shared vision for generations

For decades, the values of the Carpenters and Rowlings have included deep generosity. Now they continue that tradition with gifts to the new Dallas pediatric campus.

If there is one belief shared by two of Dallas’ most generous families, it is this: To whom much is given, much is expected. 

Today, both the Rowling and Carpenter families are applying this guiding principle to an ambitious joint project between Children’s Health℠ and UT Southwestern Medical Center. Together, these institutions are building a new pediatric campus in Dallas to transform care for children throughout the region well into the future.

This visionary project immediately caught the attention of both families, who have deep roots in community giving. Their philanthropic legacy spans generations, with each family inspiring the next — and often each other — to give even more generously.

The Rowlings’ legacy of faith and giving

At the center of the Rowling family’s philanthropy are Bob and Terry Rowling, joined by son Blake and daughter-in-law Carrie. Their generosity traces back to Mr. Rowling’s parents, who, despite modest means, taught their children the value of steadfastly giving to others. Mr. Rowling recalled discovering after his father’s death that for years he had secretly funded college educations for those in need.

“When he passed away,” Mr. Rowling said, “many showed up at his memorial to express thanks. It was a powerful lesson for us all.” 

This legacy shaped the Rowling family’s belief that their resources are not solely theirs but entrusted to them by God.

“We’re just shepherding what he’s given us,” Mr. Rowling said. “It’s about managing wisely, investing well, and giving generously.” 

After moving his family to Dallas in 1997, Mr. Rowling recognized UTSW’s strength in research and academics but saw room for growth clinically. That would change with a transformative gift from former Gov. William P. Clements Jr., which birthed UTSW’s flagship hospital. That moment inspired Mr. Rowling to get involved in supporting clinical care, and he later joined the search committee that would hire Daniel K. Podolsky, M.D., President of UT Southwestern.

Now the family is continuing its decades-long support of UT Southwestern with a gift to support the new pediatric campus in Dallas.

“This gift supports the continued growth of clinical care at UT Southwestern,” Mr. Rowling said. “People often come here after exhausting other options and finally get the right treatment. That’s why we’ve stayed so committed.”

The Rowling family’s approach to philanthropy focuses on consistency and long-term commitment — a blueprint Mr. Rowling calls “going long, deep, and narrow.”

“If we believe in something, we stay with it for the long haul,” he said. “And we deepen that investment over time.”

The Carpenters: building on generational generosity

The Carpenter family’s pledge to support the new pediatric campus also reflects their desire to make a significant impact. John and Cele Carpenter, along with their three children — Benjamin, Austin and Bonner — manage the family’s charitable commitments. Their philanthropic legacy spans generations, from Mr. Carpenter’s grandfather, John W. Carpenter Sr., to his parents, Ben and Betty Carpenter.

The family’s connection to UT Southwestern deepened after Mr. Carpenter’s father underwent a heart transplant at UTSW and Mrs. Carpenter received care following a stroke.

“UT Southwestern saved my life after a stroke and helped me walk and live independently again,” Mrs. Carpenter said. “That experience deepened my family’s commitment to give back. Supporting a pediatric facility that helps children heal emotionally and physically means everything.”

She emphasized that giving is both a responsibility and a value she hopes to pass on to their nine grandchildren. Mrs. Carpenter also recognizes how critical the Dallas pediatric campus is to the broader community.

“We feel lucky to have the hospital in Dallas, as it benefits the entire state,” she said. “It’s something to support and be proud of.”

The Carpenters are especially inspired by the future-forward design of the campus and its promise of global excellence.

“We want Dallas to have the best pediatric facility in the country — if not the world — right here in our backyard,” Mr. Carpenter said.

Generosity rooted friendship

The strong bond between the Rowlings and Carpenters extends beyond shared values. It is forged in a close friendship that spans decades. Each family sees the other not just as allies in giving, but as sources of inspiration and encouragement in their philanthropy.

Mr. Rowling recalls talking to the Carpenters about UT Southwestern and exchanging updates on its progress. As it turned out, both families were exploring major donations around the same time — and found themselves excited to support the identical cause. That shared enthusiasm turned into action, as only weeks apart, both families’ foundations committed gifts to the new pediatric facility.

“It all happened very organically,” Mr. Rowling said. “The timing, the shared interest — it just clicked for both families.”

The Rowlings and Carpenters have long admired one another, not just for each other’s generosity, but for how they live out their daily values.

“Our families are very aligned in how we think about giving,” Mr. Rowling said. 

Mrs. Carpenter echoed that sentiment, calling the Rowlings “not just inspirationally generous but dear friends who truly walk the walk in life,” she said. 

“They give because they believe it’s their duty and privilege. And they do it with such grace and purpose.”

The families’ friendship actually began with their sons — Blake Rowling and Benjamin Carpenter — who met in eighth grade and remain close today. That friendship deepened over the years, eventually connecting both families and even shaping their shared philanthropic endeavors.

“Blake and I have grown up together in this city,” Benjamin Carpenter said. “And we both are following the example set by our parents of giving back to this community by supporting the campus.”

Blake Rowling shares that view, noting how their generation of friends feels united by a passion to improve the Dallas community.

“We all feel lucky to live here,” he said. “And we want to give a lot of ourselves and resources to provide the best possible health care for kids.”

A shared vision for the future

Both the Rowling and Carpenter families understand their gifts to the pediatric campus are about more than buildings or technology. They also are furthering a legacy — ensuring that generations of children receive world-class care in Dallas, no matter their circumstances.

Mr. Carpenter echoes that feeling: “We want our grandchildren, their children, and the community overall to benefit from what we’re building today,” he said. “I believe that’s what drives our families.”

“The Carpenter and Rowling families’ multi-generational approach to philanthropy reflects what makes our community so special,” Podolsky said, “Generations of families who have advanced the missions of UT Southwestern and Children’s Health for decades are stepping forward once again to help us create a healthier future for North Texas kids.”

The Rowlings’ and Carpenters’ parallel journeys — rooted in faith, family and friendship — have converged on a single shared goal: building a healthier future for children. Through their giving, the two families are ensuring that Dallas will lead the way in pediatric medicine for decades ahead. And in doing so, they are living out the truth of their shared credo: “To whom much is given, much is expected.” 

Dr. Podolsky holds the Philip O’Bryan Montgomery, Jr., M.D. Distinguished Presidential Chair in Academic Administration, and the Charles Cameron Sprague Distinguished Chair in Biomedical Science.