Jolanda and Penczner, a Hungarian-born couple residing in Memphis, were active members of the Central European expat community. Among their circle of friends was Dr. Gabor Tigyi, also Hungarian, who served as the head of the Department of Physiology at UT Health Science Center. Physiology is a vital discipline that focuses on understanding how organs and the body function.
The couple was so impressed by Tigyi’s work that they decided to leave him their estate. In their will, they established two legacy funds dedicated to maintaining research excellence and providing support to early-career researchers within the physiology department. These bequests were aimed at supporting young scientists, particularly those who may be non-native U.S. scholars in Memphis.
To ensure that their legacy would have a lasting impact, the Penczners partnered with the Community Foundation. Their charitable contributions are now safeguarded by the foundation, guaranteeing that their support for young scientists and research excellence in physiology will endure over time. To learn more about their legacy and charitable giving, visit cfgm.org/wkno.
