Rosemary Clemens’ Bequest Honors Physician Husband and Institutional Excellence
"I became involved with NYU Langone Health through my husband's affiliation and my admiration and respect for the institution," said Rosemary A. Clemens, PhD, a retired college professor and former CEO who now lives in Florida. "Later, I was personally involved with the medical center as a patient."
Rosemary obtained her doctoral degree from the NYU School of Education and taught urban politics and policy-making at the graduate level for several universities in New York City. She then founded and directed the Children's Vision Coalition, which was dedicated to improving the vision of economically challenged children in New York City schools. In that capacity, she worked closely with politicians and medical professionals.
Rosemary met her future husband, Mitchel G. Garren, MD '36, at the National Arts Club in New York City where they were both members. Dr. Garren, who died in 2006, served in World War II and was a dedicated physician in the Department of Rheumatology at NYU Langone and served in the affiliated rheumatology clinic at Bellevue Hospital his entire career.
During their 22-year marriage, her admiration and respect for the institution grew. "In addition to all the outstanding teachers I had in grad school, I was very impressed with NYU Langone's commitment to excellence in clinical care, teaching, and research. They were also supportive of my husband's efforts in the advancement of women in the medical profession."
In honor of her late husband and inspired by her own educational experience, Rosemary established an endowed scholarship at NYU School of Medicine—which will be further funded by a bequest.
Rosemary eventually became a patient of NYU Langone Health and lauded the medical center for "expertise of staff and compassion."
"As a patient, you know that the staff is there for you," Rosemary says. "I engaged in many stimulating conversations with empathetic medical professionals who were always excited about what they were doing. I have the satisfaction of knowing that my future bequest will support medical advances by a team of 'star' clinicians and researchers as well as educators. I am deeply grateful for the educational advantages and care I received, and I want to help deserving students with scholarships."