The Center for BrainHealth at The University of Texas at Dallas recently received the largest single corporate gift in the center’s 22-year history from Sammons Enterprises Inc. The multiyear gift will advance work to identify neural indicators of brain health by enhancing the center’s ability to pioneer, test and deliver novel metrics that assess gains in brain health and performance.
In recognition of Sammons’ investment, the Center for BrainHealth’s state-of-the-art imaging center has been named the Sammons BrainHealth Imaging Center. The facility houses two 3-tesla MRI scanners, which are considered the gold standard for human brain research. Sammons’ gift provides critical resources needed to fund the center’s intellectual capital while promoting the discovery and dissemination of innovative imaging techniques, big data analytics and data visualization. These advancements will help drive new directions of inquiry and develop protocols that advance breakthroughs across the field.
“The men and women of Sammons Enterprises are pleased to support the leading-edge, science-backed work of the Center for BrainHealth, whose team is showing the world how to shift focus from problem identification to opportunity capitalization that will lead to healthier outcomes, better quality of life and strong societal benefits,” said Heather Kreager, CEO of Sammons Enterprises.
“This timely investment will help us achieve bold milestones in record time, so that every woman, man and child can begin to realize their fuller brain potential.”
Sandra Bond Chapman PhD’86, chief director of the Center for BrainHealth
The company’s gift will fuel three key areas of work at the Center for BrainHealth: brain physiology, neuroinformatics and data visualization. These areas will open a window to view and assess working brain systems; judge the efficacy and effects of therapeutics and cognitive therapies; leverage machine learning and artificial intelligence to personalize brain health care; and create a visual interface to allow individuals to see increased brain performance over time.
Information from the three areas will be used to develop predictive modeling for prevention and early detection and to trigger proactive, capacity-building interventions.
“The pandemic has brought brain-related challenges into stark reality, creating a global brain health crisis as never before witnessed,” said Sandra Bond Chapman PhD’86, chief director of the Center for BrainHealth and the Dee Wyly Distinguished University Chair in BrainHealth. “We must act boldly and urgently, not only to create awareness, but also to provide ready access to proven, proactive steps to benefit people from all walks of life. This timely investment will help us achieve bold milestones in record time, so that every woman, man and child can begin to realize their fuller brain potential.”
On the strength of Sammons’ gift and support from other lead donors, the Center for BrainHealth publicly launched its Limitless Campaign, which has raised over 60% of its $50 million goal. The campaign, part of New Dimensions: The Campaign for UT Dallas, offers a bold vision to transform how people take charge of caring for their brains. By supporting advanced research, international collaborations and training for students, teachers, veterans, first responders and an aging population, Limitless has the potential to improve brain health for individuals across their lifespans while improving society’s collective intellectual capital.
“Our brain health drives our well-being, clarity of thinking and social resilience,” Chapman said. “We invite you to join us by investing in our future.”
Headquartered in Dallas, Sammons Enterprises is a diverse holding corporation that owns and operates companies in the financial services, industrial equipment and services, real estate and infrastructure sectors.
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