Dear Friends,

Sometimes an expression of deep gratitude has the power to transform lives and fulfill students’ dreams for generations. Marie Coleman, a patient of Gregory A. Tovmassian, DPM ’09, has generously launched a podiatric scholarship at Samuel Merritt University in gratitude for the significant care she and her late husband Ronny Coleman received from Dr. Tovmassian over the years.

Marie shared, “Because of Dr. Tovmassian, Ron walked. Dr. Tovmassian is a warm, caring doctor and his warmth just takes you in.” Over the years, Marie and Ron developed a warm friendship with Dr. “T,” as she calls him. Marie’s husband, Ronny Coleman, had long experience as a fire chief—including a position as the California State Fire Marshal—and provided advice about fire codes and products when Dr. T was moving to a new building. Through the new scholarship, Marie seeks to honor the love and care Dr. T gives his patients, as well as his ongoing commitment to helping others who don’t have easy access to healthcare.

Marie generously provided the initial gift to launch the Gregory A.Tovmassian, DPM ’09 Podiatric Medicine scholarship and she has included a bequest for the scholarship in her living trust. In order to permanently endow the scholarship, an anonymous donor has offered a 1:1 challenge match, donating $1 for every $1 given up to $15,000 to help complete the endowment and begin awarding the scholarship.

You can read more about Marie Coleman and the Gregory A.Tovmassian, DPM ’09 Podiatric Medicine scholarship here.

Click here to learn more about bequests and other funding strategies donors use when they plan future gifts. You can watch one of our free estate planning webinars to learn about the benefits of Living Trusts. If you have questions about planning future gifts, please reach out. We are always happy to share information to assist you and your advisors.