Richard D. Williams, M.D. '39 Leaves $7.2 Million To Muhlenberg College
Richard "Doc" Williams, M.D. ’39, of Lake Worth, Fla., has left $7.2 million to Muhlenberg College to endow student scholarships.Sunday, April 27, 2008 01:59 PM
This is the largest gift ever made by an individual in the College’s history.
Because of its size, the gift will enable about 20 students to attend the College each year.
"The timing of this grand bequest – coming just as the Muhlenberg family has publicly launched a campaign focused on scholarships for talented but needy students – could not be more fitting," says Muhlenberg President Dr. Peyton R. Helm. "Doc Williams exemplified Muhlenberg's mission by leading a life of leadership and service. Now his legacy will provide access to Muhlenberg for countless generations of students. We are humbled by his achievements and his generosity."
The gift was announced at the kick-off dinner for the College’s capital campaign, "The Talents Entrusted to Our Care." The campaign’s dollar goal is $105 million, and $82 million has been raised to date.
Williams attended Hahnemann University Medical School and was a physician in Palmerton, Pa., where he practiced for more than 40 years.
In addition to the gift he left to Muhlenberg, Williams also remembered both the high schools and the libraries in Slatington and Palmerton through a foundation that he set up. Each year, the high schools will pick one student to receive a full scholarship to attend the college of his or her choice, and the libraries will also receive support.
