Caring for the Future of Medicine

A native of Big Spring, Texas, Wade Simpson grew up on a large family ranch. When it came time to select a college, he admits to being influenced by his parents, as both his mother, Modesta, and father, James, had attended TCU. It seemed natural for Wade to follow suit, especially given his interest in medicine and the excellent reputation of TCU’s pre-med program.

A leader on campus, Wade served on Interfraternity Council, was a student government senior class representative, and was selected for Who’s Who his senior year. A family crisis interrupted his studies and derailed his journey to medical school, but he still earned his bachelors degree and graduated with the Class of 1959. After a brief time back in Big Spring, Wade returned to Fort Worth, joining the Air Force Reserves and serving as a flight medic based out of Carswell Air Force Base.

His professional career moved in multiple directions over time, first in the oil and gas industry, where he and his partner founded and sold a company, and then to a pecan exporting business that took him around the world. Through it all, Wade retained his love for the medical field and healing. Enjoying retirement in Austin, he began to think about a legacy he wanted to leave and heard about the new medical school recently established at his alma mater.

“I saw the opportunity to establish an endowed scholarship at the Anne Burnett Marion School of Medicine as a most positive way to feed my passion for all things medical,” Wade said. “I love that my gift will always support the future of medicine as it assists in the education of new doctors.”

Wade decided to make part of his gift now, and the balance as part of his estate plan. Doing so will provide him the opportunity to see his legacy in action as students begin receiving and benefiting from his generous scholarship, knowing his endowment will grow substantially through his estate.

“The opportunity to share in the education of medical students, their future achievements, and their development of the profession and knowledge for the good of mankind brings joy to my heart,” Wade concluded. “I believe these students will fulfill my desire to advance medical health.”

You can join Wade in connecting your philanthropy to what you are most passionate about at TCU. Contact TCU Gift Planning at (817) 257-7299 and giftplanning@tcu.edu to learn more.