Jim and Pat Calhoun boost UConn Health

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Grace Merritt

< 1 min read

Renowned UConn Men’s Basketball Coach Jim Calhoun is well-known for winning three national championships, four Final Fours, and 17 Big East Championships. But he and his wife, Pat, are also champions in another UConn arena: UConn Health.

The Calhouns, who both lost their parents to heart disease, are passionate about supporting UConn Health and have given generously to establish the Pat and Jim Calhoun Cardiology Center at UConn Health, along with an affiliated cardiology research fund.

“When I was 15 and was walking off the field after a baseball game, someone said ‘hey Jimmy Calhoun, your father died.’ My dad had the same situation. His father died when he was 16 and he was coming home from school. We want to do what we can to eliminate another kid going through that,” Jim says.

The Calhouns first became acquainted with John Dempsey Hospital when Jim was treated there and were pleased with the excellent care they received from doctors, some of whom became lifelong friends, Pat says.

Jim Calhoun also sponsored annual fundraisers, including the Jim Calhoun Celebrity Classic Golf Tournament and the Big Y Jim Calhoun Cancer Challenge Ride, to benefit The Carole and Ray Neag Comprehensive Cancer Center at the UConn Health.

Calhoun retired from UConn in 2012 after 26 years. He subsequently became head coach of men’s basketball at the University of St. Joseph in 2018 before retiring in November 2021. Pat is a homemaker and also has been active in fundraisers for the American Heart Association. 

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