Construction of the new OU Cancer Institute can now be completed, thanks to a $12 million gift from two donors, the OU Health Sciences Center announced Thursday.
Peggy and Charles Stephenson’s contribution is the largest single donation made to the HSC.
President David Boren wanted to raise $50 million in private funds, in addition to state funding already secured, to complete the OU Cancer Institute building. Before the Stephensons’ donation, only $38 million had been raised.
“We had to reach $50 million in private gifts to totally finish the building and really be on our way to bringing together the talent we need to be certified as a certified national cancer center,” Boren said.
Construction on what will be named the Peggy and Charles Stephenson Oklahoma Cancer Center began in October.
The goal was to create a nationally recognized cancer center in Oklahoma so citizens would not have to travel out of state for treatment or settle for lower-quality care.
This is not the first gift the Tulsa pair has donated to OU, Boren said. They also are responsible for donating a combined $24 million toward the Stephenson Life Sciences Research Center on Norman’s south research campus.
However, this building and what it stands for are particularly special to Peggy, because she is a breast cancer survivor and understands the importance of high-quality care, she said.
“I do remember the caring doctors and the medical staff helping me through tests, x-rays, biopsies, surgery and chemo,” she said. “These are the same things doctors here at the Cancer Institute of Oklahoma will do using the most advanced technology.”
Now, more Oklahomans will have the opportunity to stay at home and receive treatment.
“We will save lives every day here in this building, and Peggy and I are very pleased to be a part of this project,” Charles said.
The institute plans to begin treating patients this June, Boren said.
Breakdown of construction costs
» $90 million received from state in tobacco-tax revenues
» $25 million from University Hospitals Authority and Trust
» $38 million from private donors
» $12 million from Charles and Peggy Stephenson
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