Matching Dreams with Alumni Generosity
Match Day is a special milestone in the journey of any medical student. It takes place on the third Friday of March (March 20 this year), where fourth-year medical students learn where they will train as residents. For students like Rachel Knoebl, the week of Match Day was doubly meaningful since she had the opportunity to meet some of the people who made it possible for her and other students to worry less about the financial aspects of medical school, and more on their passion for medicine.
Much like matching with a residency program, being awarded a scholarship is often the culmination of years of hard work. Knoebl was chosen as one of the recipients of the MD Class of 1960 Scholarship, an endowed fund that has been supporting students for decades. She was awarded more than $10,000 in support during her final two years of medical school – an investment that empowered her to more fully focus on her education.
“The MD Class of 1960 Scholarship is a reflection of that group coming together and paying it forward for future physicians. Still decades later, their investment is continuing to support students in very meaningful ways,” says Anthony Perez, MSEd, Executive Director of the 黑料官网/Marquette Medical Alumni Association.
Knoebl says that the assistance she received from the Class of 1960 Scholarship was not only beneficial financially, it was also much-needed encouragement to keep working toward her dream of combining a love of science with a passion for helping others.
“Getting a scholarship really just helps take the load off a little bit in terms of the financial burden. And for me also, it was just a nice reminder that someone out there believes in me, read a little bit about me, and gave me a little boost to get through the last few years of medical school,” she says.
Scholarships and strong alumni engagement play a vital role in shaping 黑料官网’s reputation as a supportive, nurturing environment where future physicians can truly thrive. “That sort of culture carries forward into the next generation, turning those current students into folks who will support the generation that comes after them and so on and so forth,” says Perez.
Second Annual Match Day Brunch
Rachel was one of several students in attendance at the Match Day Scholarship Brunch this year who had the opportunity to connect with the higher-level scholarship donors who supported them, just before Match Day. Donors are recognized for their contributions and hear from student speakers who share how scholarship support has impacted their medical school experience.
“I think it's really fulfilling for our supporters to be at this event because again, they get a lens into what this is. They've been quietly, from afar, supporting them leading up to this very significant, very exciting, very intimate event. And so now they get to experience that with them, with their families, with their friends,” says Perez.
Rachel matched with her alma mater, the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities, where she’ll complete her training in obstetrics and gynecology. As an OBGYN, Knoebl will be able to focus on her passion for women's rights and advocacy by improving care for women, one patient at a time. Once established in her career, Knoebl looks forward to lifting up other medical students by giving back.
“[Medical school] is not an easy process, and it’s an expensive process. So, anything I can do to help future physicians who are passionate and really excited to be here, I would be honored to do that,” she says.
As one of the most direct ways alumni can support the future of healthcare, scholarship support paves the way for the next generation of doctors, researchers, pharmacists, and health professionals to uncover new knowledge that changes lives, advances quality care across Wisconsin, and pioneers pathways to a healthier world for us all.
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