TAMPA, Fla. (Dec. 13, 2021) – The University of South Florida announced today a $5 million gift to the USF Foundation from Timothy Ubben to create the Ubben Family Center for Pulmonary Fibrosis. Housed in the USF Health Morsani College of Medicine, the center will increase research to fight pulmonary fibrosis, a disease that causes lung scarring.
This is Ubben’s second principal gift to USF this year. In February, USF announced his first gift of $1 million to fund the Ubben Family Pulmonary Research Laboratory, led by Dr. Jose D. Herazo-Maya, associate chief of the Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine and director of the Ubben Program for Pulmonary Fibrosis Research in the USF Health Morsani College of Medicine.
“It is incredible to see such amazing generosity from Mr. Ubben in such a short time,” said President Rhea Law. “I am confident that Dr. Herazo and his research team will make great gains in fighting pulmonary fibrosis as a result of this important gift.”
The $5 million gift will be split between operating funds to expand USF Health’s pulmonary fibrosis research and to establish an endowed chair, the Timothy Ubben Chair in Pulmonary Fibrosis. The endowment will generate earnings that ensure leadership and funding for this research to continue forever.
“Pulmonary fibrosis doesn’t get popular support or much research funding,” Ubben said. “I probably won’t be around to benefit from the results of Dr. Herazo’s research, but hopefully other pulmonary fibrosis patients will. I want him to find the cure, and I want him to do it at USF Health.”
Herazo first served as Ubben’s pulmonologist in Naples before joining USF in January and continues to serve as his physician.
“It is humbling to receive such wonderful support to lead this critical research at USF,” Herazo said. “Mr. Ubben’s generous gift will help us better understand the root causes of pulmonary fibrosis, so we can expedite the discovery of new tests and treatments to help patients.”
Since Herazo’s arrival, USF Health and Tampa General Hospital have expanded the Interstitial Lung Disease Clinic, which now cares for more than 1,000 pulmonary fibrosis patients in the region.
“We are thrilled by Mr. Ubben’s investment in Dr. Herazo’s research,” said Dr. Charles Lockwood, USF Health senior vice president and dean of the Morsani College of Medicine. “This will have a powerful impact on building the pipeline of therapies for patients.”
Ubben founded Lincoln Capital Management, a successful Chicago-based investment firm, in 1967. Since retiring in 1999, he has dedicated his time, resources and expertise in board leadership to nonprofit and educational organizations.
“This extraordinary gift by Mr. Ubben is a moving example of how USF Health patients and their physicians can partner to provide hope for the future,” said USF Foundation CEO Jay Stroman. “This level of focused research wouldn’t be possible without Mr. Ubben’s support, and the discoveries made through this center will ultimately save lives.”
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About the University of South Florida
The University of South Florida, a high-impact global research university dedicated to student success, generates an annual economic impact of more than $6 billion. Over the past 10 years, no other public university in the country has risen faster in U.S. News and World Report’s national university rankings than USF. Serving more than 50,000 students on campuses in Tampa, St. Petersburg and Sarasota-Manatee, USF is designated as a Preeminent State Research University by the Florida Board of Governors, placing it in the most elite category among the state’s 12 public universities. USF has earned widespread national recognition for its success graduating under-represented minority and limited-income students at rates equal to or higher than white and higher income students. USF is a member of the American Athletic Conference. Learn more at www.usf.edu.
About USF Health
USF Health’s mission is to envision and implement the future of health. It is the partnership of the USF Health Morsani College of Medicine, the College of Nursing, the College of Public Health, the Taneja College of Pharmacy, the School of Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Sciences, the Biomedical Sciences Graduate and Postdoctoral Programs, and USF Health’s multispecialty physicians group. The University of South Florida is a high-impact global research university dedicated to student success. Over the past 10 years, no other public university in the country has risen faster in U.S. News and World Report’s national university rankings than USF. For more information, visit health.usf.edu.