Giving to the University of Rochester
Every year, more than 60,000 people give to the University and its Medical Center. These gifts help save lives, enhance the arts, and build hope for the future. Even a small amount can have a big impact and can help run operations and fund scholarships and faculty research. Learn more about the impact of one such scholarship on Sean Paul Schlosser ’20M (MD) and hear why some donors give to their alma mater.
Sean Paul Schlosser ’20M (MD)
Major: Medicine
Hometown: Philadelphia, PA
George Eastman Circle scholarship recipient
Sean Paul Schlosser graduated from Penn State with a degree in classics and history. After college, he spent two years in the Mississippi Delta where he taught high school social studies for Teach for America. After leaving the Delta, a colleague convinced him to move to China. He did, and for two years he taught and trained a team of teachers with the Teach for China program. Along the way, he even taught himself Mandarin.
In teaching, Schlosser could do what he loved most: help people. And, although he liked his job, it wasn’t what he wanted to do with the rest of his life. Ever since he was 17, he dreamt of being a doctor. Yet, at every turn, he seemed to hit impenetrable roadblocks. He never thought he could realize his dream.
Until now, that is. At the School of Medicine & Dentistry and with the support of a George Eastman Circle scholarship, Schlosser is finally becoming the doctor he always wanted to be.
Read Schlosser’s full story here
Sean Paul Schlosser ’20M (MD)
Major: Medicine
Hometown: Philadelphia, PA
George Eastman Circle scholarship recipient
Sean Paul Schlosser graduated from Penn State with a degree in classics and history. After college, he spent two years in the Mississippi Delta where he taught high school social studies for Teach for America. After leaving the Delta, a colleague convinced him to move to China. He did, and for two years he taught and trained a team of teachers with the Teach for China program. Along the way, he even taught himself Mandarin.
In teaching, Schlosser could do what he loved most: help people. And, although he liked his job, it wasn’t what he wanted to do with the rest of his life. Ever since he was 17, he dreamt of being a doctor. Yet, at every turn, he seemed to hit impenetrable roadblocks. He never thought he could realize his dream.
Until now, that is. At the School of Medicine & Dentistry and with the support of a George Eastman Circle scholarship, Schlosser is finally becoming the doctor he always wanted to be.
Koji Muto ’15
Major: Mechanical engineering and business
Occupation: Project development engineer at ExxonMobil, Houston, Texas
Koji Muto always felt indebted to alumni who funded the scholarships that allowed him to attend the University.Today, he says he is “returning the favor” as a member of the George Eastman Circle, Hajim Young Leadership Council, and Houston Leadership Cabinet.“I encourage all alumni to build on that connection to our alma mater, and make it ever better.” Read more
Koji Muto ’15
Major: Mechanical engineering and business
Occupation: Project development engineer at ExxonMobil, Houston, Texas
Koji Muto always felt indebted to alumni who funded the scholarships that allowed him to attend the University.Today, he says he is “returning the favor” as a member of the George Eastman Circle, Hajim Young Leadership Council, and Houston Leadership Cabinet.“I encourage all alumni to build on that connection to our alma mater, and make it ever better.” Read more
Maurita Murphy Marx ’76E
Major: Music education, performer’s certificate
Occupation: Emeritus professor at the University of Iowa
Maurita Murphy Marx was able to attend the Eastman School of Music because she received a full-tuition scholarship. Today, she’s one of the world’s leading clarinetists, and she recently created a George Eastman Circle Scholarship to support Eastman students. For her, it became clear that it was her turn to give back. Read more
Maurita Murphy Marx ’76E
Major: Music education, performer’s certificate
Occupation: Emeritus professor at the University of Iowa
One of the leading clarinetists in the world, Maurita Murphy Marx created a George Eastman Circle Scholarship to support an Eastman School of Music student. For her, it became clear that it was her turn to give back. Murphy Marx had been awarded a full-tuition scholarship when she was an Eastman student and knew made the difference between her attending and not being able to go. Read more
Virgil Joseph ’01
Major: Mathematics
Occupation: Commercial loan officer, Canandaigua National Bank, NY
Fourteen years after graduating, Virgil Joseph and his wife, Lisa Joseph ’02, wanted to give back to the University that had given them so much, but they had just had their fourth child. Becoming George Eastman Circle members appealed to them because they could support the University over a five year period. Virgil also serves on the George Eastman Leadership Council and was a member of Arts, Sciences & Engineering’s 15th Reunion Committee. Read more
Virgil Joseph ’01
Major: Mathematics
Occupation: Commercial loan officer,
Canandaigua National Bank, NY
Fourteen years after graduating, Virgil Joseph and his wife, Lisa Joseph ’02, wanted to give back to the University that had given them so much, but they had just had their fourth child. Becoming George Eastman Circle members appealed to them because they could support the University over a five year period. Virgil also serves on the George Eastman Leadership Council and was a member of Arts, Sciences & Engineering’s 15th Reunion Committee. Read more
Every gift matters
There are many ways you can support the University’s important work. Learn more here.
—Kristine Thompson, March 2018
