MEMPHIS, Tenn.– The University of Tennessee has received a $5 million gift from the Crippled Children’s Foundation for support of pediatric research.
Mrs. Arthur F. Fulmer Jr., president of the foundation, announced the gift Tuesday in ceremonies at Le Bonheur Children’s Medical Center.
The foundation has a research center at Le Bonheur, where UT-Memphis pediatric faculty provide patient care, teach medical students and residents, and do research.
It was the foundation’s second $5 million gift involving the research center, UT-Memphis and Le Bonheur since 1993.
UT President Joe Johnson said he was grateful for the foundation’s support.
“The foundation’s continued support is a compliment to our pediatric faculty and staff,” Johnson said. “We appreciate their confidence in our efforts.”
UT-Memphis Chancellor Bill Rice said the foundation has a distinguished history of supporting the cause of children in Memphis.
“Once again we express our appreciation and admiration for an organization that has worked tirelessly and generously to make children’s lives better,” Rice said.
Dr. Russell Chesney, chairman of UT-Memphis department of pediatrics, said $2.5 million of the gift will support a new position at the research center for a scientific director who has a background in pediatric research.
The remaining funds will be used to provide continuing grant support for the center’s researchers. Grants are awarded annually by an administrative committee of the center to researchers who are faculty members of UT-Memphis.
In addition to medical students and residents, others receiving training at Le Bonheur include UT-Memphis pharmacy students, oral surgery residents, pediatric dentistry residents, and allied health students in medical technology, physical therapy, occupational therapy and health information management.
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Contact: Claire Lowry (901-448-5544)