In a remarkable act of generosity, 93-year-old Ruth Gottesman has made a historic donation that will impact generations of medical students in New York City. After the passing of her husband, David Gottesman, a Wall Street financier known for his early investments in Berkshire Hathaway, Ruth discovered that he had left behind a staggering $1 billion in stocks. Instead of using this wealth for personal indulgence, Ruth chose to donate the entire amount to a noble cause: covering tuition fees for students at Albert Einstein College of Medicine, located in the Bronx, one of New York’s poorest boroughs.
This unprecedented donation marks the largest gift ever made to any medical school in the United States, and it has the potential to change the future of medical education for many students who would otherwise never be able to afford it.
Ruth’s Generosity: A Life-Changing Donation
Ruth Gottesman’s decision to donate $1 billion is a testament to her lifelong commitment to education and her love for the community. Ruth, who worked at Albert Einstein College of Medicine for many years, initially as the director of psychoeducational services, later became a clinical professor emerita of pediatrics. Even in retirement, she remains an active part of the institution, serving as the chair of trustees.
Ruth’s late husband, David, had quietly accumulated a vast fortune in Berkshire Hathaway stocks. Ruth was unaware of the extent of his wealth until after his passing in 2022, when she discovered the sizeable portfolio. When David passed away, he left Ruth with a simple message: “Do whatever you think is right with it.”
Rather than spending the windfall on luxuries, Ruth chose to give it all back to the community, specifically to medical students who might not otherwise have the opportunity to attend college. The gift will allow all current and future students at Albert Einstein College of Medicine to attend tuition-free. Starting in the fall of 2024, new students will not be required to pay the typical tuition fees, which can exceed $59,000 per year.
A Historic Gift to Medical Education
Dr. Yaron Tomer, the Marilyn and Stanley Katz Dean at Albert Einstein College of Medicine, expressed immense gratitude for Ruth’s monumental donation. He described it as a gift that would “radically revolutionize” the college’s ability to attract and support diverse students who are passionate about medicine and committed to transforming their communities.
“This historic gift will help us continue attracting students who are dedicated to our mission of compassionate care and community transformation,” Dr. Tomer said in a statement. “We will be reminded of Ruth’s legacy each spring as we send another class of physicians into the world to provide care to underserved communities.”
Ruth’s donation ensures that students who are committed to becoming physicians and serving communities in need will no longer be hindered by the financial burden of medical school tuition. Students from all backgrounds, especially those from economically disadvantaged families, will now have a clear path to achieving their dreams of becoming doctors.
Brent N. Clarke/Getty Images
Ruth’s Motivation: Helping Those Who Need It Most
When asked about her motivation for making such a substantial donation, Ruth explained that her primary goal was to provide an opportunity for students whose economic status might otherwise prevent them from considering medical school as a possibility. “We have terrific medical students, but this will open it up for many others whose economic status is such that they wouldn’t even think about going to medical school,” Ruth said.
Her generosity will not only support the current generation of students but also inspire future classes of doctors to give back to their communities. Albert Einstein College of Medicine currently has over 1,070 students, as well as 239 research fellows, all of whom will benefit from Ruth’s gift.
Ruth Gottesman: A Legacy of Giving
Ruth Gottesman’s decision to donate her late husband’s fortune is an example of the power of generosity and the profound impact one person can have on the lives of others. By funding tuition for medical students in one of New York’s most impoverished boroughs, Ruth is ensuring that future doctors are not only well-educated but also dedicated to giving back to their communities.
As Ruth’s gift continues to transform the lives of students, it will serve as a reminder of the incredible difference that one individual’s generosity can make in the world.
Michael M. Santiago/Getty Images
A Bright Future for Medical Students
With Ruth’s donation, the doors of Albert Einstein College of Medicine will be open to countless students who will go on to make meaningful contributions in the medical field. This donation is not just about providing financial support; it’s about fostering a new generation of doctors who will carry on Ruth and David Gottesman’s legacy of giving, compassion, and service to others.
Students from the Bronx and beyond will now have the opportunity to receive a world-class medical education without the burden of tuition fees. This historic gift will continue to benefit not only the students who attend the college but also the communities they serve, as they go on to provide essential care and transform the healthcare landscape.
Conclusion
Ruth Gottesman’s donation of $1 billion to Albert Einstein College of Medicine is a truly remarkable act of philanthropy. By funding tuition for all current and future medical students, Ruth has created an enduring legacy that will impact countless lives. Her generosity ensures that students from all backgrounds will have the opportunity to pursue their dreams of becoming doctors, without the financial strain that often accompanies medical school.
Ruth’s story is a powerful reminder of the difference that one person’s actions can make. Through her gift, she has not only changed the lives of medical students but has also paved the way for future generations to follow in her footsteps of kindness and generosity.
For more inspiring stories, check out these articles:
- 10 Signs You’re Eating Too Much Sugar
- 7 Words Depressed People Use More Often: How to Recognize the Signs and Offer Support
Ruth Gottesman’s incredible act of giving is a testament to the power of philanthropy and the lasting impact it can have on individuals and communities.
