Ann Saluke '76, M.D., has built a successful and fulfilling career as a pediatrician in Cincinnati for over 20 years. But this was not what Ann had in mind as a freshman at the Mount in the fall of 1972 when she came to study medical technology. The impact of studying at a liberal arts college where the faculty encouraged the success of students influenced Ann's career and life. Now she has made a lasting gift to provide future students with similar opportunities.

Ann, who grew up in Dayton, Ohio, was one of 10 children. Her father was a chemist, her mother a nurse. While their parents sent the children to Catholic high schools, Ann and her siblings knew that college would require loans or scholarships.

Ann, an outstanding student at Dayton's Julienne High School (now called Chaminade-Julienne), was awarded a full scholarship to the Mount. "I still remember that phone call from Sister Mary Declan (former director of admissions). That changed everything for me," said Ann.

A campus job in the Chemistry Department introduced Ann to the faculty who would become her mentors. In her sophomore year, she changed her major to chemistry. "There were only a few of us in chemistry in those days, so the professors really knew each of us," Ann recalled. She easily recounts the impact of studying with such professors as Sister Alfreda Alexander, Dr. Clara Deasy, Sister Joan Dieters, Ph.D., and Charles Feldhake. "The professors took a personal interest in each one of us and were very encouraging."

Mount alumni played a role in directing Ann's attention toward a career in medicine. Dr. Elaine Busch Billmire '72, a Cincinnati area pediatrician, and Dr. Mary Jo McMullen '73, who practices emergency medicine in Akron, were among the alumni who came back to campus to talk with students about medical school. Their experiences inspired Ann to apply, and she was accepted into University of Cincinnati College of Medicine. Early on, she considered practicing family medicine, but as she advanced through clinical studies, she found her place in pediatrics.

Today, Ann practices pediatrics with a group of physicians in Anderson Township in Cincinnati, and has been actively involved on the child abuse team at Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, as well as served professionally in the Cincinnati Pediatrics Society. Ann has also returned to the Mount's science classes to talk to students, lecture in the Women in Science and Math summer program, and debate issues as a panelist for the Mount's Health Care Ethics Institute.

"I like to encourage students to consider careers in health care," she said. Ann has also served on the Alumni Committee for the Kresge Science Initiative Campaign in the 1990s to raise support for the Science Building equipment and facilities. She has supported the College with annual gifts and as chair of her 15th reunion.

She values the Mount's focus on liberal arts as a foundation for any profession, recalling her own classes in literature, art and philosophy as well as those she took in science. "In any career, you interact with all kinds of people. A liberal arts education helps broaden your views and learning as well as your respect for other cultures. I believe that it is a good foundation for your life, because your life will be more than your career."

In 2002, Ann married Don Yelton, who had already accompanied her to several Mount events while they were dating. Don, a financial planner, saw how much the College meant to Ann. "He suggested how I could set up a planned gift to support the Mount," said Ann. She took his advice and last year purchased a life insurance policy naming the Mount as sole beneficiary.

"The education I received at the Mount was invaluable - I've had so many opportunities with a scholarship and with the encouragement I received from the faculty and alumni. I hope that students in the future can have this kind of opportunity."

Jean Zimmerman Kotzbauer '64, Director of Development, can help you create a charitable gift plan that will fulfill your financial and philanthropic goals. Contact her at jean_kotzbauer@mail.msj.edu or by phone at (513) 244-4475 or (800) 654-9314 ext. 4475.

The College of Mount St. Joseph is not engaged in rendering legal or tax advising services. For advice and assistance in your specific case, the services of an attorney or other professional advisor should be obtained.