Billionaire widow, Ruth Gottesman, donates $1b to cover tuition of all medical students at Albert Einstein College of Medicine

In a groundbreaking philanthropic move, 93-year-old billionaire widow Ruth Gottesman has generously donated a staggering $1 billion to alleviate the financial burden on medical students at the Albert Einstein College of Medicine.

The monumental gift, originating from a substantial portfolio of Berkshire Hathaway stock left by her late husband, the billionaire investor David Gottesman, marks a historic transformation for aspiring doctors in the Bronx.

Mrs. Gottesman, a former professor at the medical college, directed that the entire donation be utilized to cover the tuition expenses of all medical students at the Albert Einstein College of Medicine, situated in one of New York’s most economically challenged boroughs.

The late David Gottesman, known for his investments in Warren Buffet’s Berkshire Hathaway, passed away in 2022, leaving behind a considerable fortune. In a testament to his trust in her judgment, Mrs. Gottesman revealed that her husband had bequeathed her the funds, entrusting her to “do whatever you think is right with it.”

Having witnessed the struggles of numerous students grappling with the financial strain of tuition costs during her extensive career at Einstein College, Mrs. Gottesman decided to channel the funds towards addressing this significant challenge. She expressed her motivation, stating, “I wanted to fund students at Einstein so that they would receive free tuition.”

Albert Einstein College and Montefiore Medical Centre, headed by U.S.-based Nigerian doctor Philip Ozuah, were beneficiaries of the Gottesmans’ benevolence. Mrs. Gottesman, recognizing the transformative impact her donation could have, emphasized her pride and humility in being able to contribute to the welfare of the institutions.

Dr. Ozuah, while praising Mrs. Gottesman’s selfless dedication to the cause, highlighted her desire to remain anonymous. He disclosed that he convinced her to reveal her identity, hoping to inspire others of her age to follow suit.

“Here’s somebody who is totally dedicated to the welfare of others and wants no accolades, no recognition,” remarked Dr. Ozuah, as he commended Mrs. Gottesman’s extraordinary act of philanthropy.