The mother of a successful alumnus has given the School of Medicine its largest gift on record from a parent honoring or memorializing a child. Patricia R. Schwartz established the Aaron M. Schwartz, M.D. Book Award with a $100,000 endowment. “Aaron went to [UConn] under the fifth year program. It just seemed to work out so well that I wanted to give back to Connecticut for the training they gave Aaron,” says Schwartz.
Aaron Schwartz graduated from the UConn School of Medicine in 2000, and is now a hospital emergency room doctor in Florida.
Natercia Rodrigues, a first-year medical student who is among the first recipients of the award, says, “Well, I certainly think that parents are the number one motivator and supporter. I know my parents are my number one fans. This gift illustrates that your parents really do understand.” She emphasizes that the award has not only provided financial help, but also affirmation and encouragement in her path to become a doctor.
Schwartz turned to her son to help determine the best way to directly assist students. The endowment funds need-based awards to full-time medical students to purchase books and other necessary educational materials.
“I did speak to Aaron when I wanted to give to Connecticut, and he was the one who suggested the book award to help students,” explains Schwartz. “I had thought about a couple of scholarships, but Aaron said this is where a great need is. It was his idea, and that’s why I wanted the award to be in his name.”
She adds, “I went to law school. That was 40 years ago, and they [books] were expensive then. The cost of books can be a burden.”
“Students now face budgets of close to $50,000 a year for tuition, fees, books, equipment, supplies and living expenses. One major textbook easily runs $150 to $200,” says Keat Sanford, Ph.D., assistant dean for medical school admissions and student affairs. “What’s important about the book award is that it enables students to basically start their medical library. A recurring book award like this that provides support in successive years can have a significant effect, especially for first- and second-year students.”
“The financial weight is so big for medical students. I know we all appreciate all the help we can get,” says Rodrigues. “It really means something to receive a gift that will help me in the future. There are certainly lots of things I need—books and supplies—things I’ve been putting off buying because they’re so expensive. So, this is a great help.”
Spring 2007 Award Recipients
First-year students:
David Call
Elizabeth Herrle
Daniel Marrero
Mwatsveruka Munhutu
Natercia Rodrigues
Second-year students:
Erik Bee
Samantha Foy
Ayolola Onayemi
Rafael Pacheco
Frank Santoro
Third-year students:
Nickolas Blondin
Wesley Knauft
John Kouch
Alexandra Lukianoff
Marianne Muchura
Fourth-year students:
Lorraine Binns
Man Chin Chang
Ellen Hsu
Adam Luginbuhl
For information about supporting the School of Medicine, please contact the UConn Foundation at 860.679.1122.
