FAU Receives $28 Million Scholarship Gift To Support Medical Education

Ann Wood (center) with FAU medical student recipients of the Robert A. Wood FAU Medical Scholars Fund. (Photo by Alex Dolce)

Florida Atlantic University received an estate pledge of $ 28 million from John and Ann Wood to support scholarships for students enrolled in the Charles E. Schmidt College of Medicine. This is the largest scholarship gift in FAU’s history and the largest known scholarship gift to a Florida public university’s medical school.

This transformative gift in memory of their son, Robert A. Wood, will create the opportunity for a debt-free tuition for aspiring physicians. It is also the hope of John and Ann Wood that it will inspire others to join in and increase scholarship support to cover the tuition of every FAU medical school student. The current cost of in-state tuition and fees per medical student for one year is $ 35,000, which amounts to $ 140,000 for four years. Students from outside of Florida may also participate and will receive a scholarship for the in-state tuition rate.

“The FairfaxWood Scholarship Foundation was inspired by the social and educational work of our eldest son, Bruce Fairfax Wood, a New Jersey-born Princeton graduate and chief engineer of Pres-T-Con Limited, a large, family-owned prestressed concrete business. His efforts on the island of Trinidad were centered on the reeducation of teens that had left school at age 11 and in improving the lives of the poorer village folk, ”said philanthropist John Wood. “Once we relocated to Boca, we started giving scholarships for undergraduates in need of assistance. After the Marjorie Stoneman Douglas disaster, 10, four-year scholarships were given to graduates of that school each year, with 53 scholarships currently being assisted. After reading the massive debt medical students incurred, we decided to include the FAU College of Medicine into our scholarship program, with an ultimate aim of 80 students. Realizing there are many others in the community who could assist, we are anticipating this gift will inspire them to join in and make FAU’s College of Medicine tuition-free. The world has ‘Doctors without Borders’ – we need ‘Doctors without Debt.’ ”

Ann and John Wood

This marks the third gift to FAU’s College of Medicine from the Wood family. Their previous gift in 2021 established the Robert A. Wood FAU Medical Scholars Fund and was created to support 10 medical students through all four years of medical school. In 2022, they increased their impact, providing scholarship support to 20 additional students for a total of 30 medical students. Today’s gift continues to expand on that initial commitment.

“More than 60 years ago, Florida Atlantic was founded on the principle that higher education should be available to all who sought it,” said FAU President John Kelly. “This extraordinary gift from Ann and John Wood will enhance the University’s ability to attract and retain outstanding medical students from an array of backgrounds, and support them on their journey to become knowledgeable and caring physicians.”

John and Ann Wood relocated to Boca Raton in 1983 having spent 18 years in the prestressed concrete business, building bridges, piers and cruise ship terminals throughout the Caribbean. They continued to operate the firm from Boca Raton until its sale in 2005. John is a US Navy veteran and an engineering graduate of NYU, while Ann was a British citizen, raised in Trinidad and medically trained in London, England.

“This gift starts our initiative towards a debt-free tuition, which is only available in a handful of medical schools across the country. I am hopeful that this transformational gift will inspire others to follow in the path forged by Ann and John Wood, to support doctors of our community, for our community, ”said Julie G. Pilitsis, MD, Ph.D., dean and vice president of medical affairs of the Charles E. Schmidt College of Medicine. “Their generosity will help FAU College of Medicine make great strides in improving the delivery of and access to healthcare in South Florida by attracting the best and the brightest.”

FAU’s College of Medicine has been nationally recognized for its innovative curriculum. The college’s humanistic, high-touch, high-tech curriculum, coupled with its partnership with three independent health systems in Palm Beach County, offers students and patients a unique experience. The College of Medicine’s programs are designed to bring the highest quality care to the surrounding community, including underserved populations. As such, the college was recently ranked by US News & World Report No. 61 for “Most Graduates Practicing in Medically Underserved Areas;” and No. 85 for “Most Graduates Practicing in Rural Areas.”

“FAU is grateful for the phenomenal generosity displayed by Ann and John Wood in honor of their son,” said Chris Delisio, vice president of institutional advancement and CEO of the FAU Foundation, Inc. “This historic gift means that the Wood name will forever be synonymous with breaking down the financial barriers that impede bright minds and compassionate hearts from pursuing their dream of becoming a doctor. We remain grateful to the Schmidt Family Foundation for their vision and initial gift to the College, building the foundation and creating the framework for what is now a thriving medical school. ”.

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FAQs

What is the significance of the $28 million gift received by FAU for medical education?

The $28 million gift to Florida Atlantic University (FAU) is one of the largest donations in the institution’s history, specifically aimed at enhancing its medical education programs. This significant contribution will provide scholarships to medical students, helping to reduce their financial burdens and attract top-tier talent to the Charles E. Schmidt College of Medicine.

Who is the donor of the $28 million gift to FAU?

The donor of the $28 million gift has not been explicitly named in public announcements. However, such substantial donations often come from philanthropic individuals, families, or foundations dedicated to advancing education and healthcare. The university typically honors such donors through naming opportunities or public acknowledgments.

How will the $28 million gift impact current and future medical students at FAU?

The $28 million gift will significantly impact current and future medical students by providing substantial scholarships, which can alleviate the high costs associated with medical education. This financial support will enable students to focus more on their studies and clinical training without the added stress of financial constraints. Additionally, it may allow the university to enhance its educational resources and attract a more diverse student body.

Will the scholarship funds be available immediately, or is there a timeline for their distribution?

While specific details about the timeline for the distribution of the scholarship funds have not been disclosed, such gifts are typically endowed or allocated in a manner that provides immediate and ongoing support. FAU will likely establish a process to distribute the scholarships to eligible students as soon as possible, ensuring that the benefits of the gift are realized promptly.

How does this gift align with FAU’s broader goals and mission in medical education?

This generous gift aligns closely with FAU’s broader goals and mission by enhancing the university’s ability to provide high-quality medical education, promote healthcare innovation, and address critical healthcare needs. It supports FAU’s commitment to producing skilled and compassionate medical professionals who can serve diverse communities. Additionally, the gift underscores FAU’s dedication to reducing educational disparities and promoting equity in medical education.