Dr. Ruth Gottesman, a former professor at Einstein University in the Bronx, recently experienced the loss of her husband. In a heartfelt gesture, she made a substantial contribution to fund tuition expenses for students attending the Albert Einstein College of Medicine.
Dr. Ruth has a rich history of accomplishments at Einstein, having devoted numerous years to the institution. She began her tenure in 1968 as the “Director of Psychoeducational Services” and eventually ascended to the position of chair of the board of trustees. Throughout her career, she focused on studying learning disabilities and even developed a screening test. However, perhaps none of her achievements are as remarkable as her decision to donate $1 billion to assist in covering tuition costs for future students—an unprecedented act that ranks among the largest donations ever made to a U.S. school and is likely the largest ever made to a medical university.
Following the passing of her husband, David Gottesman, affectionately known as Sandy, in 2022, Dr. Ruth found herself the recipient of a significant gift. “He left me, unbeknownst to me, a whole portfolio of Berkshire Hathaway stock,” she shared with the New York Times. “Do whatever you think is right with it.”
Despite her grieving period, Dr. Ruth’s children encouraged her not to delay her decision. Remarkably, her generous choice will not only impact the lives of students but specifically benefit those in need of financial assistance. Located in the Bronx, known as one of New York City’s poorest areas and labeled the “unhealthiest” county in the state, the Einstein School of Medicine serves a demographic with limited resources compared to wealthier counterparts in Manhattan.
Unfortunately, donations tend to favor wealthier schools, leaving institutions like Einstein University with fewer resources and students with less financial support. Approximately 60% of Einstein’s students are women, with 48% identifying as white and 29% as Asian, while Hispanic and Black students make up a smaller percentage of less than 20% combined.
Sandy, who managed an investment firm, made an early investment in Berkshire Hathaway, securing his family’s financial stability. Now, Dr. Ruth has chosen to honor his legacy by making an extraordinary impact with a portion of the assets he left behind. “I wanted to fund students at Einstein so that they would receive free tuition,” she expressed. “There was enough money to do that in perpetuity.”
The exorbitant rise in tuition costs presents a significant challenge for aspiring medical professionals, with many students accruing debts exceeding $200,000 upon graduation. In contrast, students at other New York schools often face lower debts, with fewer than 25% owing as much. Despite the lucrative salaries doctors eventually earn, the burden of educational expenses can deter individuals from disadvantaged backgrounds from pursuing their dreams. Dr. Ruth’s exceptional donation will alleviate this financial barrier for countless students, enabling those from underserved communities to pursue their aspirations in the medical field.