Dr. Ruth Gottesman. Image Credit: einsteinmed

Although the grieving wife took some time to mourn, her children encouraged her not to wait too long. Incredibly, her generous decision will not only change the lives of students but change the lives of students in serious need of an extra boost. The Einstein School of Medicine is located in the Bronx, the city’s poorest area, raking the “unhealthiest” county in New York.

Sadly, most donations are made to wealthier schools like those in Manhattan. As a result, many students attending Einstein University have less resources available to them than those in Manhattan, as well as the financial ability to invest into their futures. About 60 percent of students at Einstein are women. Around 48% are white, while 29% are Asian. Hispanics and Blacks make up only a small percentage of less than 20, combined.

‘Sandy’ ran an investment firm, making an early investment in Berkshire Hathaway. This decision set himself and his family up with an abundance of wealth. Now, his widow has chosen to do something incredible with some of the assets he left behind. “I wanted to fund students at Einstein so that they would receive free tuition,” she said. “There was enough money to do that in perpetuity.”

Tuition is skyrocketing, as is the cost of everything else. Many medical students leave school with debts of around $200,000. However, at other New York schools, the debts were much lower, with fewer than 25% of students owning that much. Although doctors make great money, the cost of their schooling alone is enough to prevent someone with fewer resources, from being able to attend. Ruth’s incredible donation will cover tuition for countless students, allowing for those from struggling families, to reach for their dreams.