Case Western Reserve University receives a $20.5M gift to support medical education and research programs

Case Western Reserve UniversityOct 14 2009

Case Western Reserve University has received a $20.5 million gift from Donald Goodman, DDS (DEN '45) and Ruth Weber Goodman.

The Donald J. and Ruth Weber Goodman Philanthropic Fund will reside at the University and the Cleveland Foundation. Income will be used to support education and research programs at the schools of medicine and dental medicine. The gift has been used to establish two professorships at the School of Medicine: The Dr. Donald and Ruth Goodman Professorship in Innovative Cancer Therapeutics, which is currently held by Mary J. Laughlin, MD; and The Dr. Donald and Ruth Goodman Professorship in Innovative Cardiovascular Research, which has not yet been appointed.

"Don and Ruth Goodman cared deeply about the university, and we are truly thankful to them and their family for their commitment to pre-eminent research and education at our schools of medicine and dental medicine," said Barbara R. Snyder, president of Case Western Reserve University.

Donald Goodman, who died in 2007, was a Cleveland-area dentist who made his fortune through decades of savvy stock market investment. He and his wife, Ruth, who died in 2008, traveled to more than 260 countries and islands, met Mother Theresa and saw the Dalai Lama. Ruth was the daughter of Arthur F. Weber, founder of Cuyahoga Heights, OH-based Triplex Screw Co.. The company was sold to Murray Corp. of America in 1952.

"As a couple, Don and Ruth shared the same goal to improve the lives of others. They realized this goal by setting an example with an incredible legacy gift to this community," said Donald Goodman's son, Bruce Goodman.

Donald Goodman's granddaughter Kayleen Goodman-McDowell added, "This gift has allowed them to extend their values through a family legacy beyond any of our expectations."

Donald Goodman credited the research at the School of Medicine and Mary Laughlin, MD, of the Ireland Cancer Center with prolonging his life for six years through an experimental treatment for acute myeloid leukemia.

"It is always gratifying to see a patient who has directly benefited from the application of cutting-edge medical research and who wishes to recognize the value of this through such a wonderful philanthropic commitment. This gift is truly inspiring," said Pamela B. Davis, dean and vice president for medical affairs at the School of Medicine. "In addition to making a substantial investment in our faculty who work at the cutting edge, the endowment income will ensure that the school remains a pace-setter in educating world-class physicians and advancing the cure and treatment of disease."

Donald Goodman was a 1945 graduate of the Case Western Reserve University School of Dental Medicine, which will also benefit from the endowment.

"This endowment gives the School of Dental Medicine the opportunity to enhance our role as leaders in both dental education and research," said Jerry S. Goldberg, dean of the School of Dental Medicine. "With the support of donors like the Goodmans, we are exposing our students to the best technologies and meaningful experiences, and fostering a culture of inquiry to create exceptional dental professionals-now and into the future."