A Legacy of Student Support

ZACHARY BAHR, CMS ’20, planned to embark on a career in art and education. However, a trip to Southeast Asia to live and travel provided a very real view of the dire need for skilled healthcare workers in underserved communities. This led Zachary to a career-changing decision and to Chicago Medical School (CMS). JORDYN GINTER, CMS ’18, chose medicine for a different reason. At age 13, Jordyn was diagnosed with a grave illness. The care that she received inspired her to pursue a medical education so she too could care for others.

Zachary and Jordyn’s stories, though different, have one key similarity – both students are recipients of the O. Joseph Giovanelli, MD ’40, Memorial Scholarship. Established through an estate bequest, this gift supports students of the Chicago Medical School and empowers their dreams of becoming compassionate physicians. The scholarship provides financial support to students based on merit, with the goal of attracting and retaining students.

Following his service as a captain in the Army Medical Corps during World War II, Dr. Giovanelli married Vila Doelker, the sister of Donald Doelker, MD ’41, also a CMS alumnus. The two doctors opened a medical practice together in 1954. Vila assisted her husband and brother in the office until their retirement – a true “family practice.”

Dr. and Mrs. Giovanelli were loyal supporters of CMS, so it was only natural for them to make an estate gift that continues their legacy while also expressing their gratitude for Dr. Giovanelli’s medical education and the opportunities it provided. Scholarship recipient Zachary Bahr echoes a similar sense of appreciation.

“I am grateful for the thoughtfulness of Dr. and Mrs. Giovanelli,” said Zachary. “As a first-generation college student, I worry about meeting financial obligations and my overall debt burden. This scholarship helps relieve this stress.”