Dr. Judith Simpson Schreider Health Professions Advising Endowment

Judith Simpson Schreider received her doctorate degree in 1976 from UC Davis. She stayed at Davis as a lecturer and conducted postdoctoral work in perinatal biology from 1976 to 1979. Even as a graduate student and post-doc, it was clear she enjoyed working with college students. Mentoring college students turned out to be her niche and love in the academic world. In 1978 Judith was encouraged by Chancellor James Meyer’s office to apply for a new position in the Health Sciences Advising Office (HSAO).

Judith was perfect for the job and became the director of HSAO and chair of the Pre-Health Professions Advisory Committee (PHPAC), positions she held until her retirement in 1993. During her tenure, she also served on various committees of the Association of Medical Colleges and the National Association of Advisors for Health Professions. Although officially retired in 1993, she remained as chairman, PHPAC until the doors on the program closed. She was not paid but truly cherished continuing to work with the students, conducting interviews in her home, and receiving calls from them and admissions officials at all hours. Even after the program closed, students would call asking for advice.

Judith passed away peacefully in her home on Sept 11, 2020 after a lifetime struggle with type 1 diabetes. She was an avid reader, enthusiastic learner, and she was deeply concerned about social justice. She had a profound sense of fairness and kindness, enthusiasm for science, education and deep empathy for the less fortunate. A former student of Judith’s, Dr. Jeffrey J Du Bois 79’ started this endowment in her honor to provide financial support for the pre-health program and the students who benefit from it for generations to come.