The Robert and Janice McNair Foundation Establishes Endowment
for Texas Heart Institute Scholars

HOUSTON (June 25, 2007) - The Robert and Janice McNair Foundation has established a $2.5 million endowment designated to award scholars of the Texas Heart Institute. For the first five years beginning in 2008, the McNair Foundation will distribute $125,000 each year to honor outstanding doctors who have distinguished themselves in the research and treatment of cardiovascular disease.

“We appreciate the outstanding work being accomplished at the Texas Heart Institute and look forward to the contributions that the designated McNair Scholars will make in the future. We wish you much continued success,” said Robert McNair.

“It’s extremely gratifying that the McNair Foundation is recognizing the Texas Heart Institute’s contributions to cardiovascular medicine through its research programs. By awarding our physician scientists with this honor, the McNair Scholars will have much needed support to gain new knowledge that will benefit patients here and around the world,” said Denton A. Cooley, M.D., president and surgeon-in-chief of the Texas Heart Institute.

“The generosity of the McNair Foundation and Robert and Janice McNair is a testament to the passion and commitment of our doctors in advancing the fight against cardiovascular disease, which remains the leading cause of death in our nation. We currently enjoy a world leadership position in many areas of cardiovascular research, such as in adult stem cell research and supporting patients with mechanical assist devices. This gift allows us to honor the best and brightest of our physicians and help them accelerate their vital research,” said James Willerson, M.D., president-elect and medical director of the Texas Heart Institute.

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The Texas Heart Institute, founded by world-renowned cardiovascular surgeon Dr. Denton A. Cooley in 1962, is a nonprofit organization dedicated to reducing the devastating toll of cardiovascular disease through innovative and progressive programs in research, education and improved patient care. Together with its clinical partner, St. Luke’s Episcopal Hospital, it has been ranked among the top ten cardiovascular centers in the United States by U.S. News & World Report’s annual guide to “America’s Best Hospitals” for the past 16 years. The Texas Heart Institute is also affiliated with the University of Texas (UT) System, which promotes collaboration in cardiovascular research and education among UT and THI faculty at the Texas Heart Institute and other UT components. For more information about the Institute, please visit www.texasheart.org.

Contact:
Kathy Watson
Texas Heart Institute
832-355-6569
kwatson@heart.thi.tmc.edu