Big Gift Helps Medical Students at UW
SEATTLE — A generous anonymous donation of over $50 million will cover tuition costs for medical laboratory science students at the University of Washington (UW) for the next 50 years. The announcement took many by surprise, especially the 30 students who will benefit from this gift.
Dr. Tim Dellit, the dean of the School of Medicine, shared the news with the students, who were understandably emotional. “I’m really shocked. Overwhelmed. Extremely grateful,” said Jasmine Wertz, whose eyes filled with tears.
Medical laboratory scientists play a crucial role in healthcare. They perform tests on patient samples that help diagnose and treat diseases. These clinical rotations can be very demanding, making it hard for students to work part-time jobs alongside their studies.
This donation is part of a growing trend in higher education. Recently, the Albert Einstein College of Medicine received a staggering $1 billion gift, making tuition free for its students. Similarly, many students at Johns Hopkins University no longer pay tuition thanks to another $1 billion donation from Bloomberg Philanthropies.
At Marshall University in West Virginia, President Brad Smith and his wife recently unveiled a $50 million initiative aimed at reducing student debt, particularly for families earning less than $65,000 a year.
At UW, this scholarship translates to about $8,000 to $10,000 per student, enabling the program to expand from 70 to 100 students in the next decade. The anonymous donor, who has a history with the program, celebrated the occasion with the students, sharing burgers from a local favorite, Dick’s.
The medical laboratory field is growing fast, driven by increasing demand and an aging workforce in Washington. UW Medicine emphasizes the urgent need for skilled laboratory professionals to support the healthcare system.
“You are the glue of our entire health system,” Dr. Dellit told the students. “You are the unsung heroes who make everything work behind the scenes.”
This generous gift not only eases financial burdens but also inspires future healthcare professionals, reinforcing the vital role they play in society. As the demand for qualified medical laboratory staff continues to rise, programs like these are essential for preparing the next generation.
For more insights on education and student funding trends, check out the latest reports from The American Council on Education.
