On June 3, 2025, members of The Wildenthal Society gathered with esteemed guests of Southwestern Medical Foundation and UT Southwestern Medical Center for The Wildenthal Society’s annual luncheon. This year marks the 30th anniversary of the establishment of this group, which was launched by the Foundation in 1995 as The Heritage Society to recognize those who make planned gifts to benefit the Foundation or UT Southwestern. In 2023, it was renamed in honor of Kern Wildenthal, M.D., Ph.D., President Emeritus of UT Southwestern Medical Center and former president of Southwestern Medical Foundation.

Dr. Kern Wildenthal (left) and Marnie Wildenthal (right) at The Wildenthal Society Luncheon in the T. Boone Pickens Biomedical Building at UT Southwestern Medical Center

During his tenure as UT Southwestern’s president, the institution more than quadrupled in size and emerged as one of the leading medical centers in the world. Additionally, under Dr. Wildenthal’s leadership, philanthropic support for Southwestern Medical Foundation and UT Southwestern soared. Upon his retirement as president, more than 300 community leaders and faculty members contributed over $20 million to endow the “Kern Wildenthal Fund” at Southwestern Medical Foundation to support programs at the Medical Center, including a distinguished chair and two professorships.

This year’s luncheon featured an emotional testimonial from a member of The Wildenthal Society and our Estate Planning Council, who suffered a debilitating spinal condition before seeking treatment at UT Southwestern. Alex Winslow’s story emphasized just how important planned giving is to creating excellence in health care.

Additionally, guests were treated to a lively discussion from David Gerber, M.D., on the intricacies of recruiting and advancing clinical trials in oncology. Dr. Gerber is a Professor in the Department of Internal Medicine at UT Southwestern Medical Center and a member of its Division of Hematology/Oncology. He serves as Co-Director of Education and Training for Harold C. Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center and holds the David Bruton, Jr. Professorship in Clinical Cancer Research.

The Wildenthal Society Luncheon 2025 Photo Gallery