Baylor College of Medicine has announced three significant donations that will support the development of the Lillie and Roy Cullen Tower, a new facility for its School of Medicine and School of Health Professions. The donations include $25 million from The Brown Foundation, Inc., $16 million from The DeBakey Medical Foundation (in addition to a previously committed $12 million), and $10 million from the Sarofim Foundation, matching an earlier commitment by Fayez Sarofim.
“Thanks to tremendous support from the community, we have raised almost $150 million in philanthropy for the new state-of-the-art home for the School of Medicine and School of Health Professions. Cullen Tower isn’t just an investment in infrastructure, but an investment in the health and well-being of future generations,” said Dr. Paul Klotman, Baylor president, CEO and executive dean.
The 503,000-square-foot Lillie and Roy Cullen Tower is part of Baylor’s planned Health Sciences Park. This 800,000-square-foot project aims to integrate medical education and research with patient care at Baylor Medicine and Baylor St. Luke’s Medical Center. The campus is adjacent to Texas Medical Center’s Helix Park.
“The Brown Foundation believes in the transformative power of education. This gift reflects our deep commitment to ensuring that future generations of healthcare leaders have the resources and opportunities they need to thrive,” said Isabel Stude Lummis, president of The Brown Foundation.
In recognition of The DeBakey Medical Foundation’s increased commitment, Baylor will name the park Michael E. DeBakey Health Sciences Park. This park will include Cullen Tower, a future research tower, a Commons building linking both towers, and the existing Jamail Specialty Care Center clinical building.
“The comprehensive scope of the park – combining spaces for education, research and clinical care – is a fitting tribute to Dr. DeBakey’s contributions to Baylor and the field of healthcare. The Cullen Tower embodies his legacy of excellence, which will inspire further generations of Baylor students to strive for greatness while advancing medical knowledge and providing compassionate care to patients,” said Dr. H. David Short III, president of The DeBakey Medical Foundation.
The Lillie and Roy Cullen Tower is expected to open in 2026 with a design aimed at fostering collaboration among students, faculty, and researchers.
“We are deeply honored to be a part of this historic project,” said Christopher Sarofim, chairman of Fayez Sarofim & Co., board member of both the Brown and Sarofim Foundations and member of Baylor College's Board of Trustees. “Baylor College is synonymous with the best that Houston and Texas Medical Center have to offer."
The Sarofim Foundation was established by Fayez Sarofim in gratitude for opportunities provided by Houston during his lifetime. The Brown Foundation has been enhancing Houston institutions for nearly 75 years. The Michael E. DeBakey Foundation was founded by cardiovascular surgeon Dr. Michael E. DeBakey in 1961.
