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Profiles In Giving:
Both Albert and Janice Gamper grew up in modest backgrounds, the children of hardworking parents who helped to steer their lives in meaningful directions. Mr. Gamper worked during the day to pay for his college education undertaken at night. Mrs. Gamper attended nursing school with the help of supportive parents and later worked on medical/surgical and urological units of two hospitals. “We both knew how hard our parents struggled to provide for their children,” says Mrs. Gamper. “That is why we try to help others in similar situations to achieve their educational goals and to better themselves.” As president, CEO, and chairman of The CIT Group, the largest publicly owned U.S. commercial finance company, Mr. Gamper has parlayed his own education and perseverance into a hugely successful career. Over the years the Gampers have donated money to many scholarship funds to support the educational dreams of others. In 2001, the Gampers created an educational endowment in an area close to both of their hearts. As Chairman of the Board of Trustees of Saint Barnabas Health Care System, Mr. Gamper has a 20-year history of service to Saint Barnabas. In 2001, he and Mrs. Gamper made a gift of $500,000 to endow a nursing scholarship fund at the Medical Center. Initially, the money will assist employees of the Medical Center who would like to become nurses. It would then have broader eligibility in subsequent years for those who meet the criteria. “There has always been a shortage of nurses, even when I trained as a nurse,” says Mrs. Gamper. “Hopefully these scholarships will help to alleviate the situation in some small way.” The Gampers have other connections to the field of medicine. A son is completing his residency in pediatrics while a daughter who trained as a nurse received her master’s degree in social work. The Gampers also credit a nurse for bringing them together; they met at a party that was given by one. Some of the 33 nurses from Mrs. Gamper’s graduating class met recently for a 40th reunion to celebrate their friendship and years of caring for patients. With a lifetime of service to others, the Gampers have supported the Medical Center in many endeavors, enhancing patient care and programs. “Saint Barnabas has always been very good to us,” reflects Mrs. Gamper. “When I was a patient they made me very comfortable. You could see that everyone was striving to do a great job.” [ top ] |
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From left: John Bonamo, M.D., Executive Director of Saint Barnabas Medical Center, Janice Gamper, Nancy Holecek, R.N., Senior Vice President, Patient Care Services, Saint Barnabas Health Care System and Sari Kaplon, R.N., Vice President for Patient Care Services, Saint Barnabas Medical Center. 
