Leonard and Louise Riggio with Dr. Kevin Holcomb, associate dean for admissions and professor of clinical obstetrics and gynecology
Building on their longtime commitment to social justice, equity and diversity, Louise and Leonard Riggio have made a $5.6 million gift to Weill Cornell Medicine to establish a named scholarship for medical students with financial need.
This scholarship, which will be awarded as part of Weill Cornell Medicine’s debt-free scholarship program for all financially eligible medical students, will cover the full cost of attendance for all four years of medical school.
The Holcomb-Riggio Scholarship – named in honor of Dr. Kevin Holcomb, associate dean for admissions and professor of clinical obstetrics and gynecology – will be awarded to two enrolled students each year.
Weill Cornell Medicine’s debt-free scholarship program provides financial support to all medical students with demonstrated financial need, regardless of race, ethnicity or gender.
The Riggios’ gift provides essential support for this program, expanding the pool of available funds, while also drawing attention to the critical need for a diverse physician population.
“This scholarship is a little drop in a huge ocean,” Mr. Riggio says. “But we’re hoping that other people will see what we’re doing and say, ‘That’s a lovely idea. We’d like to join,’ or ‘We’d like to do this ourselves.’”
Dr. Holcomb, who met the Riggios through a family member – a former patient – is working closely with the couple to fine-tune the details of the scholarship program, with plans for a mentoring component that will involve the doctor’s ongoing participation.
“Having my name on this scholarship fills me with pride and serves as a source of motivation to ensure the success of the Holcomb-Riggio scholars,” says Dr. Holcomb, who believes the gift will have a powerful impact on society.
Leonard Riggio, the founder and retired CEO of Barnes & Noble, has long been recognized for his advocacy and philanthropy, with awards including the Ellis Island Medal of Honor, the Frederick Douglass Medallion and the Americanism Award from the Anti-Defamation League. The couple are known for their boots-on-the-ground activism, and view philanthropy as a natural companion to generosity of spirit.
“We were raised to be good citizens, and that’s how we’ve raised our children. That’s our credo,’’ says Mrs. Riggio. “If you’ve got a leg up, give somebody else a leg up. Pay it forward.” “We’ve mentored a lot of people in our lives, and we’d like to continue that with this scholarship,” says Mr. Riggio. “We give more than just money, we give time.” Physicians and caregivers are “blessed people” who play a uniquely important role in the world – and support is essential to helping them thrive, particularly when they’re just starting out, says Mr. Riggio.
“There is nothing more noble than saving lives,” he says, “and when you’re a doctor, you’re not only saving lives – you’re making lives better.’’
