PRESIDENT'S CLUB MEMBER SPOTLIGHT
Dr. Durwood Stringer - Class of 1954
	Family:  Madalynn (wife), daughters     Elizabeth, Theresa, Cassandra and sons     Drennon and Mark   Student Involvement:  Biology major, Kappa   Alpha, Basketball and Track   Alumni Involvement:  Alumni Achievement   Award winner in 2001, President’s Club   member, Subaltern of National   Churchill Museum, Former Alumni Council   member, True Blue Society member, Alumni   Host for Dallas events.

Upon discharge in 1949, he entered the University of Illinois at Urbana, IL.  He had a friend at Westminster who urged him to transfer due to the reputation of the Biology Department and Dr. Cameron Day.  In January 1950, Dr. Stringer transferred to Westminster, and was quoted saying, "The transfer turned out to be the best decision of my life."

Unfortunately, his studies were interrupted in the Fall of 1950 by a stint in Japan during the Korean War.  He resumed his studies at Westminster in the fall of 1951 and graduated in 1954 with a Bachelor of Arts degree.

In the fall of 1954 he began medical school at St. Louis University School of Medicine and received his M.D. degree in 1958.  He completed a rotating internship at the United States Public Health Hospital in Baltimore, Maryland.  He then completed a two year General Practice residency program at the USPHS Hospital in Detroit Michigan.  This was followed by one year as Chief of the Outpatient Department at the USPHS Hospital in Chicago, IL.

In July 1962 he purchased a medical practice in Mishawaka, Indiana.  He continued to practice medicine as a general practitioner for 16 years.  In addition, he served on the staff of St. Joseph Hospital as President of the Medical Staff for one year, Head of the Medical Department for two years, and Head of the Emergency Department for four years.

In 1978, he returned to his native Texas and opened the first freestanding emergency center in the Dallas area.  He went on to open seven additional centers.  Then in 1981, he founded and served as the first President, the National Association of Freestanding Emergency Centers.  There are now more than 6,500 such centers nationwide.

In 1984, he formed and took public a group of Emergency Centers in Texas, Ohio and South Carolina.  He served as the President of that company for two years.

Dr. Stringer retired in July 2001 and still has an interest in the original emergency center.

D r. Stringer is a member of the Texas Medical Association, Dallas County Medical Society, American Academy of General Practice, American Academy of Ambulatory Care, National Association for Ambulatory Care and the  Civil Aviation Medical Association.  

How was your Westminster student experience?  

Absolutely wonderful.  The atmosphere on the campus and at the Priest Field apartments was very conducive to the learning experience and good times.

What is your first memory of Westminster?

Arriving on campus and seeing the Columns in front of the administration building.

What do you do when you aren’t being a generous donor to the College?

I have a passion for golf and play 3-4 times a week.  I am a devoted reader, both fiction and non-fiction.  Photography is also a hobby of mine.  My wife, Madalynn, and I love to travel.

What is your personal philosophy on philanthropy and how does it relate to Westminster?

I don't think any Westminster graduate could ever repay, in monetary terms, the value of an education received at this institution.  Keeping in mind the rewards of life after leaving Westminster, I believe that EVERY graduate should contribute to the fiscal needs of our college.

Who influenced your philanthropic philosophy?

I did.  I know this may sound a little self-centered, but I felt I needed to repay in some small way the highly professional education that I received at Westminster.

Who was the most influential faculty or staff member during your time on campus?

This question is easy to answer.  Dr. Cameron Day.  He not only prepared me for a career in medicine, but made me appreciate other social sciences.

You have been a loyal member of the President’s Club for many years, why do you believe supporting Westminster is such a good investment?   

Westminster is always looking for ways to improve curriculum, hire and retain excellent faculty and staff, and prepare students for a fulfilling life after they leave Westminster.  This requires support from our graduates and giving to Westminster should be a high priority. 

The interest and excitement about financially supporting Westminster is growing.  Why do you think that is?

Because the reputation of Westminster is growing both nationally and internationally as a place where you can obtain an unparalled education.  Also, graduates are realizing more and more that they need to support the institutuin that gave them such a quality education.

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