physician-scientists with significant caregiving duties during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Dr. Adhikari credits the Early-Stage Research Grant with “[helping her] develop a reputation at the state and national levels in the field of infectious diseases in pregnancy.” Since receiving the award, Dr. Adhikari has secured follow-on funding totaling $1.4 million. Her post-pandemic efforts have focused on understanding the effects of syphilis in pregnancy on the placenta and preterm birth related to congenital syphilis.
Congenital syphilis occurs when the bacteria causing syphilis passes from a pregnant person to the baby during pregnancy or childbirth, and is a major infectious cause of stillbirth, preterm birth, and neonatal death. In recent years, she started a translational research program to improve diagnostic testing and examine how the pregnant mother and placenta respond
to infections like syphilis. Outside the university, Dr. Adhikari has worked to broaden patient access to syphilis testing and community education about syphilis and congenital syphilis. One recent milestone for Dr. Adhikari and her collaborators, like Dr. Ashley Solmonson in the Cecil H. and Ida Green Center for Reproductive Biology Sciences, was the establishment of a biorepository to house the clinical specimens of pregnant patients diagnosed with syphilis. Though opening the repository required over a year of navigating regulations and developing necessary laboratory infrastructure and clinical support, Dr. Adhikari is motivated by the biobank’s projected long-term impact. As she states, the goal is for the bank to “support a larger research program for what I hope will eventually become the Center for Reproductive Infectious Disease and Immunology Research at UT Southwestern.”
Looking ahead, Dr. Adhikari is invested in continuing research that positively impacts both her patients and public health at large. Using the bedside-to-bench-to-bedside approach, Dr. Adhikari intends to continue developing clinical research that guides clinical practice and improves patient outcomes while simultaneously pushing the boundaries of science in placental disease and metabolic regulation of the immune system as they relate to infectious disease. Dr. Adhikari emphasizes how “philanthropy is the on-ramp” for earlycareer researchers because it provides critical support for gaining a foothold within the fast-moving world of scientific investigation. “Philanthropic support through [The] Cary Council and other organizations,” she states, “makes the process feel more within reach. I have incredible gratitude for this group of invested individuals.”
PH.D.
Prasanna Alluri, M.D., Ph.D., is a physician scientist and Assistant Professor of Radiation Oncology at UT Southwestern Medical Center, where he is committed to improving the care of breast cancer patients. His research focuses on the development of new approaches to overcome treatment resistance in patients with aggressive forms of breast cancer. In 2018, he was awarded an EarlyStage Research Grant by The Cary Council to support his promising research. Since then, Dr. Alluri and his team received multiple additional awards totaling nearly $11 million, including grants from private foundations, the state of Texas, and federal sources like the Department of Defense and the National Institutes of Health.
One of the most difficult aspects of being an early-career researcher is securing initial funding, as most granting institutions require a proven track record. However, as Dr. Alluri notes, The Cary Council’s focus on early-career investigators is critical to the development of groundbreaking research.
While he acknowledges that it may be riskier to invest in newcomers, it’s important to note that new investigators are often those who bring fresh ideas and perspectives. Dr. Alluri recognizes that The Cary Council’s early investment in his research allowed him to take bigger risks that likely would not have been possible in the traditional funding structure seen within medicine. Those risks, he notes, were instrumental in every developmental aspect of Alluri Laboratory, and even now, seven years later, continue to impact its structure and focus. “I would say this was a substantial reason for the
successes we have had since starting my lab,” explains Dr. Alluri.
Based on highly promising laboratory data, current efforts in Dr. Alluri’s lab are focused on the development of a clinical trial that aims to stimulate the patient’s immune system to eradicate aggressive forms of breast cancer that do not respond to existing treatments. As he says, “I couldn’t be more excited to see where this takes us in terms of improving patient care.” Supported by a $2.5 million Breakthrough Award from the Department of Defense, Dr. Alluri’s lab is working to create a therapeutic cancer vaccine that puts breast cancer into long-term remission. Traditionally, to be effective, breast cancer immunotherapies must be combined with chemotherapy, a course of treatment that is both long and toxic for patients. Promisingly, Dr. Alluri’s team has developed a much shorter treatment course–one that required less than a week when tested on mice.
For Dr. Alluri and other DocStars, support from The Cary Council extends beyond funding. Dr. Alluri highlights how Council members’ experience in business, startups, and investments is a valuable resource for researchers, whose own expertise lies within the lab and clinic. “If any of this requires a startup to advance a new treatment,” said Dr. Alluri, “I think they have the potential to make a difference, especially in an area that we have very little expertise in.”
Such experience on the part of Council members is invaluable as researchers look to create impact beyond the lab.
David Greenberg, M.D., is a clinician, researcher, and Distinguished Teaching Professor in the Department of Internal Medicine at UT Southwestern Medical Center, where he specializes in transplant infectious diseases, antibiotic-resistant infections, and immunocompromised patients. Additionally, he is a member of UT Southwestern’s Division of Infectious Diseases and Geographic Medicine, serving as Director of Microbial Genomics, conducting leading edge research on new antibacterial therapies for multidrug-resistant bacteria. Recognizing the importance of his work, in 2018, The Cary Council awarded Dr. Greenberg an Early-Stage Research Grant to support further investigations into antibiotic-resistant infections. Often, antibiotic-resistant infections occur following the insertion of medical devices into the body, including pacemakers, catheters, dental implants, and artificial joints. Bacteria attach and grow on the surfaces of these foreign objects, where they form large aggregates called biofilms. These biofilms and the infections they cause are difficult to treat with antibiotics alone, requiring patients to undergo surgery to remove the devices. With his research group, Dr. Greenberg has been investigating non-surgical methods for treating biofilms that form on metal implants. Using magnetic fields, similar to those in an MRI machine, his team has determined a way to noninvasively heat the metal surface of the implant, disrupting the biofilm in the process. Notably, this technology could eliminate the need for surgical removal of the implant, as well as subsequent surgeries to insert a new device. Currently, this new approach to treating these infections is in human trials.
As Dr. Greenberg points out, “it’s estimated that by the year 2050, the number of worldwide deaths due to antibiotic resistance will exceed the number of worldwide deaths due to cancer.” Antibiotic resistance undermines modern medicine,
Dr. Greenberg explains. Without effective antibiotics, “we couldn’t do many of the things that we do at UT Southwestern or beyond, from organ transplantation to advanced cancer chemotherapy,” he notes. Because bacteria evolve quickly, combating antibiotic resistance is “continuous and everchanging,” and requires researchers to proactively “tackle [the] pathogens that are becoming resistant to the current supply of drugs that we have,” according to Dr. Greenberg. He describes the issue as a “forever problem”—and one whose solutions will require substantial funding. For this reason, he believes that “the funding that The Cary Council provides and philanthropy in a broader sense has actually never been more important.”
Since receiving his award from The Cary Council, Dr. Greenberg has secured $2 million in additional funding for his work. To begin the process of bringing his research group’s technological inventions out of the lab and into clinical settings, Dr. Greenberg founded a biotechnology company with Rajiv Chopra, Ph.D., who previously worked in the Department of Radiology at UT Southwestern. As Dr. Greenberg explains, the nation’s health care systems spend billions of dollars each year treating prosthetic joint infections, a number that his company, Solenic Medical Inc., hopes to decrease.
He is quick to point out, though, that this project was actually born from the lab’s ongoing efforts to create new antibiotics, a completely different area of their lab. “We’ve been fortunate that these early investments—including [the grant] from The Cary Council—have translated into follow-on funding and grants,” said Dr. Greenberg. These early investments have allowed his team to further explore this new area of medicine, providing them with the ability and opportunity to answer new questions that arise around what drives antibiotic resistance.
Robin T. Higashi, Ph.D., is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences at UT Southwestern Medical Center’s O’Donnell School of Public Health, whose current research focuses on digital health technology and implementation science. Specifically, Dr. Higashi, who has a Ph.D. in medical anthropology, investigates and proposes solutions to the system- and patient-level barriers that prevent equitable health outcomes among underserved populations. She has also conducted research to assess and address disparities in cervical and colorectal cancer prevention in urban minoritized populations, Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) access for formerly incarcerated persons, and the cancer care needs of uninsured individuals living in rural areas. In 2022, Dr. Higashi received an Early-Stage Research Grant from The Cary Council to study and improve telehealth access for underserved patients with cancer in the DallasRedbird area.
Dr. Higashi notes how significant the Early-Stage Research Grant has been to her career. Before earning the award, she had only ever acted as a Co-Investigator on other investigators’ grants. As she states, The Cary Council’s investment “marked the first time in my career in which I was now the Principal Investigator, leading my own team.” The grant helped Dr. Higashi gain crucial leadership experience and credibility, which aided her in landing additional grants to conduct research that ultimately improves patients’ access to health care.
Since being named a DocStar through The Cary Council, Dr. Higashi earned a $750,000 award as the Principal Investigator on a grant from Texas Health Resources to
investigate the barriers that prevent Spanish-speaking patients from effectively using Epic’s MyChart, the patient health portal used by hospitals across the United States. Through this research, Dr. Higashi and her team determined that training patients and clinicians to use a text messaging intervention would be the most effective way to increase patients’ uptake and use of MyChart, by timing it with key events in the clinical process, such as check-in for appointments and test resulting. They are currently working with the Information Resources group to evaluate the effectiveness of the automated text message intervention that was launched this year. Dr. Higashi is also recruited to serve in the Lead Qualitative Investigator role on several other significant studies with investigators from across UT Southwestern. She credits her recognition by The Cary Council with raising her visibility within the university, leading many colleagues to seek out her expertise.
Dr. Higashi recognizes the critical role that philanthropy plays in advancing medical research and how impact-driven groups like The Cary Council “bring together promising early-career scientists and generous individuals, all of whom are invested in moving the needle forward for people in our community.” She describes this process as “teamwork toward scientific discovery,” noting how philanthropists are in a unique position to support the research that most resonates with them, in turn helping researchers make important advances in their fields.
As Dr. Higashi reflects on the impact of The Cary Council and the long-standing effects that their Early-Stage Research Grants provide to medical investigators, she recognizes and appreciates the care in which they make their investment selections, stating, “I am grateful that they chose to promote greater health equity by supporting me.”
Luis Sifuentes-Dominguez, M.D., is an Assistant Professor at UT Southwestern Medical Center and a pediatric gastroenterologist at Children’s HealthSM who studies chronic inflammatory conditions of the digestive tract, including Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis, collectively referred to as inflammatory bowel disease or IBD. In 2020, The Cary Council awarded Dr. Sifuentes-Dominguez an Early-Stage Research Grant to support the investigation into the underlying genetics related to IBD development. His program focuses on studying children who are diagnosed with IBD at a young age and families with multiple affected members. Since being named a DocStar, Dr. Sifuentes-Dominguez has published research in the journals eLife, Science, and Nature, and received follow-on funding totaling $1.4 million from the National Institutes of Health and private foundations. As he says, “it’s really thanks to [The Cary Council’s] award that my work has been able to mature and flourish.”
Dr. Sifuentes-Dominguez’s work has burgeoned in many ways since receiving funding from The Cary Council, including through the development of novel mouse models to study intestinal function. One of these models focuses on metabolism and body weight, examining how specific cells in the colon interact with bacteria and influence hunger cues. In 2024, Dr. Sifuentes-Dominguez and his lab published a paper in the journal Nature Metabolism summarizing the
findings of that research. Additionally, his team is studying treatment options for babies and young children with a severe, often fatal form of diarrhea. Currently, the standard treatment for these children is intravenous nutrition; however, Dr. Sifuentes-Dominguez and his team are working to develop a personalized, therapeutic treatment strategy to help these patients achieve full recoveries.
Despite his many successes, Dr. Sifuentes-Dominguez notes the challenges of conducting scientific research. During the COVID-19 pandemic, navigating the in-person demands of research using mouse models was particularly difficult. Dr. Sifuentes-Dominguez highlights how resilience and support within his team and the larger UT Southwestern community helped the lab persevere. As he states, “It was through team power that we really got through it.”
Dr. Sifuentes-Dominguez intends to continue recruiting talented individuals to his lab to conduct further research on metabolism, the genetic determinants of IBD, and early-onset IBD. His hope is that “perhaps all of this will help translate into novel therapies for a number of conditions that affect large amounts of the population.” As he notes, his work wouldn’t be possible without financial support: “[Science] does not exist without philanthropy, and I’m very happy, humbled, and grateful for the support of The Cary Council.”
TIMOTHY J. BROWN, M.D., M.S.C.E. 2025
ANEZI UZENDU, M.D., F.A.C.C. 2024
ROBIN T. HIGASHI, PH.D. 2022
CHIKA NWACHUKWU, M.D., PH.D.* 2020
R. NICHOLAS BURNS, M.D. 2025
CHRISTINA HERRERA, M.D. 2023
DOMINIC MOON, M.D. 2022
OLUTOYOSI OGUNKUA, M.D.* 2020
ANIMESH (AASHOO) TANDON, M.D., M.S.* 2018
JEFF SCHAFFERT, PH.D. 2025
MARGARET (KATIE) HOGE, M.D. 2023
EMILY H. ADHIKARI, M.D. 2021
LUIS SIFUENTES-DOMINGUEZ, M.D. 2020
SARAH R. LIEBER, M.D., M.S.C.R. 2024
AVANTHI TAYI SHAH, M.D. 2023
OWOICHO ADOGWA, M.D., M.P.H.* 2021
PRASANNA ALLURI, M.D., PH.D. 2018
JACQUES LUX, PH.D. 2017 SARA PICCIRILLO, PH.D.* 2017
ETHAN SANFORD, M.D. 2024
PROSHAD EFUNE, M.D. 2022
SAMUEL JOHN, M.D. 2021
DAVID GREENBERG, M.D. 2018
RICHARD C. WANG, M.D., PH.D.* 2017
JOAN CONAWAY, PH.D. VICE PROVOST AND DEAN OF BASIC RESEARCH
UT SOUTHWESTERN
“The Cary Council plays an essential role in fostering innovation at UT Southwestern through its steadfast support of our DocStars. The enthusiasm, commitment, and meaningful community engagement of these young philanthropists inspire us all. We look forward with great anticipation to each opportunity we have to meet with The Cary Council to discuss the exciting research and promising grant proposals from some of our outstanding early career researchers.”
WILLIAM T. DAUER, M.D. DIRECTOR, PETER O’DONNELL JR.
BRAIN INSTITUTE
UT SOUTHWESTERN
“Sustained community support is essential to achieving our mission of transforming brain science and clinical care. The fellowship that The Cary Council supported will help us cultivate the next generation of neuroscience leaders—individuals whose work bridges disciplines, advances understanding of brain disease, and ultimately improves the lives of patients. Our vision is to create an enduring platform for training, mentorship, and discovery that amplifies the impact of both the Institute and the broader community that stands behind it.”
ERIC PETERSON, M.D., M.P.H. VICE PROVOST AND SENIOR ASSOCIATE DEAN FOR CLINICAL RESEARCH
UT SOUTHWESTERN
“We are deeply grateful to The Cary Council for their dedicated partnership and enthusiastic support of early-stage research at UT Southwestern. Their passion for advancing science energizes our entire institution, and it is a privilege to interact with the exceptional group of DocStars whose work continually makes us proud.”
In 1943, the Ho Din Award was instituted by Southwestern Medical Foundation in conjunction with the creation of Southwestern Medical College to recognize those who exemplify the unique personal qualities embodied in all great physicians—medical wisdom and human understanding. The award represents the ideals and aspirations on which the school was built and continues to be the highest honor bestowed on a UT Southwestern medical student.
Southwestern Medical Foundation proudly awarded the coveted and highly distinguished 2025 Ho Din Award to Prajwal Gowda, M.D., for his excellence in academics, service, and scholarship.
Dr. Gowda discovered his calling at age 10, during a family trip to India to visit his grandparents. “As soon as I got there, we went straight to the hospital to see my grandpa, who had just had major heart surgery,” he said. “Meeting the doctors who saved his life made me interested in learning about what patients face in our health care system here in the U.S.”
The experience set him on his own altruistic path. He majored in biochemistry at the University of Texas at Austin, where he tutored and mentored students of all ages and led a number of student organizations. His interest in treating vulnerable populations intensified while at UT Southwestern, where he served as Executive Director of the Patient Navigator Program and President of the Union Gospel Mission smoking cessation student-run free clinic. He also diligently pursued research, investigating advancements in diagnostic technologies and examining challenges faced by liver transplant recipients.
The Ho Din Award symbolizes the greatest standards of knowledge, understanding, and compassion in the medical field.
“Prajwal Gowda embodies the highest ideals of the medical profession through his exceptional intellect, compassion, and deep commitment to serving others,” said Michael McMahan, Southwestern Medical Foundation President and CEO. “He joins a distinguished line of UT Southwestern students recognized with the Ho Din Award, which was established by Southwestern Medical Foundation more than 80 years ago. We are proud to honor his humanity and leadership as he carries this tradition forward.”
After graduating from UT Southwestern in May 2025, Dr. Gowda began his internal medicine residency at UC San Francisco (UCSF). Following his residency at UCSF, he plans to pursue fellowships in gastroenterology and transplant hepatology.
• Selected for the Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Society while a junior medical student
• Co-founded and served as Co-President and Test Committee Representative of Gastroenterology Interest Group
• Selected by peers for the Gold Humanism Honor Society, recognizing humanist qualities
• Received UT Southwestern President’s Volunteer Service Bronze Level Award in 2023 for over 100 hours of service related to promoting healthy lifestyles to middle- and high-school-aged children
The Kathryn and Ashley M. Priddy Fund supports both scholarships at UT Southwestern and summer research fellowships for high school students, known as The Priddy Award. The seven 2024 recipients of The Priddy Award were among the outstanding participants in the Dallas Regional Science and Engineering Fair. Over the summer, these students worked in UT Southwestern labs spanning the Departments of Psychiatry, Radiology, Neuroscience, and more. There, they researched a diverse array of topics, such as childhood perceptions of asthma compared to objective lung function, the cellular circuits concerned with learned vocalization among zebra finches, and the materials best suited to 3D print spinal vertebrae for simulation-based training.
• 2024 RECIPIENTS •
The Ida M. Green Award is presented by the Women in Science and Medicine Advisory Committee at UT Southwestern with support from Southwestern Medical Foundation. Since 1987, the award has annually honored a female graduate student in the UT Southwestern School of Biomedical Sciences who has demonstrated an outstanding commitment to research excellence, the well-being of fellow students, and exceptional community service. In her lifetime, Mrs. Green and her husband, Cecil, were dedicated philanthropists and supporters of education and scientific research. The award is made possible by a bequest from the late Ida M. Green.
The 2025 recipient is Yehui Sun, a Ph.D. candidate in the Department of Biomedical Engineering whose research revolves around lipid nanoparticle technology for gene editing applications. As a graduate student, Ms. Sun has received multiple academic awards and authored sixteen journal publications, including a first-author publication in Science in 2024. In addition to her remarkable research, Ms. Sun is a dedicated member of the UT Southwestern community, where she serves as both Director of Engagement and Board Advisor of the Biotechnology Club. In these roles, she has organized networking seminars for students and trainees and facilitated a lectureship series focused on female leadership in science.
Dr. Richard Mays Smith was a beloved internal medicine practitioner who inspired countless students in his role as an educator in academic medicine. In 1975, the same year as his passing, his family created the Richard Mays Smith Award in Internal Medicine, which has been given annually by Southwestern Medical Foundation to one or more graduating medical students at UT Southwestern Medical Center. The award honors physicians who excel in internal medicine and exhibit a sincere interest in and compassion for their patients. We congratulate this year’s awardees, Prajwal Gowda, M.D. (2025 Ho Din Award recipient), Gretchen Hoyer, M.D., Maraki Samuel, M.D., and Giselle Uwera, M.D.
2025 RECIPIENTS
The Parkland Memorial Hospital Neuro-Trauma Award Honoring Maureen and Robert Decherd, Duke Samson, M.D., Jim Thornton, M.D., and Babu Welch, M.D., is given annually to an individual who has made an outstanding contribution in the care of neuro-trauma patients at Parkland Memorial Hospital. The award is sponsored by Maureen and Robert Decherd and The Decherd Family Fund, held at Southwestern Medical Foundation, which honors the physicians who cared for Mrs. Decherd following a traumatic brain injury in 2007.
This year’s recipient, Joseph Villanueva, BSN RN, works in the Parkland Neuro ICU. Mr. Villanueva is recognized for his dedication, leadership, and expertise in the areas of neuroanatomy and pathophysiology. He has distinguished himself through his expert technical know-how, effective collaboration with patient care teams, and empathetic communication with patients’ families. He routinely goes above and beyond for his patients, as exemplified by a recent event in which a patient required a special bed. With the manufacturer’s representative unreachable, Mr. Villanueva taught himself how to operate the bed using instructional videos, thereby ensuring the patient received the best care possible.
On March 6, 2025, Southwestern Medical Foundation and UT Southwestern co-hosted an event for scholarship donors and recipients.
Held on the UT Southwestern campus, the evening served as an opportunity for students from UT Southwestern’s four schools to meet the benefactors who are helping fund their education. Over drinks and conversation, donors in turn learned more about individual scholarship recipients, including their research and career aspirations.
The reception allowed benefactors an insider’s view into what’s happening in the classrooms, laboratories, and clinical wards across the Medical School, Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Peter O’Donnell Jr. School of Public Health, and School of Health Professions. Additionally, the evening featured an address by Michael McMahan, President and CEO of Southwestern Medical Foundation, where he highlighted the significance of the convening, one that featured intergenerational engagement between future health care leaders and the donors who are helping make their studies possible.
For more than three decades, The Sprague Award, Southwestern Medical Foundation’s highest community service award, has recognized those who provide significant support to advance medical education, research discovery, and patient care in North Texas.
The 2024 Sprague Award honors Sarah and Ross Perot, Jr., two of Dallas’ most influential leaders whose love for humanity has been a driving force for the extraordinary impact they’ve made on our world.
For Mr. and Mrs. Perot, Jr., philanthropy is a family business. Their benevolence perpetuates the indelible legacy of Margot and Ross Perot, Sr., parents of Mr. Perot, who were recipients of The Sprague Award in 1997. Along with the Perot Foundation, Mr. and Mrs. Perot, Sr. were significant benefactors of UT Southwestern for more than three decades, and their generosity has left a lasting impact on Texas and the nation.
Together, three generations of the Perot family continue an unwavering commitment to game-changing collaboration that empowers UT Southwestern to fulfill its core mission of promoting health and a healthy society, enabling individuals to flourish.
Established in memory of Charles Cameron Sprague, M.D., the first President of UT Southwestern Medical Center and former Southwestern Medical Foundation President, The Sprague Award has paid tribute to the pinnacle of Dallas’ philanthropic visionaries since 1991. Prior recipients include:
Ruth Collins Altshuler
James W. Aston
James E. Bass
Paul M. Bass Jr.
Julie T. and Louis A. Beecherl Jr.
H.R. (Bum) Bright
Nancy Brinker
Rita C. and William P. Clements Jr.
Mary McDermott Cook
Joe M. Dealey
Maureen and Robert Decherd
Robert H. Dedman Sr. Family
(Nancy Dedman, Patricia Dedman Nail, and Rachael and Robert H. Dedman Jr.)
Jerry Farrington
Earl A. Forsythe
F.B. Pete Goldman
Cecil H. Green
Ute Schwartz Haberecht and Dr. Rolf R. Haberecht
Nancy and Jeremy Halbreich
Nancy B. Hamon
Linda W. Hart and Milledge A. Hart III
Jess T. Hay
Lyda Hill
Hoblitzelle Foundation
Adelyn and Edmund Hoffman
Sydney and J.L. Huffines
Vester T. Hughes
Nancy and Ray Hunt
J. Erik Jonsson
Robert W. Korba
George L. MacGregor
Margaret M. McDermott
Barbara B. Moroney
Sammye and Mike A. Myers
Edith and Peter O’Donnell Jr.
Margot and H. Ross Perot
Madeleine and T. Boone Pickens
Caren and C. Vincent Prothro
Charlene and Lee Raymond
The Rita Crocker Clements Foundation
Laura and Jack Roach
Ralph B. Rogers
Sarah M. and Charles E. Seay
Annette and Harold C. Simmons
Bonnie B. Smith
Jean and Dr. Bob Smith
Gay F. and William T. Solomon
Charles Cameron Sprague, M.D.
The Thompson Family
Jean and Tom Walter
Donald Zale
Generosity can have a ripple effect around the globe, and watching its impact has been a source of great joy for Sarah and Ross Perot, Jr. They are significant benefactors of UT Southwestern Medical Center, proudly carrying on their family’s legacy to provide extensive, lasting, and transformational changes in science and medicine. Having recently celebrated 40 years of marriage, the couple shares a tremendous love for the people of Dallas and utmost enthusiasm to invest in their beloved city.
“It’s an exciting time to live in Dallas-Fort Worth,” Mr. Perot, Jr. said. “We have an amazing culture here, and our city is becoming one of the most populated and diverse communities in the country. Along with growth and prosperity come significant opportunities to develop our city and care for its citizens. It is up to all of us to keep our population healthy.”
Together, Sarah and Ross Perot, Jr. are a servantleadership powerhouse that continues to support a full range of local and national causes, including life-changing research, medical advancements, and health care innovations at UT Southwestern.
As the oldest of five siblings and the only brother, Mr. Perot, Jr. serves as Chairman of The Perot Companies, which manages various family interests, and Chairman of Hillwood, a global real estate development company. An aviation enthusiast, he co-piloted the first circumnavigation of the world in a helicopter at the age of 23. After graduating from Vanderbilt University, he served in the United States Air Force for eight and a half years. He co-founded Perot Systems Corporation, an IT firm, which he sold to Dell Inc. in 2009. He is also a successful real estate developer of significant Dallas-area properties, including Victory Plaza in Dallas and Fort Worth’s AllianceTexas Mobility Innovation Zone.
The Perots serve on the boards of various local and national organizations and continue to tirelessly pursue the groundbreaking work their parents and those before them set in motion. At UT Southwestern, Mr. Perot, Jr. was a member of the Steering Committee for the institution’s Campaign for the Brain, which was devoted to raising funds to advance brain research and clinical care through the Peter O’Donnell Jr. Brain Institute. The campaign met its five-year, $1 billion goal to support research, technology advancements, faculty recruitment and support, as well as crucial facilities and program investments. Mrs. Perot is President of the Sarah
and Ross Perot, Jr. Foundation, which has supported key initiatives, including UT Southwestern’s Medical Scientist Training Program (MSTP), and has made significant investments in Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease research. She also previously chaired The Sweetheart Ball, which benefits cardiovascular research at UT Southwestern.
“I grew up in a ‘thinking big’ family of great integrity and courage with a goal to make an impact on the community,” said Mr. Perot, Jr. “Medical research has been part of our family for a long time.
UT Southwestern is in the big idea realm where one discovery can literally change the course of human history, and it is a great honor for us to be involved in such a noble cause with a massive impact.”
The Perots’ philanthropic strategy is to support nonprofits and organizations that help others by addressing basic human needs. This exemplary commitment spans multiple generations, dating back to the Great Depression, when Mr. Perot, Jr.’s grandmother was a selfless volunteer dedicated to feeding the homeless in Texarkana, Texas. This was followed by his Aunt Bette, who helped found the North Texas Food Bank in Dallas. They appreciate the example set by previous generations and have instilled altruism in their own children, Hill, Hunter, Sarah Catherine, and Meredith.
“My parents, just like Ross’s, gave of their time and treasure. When you have role models who consistently give back and contribute to the community, it is easy to follow in their footsteps. Hill is now on the board of The Salvation Army of North Texas, and Meredith recently joined the junior advisory board of the United Way of Metropolitan Dallas. Our children are all giving in some way, so that’s exciting,” Mrs. Perot said.
When his parents received The Sprague Award 28 years ago, Mr. Perot, Jr. described his dad as “a great family man and a wonderful father. But at the end of the day, he was a wonderful humanitarian.” Decades later, he says of his recognition, “It’s a very prestigious award that’s been given to the leaders of our community, and we’re humbled and honored to be in that group.”
At Southwestern Medical Foundation, we are grateful for the Perots’ lasting gifts of wisdom, leadership, and their exemplary heritage of support—today and in the future.
“We are proud to partner with families like the Perots, who have been pillars in Dallas for generations, dedicating their time and making substantial investments to advance medical research and patient care both locally and globally,” said Michael McMahan, President and CEO. “Their decades of leadership and commitment made them stand out as this year’s recipients. It is truly an honor to present Mr. and Mrs. Ross Perot, Jr. with The Sprague Award and celebrate their vision for the future of our dynamic, growing region.”
LeadingtheConversationonHealth is an annual forum hosted by Southwestern Medical Foundation featuring a riveting dialogue among health care leaders. The 2024 edition took place on October 16 at Hôtel Swexan and opened with the presentation of The Sprague Award to Sarah and Ross Perot, Jr. This year’s panel, “Perot Scholars: Training the Next Generation of Medical Innovators,” explored how the Perot family’s early and sustained support helped shape a nationally renowned M.D./Ph.D. program.
This year’s panel, “Perot Scholars: Training the Next Generation of Medical Innovators,” explored how the Perot family’s early and sustained support helped shape a nationally renowned M.D./Ph.D. program.
Moderated by W. P. Andrew Lee, M.D., Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs and Provost at UT Southwestern Medical Center and Dean at UT Southwestern Medical School, this year’s Leading the Conversation on Health discussion featured Nobel Laureate Michael S. Brown, M.D.; Rodney Infante, M.D., Ph.D., Associate Professor in the Center for Human Nutrition; and Jenny Weon, M.D., Ph.D., a Neuropathology Fellow and Medical Director of Pathology Informatics and Associate Medical Informatics Officer at Parkland Health.
In their conversations, Dr. Brown shared an early display of extraordinary commitment to building a pipeline of physician-scientists by Ross Perot, Sr. when he once offered to provide housing and even purchase cars to help nurture some of the brightest
minds in science. Ultimately, it was decided that Mr. Perot, Sr.’s commitment to the program would support a substantial increase to students’ stipends, which helped the university recruit many exceptionally brilliant young physician-scientists over the years.
That proactive investment continues to make an impact in the next generation of medical leaders, as evidenced by the discoveries discussed by Drs. Weon and Infante, both graduates of the program.
Dr. Weon described using artificial intelligence to predict anemia and Alzheimer’s disease. Dr. Infante shared insights into his research on cancer-related body wasting, a severe form of unintentional weight loss caused by metabolic changes, and how early clinical trials are helping patients regain strength during treatment.
Together, the panelists demonstrated the power of long-term vision and community support in advancing medical progress.
Planned giving is a powerful way for donors to plant seeds today that inspire medical progress forward. This year, Southwestern Medical Foundation celebrates three decades of The Wildenthal Society and the exceptional generosity of its visionary friends whose giving helps ensure medical excellence for the benefit of countless individuals.
In 1995, Southwestern Medical Foundation established The Heritage Society to recognize those who make planned gifts to benefit the Foundation or UT Southwestern Medical Center. For 30 years, these lasting gifts have made a tremendous impact by preparing our communities to meet the health care challenges of tomorrow.
In 2023, this group was renamed as The Wildenthal Society to honor former UT Southwestern President and community trailblazer, Kern Wildenthal, M.D., Ph.D., a brilliant scientist who was called to lead a young medical school into the 21st century. His illustrious career spanned over 40 years at UT Southwestern and Southwestern Medical Foundation, including being named the youngest dean of an American medical school at the age of 38. In 1986, Dr. Wildenthal was named the second President of UT Southwestern, where he spent the next 22 years contributing significantly to its growth and prominence.
Even after retiring and transitioning to President Emeritus in 2008, Dr. Wildenthal continued his influential work, leading in various roles as President of Southwestern Medical Foundation, President of Children’s Medical Center Foundation, and Executive Vice-President of Children’s Health System of Texas, while also providing consultancy to numerous organizations. He and his wife, Marnie, were early members of The Heritage Society.
Dr. Wildenthal recently shared his thoughts with Michael McMahan, President and CEO of Southwestern Medical Foundation, about the tremendous growth and impact of The Wildenthal Society and its distinguished record of support for breakthrough scientific discoveries, outstanding medical education and training, and excellence in patient care.
Q:
MICHAEL MCMAHAN
During your presidency from 1986 to 2008, UT Southwestern Medical Center experienced remarkable growth, including a tenfold increase in research funding, major campus expansion, and national recognition across multiple specialties. What made this period so transformative, and what factors were the most critical to sustaining that success?
A: DR. KERN WILDENTHAL
The keys to success were UT Southwestern’s strong foundation and thriving workplace culture, where talented and innovative people collaborated and innovated to reach their goals. In 1986, the institution had limited financial resources, and we faced a 20% cut in state funding. But we were driven by forward-looking visionaries who were not just willing to grow, but keen to grow. We also live in a community of caring and generous people. Once they understood more about the needs of UT Southwestern and how their help was crucial to the institution’s success, they came to support the Foundation.
Q: MICHAEL MCMAHAN
In 1995, you helped launch what was then called
The Heritage Society to recognize those who included Southwestern Medical Foundation or UT Southwestern in their estate plans. What was your vision for planned giving and sustaining UT Southwestern’s upward trajectory?
A: DR. KERN WILDENTHAL
Planned giving is an essential part of any development program that has ambitious plans for the future. Once again, people play important roles in its success. To recruit and retain the best faculty, UT Southwestern must provide startup funds and space to work in laboratories, hospitals, and classrooms. Faculty also need predictability and sustainability. If you are trying to recruit someone who’s going to be here 30 years and change the world of medicine, they want to be assured that they will be supported financially.
Long-term support through endowments and planned giving—either through wills or endowment trusts, charitable remainder trusts, and gift annuities—really provides the kind of predictability that we can promise someone who is joining the faculty that “we will be behind you.” It is not just an empty promise because we can point to the multiple times that promises have been fulfilled.
MICHAEL MCMAHAN
Over the course of your career, you’ve worked closely with many individuals who made planned or estate gifts that had deep personal meaning, often very quietly behind the scenes. What have your experiences with these individuals and families taught you about legacy and values?
A: DR. KERN WILDENTHAL
I believe almost everyone wants to make a difference in their work, family, and community, and to do so gives them significant gratification. Personally, I would like to do something that will last longer than my life, and I’m sure the same is true for many others. We need current gifts, but we also need long-term, sustained support— sometimes from individuals who may not be in a position to give today, but who recognize they can make an important contribution in the future.
Q: MICHAEL MCMAHAN
As we look at today’s medical challenges and the opportunities for philanthropy, where do you see the greatest potential to make a difference in the North Texas landscape?
A: DR. KERN WILDENTHAL
The Dallas-Fort Worth area is flourishing with tremendous increases in population growth, wealth, and community pride. We must help people understand that one way they can really make this community shine is through donations to medicine. UT Southwestern helps the community by providing exceptional health care and offering outstanding health workforce training.
of those physicians will stay here, contributing to local care and driving new discoveries that lead to future breakthroughs. In this way, the community’s generosity not only benefits current patients but helps sustain a cycle of excellence that continues to strengthen the region for years to come.
Q: MICHAEL MCMAHAN
We are celebrating the 30th anniversary of what was The Heritage Society, now The Wildenthal Society. What would you say to someone considering a legacy or estate gift who believes in UT Southwestern’s mission and understands its importance in the medical community, but hasn’t quite taken that next step to make it official?
A: DR. KERN WILDENTHAL
I would say, “It’s time to really think about the future. We all want this community to thrive, so let’s think about how we can make UT Southwestern better. If you want to make a difference, do what you can now, but think about the long-term opportunities to make an impact through your estate, endowments, and your will. There are tax advantages, there are feel-good advantages, and there are helping-your-fellow-man advantages. Part of it is what you do while you are living, and part of it is what you do after you are no longer here.”
Q: MICHAEL MCMAHAN
As you look at how UT Southwestern has grown over the last 80-plus years, what do you see as the most exciting things on the horizon in medicine, here and around the globe?
A: DR. KERN WILDENTHAL
I have witnessed much of the history of UT Southwestern Medical Center. As gratifying as the past has been in terms of medical transformation at this institution and the world, even more exciting are the advances that are certain to come. When I became President in 1986, I was lucky enough to have a very good foundation to build upon, but the foundation is even stronger today. I think Dallas will be the home to many new scientific discoveries, countless lives saved, new generations of physicians and scientists, and lots of commercial development—the rock that keeps Dallas at the forefront of great cities.
When individuals invest in UT Southwestern, they are strengthening a medical center that provides exceptional health care today and trains the outstanding physicians and scientists who will serve Dallas tomorrow. Many This interview was edited for space and clarity.
On June 3, 2025, members of The Wildenthal Society gathered with esteemed guests of Southwestern Medical Foundation and UT Southwestern Medical Center for The Wildenthal Society’s annual luncheon.
This year’s luncheon featured a powerful testimonial from Alex Winslow, a member of The Wildenthal
Society and Estate Planning Council, and a lively discussion from David Gerber, M.D., on the intricacies of recruiting and advancing clinical trials in oncology. Dr. Gerber serves as Co-Director of Education and Training for the Harold C. Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center and holds the David Bruton, Jr. Professorship in Clinical Cancer Research.
November 7, 2024, marked a milestone event in The Cary Council’s history as An Evening with DocStars 2024 delivered a truly unforgettable experience. This remarkable gathering united leading minds in medical research with compassionate supporters who champion their work. Presented by the Michael and Abby Gregory Foundation and chaired by Lara and Brian Pryor, the evening was filled with interactive exploration, gourmet cuisine, and an inspiring sense of excitement for the future of medical breakthroughs at UT Southwestern Medical Center.
One of the standout features of the evening was the engaging simulation stations, which gave guests the rare opportunity to participate in leading-edge medical technology and research. From practicing laparoscopic surgery techniques to experimenting with brain wave technology, attendees experienced firsthand the innovative work shaping the future at UT Southwestern. These immersive activities underscored the institution’s dedication to groundbreaking advancements and education.
Shining in the spotlight were The Cary Council’s 2024 Early-Stage Research Grant recipients: Sarah Lieber, M.D., M.S.C.R., Ethan Sanford, M.D., and Anezi Uzendu, M.D., F.A.C.C. These exceptional investigators exemplify the promising future of medical science, pushing the boundaries of innovation in their respective fields. These rising stars inspired attendees to rally further support for early-stage research initiatives. An Evening with DocStars 2024 embodied the perfect fusion of education, innovation, and celebration.
On February 25, 2025, The Cary Council gathered for its annual Kick-Off Programming Event, setting the stage for another impactful year of supporting early-stage medical research and advancing health care innovation in North Texas. Held at UT Southwestern Medical Center, the evening celebrated the Council’s 10th anniversary with a decade of achievements, welcomed new members, and provided handson CPR training led by Anezi Uzendu, M.D., F.A.C.C., and Jordan Ezekian, M.D. Jonathan Dietz gave his inaugural address as Chair of The Cary Council, then the group shared a special moment to honor outgoing Chair Josie Sewell for her years of dedication and leadership.
On April 8, 2025, The Cary Council hosted its annual Learning From Leaders program, a hybrid event held in person and recorded in real-time for our Learning From Leaders podcast. This unique event took place in the Debate Chamber on the campus of Old Parkland and featured a compelling conversation between Drew McKnight, Co-CEO and Managing Partner of Fortress Investment Group, and James Litinsky, Founder, Chairman & CEO of MP Materials and founder of JHL Capital Group on business, investment, and civic leadership that was anchored by the growing buzz around “Y’all Street,” the new Texas Stock Exchange set to redefine public markets from the heart of North Texas. Moderated by Lili Clark, Vice Chair of The Cary Council, the panel explored the forces behind North Texas’ growth, from capital and infrastructure to talent and innovation.
The Center for Cellular Therapies and Cancer Immunology was recently established in the Harold C. Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center at UT Southwestern, where it houses a multidisciplinary program focused on developing next-generation immunotherapies for patients with solid tumors.
Leading the Center is inaugural Director Jaehyuk Choi, M.D., Ph.D., an internationally acclaimed physician-scientist whose discoveries have transformed the field of cancer immunology. Dr. Choi came to UT Southwestern from the Feinberg School of Medicine at Northwestern University, where he was Associate Professor in the Departments of Dermatology, Biochemistry, and Molecular Genetics. His research utilizes genomic and computational approaches to explain molecular and cellular defects in cancer and autoimmune disease.
For decades, researchers explored ways to harness the power of the immune system to treat cancer. In the late 1990s, scientists believed that the immune system could fight only some small, specific subsets of cancer. Over the next decade, that belief changed completely with the development of antibody drugs that could target proteins on immune cell surfaces and cure patients with otherwise fatal cancers. By 2011, these drugs started getting approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
Dr. Choi and his team’s recent discoveries into the superpowers acquired by T cells in T-cell lymphomas could lead to enhanced cellular therapies for solid tumors—“living drugs” that could offer new hope for patients with currently incurable cancers. One of their most important discoveries focuses on chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-T cells, a treatment in which a patient’s own immune cells are engineered in a lab to fight their specific cancers. This therapy has had great success. As the Center’s leader, Dr. Choi will identify new lead candidates for cell therapies developed in his laboratory or by others at the institution that would provide the basis for firstin-human clinical trials in solid tumors.
Now scientists know that cancer cannot be explained without understanding how it interacts with the immune system. They believe most patients’ immune systems can recognize cancer but aren’t strong enough to kill it. The Center’s goal is to enhance immune cells so they can selectively eradicate cancer cells while being strong enough to withstand cancer’s defenses, creating not only a cure but long-lived immunity against cancer.
A generous community has enthusiastically responded to help meet the surging demand for pediatric care, research, and training in our region. Charitable leaders have joined together as catalysts to support a new $5 billion pediatric campus in Dallas that will reshape care for children in our area and beyond.
The new project, announced in 2024, is a joint investment between Children’s HealthSM and UT Southwestern Medical Center. It will serve as a collaborative center for innovation, academic research, training, and the advancement of lifesaving technologies that will improve children’s lives.
In May 2025, it was announced that the Moody Foundation had made a historic nine-figure grant for this landmark initiative, the largest gift to date. To recognize the Moody Foundation’s investment of this transformative gift, the hospital at the new pediatric campus will be named Moody Children’s Hospital upon its estimated completion in 2031.
“Naming the new hospital is a reflection of the deep trust and shared vision between the Moody Foundation, Children’s Health and UT Southwestern. Together, with Moody Children’s Hospital, we’re building more than a hospital—we’re building hope.”
FRANCES MOODY-DAHLBERG, PRESIDENT AND CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER OF THE MOODY FOUNDATION
“We are grateful for our strong relationship with Children’s Health and UT Southwestern, two organizations that align with our interest in providing quality medical care to those in our community most in need, particularly our children and youth suffering from various medical conditions. Our family is thankful to be involved in building the new Dallas pediatric hospital and campus, a facility that will change lives both in our community and around the world.”
JAN REES-JONES
For more than 80 years, the Moody Foundation has played a pivotal role in empowering Texas communities to thrive and prosper, providing more than $2.6 billion in charitable funding to consistently support education, social services, children’s needs, and community development. This grant is in addition to the more than $400 million the Moody Foundation has contributed previously to Children’s HealthSM and the University of Texas System.
Additionally, the Moody Foundation grant is the third, and largest, nine-figure gift to support the new pediatric campus project. In 2024, two early major gifts were
announced from the Pogue Foundation and The Rees-Jones Foundation. To recognize the Pogue family’s visionary support, the 33acre site of the new Dallas pediatric campus will be named Pogue Park, which will include sprawling green spaces to support compassionate healing and reduce stress in a restorative and natural environment. Additionally, in recognition of the Rees-Jones family’s impactful contribution, the central hospital tower will be named Rees-Jones Tower, which will serve as the main hospital entrance and house the lobby and welcome areas for patients and their families.
“Mack
and I have had the blessing of being able to support Children’s Health and UT Southwestern for many years, knowing how much they impact the well-being of patients and communities they serve. Our family is proud to play a part in helping build the new Dallas pediatric campus. We’re beyond grateful for the difference it will make for future generations of children.”
JEAN POGUE
“Fort Worth is one of the fastest-growing cities in the country, and our high quality of life is a major driver of that growth. To continue to meet this moment, we need world-class health and cancer care. We know UT Southwestern is at the center of that.”
FORT WORTH MAYOR, MATTIE PARKER
In May 2025, UT Southwestern Medical Center broke ground on a new $177 million Radiation Oncology campus in Fort Worth. Projected to open in 2028, the 65,000-square-foot facility will be the largest in the Fort Worth area and will help meet the increasing demand for the most advanced cancer therapies.
The hearts of esteemed philanthropists Sherri and Robert “Bobby” L. Patton Jr. have been drawn to the good health and happiness of their Fort Worth neighbors. Their transformative gift to help make the new expansion possible will provide access to the most innovative radiation oncology services close to home.
“Fort Worth is one of the greatest cities in America. It should have great cancer care. This expansion will bring cutting-edge technology and vital health care to our community.”
SHERRI PATTON
The campus will be connected to Moncrief Cancer Institute, which has been part of UT Southwestern since 1999 and offers screening programs and educational support services for multiple counties. In 2015, UT Southwestern expanded its cancer care to Fort Worth, offering medical and surgical oncology services, imaging, and chemotherapy. Two-thirds of cancer patients need lifesaving radiation therapy that often requires regular or daily treatments. The new Radiation Oncology campus will offer convenient services close to home and will join UT Southwestern’s other specialty services provided at the nearby UT Southwestern Monty and Tex Moncrief Medical Center at Fort Worth, including primary care and lab services, a retail pharmacy, specialty care clinics, and expanded imaging services.
The new facility will feature four linear accelerators (LINACs) to deliver precise radiation treatments; MRI-guided precision radiation treatment—the first of its kind in Fort Worth—to facilitate therapy with unprecedented accuracy; positron emission tomography (PET) imaging to diagnose and evaluate tumor growth; and a fully equipped brachytherapy suite to provide high-dose radiation treatments for patients with prostate or gynecologic cancers.
For generations, North Texas has been defined by its bold visionaries and generous hearts. My family has long called this region home. We have witnessed firsthand the extraordinary power of civic leadership impacting lives, institutions, and progress. The medical community we benefit from today was built by those who came before us. They believed deeply in service, stewardship, and innovation and acted on that belief with courage and conviction. They asked themselves, “Why not the best?”
It is our turn now to build on their foundation with purpose and resolve. From established benefactors to a rising generation of engaged supporters, we are fostering a culture where investment in discovery, clinical care, and medical teaching is not just encouraged but expected.
We see a path in the years to come filled with infinite possibilities. As our region grows rapidly, new challenges and opportunities will come with it. In a time when public resources face increasing demands, philanthropic partnerships remain essential to sustaining progress.
Meeting those needs will require generosity and shared commitment from each of us through our personal leadership, advocacy, and giving. Our upward trajectory will continue by uniting across generations and bringing together longtime friends and new champions in pursuit of better health care, deeper knowledge, and a stronger tomorrow.
Thank you for stepping up and being part of this effort. Your commitment creates our region’s next chapter of hope. Together, we will carry forward a legacy of purpose—and with it, the promise of all that lies ahead.
JERE THOMPSON, JR. CHAIR, SOUTHWESTERN MEDICAL FOUNDATION
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Forest of Light, an installation by artists Tom Orr and Frances Bagley, combines steel, acrylic, and lightemitting diode (LED) lighting for an immersive experience. The work, which was anonymously gifted to the institution, resides on the fourth-floor rooftop garden of UT Southwestern’s West Campus Building 3. Designed to invite exploration, Forest of Light encourages visitors and employees to walk through and take in the breathtaking colors projected by and onto the manufactured forest trees. During the day, the sizeable painted poles demand attention, while at night, the LED lights take glowing precedence. Dynamic in nature, the display is meant to serve as a source of inspiration and experimentation for years to come. Captured here, greeting the morning sun, it is a reminder that while the shadows of our past may linger, the bright hope of the future dawns ahead.
Given with heartfelt thanks to John Warner, M.D., from a grateful patient, turned friend. Photo credited to UT Southwestern’s Senior Photography Manager, Mei-Chun Jau.
Scan to support Southwestern Medical Foundation