Seton Hays Close Up

Summer 2010 • Vol. I, No. I

A newsletter for friends of the Seton Hays Foundation, supporting Seton Medical Center Hays,
a member of the Seton Family of Hospitals

Wide Open Spaces

The Johnson family’s love for nature a natural fit for
healing garden at Seton Medical Center Hays
When Bill Johnson’s sister was hospitalized several years ago in It seems especially appropriate to name the garden after an
Houston, she found solace in the hospital’s small courtyard. “It organization long synonymous with helping others.”
wasn’t much, but it was a chance for her to be outside,”
Bill says.
A Legacy that Spans Generations
This memory, combined with his family’s The roots of the family’s giving started with
love for rural Hays County, inspired a Bill’s parents, Jack and Burdine Johnson. The
generous pledge from Bill through the couple had a particular interest in arts and
Burdine Johnson Foundation, established education projects. Today, their incredible
in the 1960s and named for Bill’s mother. philanthropic legacy continues through Bill
The $500,000 pledge helps fund the and his older sisters, Lucy and Burdine, who
capital campaign for Seton Medical Center both head their own foundations, in Seattle and
Hays. In appreciation, the medical center’s Houston respectively.
In this Issue healing garden will be named for the A lot of what makes Hays
Johnson Family. County appealing is the Bill grew up in Houston, but loved to visit
Health Care Close to open space. It’s definitely the family ranch near Kyle; it always felt like
Where You Live “I find spirituality in nature. Everything
a great place to live. I just his refuge. In 1970, Bill was a freshman at the
Page 3 want to do what I can to University of Texas. After being in Austin for a
about a healing garden is helpful for keep it that way.
patients as well as family members,” year, he decided to move out to the ranch. “It
Meet the Foundation Bill says. was the best of both worlds. Being on the ranch
Board of Trustees gave me a feeling of being in the country, but kept me close
Page 5 “We are incredibly grateful for this support,” says Gerald Hill, enough to finish school at UT.”
executive director of the Seton Hays Foundation. “Patients,
Tree of Life family, visitors and staff will equate the comfort and serenity
Comes to Life of the healing garden with the Burdine Johnson Foundation. Continued on Page 7
Page 6
Several projects have received funding from the Burdine Johnson Foundation
Kyle Library • Hays Consolidated ISD Kodaly Music Program
Concert Hall at Round Top Music Festival • St. Stephen’s School of Wimberley 1
 Support quality medical
services for Hays County
I would like to welcome you to our first Seton Hays Foundation newsletter.You
will read about the activities and growth of this rapidly expanding facility and
we invite you to tour and become acquainted with our many services.
The Central Texas corridor is the fastest growing area in the state. Families,
businesses and schools are relocating up and down I-35 and the access to
quality medical care is increasingly important.
Having relocated my business to here as well, I am pleased to be associated
with the Seton Family of Hospitals and excited about its expansion into Hays
County. I have enjoyed a long relationship with Seton: my children were
born at Seton Medical Center Austin and I am a donor and supporter of Dell
Children’s Medical Center of Central Texas.
The Seton Hays Foundation is committed to gaining your support to further
Seton’s mission: to serve all who may come through our doors needing care,
with a special concern for the poor and the vulnerable.
Whether through volunteering your time or giving financially, you are invited
to become involved and help us serve the people of Hays County. We are
fortunate to have the doctors, staff and equipment in this beautiful hospital and
with your help, our medical care will continue to be second-to-none and will
be more accessible.
Chuck Nash
Chairman
Seton Hays Foundation
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Come tour Hays County’s
largest hospital
It is my distinct pleasure to serve as executive director of the Seton Hays
Foundation. The foundation was established to assist with the development of
Seton Medical Center Hays (SMCH), the Seton Family of Hospitals’ newest
member, providing both financial support and advocacy.
Seton built this Hays County facility to bring top-quality medical care to this
fast-growing area, an area that–until now–had been considered medically
underserved.
We feel so thankful for the incredibly positive response we have received from
patients, their families and visitors alike. That support is critical to ensuring the
continued success of our new medical center.
The Seton Hays Foundation is committed to raising $30 million in the next few
years to help pay for construction and equipment costs for the $143.7 million
SMCH project. On the face of it, this may seem like an overwhelming number,
but given what we’ve experienced thus far in this wonderful new area we call
home, I’m confident we will be successful. We invite your help in meeting this
challenge.
If you haven’t yet had an opportunity to tour SMCH, please consider this
an invitation to do so. Contact the foundation office at (512) 504-5075.
We welcome your interest in helping us improve the lives of those we serve
throughout Hays County.
In the meantime, please enjoy this edition of Seton Hays Close Up.
Sincerely,
Gerald Hill
Executive Director
Seton Hays Foundation
Health care for you, Here to serve you:
close to where you live the Seton Hays Foundation
Before Seton Medical Center Hays (SMCH) opened its doors last fall, The Seton Hays Foundation works with area businesses and community
an estimated 62 percent of the area’s residents were travelling out of the members to provide philanthropic support to Seton Medical Center Hays. We
immediate service area for their medical care. The Seton Family of Hospitals invite you to join us in our effort to help improve the lives of those we serve
realized that you and your neighbors were in need of more convenient and throughout Hays County. Please contact us to answer any questions you may
advanced care, closer to where you live. have or to arrange a tour of our facility, or visit our website at
www.setonhaysfoundation.org for more information.
Historically, Hays County is a medically underserved area expected to grow by
more than 50 percent over the next decade. Figures recently released from the Gerald Hill, Executive Director
Texas State Data Center support those projections. What’s more, the percent gwhill@seton.org (512) 504-5075
of the population over 65 years of age is expected to steadily increase – further
boosting demand for health care services. Michele Gonzalez, Director of Development
megonzalez@seton.org (512) 504-5076
Kyle is the ideal location for Seton’s newest medical center. The fifth fastest
growing city in Texas, Kyle experienced an increase in population of 398 Melinda Edmondson, Special Events Coordinator
percent from 2000 to 2008, according to the Texas State Data Center. The Data medmondson@seton.org (512) 504-5077
Center also reported that the I-35 corridor, which includes Buda, Kyle and San
Marcos, was the fastest-growing area in Hays County, increasing in population Debbie Burns, Executive Assistant
by 107 percent during that same time period. dburns@seton.org (512) 504-5061

Thus, when Seton identified property available for purchase with excellent
north and south access via I-35 and Kyle Parkway, and east and west access via
Hwy 150, the plans were set in motion.

Today, not only does Seton Medical Center Hays bring you access to top
specialists and award winning healthcare services close to where you live,
we are also creating jobs and attracting millions of new tax dollars into
local schools, public safety, parks and other entities. The medical center
and related medical services as well as support businesses are expected to From left to right: Gerald Hill, Michele Gonzalez, Melinda Edmondson, and Debbie Burns.
create approximately 19,000 jobs by 2020. In addition, SMCH has broader
implications for the region’s economic development and will help boost Hays
County’s competitive standing as a premier location to start, relocate and grow
a business.

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A Leader for Seton:
A Leader in Giving
Tom Gallagher has seen the Seton Family of Hospitals grow from a single location
to a network of ten hospitals, three community health centers and a variety of
community programs.
I sincerely believe in the Seton
organization and our mission and the
value we bring to the Hays County
community. That is why it was important
for me to have a personal commitment
to Seton Medical Center Hays as well as
a professional one.
Investing in Hays County
Through a generous $100,000 pledge, Tom and his wife,
Carolyn, provided the Seton Hays Foundation with its
first gift–a gift that goes directly to support Seton Medical
Center Hays. In recognition, the Women’s Center lobby
will be named for the Gallagher family.
For the Gallaghers, philanthropy is a family affair. “As a
family, we evaluate opportunities to give to organizations
in which we have a keen interest including arts, education
and health care.” Carolyn and Tom Gallagher
Not only do they show their support to the community through funding, but also
with the gift of time. Carolyn, a retired executive, serves on several civic and
educational boards including St. Edwards University, the Long Center, which she
chairs, and the US Postal System, for which she’s completing a term as chair.
Tom is chair of the Austin Community College Foundation and just completed a
term on the board of the Austin Chamber of Commerce. Within the Seton Family
of Hospitals, he serves on all seven of Seton’s Joint Venture boards as well as on
the Seton Hays Foundation board.
Tom joined Seton in 1983 as its chief financial officer and currently is president
and chief executive officer of Seton’s south market. This area of the network is
comprised of facilities in south Austin, Luling, and the newest member of the
Seton Family of Hospitals, Seton Medical Center Hays.
“It was exciting to be part of the Hays project from the beginning,” says Gallagher.
“Everything from looking for an ideal site, meeting with the land owner,
watching the construction progress–it was an invigorating
experience. Knowing I had some small role in the outcome
was amazing.”
Donations Support Seton’s Mission
“I enjoy giving back, both financially and through service.
Of course, people need to evaluate for themselves about
giving back and they also need to understand that any
support is appreciated, no matter what the size of the gift,”
he says. “I believe it’s very important for people to consider
the value an organization brings to the area. Take the time
to become knowledgeable. If you’re considering a gift to
support Seton Medical Center Hays–which I hope you will–
I encourage you to take a tour and meet the leadership and
our incredible staff. More importantly, know that any gift
you give will be invested back into the facility and will help
us continue to provide quality healthcare services for you
and your family for years to come.”
Without philanthropy, a project of this
magnitude wouldn’t be possible. I am hopeful that our
action can serve as a model for others to consider similar
efforts.
Married in 1993, Tom and Carolyn live in Austin with their two high school-age
children. Their family also includes two grown children. In his spare time, Tom
enjoys travelling, golfing, reading and the University of Texas Longhorns.

4
Serving Your Community:
Meet the members of the Seton Hays Foundation Board of Trustees
Chuck Nash, Chair
Charles Nash, Jr., is involved
with local and state non-profit
organizations. He is the owner
of Chuck Nash Chevrolet–Buick
–GMC. He has more than 30 years
experience in the automotive industry and is a third
generation car dealer. He was nominated for the
2009 TIME Magazine Dealer of the Year.
“I am delighted to support Seton Medical Center
Hays. It provides high quality health care to our area
citizens and brings highly skilled professional jobs to
our rapidly growing region. This is truly a win-win
situation for our residents and Seton Medical Center
Hays.”
Kate Johnson, Vice-Chair
Kate is chair and a long-time
supporter of the Hays County
Historical Commission. She
is active with and financially
supportive of many civic and
historical projects in Hays County, helping ensure
that historic sites throughout the county are
preserved for future generations.
“Being a Trustee on the Seton Hays Foundation Board
and supporting SMCH correlates perfectly with my
civic and historic interests. This Medical Center’s
coming to Kyle will forevermore change the historic
and civic landscape of Hays County. I am honored to
be a party of Kyle’s history-in-the-making.”
Sam Cooper, Treasurer and
Chair of Finance Committee
Sam Cooper is a practicing
CPA with 27 years experience
offering specialized services in
fee-based wealth management and
financial planning. He is president and founder of
The Financial Pavilion, LLC, is a Certified Financial
Planner, and serves as treasurer for the City of Buda.
“It is important to be an active participant in your
family’s community. By getting involved with the
Seton Hays Foundation, I’m not just watching the
growth of this area, I’m part of it and can continue to
help keep the wellness of our residents a priority.”
Mary Ann Mattis, Secretary
Mary Ann Mattis has been an
active supporter of the Kyle area
since relocating here with her
family in 2002. Since that time,
she has continued to maintain her
personal commitment to be an involved member of
the community and was recognized as the Hays CISD
Volunteer of the Year in 2004.
“Being on the front line and getting to witness the
excellence this medical center has brought to Kyle
has been incredibly exciting and fulfilling. I am
thankful to be a trustee and am dedicated to do all I
can to support it.”
Chris Harkrider, Chair,
Grant Committee
Chris Harkrider is senior
executive vice president and
director of commercial banking
for First Community Bank. Chris
oversees commercial banking efforts across Texas.
He also serves as president of the Hays Consolidated
Independent School District Education Foundation
and was instrumental in establishing the Hays
Communities YMCA in Buda.
“For the last twenty or so years my community
involvement has focused on health, wellness, and
education, while reaching out to under-served
populations. Serving on the foundation board
encompasses all these issues and allows me to make a
significant impact on my community.”
Tom Searcy, Chair,
Nominating Committee
Tom Searcy retired in 1999
following a successful career
spanning 38 years. He and his
wife, Joan, are active with the Kyle
Area Senior Zone and Meals on Wheels. They are also
valued volunteers at Seton Medical Center Hays at
least three days every week.
“The Central Texas area has been a wonderful place
to be in business and raise a family. As a foundation
board trustee, I hope to offer experience and counsel
in making SMCH even more of a landmark business
in Hays County.”
5
 Tree of Life Comes to Life
Seton associate creates beautiful artwork for SMCH
When discussion began around creation of
a sculpture for the lobby of the new Seton
Medical Center Hays, Seton turned to one of its
own.

Joshua Farrell creates the Tree of Life sculpture
The Tree of Life by the numbers:
• 11 sketches
• 12 customized copper and
brass commemorative leaf
sculptures recognizing local
communities
The Tree of Life sculpture hangs in the lobby of Seton Medical Center Hays
Joshua Farrell has been the plant operations
manager for Seton Edgar B. Davis in Luling
for 12 years. He also happens to be a talented
artist. Joshua was invited to create a sculpture
for the ground blessing event when the site
was dedicated. The biggest challenge: he had
just three weeks to deliver the finished piece.
Even with the tight turnaround, his answer was,
“Sure!”

• 15 cutting blades Seton gave Joshua complete creative license and two words to inspire him: tree and growth. “A tree grows through
obstacles. It can break sidewalks and lift slabs. Its growth extends outside borders and boundaries in its mission to be a
• 29 grinding/polishing wheels
part of and provide for the environment around it,” says Josh.
• 150 arch welding rods
He was also struck by how welcoming the Hays community had been when word spread that Seton was building a new
• 300 square metal bars facility. When he pictured how favor seemed to shine on Seton planting roots in Kyle he says, “Everything just clicked.”
• 480 pounds of sand for
Josh hammered and twisted square metal bars to create the gnarled bark of a tree’s trunk and branches. He cut and
sandblasting
shaped hundreds of leaves out of sheets of metal and precisely placed each one. “I wanted it to feel like a canopy with
• 800 hand-cut, ground and light filtering down through the leaves,” he says. “I was composing a symphony in metal and I wanted each note to be
welded leaves perfect.”

• 5,000 hammer swings Over the years, Josh has done a lot of work, but for him, the Tree of Life has been the most exciting and fun. The
finished piece was unveiled at the ground blessing last spring. In addition, Josh sculpted special individual leaves of
copper and engraved them. City and county representatives then placed them on the Tree of Life during the ceremony.
These leaves around the Tree of Life further illustrate Seton’s growth and foundation in the communities it serves.

The Tree and its leaves now hang in the SMCH lobby and have received attention and praise. “It’s not necessary,” Josh
says. “But it sure is nice.” Tree of Life won the Best in Show award at the Buda Art Fest 2008. To view more of Joshua’s
6 work, visit his website at www.jfarrellart.com.
 Yes! I want to support the construction and purchase of equipment for Seton Medical Center Hays with a gift of:
‬ $1,500 ‬ $1,000 ‬ $500 ‬ $250 ‬ $100 ‬ Other $____________

‬ Please make checks payable to Seton Hays Foundation.

Name
‬ Credit Card:
Organization (if applicable)
Visa AMEX MC Discover
Address
Card Number Exp
Phone

Name Email

Signature You may also give online at www.setonhaysfoundation.org

Cut here.

Wide Open Spaces...continued from cover

His idea of philanthropy was inspired by his parents but especially his mother.
“She was very passionate about wanting to help others and to give back to the
community,” Bill says.
In the 1980s, Bill’s mother asked him to become involved with the foundation.
As you might guess, it wasn’t tough to convince him. He was already familiar
with foundation work because he had served on the board of his Aunt Susan’s
foundation in Houston. Bill also shared his parents’ interest in arts and education-
related projects.
There’s No Place Like Home
Lately, Bill has focused his attention on the Hays County area, and supports
several environmental, historic and health projects, including Seton Medical
Center Hays.
“I’ve always believed that if you are able to, supporting things in your own back
yard is especially rewarding. When Seton Medical Center Hays came along, it just
seemed a natural fit,” Bill says.
Bill’s wife, Kate, shares his love for the area. They met through his Aunt Susan,
who told him, “She has the most beautiful golf swing.” At the time, Kate was an
avid golfer but also quickly became intrigued by the ranch. The couple married in
1981.
Since then, Bill says, “Kate has become completely engrossed with Hays
County.” She currently serves as chair of the Hays County Historical Commission
and is a member of the board of trustees of the Seton Hays Foundation.
Together, they have become involved with a number of preservation projects.
The Johnsons have provided funding for extensive renovations and landscape
architecture for the Katherine Anne Porter House in Kyle, restoration of the
Winters-Wimberley House in Wimberley, and support the Pound House in
Dripping Springs. Next on their list: helping restore the Hays County Jail.
Bill and Kate have two daughters. Lucy, a graduate of the Parsons School of
Design in New York, won election to the Kyle City Council in 2008 and now
serves as mayor. Katherine recently graduated with a degree in psychology from
St. Edwards University in Austin.
In addition to heading the Burdine Johnson Foundation, Bill serves on the board
of the James Dick Foundation for the Performing Arts, the organization that
supports the Round Top Music Institute and Festival.
In his spare time, Bill is a big supporter of UT and enjoys his time on the
ranch—hiking, kayaking and other outdoor activities. He especially enjoys being
by flowing water, which was a bit hard to come by until the recent rains. Bill
also enjoys travelling, primarily across the U.S., although he has been to Central
America, Europe and China. But for him, there’s no place like home. That is one
of the reasons Bill has also turned his attention to nature-related endeavors, like
supporting the Nature Conservancy’s Blanco River Project. 7
Seton Medical Center Hays
6001 Kyle Parkway Non-Profit
Kyle, TX 78640 Organization
U.S. Postage PAID
Address Service Requested Austin, Texas
Permit No. 2525

To view this newsletter online visit www.setonhaysfoundation.org.

Five months = 10,000 patients

… and that’s just the beginning!

Fireworks display at grand opening; Bishop Gregory Aymond blesses SMCH; SMCH
shines brightly as it prepares to welcome new patients.

Fast facts:
• Opened October 1, 2009
• Largest hospital in the area: 331,800 square feet
• First floor: 222,725 square feet
• Celebrated delivery of 100th baby on January 19
• Served 10,000th patient through Emergency
Department on March 6
• Opened 4th floor (additional 32 beds) in May
• Only hospital in Hays County to have an all
board-certified medical staff, bringing a new
level of medical expertise to the community
• Staff: more than 400
• Recognized as the 2009 Large Business of the
Year by the Kyle Chamber of Commerce
Services/Amenities:
• Full-Service Emergency Department
• Cardiac Care Services including Open Heart
Program
• Women’s Services including labor and delivery,
obstetrics/gynecology and Level II nursery
• Critical Care Services
• Inpatient Medical Services including Oncology
• Surgical Care including Orthopedics
• Outpatient Therapies
• Diagnostic and Interventional Services
• Sleep Lab
• Electronic medical records
• Room service for inpatients
• Free Wi-Fi internet access
• Great Habits gift shop
• Cafeteria
• Smoke-free campus