Wharton and Penn LDI Receive Transformative Gift to Boost Health Care Research and Access
PHILADELPHIA, January 28, 2025 – The University of Pennsylvania’s Wharton School and the Leonard Davis Institute of Health Economics (Penn LDI) have announced a significant contribution to further health care research and accessibility. A $3.5 million donation will establish the Davis Family SUMR Program Endowment Fund, complemented by a $1 million matching challenge from the Leonard and Sophie Davis Fund.
This endowment aims to sustain the Summer Undergraduate Mentored Research (SUMR) program, which is crucial in promoting equity in health care professions. The funding will enhance support for minority students aspiring to research careers focused on improving health care accessibility. It also strengthens the SUMR+ Program, offering extended mentorship to select scholars and supports initiatives aimed at enhancing insurance coverage and health care access.
Wharton Dean Erika H. James commented on the significance of the Davis Fund’s support, stating, “This remarkable gift represents the power of collaboration in addressing systemic challenges in health care. By supporting programs like SUMR, we are helping to create and maintain a pipeline of health care researchers and leaders that will advance innovation in health care through powerful policy decisions.”
Impact of the SUMR Program
Launched in 2000 by Penn LDI and Wharton’s Health Care Management Department, the SUMR initiative provides a 12-week research experience for students aimed at resolving health care access disparities. With over 425 alumni and 85% pursuing health care careers, SUMR has been pivotal in cultivating future leaders. The SUMR+ initiative extends this experience to 15 months for select scholars, allowing them to tackle more complex health care challenges.
Rachel M. Werner, MD, PhD, Executive Director of the Leonard Davis Institute, emphasized the impact of the gift: “The Davis Family’s extraordinary generosity underscores their commitment to expanding access to health insurance and to health care services. This gift not only broadens the reach of SUMR but ensures that our students have the resources and mentorship needed to drive impactful change in health care delivery and policy.”
Matching Challenge to Amplify Impact
The Davis Fund’s $1 million matching grant is designed to double the effects of new donations to the SUMR and SUMR+ programs. This initiative will help attract top talent by increasing stipends and fostering innovative policy engagement to turn research into actionable health care solutions.
Alan S. Davis, President of the Leonard and Sophie Davis Fund, stated, “The Leonard and Sophie Davis Fund has a long history of supporting initiatives that create meaningful change. This gift builds on our family’s legacy by empowering diverse voices in the health care field and expanding access to care for underserved populations.” He added, “The goal is twofold: I hope this matching gift will inspire others to join in supporting this important work and help expand LDI’s impact.”
A Legacy of Support and Advocacy
The Davis family has consistently supported Penn LDI and Wharton. The Leonard Davis Institute of Health Economics honors Leonard Davis, founder of the Colonial Penn Group, Inc., known for pioneering health insurance plans for retirees. Alongside his wife Sophie, Leonard Davis devoted his life to enhancing health care services and education, influencing Medicare legislation and founding the Leonard Davis Institute in 1967.
Alan Davis, continuing his family’s legacy, remains a key supporter of health care advocacy and philanthropy through his leadership of the Leonard and Sophie Davis Fund.
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