Education brought Anne and Mark Stumpf together in the 1960s, and their passion for it continues to this day.
The two met while in school in Michigan — Anne was focused on obtaining her nursing degree, while Mark worked on his bachelor’s in civil engineering and master’s in environmental engineering. Prompted by Anne, Mark later received two more master’s degrees, as well as a doctorate in education. Their enthusiasm for learning became one of the driving factors behind their decision to leave a generous bequest intention to establish an endowed scholarship at Rush University College of Nursing.
“We both believe education was the key to our success,” Mark said. “One day we sat down and asked ourselves, ‘What are the positives in our lives? Where can we help the most?’ Education and nursing were what struck us as most obvious.”
Landing at Rush
When their son, Peter, was diagnosed with lymphoma in 2008, the Stumpfs turned to Rush University Medical Center for an experimental program after another hospital wasn’t able to help him. The couple was deeply impressed with the nurses’ compassion and their approach to involving the family in Peter’s care.
“I stayed with Peter for 28 days while he was at Rush,” Anne said. “They made me feel included, never ignoring what I had to say or making me feel like I was in the way or asking too many questions.”
During Peter’s stay, Anne helped with changing his linens, bathing him and helping him with various exercises — anything she could do to take some of the load off the nurses. Always needing to keep herself busy, Anne was able to relieve some of her stress by making a quilt, which each of Peter’s doctors and nurses signed with heartfelt messages.
“It’s something we can look at and see as a beautiful memory during a difficult time,” Anne said. “The messages they left are a wonderful testament to the culture at Rush.”
Giving back
The Stumpfs credit Rush for giving Peter five more years of life. So, when they decided to start giving back philanthropically, Rush rose to the top of their list. 
“Our positive experience at Rush made it an easy choice,” Mark said. “The culture and the focus on education with the College of Nursing made our estate planning simple. Education and health — we knew those were two areas where we could make an impact.”
The Stumpfs’ generosity will fund an endowed scholarship, creating a lasting legacy that will help prepare students at the College of Nursing to become tomorrow’s compassionate health care providers. As the field of health care continues to evolve, planned gifts like theirs help secure Rush’s future and ensure valuable resources will be there when they are needed most. Their dedication will help Rush eliminate financial barriers to enable more students to pursue their passions and attain a world-class education. In appreciation, the Stumpfs are recognized as members of the Rush Heritage Society.
“I hope our gift helps others receive the same quality of care that extended Peter’s life,” Anne said. “We are deeply grateful to Rush and hope others are granted the same opportunity.”
