Dr. John P. McGovern Receives Distinguished Citizen Award

In the first-ever evening ceremony in the 40-year history of the Rotary Club of Houston's Distinguished Citizen Award, and before a crowd of 400, the organization gave this year's award to Dr. John P. McGovern Sept. 13.

Proceeds from the banquet, which surpassed all previous amounts raised, will be used to support Rotary Charities.

Former Texas Congressman Bill Archer was to be the evening's keynote speaker, but because of the Sept. 11 events, he was unable to travel from Washington, D.C.

Archer, the recipient of the 2000 Distinguished Citizen Award, sent a message to read to the audience that night, which said, "In these times, when we find ourselves so challenged as both individuals and a nation, we need look no further than Jack McGovern to find the inspiration to persevere no matter what the obstacles. He is my hero."

Former President George Herbert Walker Bush sent greetings to his longtime friend, Jack McGovern, via a video message in which he noted McGovern's many contributions to the city of Houston.

"As a child of the depression, tonight's honoree learned from his parents that the needs of people come first and that monetary rewards are really secondary."

Bush and his wife Barbara were the evening's honorary chairs.

Others speakers included Dr. Richard Wainerdi, Texas Medical Center president and CEO; Dr. Bryant Boutwell, The University of Texas Medical School at Houston associate dean; Susan Young, president, South Main Center Association; and Dr. Charles LeMaistre, former Chancellor of The University of Texas System and president of The University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center.

Founder of the McGovern Allergy Clinic in 1956, he has seen it grow to become the nation's largest specialty clinic of this type. His far-reaching John P. McGovern Foundation has helped fund numerous community projects such as the John P. McGovern Children's Zoo, Hermann Park's newly enlarged and refurbished Lake McGovern, and programs at institutions within the Texas Medical Center and The University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston. The foundation gives funds primarily in Harris County for education, health promotion and disease prevention. In addition, Dr. McGovern has provided funding for research and teaching programs across the nation.

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©2006 Texas Medical Center

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