University of Cincinnati
05/19/2026 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 05/19/2026 10:22
$15 million bequest supports endowed chair at UC College of Medicine
$15 million bequest supports endowed chair at UC College of Medicine
A belief in the art of medicine inspires alumnus George Bemis, Jr., MD
7 minute read May 19, 2026 Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on LinkedIn Share on Reddit Print Story Like
As a student and resident at the University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, George G. Bemis, Jr., MD, Med '64, saw firsthand that medicine was more than a profession for those teaching and leading him. Inspired by their sense of calling, he knew he wanted to pursue the same path.
In 2024, Bemis was selected by the UC Alumni Association as an Outstanding Alumni, representing the College of Medicine. Photo/UC Alumni Association.
That lifelong commitment to what he describes as "the art of medicine" ultimately inspired his momentous bequest, valued at $15 million, to the College of Medicine - an investment in the values that shaped his career.
A long-time supporter of the college and university, Bemis recently updated his bequest, creating the Bemis Fund in Recognition of Dr. George Bemis, Sr. The fund will support the recipient of the Thomas F. Boat, MD Endowed Chair, established in 2014.
"You learned very quickly at the College of Medicine to put patients first," said Bemis. "That value stayed with me throughout my career and I think if you are fortunate enough to earn money, you should give back to the system that helped you."
"We are profoundly thankful to Dr. George Bemis, a distinguished alumnus, for honoring his time at UC with this extraordinary commitment," said UC President Neville G. Pinto. "His dedication to our university, our country and the future of medicine is truly inspiring."
In 2024, Bemis was selected by the UC Alumni Association as an Outstanding Alumni, representing the College of Medicine. This annual award is presented to individuals based on their contributions and achievements. Those honored are featured on a mural in Cincinnati's Over-the-Rhine neighborhood for a year.
Practicing his art and serving others
Nancy and George Bemis. Photo/Provided.
Bemis retired from a successful OB-GYN practice and an illustrious career in the U.S. Air Force. Commissioned as a second lieutenant upon graduation from advanced ROTC training at the University of Vermont, he was deferred to attend medical school at UC. He deferred his residency a second time after being promoted to captain. He went on active duty as a major after completing medical school and his residency.
During his military career, Bemis was promoted to lieutenant colonel and trained as a flight surgeon to volunteer overseas in Operation Desert Storm. He was to be promoted to colonel when his late wife, Nancy Wicks Bemis, was diagnosed with breast cancer. At that time, Bemis was preparing to go overseas but retired to take care of Nancy.
Bemis also earned an MBA from the University of St. Thomas in 1988, becoming a savvy investor. He acknowledges that his philanthropic gifts stem from his investing experience, not from the practice of medicine.
Bemis has always been interested in acknowledging and appreciating those who have made an impact on his life. In 2025, he made a substantial bequest to the University of Vermont (UVM) in memory of Nancy. That bequest expands nursing education through scholarships, honoring Nancy's nursing career. The couple, who raised three children, met at UVM and later worked together during his U.S. Air Force tours and in his OB-GYN practice.
Honoring his father
Bemis' milestone gift at UC recognizes his father, George Bemis, Sr., who was also an OB-GYN. After beginning his training at the University of Wisconsin, Bemis, Sr., finished at Harvard University, practicing medicine in New York City where he raised his family.
Ironically, Bemis did not make a conscious decision to follow his father's career choice. He originally planned to pursue a PhD in chemistry but decided he enjoyed working with people more than being in a laboratory. As he began his medical studies, he chose OB-GYN because he enjoyed its surgical side.
Recognizing a friend
Bemis also wanted to acknowledge the work of a person he holds in high esteem, his friend Thomas Boat, MD, former UC College of Medicine dean, an emeritus professor and the retired director of CFWELL, Division of Pulmonary Medicine at Cincinnati Children's. Boat specializes in cystic fibrosis.
The two physicians met during Boat's tenure as dean (2008-2014). They quickly developed a bond and mutual respect that went beyond medicine; both doctors love the outdoors, birds and gardening.
"One of the things I really admire and envy about George is that, in a way, he's a farmer," shares Boat. "He has a large garden and fruit orchard. I grew up in Iowa, so I have gardening in my blood."
"We have a good friendship outside of medicine, with many of the same interests in life," echoes Bemis. "We have the same general philosophy on life and medicine. He's an excellent research physician and excellent pediatrician."
Boat was surprised that his friend had made such a large bequest to support a fund named after him.
"I think it's really admirable that George has been willing to focus on a major initiative and leave this money to the medical school," he said. "He's a person who truly understands the importance of giving back."
The friendship between Dr. Bemis and Dr. Boat is a profound example of the lifelong bonds forged at our college.
Gregory C. Postel, MD, FACR Dean of the College of Medicine
Endowed chairs: philanthropy fueling academic leadership
The Thomas F. Boat, MD Endowed Chair is a strategic endowment within the College of Medicine allowing the dean to recruit the brightest and best clinicians, researchers and scholars. Endowed chairs are vital to academic health centers as they reward talented leadership and attract top physician-researchers to Cincinnati. The Boat chair is an unrestricted appointment, designated by the dean of the College of Medicine to advance the college's highest-impact priorities.
"I am deeply appreciative of George's visionary gift," said Gregory C. Postel, MD, FACR, dean of the College of Medicine, Christian R. Holmes professor, executive vice president for health affairs at UC and chair of the UC Health Board of Directors. "The friendship between Dr. Bemis and Dr. Boat is a profound example of the lifelong bonds forged at our college, and this gift underscores the pivotal role that philanthropy plays in securing the future of our tripartite mission."
"I think the most important thing in the growth and development of any academic program is making sure that the best people possible are in leadership positions," said Boat. "And when you're recruiting, one of the major attractions for people is an endowed chair."
Featured image at top: CARE/Crawley building. Photo/Chris Radcliffe for the UC Foundation.
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