hanks to the generosity of a University of Maryland School of Medicine graduate that represents the largest gift from an individual to date, the Health Sciences Facility II initiative is another substantial step closer to meeting its fundraising goal. David B. Posner, MD, ‘70, has pledged $250,000 in memory of his parents to name the Rose and Nathan Posner Research Suites in the new building.

“My parents provided the opportunity for both my sister (Carol Posner Gordon, ‘67) and me to receive our medical education at Maryland,” said Posner. “I am just recognizing the education I received and my parents’ generosity in supporting me as a student at the School of Medicine.” Posner is a gastroenterologist in the private practice of Posner, Cox & Associates at Mercy Hospital in Baltimore. His sister is a psychiatrist, also in Baltimore.

Although glad to have the naming opportunity to recognize the School of Medicine and his parents, Posner was reluctant to publicize his role in the gift. “People who know me will understand my reasons for doing this,” he said. He encouraged other alumni to support the School of Medicine by making similar gifts to the HSFII initiative.

Anyone interested in matching Dr. Posner’s generous gift and receiving naming opportunities as part of the HSFII initiative may contact the Development Office at 410-706-8503.

It is a pleasure and an honor for my wife and me to establish a scholarship in my name at the University of Maryland School of Medicine. Though I have not had any significant formal contact with the medical school since my graduation in 1966, I have felt strongly that I wanted to "give back" to the medical school for the education that I received there, as well as for the scholarship assistance that I was given during my years in Maryland medicine.

My wife Donna, who graduated from the University of Maryland School of Law in 1971, and I established the Arnold S. Blaustein, M.D., Scholarship Fund with a $50,000 pledge. This is a contribution that I feel comfortable making at this point in my life, and I am hopeful that other physicians will feel similar in supporting our medical school.

Establishing this scholarship fund enables me to assist students who might not otherwise be able to attend medical school. Since the principal is never invaded on endowed funds, this endowment will exist in perpetuity. After a brief period of investment, the interest earned will be awarded annually to a medical school student with high academic standing and demonstrated financial need. My wife and I have opted to fulfill our pledge over a five year period.

I am confident that this gesture is a gift that a physician can make with little financial sacrifice. I hope that by writing this letter I can encourage other medical alumni to join me in making contributions to support the students, clinical programs, and research at the University of Maryland School of Medicine.