SIU Med School Alum Establishes Endowment for Scholarships

A former Springfield resident, Dr. Thomas Lee Baumann, has established a $25,000 endowment at Southern Illinois University School of Medicine for medical student scholarships. Baumann is an SIU graduate from the Class of 1976.

"SIU School of Medicine had a profound impact on my life - vocationally, educationally and personally. I am proud to make this gift to help a student pursue his or her educational goals," said Baumann, who is now living in Birmingham, Ala. "I believe an educational scholarship represents one of the single best charitable gifts in today's society. The rewards and positive ramifications of furthering one's knowledge and education are beyond measure."

Baumann is a writer and author of "God at the Speed of Light, The Melding of Science and Spirituality," a book about faith and science. Previously he was a practicing internal medicine physician in Wilkes-Barre, Pa. Baumann also has served as a medical administrator and a medical consultant in the insurance industry.

He and his wife, Dr. Brenda Morgan Baumann, a team physician for the University of Alabama at Birmingham and an SIU School of Medicine graduate from the Class of 1976, met while in medical school. She is originally from Pinckneyville. His mother, Lalah V. Baumann, resides in Springfield.

Additional contributions can be made to the fund. Checks should be made payable to the SIU Baumann Endowment. Contact the SIU Office of Development for more information at P.O. Box 19666, Springfield, IL 62794-9666 or 217-545-2955 or toll free

877-435-7776 weekdays. The web site is www.siumed.edu/foundation/index.html.