Henrich, new hospital supporters recognized at Luminary event

The stars aligned perfectly during a night of celebration at the second annual President's Luminary Honors event at The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio.

The annual event, which took place at the soon-to-open UT Health San Antonio Multispecialty and Research Hospital, paid tribute to the legacy of William L. Henrich, MD, MACP, the university's former president, who passed away earlier this year.

"Bill wanted this hospital to be hope for the hopeless. Not just to provide cutting-edge care, but to invent it. To be a beacon of light for all those in despair, not just in San Antonio, but all over Texas and the United States," said Robert Hromas, MD, MACP, acting president of the university. "But Bill's vision was more than that. He wanted us to care as much for the families as we do for the patients. So, we also promise that we will be the ground beneath the feet of the families of patients with incurable diseases. We will hold you up when you feel like collapsing. We will hold you up when you have no hope and when you are tired of standing."

During the event, the more than 700 guests got a first look at the new hospital with a sneak peek of the Healing Arts gallery showcasing the work of Texas artists.

Francisco Cigarroa, MD, acting dean for the Joe R. and Teresa Lozano Long School of Medicine, and Taylor Eighmy, PhD, president of The University of Texas at San Antonio, shared insights about the history of UT Health San Antonio and its future as the health science center and UTSA merge to create a regional educational, research and patient care powerhouse.

"We are indeed at a historic inflection point, a turning point toward greatness. This moment calls upon each of us to ask ourselves this question: What will we do with this opportunity? What will we do with this great responsibility?" Eighmy said. "It is this moment that is everything. As I move forward, I promise you I will continue to champion our shared vision - what we have achieved, what we are becoming and what we will be one day together as one world-class university. We will always continue to make lives better."

The night included the presentation of the President's Legacy Award, bestowed posthumously to Henrich and accepted by his wife, Mary Henrich. The award was created last year to recognize individuals who made a lifetime contribution to health care innovation to break the status quo.

"Your guidance was always the cornerstone of Bill's success. We know you shared his long hours and endless planning. The sacrifices you made in pursuit of this vision are as much yours as his," Hromas said.

Additionally, supporters of the new hospital were recognized, including the Carlos Alvarez family, Patty and Bob Hayes, Karen and Ronald Herrmann, Margie and Bill Klesse, Dacia and Lanham Napier, and Linda and Ed Whitacre, as well as several local foundations and businesses.

The event exceeded its $1 million fundraising goal, with all funds benefiting the new hospital, which will feature cutting-edge research and top-tier patient care for various specialties.

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