While David Lans, D.O.’81, always knew he would follow his father, Allan Lans, D.O.’58, into medicine, he also has always loved music, art and the humanities thanks in large part to his mother, Joan. A music major in college and an accomplished pianist, she frequently took her three children to museums and concerts and made music a vibrant part of their lives.
Sadly, a malignant fibroid tumor took Mrs. Lans’ life when she was just 50. Yet her family is keeping her love of music alive: They established the Joan Lans Endowed Scholarship Fund to provide annual awards to DMU’s osteopathic medical students with financial need and a demonstrated interest and/or involvement in music.
“It was a natural idea to put the scholarship in our mother’s name. That way, we could continue to give to DMU while honoring and memorializing her,” says David, a rheumatologist and general practitioner in New Rochelle, NY.
Allan Lans had been a general practitioner in New York for many years before becoming a psychologist. He and David have been consistent donors to DMU for years. With the Lans Scholarship Fund, however, they can consolidate their gifts and increase their impact on students.
David’s brother, Jared, an attorney, also has joined them in honoring their mother by making gifts to the fund.
“The fund is a wonderful way to honor and remember Mrs. Lans,” says Sue Huppert, DMU vice president for advancement. “Every time I hear the DMU Choir or String Orchestra perform,
I think about her and know we have a fund that will benefit those talented students.”
To learn how you can honor a loved one while investing in DMU students or programs, contact us at 515-271-1387 or at www.dmu.edu/donations/
