Jenny Stone ’78, M.D.

I decided to include Barnard in my will out of a desire to leave a gift that would help other Barnard students. Making a long-term difference in someone else's life by giving her an opportunity at Barnard would be very fulfilling to me. I came to the College as a sophomore transfer student in 1975. It was a decision that put me at odds with my parents, who did not think I should pursue a career in medicine, but I found that once I got to Barnard, I had finally found my tribe. The classes were very challenging compared to the state school I had come from, but the faculty were very supportive, the students were interested in learning, and New York City was an exhilarating change from small-town Maine. The many female faculty members at Barnard were priceless role models at a time when not so many women were in STEM careers. I am so appreciative of the experience I had at Barnard—it was exactly what I needed at that critical turning point in my life. Thanks to my preparation at Barnard, I went on to medical school and practiced for 30 years as a dermatologic surgeon. I will be eternally grateful for the precious opportunity, the fine education, the cultural experience, and the moral support that Barnard gave me.