Research Medical Library - MD Anderson Cancer Center

Thomas Dunaway Anderson - Interview 1

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The M. D. Anderson Cancer Center Oral History Project is a repository for the stories, accounts, and memories of those who have chosen to share their experiences. The viewpoints expressed in the M. D. Anderson Cancer Center Oral History Project do not necessarily represent the viewpoints of M. D. Anderson Cancer Center or any of its officers, agents, employees, or volunteers. M. D. Anderson Cancer Center makes no warranty as to the accuracy or completeness of any information contained in the interviews and expressly disclaim any liability therefore.

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Descriptive Summary

Collection:	Making Cancer History Voices Oral History Collection
Interviewee:	Anderson, Thomas Dunaway
Interviewer:	Marchiafava, Louis J.
Title:	Thomas Dunaway Anderson Oral History Interview 1
Dates:	May 4, 2000
Abstract:	The interview begins with Thomas Dunaway Anderson’s recollections of his uncle, Monroe Dunaway Anderson, the founder of the M.D. Anderson foundation and namesake of the University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center. The interview continues with a description of the establishment and purpose of the M.D. Anderson Foundation and the growth and development of several recipients of M.D. Anderson’s philanthropy, including the University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center and the Texas Medical Center. Thomas Anderson’s memories and interactions regarding Dr. Randolph Lee Clark, the first full-time president of what is known today as the University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, are recounted as well. A discussion concerning Thomas Anderson’s family contributions associated with the University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center and the Texas Medical Center ends the interview.
Collection Id.:	Anderson_Thomas_20000504
Original Format:	Audiocassette
Format:	1 streaming video file and 1 interview transcript
Interview Length:	1 hour, 7 minutes
Language:	Materials are in English
Repository:	Historical Resources Center, Research Medical Library, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center

Biographical Note

Thomas Dunaway Anderson is the nephew of Monroe Dunaway Anderson, the philanthropist whose foundation helped fund numerous institutions in the Houston area including the University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center. Born in Oklahoma City, March 6, 1912 to Frank Ervin Anderson and Burdine Clayton Anderson, Thomas D. Anderson moved to the Houston area in 1928 where he attended Rice University. He completed his degree at Washington and Lee University and then returned to Houston to practice law at the Andrews and Kurth law firm. He dedicated 63 years to practicing law and retired in 1993. He passed away at his home in Houston at the age of 95 in 2007.

During his lifetime, Thomas D. Anderson was a very active supporter of both civic and charitable institutions. Some of his many accomplishments include serving as chairman of the Kelsey-Seybold Foundation for 29 years. He also served as president of the Protestant Episcopal Church council of the Diocese of Texas and was a board member of the Episcopal Theological Seminary of the Southwest in Austin. In 1962 he became a lifetime member of the MD Anderson Board of Visitors, and chaired the board from 1965 to 1974. Both he and his wife, Helen Sharp Anderson, were awarded the Ima Hogg Historic Achievement Award in 1997. In 1998, Anderson became the first recipient of the Leon Jaworski Award in honor of his commitment to community service.

Restrictions

Restrictions on Access:

This interview contains no restrictions

Restrictions on Use:

All requests for copying of materials must be submitted to the Historical Resources Center in writing for approval. All reproductions will be handled by HRC staff.

Authorization to publish, quote, or reproduce must be obtained in writing by the Historical Resources Center.

Index Terms

Subjects (Persons):	Anderson, Thomas Dunaway Anderson, Monroe D. (Monroe Dunaway), 1873-1939 Clark, Randolph Lee, 1906-
Subjects (Organizations):	University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center -- history Texas Medical Center
Subjects:	Academic Medical Centers -- Texas -- Houston Hospital Administration -- organization and administration -- Texas Fund Raising Hospitals, Special Hospitals Health Facility Planning -- Houston (Tex.) Houston (Tex.) Oral History Interviews

Administrative Information

Provenance:	Interview with Thomas Dunaway Anderson conducted by Louis J. Marchiafava
Preferred Citation:	Thomas Dunaway Anderson Oral History Interview 1, May 04, 2000, Research Medical Library, The University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center.
Processing Information:	Oral history was edited by Michele Wilson, HRC Intern, Spring 2011.

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