Ruth Gottesman’s connection to the Albert Einstein College of Medicine goes way back. Now a clinical professor emerita of pediatrics at the school, she began her career here in 1968. She also serves as the chair of the school’s board of trustees. It’s no wonder, then, that she thought of the students here when given the chance to do something incredible.
In 2022, Ruth’s husband passed away. This is when the 93-year-old learned he had a surprise for her: $1 billion in Berkshire Hathaway stock. So much could be done with this unfathomable amount of money, and her husband only left her with a single request.
“Do whatever you think is right with it,” Ruth shares of what her husband asked.
At first, choosing what to do with it was daunting. Then, it hit her: the Albert Einstein College of Medicine is located in Bronx, the poorest borough in New York City. That’s why, ultimately, she chose to donate it to their medical students so they can afford tuition. In turn, not a single medical student here will have to deal with the financial barrier of higher education — forever.
$1 Billion Donation From Ruth Gottesman Covers Bronx Medical School Tuition Forever!
Yes, you read that correctly: forever! This donation truly highlights how much good can be done with a billion dollars. To get a better picture, just a year’s tuition at the school is over $59,000.
As you can imagine, students continue to be floored by this life-changing donation. Ruth had the opportunity to make the announcement herself, and their reactions are absolutely priceless!
We are profoundly grateful that Dr. Ruth Gottesman, Professor Emerita of Pediatrics at @EinsteinMed, has made a transformational gift to #MontefioreEinstein—the largest to any medical school in the country—that ensures no student has to pay tuition again. https://t.co/XOy9HZLbfD pic.twitter.com/1ijv02jHFk
— Montefiore Health System (@MontefioreNYC) February 26, 2024
“This donation radically revolutionizes our ability to continue attracting students who are committed to our mission, not just those who can afford it,” Dr. Yaron Tomer, the Marilyn and Stanley M. Katz dean at the school says. “Additionally, it will free up and lift our students, enabling them to pursue projects and ideas that might otherwise be prohibitive.”
Ruth Gottesman’s Generosity Opens Doors for Countless Students
Ruth recognizes the impact her donation has on current and future students, noting that she hopes this will provide a more diverse pool of applicants the chance to attend the school.
The only condition included with this generous donation is that the school can’t change its name. This inclusion is to prevent them from changing it in her honor, something that often happens with large donations.
The people of the Bronx are eternally grateful for the generosity of Dr. Ruth Gottesman, whose donation to a Bronx-based institution, the Einstein College of Medicine, has no precedent in the history of our borough. pic.twitter.com/rwpb42INBW
— Ritchie Torres (@RitchieTorres) February 26, 2024
In fact, Ruth almost chose to not have her name tied to the donation at all. The only reason she changed her mind is because Phillip Ozuah, who oversees the college, shared that her story could inspire others.
“Here’s somebody who is totally dedicated to the welfare of others and wants no accolades, no recognition,” Phillip says.