In 2022, Dr. Ruth L. Gottesman faced the loss of her husband, David Gottesman, a distinguished Wall Street financier known for his early investments in Berkshire Hathaway, a prominent American multinational conglomerate.
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Despite her grief, Ruth discovered something extraordinary that her husband left behind—a portfolio valued at a breathtaking $1 billion in stocks.
David's parting advice to Ruth was simple yet profound: "do whatever you think is right with it."
Instead of indulging in personal luxuries, such as a year-long getaway to the Bahamas, Ruth chose a path of incredible generosity.
She decided to donate the entire sum to a cause close to her heart.
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The beneficiary of this monumental donation is the Albert Einstein College of Medicine located in the Bronx, which is notably New York's poorest borough.
This act of kindness has made history as the largest donation ever received by any medical school in the United States.
Ruth Gottesman made the huge donation.
Credits: Brent N. Clarke/Getty Images
Ruth's connection to the Albert Einstein College of Medicine is deep-rooted.
She began her journey there in 1968 as the director of psychoeducational services, as reported by The New York Times.
Although now retired, Ruth, a clinical professor emerita of pediatrics, continues to serve as the chair of trustees for the institution.
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In an interview, the 93-year-old shared her astonishment upon discovering the vast fortune her late husband had amassed without her knowledge.
"He left me, unbeknownst to me, a whole portfolio of Berkshire Hathaway stock," she revealed.
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Ruth's generous donation will have an immediate and transformative impact on the lives of medical students.
Starting in spring 2024, current fourth-year students will have their tuition reimbursed for that semester.
Students attending The Albert Einstein College of Medicine from fall onwards won't have to pay tuition fees.
Credits: Michael M. Santiago/Getty Images
Moreover, all new students enrolling in the fall will benefit from free tuition onwards, a significant relief given that the tuition at Albert Einstein College of Medicine exceeds $59,000 annually.
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Ruth expressed her joy and satisfaction with the donation, emphasizing its potential to change the lives of many aspiring medical students.
"We have terrific medical students, but this will open it up for many other students whose economic status is such that they wouldn't even think about going to medical school. That's what makes me very happy about this gift," she said.
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Currently, Einstein is home to 1,070 students and an additional 239 research fellows.
Dr. Yaron Tomer, the Marilyn and Stanley Katz Dean at the college, praised Ruth's donation for its transformative power, stating it "radically revolutionizes our ability to continue attracting students who are committed to our mission."
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He further remarked, as per CBS News, "We will be reminded of the legacy this historic gift represents each spring as we send another diverse class of physicians out across the Bronx and around the world to provide compassionate care and transform their communities."
Ruth's decision to donate such a significant sum to medical education embodies the essence of true altruism, making her a prime example of a good samaritan in today's world.