Grahams Provide $1 Million to IMM

A high regard for the cutting-edge research performed at The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston and respect for its President, James T. Willerson, M.D., led native Houstonian Robert “Bob” Graham and his wife, Laurel “Annie” Graham, to establish a faculty endowment for The Brown Foundation Institute of Molecular Medicine for the Prevention of Human Diseases (IMM).

“Bob and I decided to establish this endowment primarily because of our respect and fondness for Jim Willerson,” Annie Graham said. “He is such a selfless man, one who always has time for everyone.

We believe in the mission of the UT Health Science Center and knew that this was the right thing to do.” The Graham’s $1 million gift will be used to create a permanent endowment, The Annie and Bob Graham Distinguished Chair in Stem Cell Biology. Funds from the endowment will be used to further stem cell research efforts at the IMM. Stem cells could be used in transplantation medicine, to regenerate tissues, and to provide treatments for a number of chronic diseases, including heart and vascular disease. “We feel that the future of medicine depends upon opening new frontiers,” Graham said. “Stem cell biology is a critical ‘first step’ in unlocking paths toward cures for many illnesses. Without the research necessary, that first step cannot be taken.”

C. Thomas Caskey, M.D., chief operating officer and directorand CEO-elect of the IMM, echoes Graham’s sentiment and says that the couple’s generous gift will help the institute attract a leader in the field of stem cell biology to the IMM. “Stem cell research and possible new therapies represent a leading medical opportunity,” Caskey said. “The Annie and Bob Graham Distinguished Chair enables recruitment of a preeminent researcher in the field to complement our in-house expertise.

“These funds are critical for our stem cell research program; the recruitment of leaders is critical for program expansion to mentor bright, rising young faculty at a time of international competition for talent,” Caskey added. “The endowed chair indicates the IMM’s commitment to the field and thus facilitates recruitment of the best.”

Willerson said this endowment will help pave the way toward the vision of creating a cutting-edge research facility populated with leaders in the field of molecular medicine.

“The newly completed building for the IMM provides a superior environment for research, collaboration and education,” Willerson said. “Endowments from generous supporters like Bob and Annie Graham will help us draw the world’s best scientific minds here to develop exciting new treatments, preventions and cures for a wide range of diseases afflicting our population.We are very grateful to the Grahams.”

Annie Graham said she and her husband decided to fund the endowment, not only because of their belief in the work of UT President Willerson, but because of the couple’s faith in the future of the UT Health Science Center.

“We feel that it is important to contribute to the efforts of the health science center because it is a driving force in this community,” Graham said. “The six schools have the opportunity to educate thousands of potential doctors, nurses and health care providers. In our opinion, it is a shining star in our community.”

The $120 million Fayez S. Sarofim Research Building, which houses the IMM, is slated for dedication later this year, but researchers are already setting up labs within the new building.

A number of research centers will be operated from the IMM, including ones focused on cardiovascular disease, stem cell biology, human genetics, cell signaling, immunology and autoimmune diseases, protein chemistry, and vascular biology. The facility eventually will house centers focused on stroke research, neurodegenerative diseases, biotechnology and metabolic diseases.

By Wendy K. Mohon, Development