University of Kansas Medical Center Receives $10 Million Estate Gift
The University of Kansas Medical Center has announced a $10 million gift from the estate of Stata Norton Ringle, a former dean of the university's School of Allied Health, and her husband, David Ringle.
The gift, which will be divided equally to provide support for student scholarships, the KUMC Clendening History of Medicine Library, and the Kenneth Spencer Research Library, more than doubles the amount of scholarship support available for students in the School of Health Professions (formerly the School of Allied Health) and will support the acquisition of books and manuscripts as well as the maintenance of existing collections housed at the research library. In addition to the gift, the Ringles donated their collection of medical and scientific books to the Clendening History of Medicine Library. Other books, including works of historical and literary interest, were donated to the research library.
In addition to serving as dean of the School of Allied Health, Stata Norton Ringle was an emerita professor of pharmacology, toxicology, and therapeutics and was internationally recognized for her work on the effects of drugs and toxins on animal behavior. David Ringle was a research physiologist at the Midwest Research Institute until his retirement and was awarded the prestigious New York University Founders Day Award. Former residents of Leawood, the Ringles were married for more than 62 years and died within three months of each other in 2012. During their lifetimes, the couple gave nearly $250,000 to the KU Endowment, with the bulk of their support divided equally among the School of Health Professions and the two libraries.
"Stata Norton Ringle was a pioneer in her field and a role model for generations of students at the medical center," said KUMC chancellor Bernadette Gray-Little. "She and David were devoted to each other and to their scientific endeavors. Through this generous gift, they have left an enduring legacy that will benefit KU students and help the university educate the health professionals Kansas communities need."
