Arizona State University Receives $5 Million Gift for Medical School Scholarships

A $5 Million Boost to ASU's School of Medicine

In a remarkable act of philanthropy, Annette Beus and her family have made a $5 million donation to Arizona State University (ASU) aimed at funding scholarships for the university's new School of Medicine and Advanced Medical Engineering. This donation is particularly significant as ASU is set to welcome its inaugural class in the fall of 2026, pending the necessary accreditation.

The funding will directly support 72 students, providing an essential financial lifeline as they pursue medical training. Additionally, this gift is strategically positioned to inspire further contributions, with a goal of raising an additional $15 million, ultimately aiming for a total of $20 million by July 2026. This ambitious fundraising target is intended to ensure that scholarships will be available for both of the school’s first two student cohorts.

Advancing Healthcare Education

The new medical school is pioneering a unique educational approach, training what are being termed “physician-engineers.” These professionals will gain expertise in merging medicine, engineering, and cutting-edge technologies such as artificial intelligence and data science. This innovative program aims not only to enhance the educational landscape at ASU but also to significantly contribute to advancements in healthcare.

Michael Crow, the President of ASU, expressed profound gratitude for the substantial donation, stating, "As we launch a new kind of medical school, we are extremely grateful to Annette Beus for a gift that will directly support students and inspire others to invest in this vision." Crow highlighted how such contributions can shape the future of education and healthcare.

Annette Beus, alongside her late husband Leo, has long been a key supporter of ASU, and their philanthropic ventures have left a significant impact across the university. Notably, their past donations have helped establish critical facilities and institutions, such as the Beus Center for Law and Society and the Beus Compact X-ray Free Electron Laser Lab. Each initiative reflects their targeted support for education, especially aimed at empowering young people.

Commitment to Philanthropy and Education

In her statement, Annette Beus emphasized the importance of supporting education, saying, "Of all the donations we've made, scholarships have my heart." She believes that the School of Medicine and Advanced Medical Engineering at ASU holds great potential for innovation in healthcare, with the capacity to improve outcomes both locally and globally.

Sarah Hollingsworth Lisanby, the founding dean of the school, echoed this sentiment, characterizing the scholarships as transformative. She remarked, "This gift removes the barrier of tuition and empowers the best and brightest to become physician-engineers who will transform healthcare through technology."

A Part of a Larger Vision

This donation is part of ASU’s broader Changing Futures campaign, which is focused on enhancing educational access, advancing public health, promoting sustainable initiatives, and fostering innovation through collaborations. The campaign aims to mobilize resources to create profound and lasting changes across various sectors, particularly education and healthcare.

As the School of Medicine gears up for its first cohort in 2026, the commitment from families like the Beuses serves as a reminder of the positive impact that dedicated philanthropy can have on academic institutions and the communities they serve. With plans to train a new generation of skilled healthcare professionals, ASU is set to play a critical role in evolving the future of medical education and public health.

In conclusion, the $5 million gift from Annette Beus is more than just a financial contribution; it is a significant investment in the future of healthcare education, highlighting the importance of community support in shaping tomorrow’s leaders in medicine and engineering.