Unfortunately, I didn't know Dr. Henrich very well, I only met him once, but that interaction will forever stay with me. I helped plan an event he was hosting at the Mays Cancer Center, and when he walked in, he immediately shook our hands and thanked us for our help. I had only worked here for three months, and he asked me all sorts of questions about my life and how I was enjoying UT Health SA. He was extremely down-to-earth and very kind.
He gave a speech at the event, and at the very end, he told everyone to get out their cell phones and add his own cell phone number to their contact list. He told everyone that day or night that if they ever needed anything, they should give him a call. It shocked me as a university president that he would hand out his personal cell phone number to 80 strangers.
I later found out that he did this all the time. My aunt was diagnosed with breast cancer the year before I started, and unbeknownst to me, Dr. Henrich was the reason she was able to get an appointment so quickly. He had given his cell phone number to a friend of my aunts, and when my aunt told this friend of her diagnosis, they called Dr. Henrich. The very next day, my aunt received a call from the cancer center to set up an appointment. It was a full-circle moment that gave me chills. My family will forever be grateful to him; my aunt is now cancer-free and doing great.
Our beloved William L. Henrich, MD, MACP, served as president of The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio from 2009 to 2024. In his 15 years as president, he transformed UT Health San Antonio into a top-ranked academic health center.
We invite you to share your memories of Dr. Henrich and what he meant to you.
82 entries.
On my very first day of work at UT Health San Antonio, my new boss welcomed me with a special lunch. Dr. Henrich found out and invited himself along, then paid for all our meals. I was so nervous but he made me feel comfortable and welcome. Those feelings never went away, even years later. He always welcomed me with open arms. He always made me feel special and appreciated. He always took the time to thank me for my work. And I know I'm just one of thousands of people who he made feel this way. He truly was a servant leader, and his spirit of joy and love for people will radiate in our hallways for years to come.
Dr. Henrich spoke with honest and true compassion. You could just hear it. I believe his memory will serve as a reminder of the power of compassion and the profound impact it can have on others.
In August of 2009, I was privileged to be a part of the Mission cover story that introduced our beloved Dr. Henrich as president of our university. This quote from that story beautifully reflects the magnificent imprint on all of us that is his legacy: “I will do everything I can to lead by example,” Dr. Henrich said. “Education has transformed my life and it is embedded in my DNA.”
We will never be the same, Dr. Henrich. We will always be grateful to you for your remarkable vision, your moving inspiration and your gracious leadership.
with my deepest respect and gratitude,
Nancy Arispe Shaw
One Wednesday shortly after I began working at UT Health San Antonio three years ago, I was in line at the ALTC Cafe at lunchtime to grab tortilla soup to go. I was so obsessed with it that I ordered two. Suddenly, I hear a voice behind me ask, “Is it THAT good?” I turned around to see Dr. Henrich in line behind me. At that time, I had only seen Dr. Henrich in photos and videos. I answered, “Yes, Dr. Henrich, I’m obsessed with it. My husband’s out of town, it’s healthy and I really don’t want to cook tonight.” We both chuckled at my response and promptly told the attendant that he also wanted two tortilla soups to go. This was my only face-to-face conversation with him. But over the years, I’ve gotten feedback that he’s been pleased with the results of my work for the institution. I can’t think of a better or higher compliment. I took advantage of every opportunity to hear him speak. His passion and commitment to make lives better truly touched my heart. I know Dr. Henrich’s legacy will be felt in South Texas for generations to come!
We have lost a champion in humanity. Dr. Henrich personified the selfless love - agape. Never have we known a more compassionate, understanding, thoughtful, and faithful human being. There is an indescribable hole left in our lives. I pray we not lose the love and his memory in our hearts, but use them to flourish, to always hope, to persevere, and to live with kindness and faithfulness at our core.
While I never had the privilege of having a conversation with President Henrich, I truly felt like he saw me. In every President's Forum or other public gathering where he provided comments and inspiration to our university community, he had a way of looking straight at you, as though he was engaging you personally among the crowd, eager to have you know that you matter and that you are essential to the institution's mission.