Ken Muhlendorf (Col ’69, Med ’74) still appreciates the way UVA helped him and his wife, Diane, when they were a young couple on Grounds. “The University looks out for its students,” he said. Together since high school, they married in their fourth year of college. Even with parents paying tuition, the newlyweds still needed to work to cover costs and were able to finish their studies on schedule. Various jobs at UVA would help them manage their expenses as well as learn valuable lessons—without delaying their academic progress. “The good things the University did for both of us were so helpful, but what made all the difference was graduating without a penny of debt,” said Diane. “And we want to return the favor.”

Through a charitable remainder unitrust (or CRUT), the Muhlendorfs will create the Diane and Kenneth Muhlendorf, M.D., Medical Scholarship Fund to help students finance their educations.

The CRUT provides income to them now, with investment growth for the future scholarship. Parents of two UVA graduates and now grandparents, the Muhlendorfs are directing current benefits to help with their grandchildren’s educational expenses. “We’re fortunate that we could do some good for our family today—and some good for medical students in the future,” Ken said.

A founding partner of Mid-Atlantic Women’s Care, Dr. Muhlendorf serves as medical director of the affiliated Mid-Atlantic Imaging Centers in Tidewater. “Students who graduate without debt are free to choose their areas of medicine and pursue their true interests,” Ken said. “We want medical students to have this opportunity.” He still marvels at the way UVA responded to their needs. “It’s just not the answer you’d expect,” said Ken. “It’s this personal touch, on top of UVA’s phenomenal educational experience.”