Louise H. and Joseph Z. Ornelas Honored Tuesday Night With Galaxy Award

TYLER — Longtime philanthropists Louise H. and Joseph Z. Ornelas were presented the UT Health Northeast Galaxy Award during a ceremony held Tuesday at the Green Acres Baptist Church Crosswalk Center. According to a news release, the Galaxy Award honors the “stars” of philanthropy while raising scholarship funds for students in healthcare and research. UT Health President Dr. Kirk A. Calhoun cited the couple’s “numerous heartfelt gifts…to so many institutions, including UT Health Northeast.”

Calhoun said the gifts “have improved healthcare, education, and quality of life for all of us in East Texas,” Calhoun added, “Their contributions to our institution have been key to the expansion of many areas of our campus.” The event celebrated the Ornelases’ philanthropic spirit that has impacted the UT Health Northeast Academic Medical Program as well as the community, according to the news release.

Pictured: Louise H. and Joseph Z. Ornelas (front), Dr. Kirk A. Calhoun, and Jeanette Calhoun, Ph.D.