81R22119 JGH-F
By: Branch H.R. No. 1227
R E S O L U T I O N
WHEREAS, The Texas House of Representatives is pleased to
recognize Dr. Kern Wildenthal for his distinguished career and
inspiring leadership in the areas of medicine, education,
administration, and philanthropy; and
WHEREAS, Dr. Wildenthal served as president of The University
of Texas Southwestern Medical Center for 22 years before his
retirement in fall 2008; during his exemplary tenure, he was dean of
the graduate school for four years and dean of the medical school
for six years before becoming president in 1986; and
WHEREAS, His association with Southwestern began in 1960,
when he was admitted to the medical school at the age of 18; he
graduated in 1964, completed training in internal medicine and
cardiology, and earned a doctorate in cell physiology from the
University of Cambridge in 1970; and
WHEREAS, In his role as president, Dr. Wildenthal guided
Southwestern Medical Center's exceptional growth and its
ascendancy as one of the top medical centers in the world through
his visionary leadership, his effectiveness in attracting superior
talent to the faculty, which includes several Nobel Prize winners,
and his ability to communicate the needs of the center to its
benefactors; and
WHEREAS, This esteemed Texan has published numerous
scientific papers, and he has received many awards over the years
for his professional and philanthropic efforts; he was elected to
the prestigious Texas Business Hall of Fame in 2008; and
WHEREAS, Dr. Wildenthal has long been active in community
organizations and the arts; since retiring, he has increased his
volunteer leadership in Dallas and continues his work with the
Southwestern Medical Foundation; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 81st Texas
Legislature hereby commend Dr. Kern Wildenthal on his illustrious
and prolific career and his longtime commitment to The University
of Texas Southwestern Medical Center; and, be it further
RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be
prepared for Dr. Wildenthal as an expression of highest regard by
the Texas House of Representatives.