A $10 million donation from philanthropist Helena Theurer has been made to the Hackensack Meridian School of Medicine, according to an announcement by the Hackensack Meridian Health Foundation. This is the largest single gift in the school’s history and will establish the Helena Theurer Endowed Student Scholarship.
The scholarship fund will provide four annual $100,000 scholarships, covering full tuition and living expenses for medical students. These scholarships are intended to reduce financial barriers for students pursuing medical degrees, allowing them more freedom in choosing their specialties, including areas such as primary care and general surgery.
Robert C. Garrett, CEO of Hackensack Meridian Health, stated: “The growing physician shortage is one of the most critical challenges facing health care today, and it is imperative that we continue to make it as easy and affordable as possible to attract everyone with the ambition and aptitude to become physicians. Generous philanthropic support is essential in our mission to educate the next generation of doctors and address this national crisis, and we are incredibly thankful for the visionary generosity of Helena Theurer and other donors who fund scholarships that directly address the significant debt that medical students often face, which can be a barrier to pursuing a career in medicine.”
Joyce P. Hendricks, president and chief development officer of Hackensack Meridian Health Foundation, said: “We are profoundly grateful for Helena Theurer’s visionary generosity. This remarkable gift is an investment in the future of medicine. The Helena Theurer Endowed Student Scholarship will not only change the lives of our students but will also impact the health and well-being of countless patients in the tri-state area and beyond by supporting the education of the next generation of physician leaders.”
The school’s curriculum focuses on improving healthcare value, addressing social determinants of health, and preparing students for community-focused care.
Jeffrey Boscamp, M.D., president and dean of Hackensack Meridian School of Medicine commented: “This wonderful gift from Helena Theurer will be transformational for our students. We are committed to attracting the best and brightest minds to our innovative medical school. Scholarships are essential in this endeavor, as they allow us to recruit deserving students regardless of their financial background. We are deeply thankful to Mrs. Theurer for her partnership in our mission to change medicine for generations to come.”
Scholarships may be awarded based on academic achievement or financial need.
Helena Theurer has previously supported healthcare initiatives within Hackensack Meridian Health network through contributions such as those supporting John Theurer Cancer Center—named after her late husband—and Hackensack University Medical Center’s Helena Theurer Pavilion.
“It is a great joy for me to support the next generation of physicians,” said Helena Theurer. “I believe in the mission of the Hackensack Meridian School of Medicine and am proud to help dedicated and caring students on their journey to becoming doctors. It is my hope that they will go on to provide outstanding and compassionate care to our communities for many years to come.”
This donation contributes toward Hackensack Meridian Health Foundation’s goal under its Be The Difference campaign—a fundraising effort launched in September 2024 with a target goal of $1 billion aimed at improving patient care delivery, advancing research initiatives, expanding access across communities, enhancing medical education, and supporting nursing professionals throughout New Jersey.
More information about donations can be found at GiveHMH.org/SchoolofMed.
