A Win-Win Way to Help Others
The Ohio State University laid a strong foundation for Dr. Anthony (Tony) Melaragno’s career as a physician. “I loved my time at Ohio State, both during my undergraduate years and my time at the College of Medicine,” said Tony. “The educational and research opportunities prepared me for an exciting and successful career in the U.S. Navy and later in the private sector.”
During his time at Ohio State, Tony often relied on loans and scholarships to continue his medical career pursuits. He has shown his appreciation for his Ohio State education by donating to several different programs and projects over the years. His primary focus has been on supporting student scholarships.
When his son was attending Ohio State’s College of Medicine, Tony met several other students who were piling up hundreds of thousands of dollars in debt for their education. Many of these students were choosing their specialties based on how it would help them repay their loans instead of what they enjoyed most.
“Each student should be able to pursue a career they love without worrying about costs,” said Tony. “It is important for me to do my part to help future medical students pursue their dreams.”
Tony decided to donate to the Class of 1973 (4 Year Program) scholarship fund through a charitable gift annuity. This type of gift is a great way to make a gift to Ohio State while receiving the security of fixed lifetime payments and tax benefits.
“By donating through a charitable gift annuity, I can designate the funds directly toward scholarships, receive tax benefits and secure a steady stream of income until my wife and I pass,” he said. “It feels like a win-win situation.”
With Tony’s help, the Class of 1973 (4 Year Program) scholarship fund continues to grow and is one of the largest in the College of Medicine. The thank you letters he receives from scholarship recipients clearly demonstrate the strong impact that scholarships have on students every year.