Thomas C. Herzig '84
Supports the Sciences at Southwestern
"I believe in cultivating a dynamic, creative society for which education is a key driver and instrumental attribute," says Thomas C. Herzig '84. "That's why Southwestern—specifically the Science Department—is a named beneficiary of my estate." After graduating from Southwestern, Tom earned a Ph.D. from The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, as well as a master's degree in project management from The George Washington University.
Now a Medical Service Corps Officer in the U.S. Navy, Tom manages scientific projects and laboratories within the Navy Medicine enterprise, and is an adjunct assistant professor in the Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology at Michigan State University, and the Department of Military and Emergency Medicine at the Uniformed Services University.
Because Southwestern played a major role in preparing him for a career as a biomedical scientist, Tom and his wife, Blair, have also recently pledged a gift to the new science center—Southwestern's top fundraising priority—and says he has "committed over the years to financially supporting the University in order to enable the next generation of scientists to establish their careers and reach their dreams." He explains that his biology and chemistry classes were essential to building a strong foundation, while his liberal arts education as a whole was instrumental to a lifetime of multidisciplinary learning in such diverse areas as oenology, politics, music and intellectual property. "My time at Southwestern fostered critical thinking, which, to this day, has inspired me to assess problems or issues from multiple angles," he says.
Tom is married to Blair Elizabeth Taylor, Ph.D., J.D., whom he met at UTHSCSA when they were both graduate students in the Department of Pharmacology. He enjoys long-distance running, as well as cycling, golf, sailing and gourmet cooking. Tom says he and Blair hope to be "parents" of Newfoundland dogs (again) at some point in the future.
Interested in learning more about how to include Southwestern University in your will, trust or retirement plan? Contact the Development Office at 512-863-1211 to learn about gift options and opportunities.
If you have already named Southwestern University as a beneficiary, please let us know of your plans. This will enable us not only to show our appreciation of your generosity, but also to include your support in planning for the future of Southwestern.
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