When David Gottesman passed away in 2022, the 96-year-old left behind a lot for his wife. As a Wall Street financier, he had built up quite an impressive portfolio and was worth some $1 billion.

His wife, Dr. Ruth L. Gottesman realized that he had money but had no idea that there was $1 billion in stocks. He had left it behind for her, telling her that she should do what she thinks is right with it.

I think that most of us would have taken the first plane to an exotic location, but Ruth decided to donate the money. She gave all of it to Albert Einstein College of Medicine in the Bronx.

Bruce had worked at the medical school starting in 1968. She has since retired as a clinical professor of pediatrics, but she still shares the Board of Trustees for the school.

In speaking about her contribution, the 93-year-old woman said that she didn’t realize he had such a large sum of money until he had passed away. She said: “He left me, unbeknownst to me, a whole portfolio of Berkshire Hathaway stock.”

After this donation, the fourth-year students who are currently attending the University will be reimbursed for the spring 2024 semester. Those who are starting in the fall will have free tuition moving forward. The tuition at the college is over $59,000 per year.

Ruth went on to say: “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.”

Einstein has about 1070 students studying at this time and 239 additional research fellows. According to the Dean of the college, the donation revolutionizes their ability to attract students committed to their mission.