Endowed scholarship established at Central Michigan University thanks to gift from alumnus’ estate

Bruce E. Livingston was a two-time graduate of Central Michigan University in the 1960s, having earned bachelor degrees in English and Social Work and a master’s degree in English. Before Livingston passed away in 2021, he received medical treatment from students in Central Michigan University's College of Medicine, which his estate says is what motivated him to create a scholarship fund to support students pursuing medicine at the university.

According to an article on Central Michigan University’s website, George E. Kikano, MD, who is both the dean of the CMU College of Medicine and vice president of Health Affairs, was quoted as saying of the care Livingston received from Central Michigan University students, “I’m extremely proud of our medical students who exemplified compassion and humanism in the care delivered to Mr. Livingston. This is what I believe sets our students apart. Because of this generous gift, it will be possible for hundreds of future physicians to fulfill their dreams, and for the College of Medicine to realize its mission of creating healthier, thriving communities.”

Livingston’s estate donated $5.1 million to the College of Medicine, which is the largest single donation it has ever received. The Bruce E. Livingston Endowed Medical Scholarship was established in 2023 and is available to students in the College of Medicine, with preference given to students hailing from Michigan, to help with the cost of tuition. It will also provide funding for student research.

Payton Wolbert, who is a student in the College of Medicine, has been the recipient of other scholarships similar to the Bruce E. Livingston Endowed Medical Scholarship, and commented on how beneficial they are for students like him. Wolbert said, “Not all aspiring physicians can afford to attend medical school, including many from Michigan who wish to practice medicine in their home state. Scholarships like this are critical because they keep students connected to the region and allow them to focus on becoming an excellent physician instead of worrying about finances.” 

Bob Davies, the president of Central Michigan University, shared his thoughts about the scholarship, saying, “CMU is honored by the generosity of Mr. Livingston. His gift is a tribute to the character and quality of our medical students and honors the experience he had while attending CMU as a student.”

For more information about Central Michigan University, visit the school’s website.