Endowed Scholarship Donors

They are a family of Jumbos: Holly Puritz, J79, M83, her husband, Stephen Wohlgemuth, M83, his brother Mark, M78, and their father Paul, M49. And in addition to family ties and degrees from the School of Medicine, they have something else in common: a passion for giving. They recognized that the high cost of medical school is a barrier for some in a way that wasn't for them—a problem they felt compelled to help solve together. That's why they started the Jaharis Challenge Wohlgemuth Scholarship Fund.

For Paul Wohlgemuth, the experience of reflecting on his family's success brought everything into perspective. "I was lucky," says Paul, who entered medical school while still in the Navy during World War II. "My kids were able to attend medical school without financial aid."

Puritz, a dedicated obstetrician/gynecologist with a passion for delivering babies, had the same thoughts when one of her own children was applying to medical school. This experience contrasted sharply with her own - her parents couldn't help her pay the cost. "It makes a lasting impression, seeing your own son applying and seeing the costs," she says, but she emphasizes that it took a lot more than just good fortune to make their opportunities possible. "We all worked very hard for what we've achieved. But it's much easier to accomplish something when you have the right tools."

Making sure others have those tools is exactly what the family wants to do, a task they felt they could only accomplish together. That is how the Wohlgemuth Scholarship Fund came to fruition. "For one thing, you can do more when you pool your funds," Puritz says.

It's the family aspect that is so important, providing connection not only for the present, but for generations to come. Says Paul, "It feels wonderful to give as a family rather than as an individual. I hope our grandchildren will want to follow the example we have set."