Joe and Joci Straus visit with Graciela Cigarroa and her husband, President Francisco G. Cigarroa, M.D. The UT Health Science Center honored Mrs. Straus for her 20 years of service as chair of the university’s Development Board.
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Life-saving trauma research is at the forefront in San Antonio because of the foresight of one of the city’s most well-known and well-respected community leaders – Joci Straus – and her husband, Joe.

On Sept. 20, Health Science Center leaders announced a $505,000 gift to the university to establish the Jocelyn and Joe Straus Endowed Chair in Trauma Research. The announcement was made during a gala celebration at the Westin Riverwalk Hotel honoring Straus for her 20 years of dedicated service as chair of the Health Science Center’s Development Board. John T. Montford, senior vice president of AT&T and incoming chair of the Development Board, and former Gov. Dolph Briscoe assisted President Cigarroa in presenting the check.

“Joci, you have been the face of the Health Science Center to its community of supporters for 20 years and no one can match your elegance,” Montford said. “But we will strive to continue the high standard of dedication that you have set. This check from the friends of Joci and Joe will establish The Jocelyn and Joe Straus Endowed Chair in Trauma Research, which is a fitting tribute to your lifetime of service.”

President and Mrs. George Bush sent their greetings
Nearly 500 friends, family members, Health Science Center faculty and staff and community leaders attended the gala, which featured a personal video-recorded message to the Strauses from President George Bush and his wife, First Lady Barbara Bush.

“Joci and Joe are such special Texans who have focused their work, energy and generosity on making lives better for so many people in need …,” President Bush said. “… Tonight, Barbara and I join with many of your other friends to pay tribute to you, Joci, for your countless contributions made in an effort to ensure the future of health care for all across South Texas.”

Joe and Joci Straus stand by a portrait of Mrs. Staus that will hang in a prominent location in the Academic and Administration Building.

Traumatic injury research receives less funding than HIV and cancer
Traumatic injuries result in 37 million emergency room visits, 2.6 million hospital stays and more than 160,000 deaths in the U.S. annually. For every $3.51 of federal funds spent on HIV research and $1.65 on cancer, only a dime is spent on injury research.

“Research funding for trauma is inadequate,” said William L. Henrich, M.D., M.A.C.P., dean of the School of Medicine and vice president for medical affairs. “Traumatic injury is a major health crisis in the United States that cuts across age, race, gender and economics. With less than half of the Health Science Center’s budget coming from state funds, the university relies heavily on private philanthropy. Thanks to the incredible generosity of our donors, we will be able to help improve the outcomes for the many patients who suffer from traumatic injuries,” he said.