The Promise in Giving

by Halima Cherif, LSI development officer

Ms. Rita Willis (AB ‘45) of Tulsa, Oklahoma is one of the Life Sciences Institute’s most generous and devoted donors. Having never seen the Institute before making her first gift, Ms. Willis was excited about the incredible possibilities that collaborative basic science research offers and the opportunity to be involved at the beginning of a new University endeavor. She has provided support annually to LSI since 2002.

Ms. Willis’ father, also a UM alum, gave generously to both the University and to medical research. In his honor and as part of his legacy, Ms. Willis has continued the tradition. The Sidney Morse Willis and Rita Louise Willis Endowment Fund will be used to support early-stage life sciences research for promising junior faculty and students. She hopes that her contributions will make a real difference in the discovery of treatments and cures for humanity’s most devastating diseases.

In addition to supporting young faculty and students, Ms. Willis is particularly excited about the University’s Center for Stem Cell Biology, directed by noted stem cell biologist, Dr. Sean Morrison. She believes the future holds great promise for the Center and the LSI.

“Something miraculous will come out of the work being done at LSI,” Ms. Willis remarked about her commitment.

Retired from her own travel agency, Ms. Willis is also a strong supporter of the arts, particularly the ballet, and volunteers for the Philbrook Museum of Art and The Gilcrease Museum in Tulsa.