July 16, 2014
On October 24, 2013, just a week after I began serving as Senior Vice President and Dean of Medicine, UAB kicked off the largest and most comprehensive philanthropic campaign in its history. When President Ray Watts announced the goal for the Campaign for UAB, I think we all felt a combination of excitement and trepidation, for $1 billion – with a “B” – is ambitious, to say the least.By now you may have heard the news that UAB has reached the halfway mark toward that $1 billion. That is a remarkable milestone for any fundraising effort, and is especially meaningful to the School of Medicine, for more than 65 percent of the $500 million raised to date has been given in support of our people and programs. These generous individuals – patients, alumni and friends – and organizations are investing in the projects that are most meaningful to them, and we are deeply grateful for every gift of every size.
We are putting those gifts to work in key priority areas – research, medical education, faculty support and enhancements to our clinical enterprise – that will help us achieve our goal of becoming one of the nation’s most dynamic and productive universities for the 21st century and a first choice for education and health care.
To learn more about how The Campaign for UAB supports the School of Medicine’s vision, and to meet some of our generous donors, visit the School of Medicine’s web site.
I look forward to sharing my thoughts with you in the Message from the Dean each month, along with the latest news from the School of Medicine and important reminders and resources to help you stay connected and involved with our programs and mission.
Sincerely,
Selwyn M. Vickers, M.D., F.A.C.S.
Senior Vice President for Medicine and Dean
James C. Lee Endowed Chair