A West Virginia University alumna is simultaneously paying tribute to her alma mater and honoring her parents with three planned gifts to benefit future students.
Dr. Constance Rothermel, of Essex Fells, New Jersey, pledged generous amounts to support the School of Medicine medical laboratory science program, the School of Nursing and WVU Libraries as part of her estate.
“WVU offered me a diversity of educational opportunities and excellent preparation for a career in science,” Rothermel said. “Equally important was the scholarship aid available to me, which for a family of modest means was critically important. The University contributed greatly to my professional success, and with my gifts, I hope to extend educational opportunities to future students who need financial assistance.”
Rothermel grew up in Weirton, where her parents instilled in her the importance of education. She received her bachelor’s degree in medical laboratory science from WVU in 1964 and a master’s degree in microbiology from the University of North Carolina. She later earned a doctorate in microbiology and immunology from Cornell University.
Rothermel spent most of her professional life in New York City. She managed the Clinical Microbiology Laboratory at Columbia-Presbyterian Medical Center for five years and later joined the faculty at Cornell Medical College as assistant professor in medicine and microbiology. She spent a decade there, teaching in the medical school and conducting infectious disease research. She then joined Pfizer, where she worked for more than a decade as a medical director for anti-infectives, retiring in 2009.
Rothermel’s undergraduate education at WVU laid a strong foundation for pursuing professional opportunities in science. As an expression of her gratitude, her gift to the medical laboratory science program at the School of Medicine will establish a scholarship in her name to benefit students in the program.
“We are honored to have been the foundation for such an illustrious career,” Mary Beth Mandich, vice dean for health professions, said. “This gift will allow other students to benefit from the same opportunities to build a meaningful career. This area is a critical workforce need locally and nationally. This gift that helps defray the cost of education is a meaningful way to help students choose this professional path.”
Rothermel’s gift to the School of Nursing will establish the Dorothy Tepsic Davis Nursing Scholarship, named for her mother, who encouraged Rothermel’s interest in science. Rothermel said her mother always had an interest in medicine and would have been a gifted and dedicated nurse if she’d had the opportunity to continue her education beyond high school.
“For nursing students with financial need, scholarships make an incredible impact,” Tara Hulsey, WVU School of Nursing Dean and E. Jane Martin Endowed Professor, said. “We are so grateful for the Dorothy Tepsic Davis Nursing Scholarship, which will create a lasting legacy of support for our future nurses.”
Rothermel’s father, John J. Davis, who worked for the U.S. Postal Service, had a lifelong love of reading and a deep appreciation for the value of education. Her gift to WVU Libraries will establish a fund in his name to address the greatest needs as determined by leadership.
“I am so grateful to Dr. Rothermel for her generous contribution to WVU Libraries on behalf of her father,” Dean of WVU Libraries Karen Diaz said. “As librarians and educators, we at the Libraries resonate deeply with Mr. Davis’ love of reading as a path to knowledge and learning. We are thrilled to honor the legacy he left his daughter, who is now giving back to future West Virginians with her gift. As Dean of WVU Libraries, I will ensure the John J. Davis fund contributes to the enhancement of the Libraries as intellectual, cultural and social centers that support the University’s goal to attain national research prominence.”
Rothermel said her parents would be “surprised, pleased and proud” of the funds established in their memory. She hopes her gifts will empower students from West Virginia to achieve their educational and career goals.
Rothermel’s planned gifts were made through the WVU Foundation, the nonprofit organization that receives and administers private donations on behalf of the University.
