In a world where immense wealth is often associated with power and influence, one extraordinary woman decided to use her fortune not for personal gain, but to make a lasting difference in the lives of future generations.
Ruth Gottesman’s remarkable decision to donate $1 billion to the Albert Einstein College of Medicine is a testament to the transformative power of generosity.
This unprecedented gift will forever change the lives of medical students and open doors to higher education and career opportunities that were once inaccessible to many.
Ruth’s story is one of selflessness, compassion, and an unwavering commitment to education and equality.
Ruth Gottesman has a long association with the Albert Einstein College of Medicine, where she began her career in 1968. She is now a Clinical Professor Emeritus of Pediatrics and also serves as Chair of the School’s Board of Trustees. Given her deep ties to the institution, it is no surprise that she chose to make an extraordinary contribution when given the opportunity.
In 2022, after her husband’s death, Ruth discovers that he left her an unexpected gift: $1 billion in Berkshire Hathaway stock. Faced with the vast possibilities of how to use this incredible sum, Ruth remembered her husband’s simple request: “Do with it what you see fit.
At first, deciding what to do with such a huge fortune was overwhelming. But Ruth soon realized that the Albert Einstein College of Medicine, located in the Bronx—New York’s poorest borough—was the perfect place for her to make a lasting impact.
Ultimately, Ruth decided to donate the entire amount to fund tuition for medical students at the college, ensuring that no student would ever face the financial burden of an institutional education – forever.
The students were overwhelmed and grateful for this life-changing gift, with Ruth herself sharing the news in a moment that brought unforgettable reactions. “This gift makes a radical difference in our ability to continue to attract students who are committed to our mission, not just those who can afford it,” said Dr. Yaron Tomer, Dean Marilyn, and Stanley M. Katz at the school. “Plus, it frees and uplifts our students, allowing them to pursue projects and ideas that might otherwise be overwhelming.”
Ruth’s generosity will open doors for countless students, especially those from diverse backgrounds. He hopes this donation will allow a wider range of applicants the opportunity to attend college.
The only condition Ruth attached to her gift was that the school not be renamed in her honor, a common practice with large gifts. At first, Ruth preferred not to have her name associated with the donation at all, but after Phillip Ozuah, the school’s superintendent, explained that her story could inspire others, she changed her mind.
Ruth Gottesman’s extraordinary gift to the Albert Einstein College of Medicine represents a transformational gift that will continue to impact future generations of medical students. By funding tuition for all students, it removed the financial barriers that often prevent talented individuals from pursuing medical studies, particularly those from underserved communities. This remarkable gesture not only ensures that future students can focus on their studies without the burden of deb but also aligns with Ruth’s ongoing commitment to the institution and its mission.
Her decision to give away such a huge fortune exemplifies the power of philanthropy to change lives and create lasting legacies. Ruth’s humility in sharing her story and her desire to inspire others to give back is a testament to her character. By choosing to remain anonymous in her generosity, she demonstrated her selflessness and made it clear that her real goal was to provide opportunities for others rather than seeking personal recognition.
This donation will undoubtedly create a ripple effect and inspire other philanthropists to think about how they too can make a difference in the lives of others. Ruth Gottesman’s legacy will live on not only in the students who benefit from her gift butt also in the broader medical community, which will be enriched by the diverse and talented individuals she produces.