Generational Impact

David M. Crowley Foundation’s decadeslong support extends to new biomedical engineering hub

The David M. Crowley Foundation has been a stalwart supporter of UT Southwestern for decades. Donating to causes across the institution, the Foundation’s generosity also included the Texas Instruments Biomedical Engineering and Sciences Building.

Honoring the Foundation’s support of the project, spaces within the five-story structure were named in honor of David M. Crowley, who was married to the late Mary Carter Crowley, founder of Home Interiors and Gifts. The direct sales home furnishing company specialized in decorating accessories sold throughout the United States and North America.

Black and white portrait of David M. Crowley with a dark background.
David M. Crowley Illustration by Robert D. Waller/UT Southwestern Medical Center; Source image provided by David M. Crowley Foundation

Mr. Crowley graduated from North Dallas High School and attended St. Mary’s University in San Antonio. His late brother was Dallas County Judge Frank Crowley, for whom the Dallas County Criminal Courts building in Dallas is named.

A successful investor, Mr. Crowley established his Foundation in 1990 to benefit health care in the community. Since then, the organization’s impact on research and clinical care at UT Southwestern has been substantial, totaling nearly $10 million.

Following Mr. Crowley’s death in 2003, the Foundation continued to support the institution, fueling scientific research to develop biomarker tests to quickly detect Alzheimer’s disease and accelerate the discovery of new drugs. In cancer care, additional funds have been used to predict toxic autoimmune side effects in patients receiving cancer immunotherapy treatments. The Foundation has also supported research activities in the treatment of mobility disorders for adults with neuromuscular injury or disease, as well as the development of a neurocritical care database.

“Our mission is to carry on Mr. Crowley’s legacy and causes we believe he would have championed,” said Delia Johnson, CEO of the David M. Crowley Foundation. “The research and clinical programs we’ve supported at UT Southwestern have produced many positive outcomes and furthered medicine’s efforts to understand and find treatments for difficult diseases. David would have been most pleased with supporting these causes that help so many.”