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Gerald Batten
Gerald Batten’s father passed away when he was only eight years old and, as the only child of a single mother, his childhood was not an easy one. However, even in the face of their many hardships, his mother, Marguerite, consistently stressed the importance of obtaining a college education, despite the expense. Many years later, as Gerald planned how his estate should be distributed, he decided to leave a legacy for Drexel students who, like him, had experienced loss through the death of a parent.
John F. Phiel, Jr. '63 '65
When John F. Phiel, "Jack" began his work in communications engineering he was, as he put it, "climbing all over antennas." Now looking back at a long and productive career, he can be proud to have been one of the remarkably talented engineers that sent some of earth's first communications satellites into orbit in the late '60s.
Harvey '65 and Florence Cohen
Harvey and Florence Cohen count among their blessings a 48 year marriage and two sons, as well as their successful careers. Harvey attributes a great deal of his success to the education he began at Drexel University.
Their success allowed the Cohen's to provide high quality care for their younger son, Jason, who has cerebral palsy and grew up with special needs. Now, after successfully completing his own higher education, Jason has a job he enjoys and lives on his own in an apartment complex designed for the physically disabled.
Dr. Thomas J. Zaydon
Dr. Thomas J. Zaydon
Those who knew Dr. Thomas J. Zaydon, Sr. HU '44—including former colleague Bernabe Vazquez, M.D., F.A.C.S. and his son Dr. Thomas J. Zaydon, Jr. HU '78—describe him as a quintessential gentleman and the epitome of a compassionate physician. He was a strong patriarch, a great father and a highly respected teacher and leader in the international plastic surgery community.
James Richard Miller
James Richard Miller
"My message to the students who benefit from support like this on a daily basis is to always challenge yourself but understand your limits. Keep in mind that the journey should be as important as the destination."
- James Miller '71
Isabel Ostroff Sobol
Isabel Ostroff Sobol
Doing What's Best
When Isabel Ostroff Sobol was considering college, her father sought the advice of his friend, Harold Budd. Mr. Budd, an attorney and the first law instructor at Drexel, recommended the Home Economics program at Drexel. So, not knowing what lay ahead, Isabel enrolled.
June Kajioka
June Kajioka
Giving Back By Paying It Forward
Born in San Francisco, June and her family were evacuated to internment camps in Colorado and Utah during World War II. To start life anew after the war, the family moved to North Philadelphia, where the Quaker community welcomed them with open arms and helped them find work and a place to live. June's parents could not afford college tuition. Had it not been for the partial scholarship she received from Drexel University, she would not have the opportunity to, as she puts it, "pay it forward." The School of Home Economics helped June find a gratifying creative career in interior design.
Richard Gambescia, M.D. and Ruth Rizzo Savarese Gambescia, M.D.
Richard Gambescia, M.D. and
Ruth Rizzo Savarese Gambescia, M.D.
Couple Makes Double the Difference for Future Students
Richard Gambescia, M.D., HU '71 and Ruth Rizzo Savarese Gambescia, M.D., HU '77 have each established a scholarship through their individual estate plans for incoming medical students to Drexel University College of Medicine. "I got a tremendous medical education [at Hahnemann]," says Rizzo, the first woman to complete her surgical training at Hahnemann. "And I don't want to see that leave."
Kay Bossone
Kay Bossone
A Runway to the Future of Fashion Design
During her career at Saks Fifth Avenue, one of Kay Bossone’s primary roles was organizing private fashion shows in the Philadelphia region. In swanky venues like The Bellevue and area country clubs, Bossone’s events would give fashionistas the chance to preview creations by Oscar de la Renta and other high-end designers.
Irene and Stan Kita
Irene and Stan Kita
For Stan Kita, Esq. ’62 and his wife Irene, remembering Drexel in the form of a charitable gift annuity (CGA) was an easy decision — one that reaps emotional as well as financial benefits.
“Envision a balanced seesaw with baskets on both ends,” Stan wisely states. “The more I put in a basket in terms of time, my treasure or my joy, the more the other is filled with health, wealth and happiness.”