Wendy S. Davis, MD ‘81, and Bonnie F. Offit, MD ’87, met while volunteering on the UVA Medical Alumni Association’s Board of Directors. They discovered that they had a lot in common beyond their ties to UVA. Now, thanks to the University of Virginia’s Bicentennial Scholars Program, they also share a common cause.

“Serving on the UVA Medical Alumni Association Board has been extremely rewarding. Throughout my tenure, I’ve met so many fellow UVA med alums who have been such a friendly and welcoming bunch,” says Offit. “Wendy is one of those special people. We are both pediatricians – Wendy is in Burlington, Vt., and I’m in Philadelphia, Pa., – creating yet another bond between us. Making a joint contribution just seemed logical. It feels great to be able to give back to the school that offered both of us such a superb medical education.”

Davis and Offit chose to make a joint gift to support the Bicentennial Scholars Fund because doing so resulted in matching funds that increased the impact of their donation. Through the program, contributions of $100,000 or more for new endowments fully paid within five years are matched $1 for each $2 in gift funding and support need- and merit-based scholarships, including those that help students in the School of Medicine.

“Supporting a Bicentennial Scholarship with my friend and pediatric colleague, Bonnie Offit, offered a welcome opportunity to reflect back that which we have been given by the University of Virginia School of Medicine,” says Davis. “For me, it is also a chance to honor another friend and mentor, William Drucker, MD – a surgeon and dean of the School of Medicine from 1972-1977 – whose commitment to medical education continues to inspire me.”

Learn more about establishing a Bicentennial Scholarship here or call 866-315-0947.