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In memoriam

Dorothy Pauley was namesake of VCU Health Pauley Heart Center, along with her husband, Stan

Stan and Dorothy Pauley

Philanthropist and VCU alum Dorothy Pauley, a long-time member of the Medical College of Virginia Foundation board, died in May. She was 91. The wife of the late Stanley Pauley, Dorothy Pauley served on the foundation board from 2005-14. She was known as someone who cared deeply about improving medical care and education. Her generosity through the Pauley Family Foundation helped create the VCU Health Pauley Heart Center.

“Dorothy and Stan were the first people we met when we came to Richmond, and they warmly welcomed us with open arms and a clear desire to see us advance VCU Health Pauley Heart Center,” said Michael Rao, Ph.D., president of VCU and VCU Health System. “Dorothy carried an air of happiness with her everywhere she went. We miss Stan and Dorothy and remain eternally grateful for their wisdom and generosity, which will leave a legacy of support for human heart health. Heart disease remains the No. 1 cause of death among people.”

Alice Goodwin served on the MCV Foundation board with Pauley. She recalled her as a dedicated public servant who never missed a board meeting. “She was such a fine woman and very astute,” Goodwin said. “She was so engaged in anything related to MCV and was devoted to the cause. Dorothy was a lovely person, and I always enjoyed serving with her and hoped to sit next to her during meetings.”

Stan and Dorothy Pauley created the Pauley Family Foundation in 2006 to provide philanthropic giving in the areas of education, arts, health and human services. The foundation gave a $5 million gift to VCU Health’s heart center to support research initiatives and comprehensive educational programs. In recognition of the gift, the center was named VCU Health Pauley Heart Center.

“The Pauleys benevolently gave to Richmond and the community,” said Greg Hundley, M.D., Pauley Heart Center director and chair of the Division of Cardiology. “Their support was critical to the launch of the heart center. Their gifts have funded research, education, clinical care and the ability of the heart center to serve our community locally and beyond the commonwealth. We are most appreciative of this support and want to express our sincere condolences to Kathy Hickok and the entire Pauley family.”

In 2012, the Pauley Family Foundation gave $5 million to recruit Hundley and five new research faculty members, along with startup funds for research staff, lab costs and equipment. The funds also created new research programs in cardiovascular disease prevention, women’s cardiovascular health and congenital heart disease.

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Join our Pauley Consortium composed of patients, friends and advocates.