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
