TEXAS BIOMED FORUM
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n 1970, Dottie Block, Tena Gorman and Ruth Eilene Sullivan had a vision to create an organization of dedicated and like-minded women to support Texas Biomed. The cornerstone of this organization was built on ideals implemented by our founders: volunteerism, community relations and fundraising — standards of success that the Forum upholds enthusiastically today. Our unofficial mantra this year has been, “Women Supporting Science and Each Other” and what a year we have had!
THE WORK OF THE FORUM IS VITAL TO FUND THOSE IDEAS IN THE INCUBATOR STAGE SO THAT TEXAS BIOMED SCIENTISTS CAN CONTINUE DOWN THE PATH OF SCIENTIFIC DISCOVERY.
Community relations took on many dynamics this year, with our Lecture Luncheons, Cocktails with Scientists Roundtable, Cheers to Chairity, and our student outreach efforts via our student tours program and Science Education Awards. We began this year with our Fall Lecture Luncheon, a hallmark of our outreach efforts. Dr. Joanne Turner, Texas Biomedical Research Institute’s Vice President for Research and a previous Forum Grant recipient, discussed her career, professional goals and the role of women in science and executive leadership positions. This was followed by our Cocktails with Scientists Roundtable program which allowed our members and guests to interact with multiple scientists in one evening. In the fall, we hosted our Past Presidents at a luncheon generously sponsored by Texas Biomed at The Argyle. We honored the legacy of the outstanding women who have guided this organization for more than 40 years and celebrated the strong future that lies ahead for the Forum. We are incredibly grateful for the ongoing support from our esteemed group of Past Presidents. They have and continue to shape our organization in many ways.
Over the course of the Forum’s storied history, the organization has raised over $3 million for Texas Biomed pilot studies via our Forum Grants program. These seed grants, the Forum’s initial investment in promising work, has returned $83 million in additional funding for Texas Biomed. We often say that what starts at the Forum plants the seed to change the world. It is one of the most rewarding aspects of serving the Forum, to see Texas Biomed scientists achieve great success after receiving one of our grants.
In February, the Forum hosted our second Cheers to Chairity event in which 12 talented local designers reimagined dining chairs generously donated by The Argyle after the recent renovation projects. This beautiful event was another successful Forum fundraiser. We welcomed spring with our second lecture luncheon of the year where Texas Biomed President and CEO, Larry Schlesinger, M.D. discussed, “You, Your Loved Ones and Infection: The Impact of Infection on Our Daily Lives.” At this event, we also recognized the winners of our 25th annual Science Education Awards. This beloved program was founded by former Forum Trustee Valerie Guenther and former Forum President Jerilyn Blanchard. Our ongoing partnership with Mrs. Guenther and the V.H. McNutt Memorial Foundation allows the Forum to recognize outstanding local high school science teachers who are developing innovative, hands-on science curriculum. This year’s winners presented outstanding projects that spanned several science genres and
Thanks to our Board of Trustees, Advisors, Honorary Advisors, and general membership, we are able to impact the work of Texas Biomed in a variety of ways. Forum membership dues help fund our general needs such as operating expenses, administrative costs and most importantly, our Science Education Awards Program for teachers. Membership in the Forum is open to all women 21 years of age and over interested in promoting the work of the Forum and Texas Biomed. Our membership campaign kicks offs every summer and membership can be initiated or renewed online at any time.
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