A Legacy of Impact: Maria Gross Horowitz and the Power of Endowed Professorships

More than a century ago, Maria Gross Horowitz honored the legacy of her father, Dr. Samuel D. Gross, a renowned 19th-century surgeon and medical educator, by establishing Jefferson’s first endowed professorship. Her 1910 gift created the Samuel D. Gross Professorship of Surgery, laying the groundwork for a tradition of philanthropic investment in academic excellence.

Her story serves as a powerful reminder of the enduring value of endowed professorships. These positions represent one of the highest honors in academia, supporting faculty achievement, research, and innovation. As Jefferson continued expanding its roster of professorships into the 21st century, Dr. Gross’s legacy remained foundational. Maria’s gift continues to inspire alumni and benefactors who are investing in the future of medicine.

Maria once shared that she hoped her gift would “be the means of alleviating human suffering and prolonging human life.”