Posthumous gift helps fundraiser meet its mark

UCI Medical Center reached its $50 million fundraising goal, thanks to a $21 million posthumous gift from the estate of a self-made developer who grew up the son of migrant workers in a dirt-floored cabin.

UCI officials said M.A. Douglas’ gift was the biggest lump-sum donation the university has received.

“Doug was all about commitment and responsibility,” said Michael Hyde, trustee of the Douglas estate who was a friend and real estate partner of Douglas’. “I can’t think of a better way to honor his legacy than naming this wonderful new hospital the UC Irvine Douglas Hospital.”

Douglas built his fortune during a 33-year career with B.F. Goodrich and later as a developer.

The gift will allow the hospital to increase its beds to 424 at the 482,428-square-foot medical center.

“Mr. Douglas’ generous gift caps a transformational capital campaign led by Tom and Elizabeth Tierney and embraced by so many of our community friends — even during these very difficult economic times,” said Thomas. J. Mitchell, vice chancellor of university advancement, in a news release.

— Paul Anderson