Marnix Heersink Net Worth
Marnix Heersink Net Worth is a prominent Dutch-born American businessman and philanthropist with significant holdings in real estate, manufacturing, education foundations and UAB’s efforts to enhance healthcare delivery for patients around the globe. His gift was one of the largest ever given by anyone to UAB.
The university says the largest philanthropic donation in its history will assist its strategic growth efforts and enable it to establish the Marnix Heersink Institute of Biomedical Innovation and Mary Heersink Institute for Global Health.
Heersink earned his magna cum laude degree from the University of Western Ontario in London, Canada before going on to complete his residency and fellowship in cataract and intraocular lens implantation at Wills Eye Hospital in Philadelphia. Today he and his wife Mary Parks Heersink reside in Dothan, Alabama.
Heersinks are widely recognized philanthropists in Alabama and beyond, giving from both personal funds as well as through their family foundation. Their generosity has included gifts that renovated Volker Hall at School of Medicines as well as funding a Heersink Family Active Learning Resource Center and Heersink Family Endowed Glaucoma Fellowship; additionally they were the namesakes for Frank & Pam Barefield Training Center near Hoover Police Station No. 4 on Municipal Drive.
Heersinks’ dedication extends far beyond their charitable efforts; they’re active participants in business and community life as owners of various properties including their 140,000 square-foot medical complex in Dothan that houses physicians from different specialties; additionally they own an 18 OR surgical center which they own as well.
Heersink occupies his spare time by golfing and collecting classic cars, helping the homeless in his local community and making generous donations to charities such as AIDS Research Foundation of Greater Alabama which assists people living with HIV/AIDS as well as United Way of the River Region.
Heersink has also spearheaded efforts to establish an international cultural center in Dothan: Heersink Family Museum of Art and Culture will open its doors in 2021 and feature works by both well-known artists as well as local talent. It is anticipated to draw visitors from throughout the country and internationally. This facility will serve as an important cultural attraction in Dothan and its surrounding areas, while offering educational opportunities to local students. To this project, Heersink Family Foundation has contributed over $2.5 million. It started off with a $1 million grant and $650,000 loan, with other individuals and organizations also contributing funding. It’s the first foundation of its kind in Alabama; Heersink Family Foundation is part of Greater Birmingham Community Foundation which supports various local projects and programs through donations.