Edith O’Donnell, a community leader and philanthropist, passed away on November 14 at the age of 94. Mrs. O’Donnell’s contributions to art, science, education, and medicine have had a lasting impact on Dallas and beyond.
Notably, Edith O’Donnell and her husband, Peter O’Donnell, led tremendous progress in medicine through their contributions to UT Southwestern Medical Center. In 2015, the University of Texas System Board of Regents approved the establishment of the Peter O’Donnell Jr. Brain Institute at UT Southwestern. A $36 million gift from the O’Donnell Foundation enabled UT Southwestern to create this new Institute.
Edith O’Donnell’s relentless pursuit of a better future for our community has influenced every aspect of human flourishing – art, education, and healing. We are saddened by the loss of a philanthropic hero, but take comfort in knowing that the spirit of her passion and generosity will live on in meaningful ways.
Kathleen M. Gibson, President and CEO, Southwestern Medical Foundation
The Peter O’Donnell Jr. Brain Institute at UT Southwestern is a comprehensive center dedicated to better understanding the basic molecular workings of the brain and applying these discoveries to the prevention and treatment of brain diseases and injuries. The Institute brings together world leaders in science and medicine, driving forward innovation and discovery in neuroscience. Today, the Institute is leading breakthroughs in Alzheimer’s treatment, unveiling new insights about the body’s circadian rhythms, providing hope for patients with depression, and revealing new ways to combat genetic diseases such as Duchenne muscular dystrophy.
Edith O’Donnell was a strong advocate for arts and education. This intersection of her passions can be witnessed throughout the campus of the University of Texas at Dallas, where the Edith O’Donnell Institute of Art History is housed in offices on campus, including the Edith O’Donnell Arts and Technology building, which hosts courses from UTD’s Arts, Technology, and Emerging Communication program and continues shaping the future of students for generations to come.
The advances in medicine enabled by Edith and Peter O’Donnell Jr.’s support at UT Southwestern Medical Center are a timeless testament to the purpose-driven life she led. We cherish Edith O’Donnell’s memory and celebrate her leadership, generosity, and the remarkable legacy she leaves behind.