Donor Spotlight: Emerita Professor Remembers Albright in Estate

Professor Emerita Janet Gehres ’54

Biology Professor Emerita Janet Gehres ’54 was more than a mentor, educator, and friend to countless students who walked through Science Hall from 1962 to 1991. For many, she was like family. When Gehres joined the faculty ranks at Albright, she brought personal experience to the biology department from Reading Hospital where she taught nursing—and she used that knowledge to strengthen the curriculum in anatomy and neurobiology. Graduate programs at prominent institutions began to recognize the special training and skills that Albright students brought with them; so whether you were in the “Gehres gang” or not, a degree in biology from Albright became a ticket to success in graduate and professional programs.

Gehres, who passed on October 14, 2017, was honored in 1996 when a number of her former students and friends established a scholarship in her name. Leading the charge were: Andrew E. Hummel, DO, DABA ’82; Ross A. Ziegler, DMD ’82; Eileen I. Gradwell, RN ’88; Scott A. Gradwell, DMD ’84; and Aaron M. Mannella, DMD ’82.

“I helped to establish the scholarship in Janet’s honor and continue to donate to it because Janet was the first teacher I could turn to when I needed a reality check or a voice of inspiration,” said Aaron. “She was a caring teacher and a motivating force in my life. We continued to share letters and cards from the time I graduated to her recent passing. I will miss her.”

Recently, Albright College was made aware that Janet had included Albright in her estate plan, designating the funds to her scholarship. The Janet Gehres Endowed Scholarship continues to be awarded annually to a single student of good character in any academic discipline based upon recommendations by members of the Albright faculty and ensures that Janet will continue to have a positive impact on Albright and its talented students.