Galveston County Daily News, June 15, 2007 GALVESTON - The University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston deserves some congratulations for reaching a $250 million goal for its comprehensive campaign. There's a lot to applaud. The medical branch met its goal 18 months ahead of schedule. It's $400,000 past goal. It's the most money ever raised in such a short period. The campaign, called "Timeless Values, Pioneering Solutions," began Sept. 1, 2003. It was supposed to wrap up Dec. 31, 2008. Instead, it will end on Aug. 31. The basic idea was to ask supporters to contribute to improve areas of acknowledged strength. Supporters have committed $114 million to improving access to care. They also committed $77 to educational excellence, $42.9 million to programs on longevity and chronic diseases and $15.6 million to emerging infectious diseases and biodefense. There were many givers, big and small. The Sealy & Smith Foundation, a Galveston institution set up specifically to support the medical branch, gave $89 million. Dr. John Stobo, president of the medical branch, said, "These gifts will shape what UTMB can and will become in the future." That's an elegant summary of a great achievement.