93-year-old widow donates late husband’s $1 billion to cover school tuition for NYC’s poorest area forever
In 2022, the passing of Wall Street financier David Gottesman, husband of Dr. Ruth L. Gottesman, revealed a staggering legacy beyond memories—a remarkable $1 billion in stocks, largely from early investments in Berkshire Hathaway. Rather than indulging in personal luxuries, Ruth opted to donate the entire sum to a noble cause: the Albert Einstein College of Medicine in the Bronx, New York’s poorest borough. This unprecedented donation stands as the largest ever made to any medical school in the United States.
Dr. Ruth L. Gottesman, a clinical professor emerita of pediatrics and former director of psychoeducational services at the medical school, had been unaware of the substantial financial portfolio left by her late husband. Her generous contribution will not only reimburse current fourth-year students for the spring 2024 semester but also ensure free tuition for all students starting in the fall—an especially impactful gesture considering the annual tuition at Albert Einstein College of Medicine exceeds $59,000. Ruth, still actively serving as the chair of trustees for the school, expressed her joy in broadening access to medical education for students who might not have considered it due to economic constraints. Dr. Yaron Tomer, the Marilyn and Stanley Katz Dean at Albert Einstein College of Medicine, acknowledged the transformative nature of Ruth’s donation, stating that it “radically revolutionizes our ability to continue attracting students who are committed to our mission.” CBS News reports that this historic gift will leave a lasting legacy, empowering future physicians to provide compassionate care and positively impact communities worldwide. Ruth Gottesman’s altruism truly defines the essence of a good Samaritan.
@todayshow Students at Montefiore’s Einstein College of Medicine in the Bronx got the surprise of a lifetime when they learned that tuition will be free for all students going forward thanks to a $1 billion donation from Ruth L. Gottesman, a former professor at the college. #TODAYShow #MorningBoost ♬ original sound – TODAY Show
