Austin Couple Donates $100M to UT, MD Anderson Medical Center
Austin residents Tench and Simone Coxe have pledged a remarkable $100 million to the University of Texas at Austin (UT Austin) for its upcoming academic medical center. This generous contribution ranks among the largest donations in the university’s history.
Details of the Donation
The intent of this donation is to fund a new medical facility that will include a hospital dedicated to treating complex medical conditions and a branch of the renowned MD Anderson Cancer Center.
About the Donors
- Tench Coxe: A venture capitalist recognized for his roles with Nvidia and as a part-owner of Austin FC.
- Simone Coxe: Engaged with various nonprofit organizations, emphasizing community support.
Both Tench and Simone were inspired to contribute after witnessing a friend travel to Houston for cancer treatment. They expressed their desire for UT Austin to achieve global recognition as a leading medical center by the year 2048. “I hope in 25 years people say that UT is one of the great medical centers in the world, and it’s benefiting the whole community,” Tench Coxe stated in a promotional video.
Future Plans for the Medical Center
The new facility’s initial location was slated for downtown Austin, specifically at the site of the now-demolished Frank Erwin Center. However, the UT Board of Regents revealed considerations for an alternate, undisclosed site near the Domain in November.
The unrestricted nature of the Coxes’ donation will allow the project to progress, regardless of the chosen location. Simone Coxe highlighted their dedication to fostering innovative initiatives and aligning with the vision of Claudia Lucchinetti, UT’s senior vice president for medical affairs and dean of Dell Medical School. “We believe in the value of UT Medical Center, both in terms of delivering services to Austin citizens and also changing the model for health care — so let’s get going,” she remarked.
Completion Timeline
The expected completion date for the medical center is set for 2030, signaling a significant advancement in healthcare accessibility for Austin residents.
