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Dr. Ramachandra and Mrs. Gokula Ramakumar are native to India but have called Stillwater home since 1967. The Ramakumars raised their two children here and have remained a part of the community ever since. Dr. Ramakumar, known by friends and family as “Rama,” is an accomplished professor of engineering and began teaching at the young age of 20. What began as a 16-month position at Oklahoma State ultimately resulted in a 52-year tenure with the School of Electrical and Computer Engineering. Rama held many roles in his life but when he and Gokula speak of their children and family, their eyes light up and the pride they feel as parents and grandparents is evident.

Their two children, a son and a daughter, were born at the original Stillwater Medical location just before the current building was constructed. While they have lived healthy lives, the Ramakumars are incredibly grateful for Rama surviving a quintuple bypass to treat five blocked arteries 24 years ago at Saint Francis in Tulsa. “Dr. Whiteneck said I would hopefully live another 15 years,” explained Dr. Ramakumar, “that was 24 years ago.” (Said as he smiled and gently knocked on the wood armrest of his chair.) Dr. Ramakumar’s personal health journey, as well as the delivery of their two children at Stillwater Medical, and their son who is a practicing physician in Phoenix, Arizona, all contribute to the deep connection the couple feels to healthcare and SMC.

Stillwater Medical Foundation is honored to be the recipient of a major gift from Dr. and Mrs. Ramakumar. Their $75,000 donation will be used in two ways. First, they will fund a conference room in the new Internal Residency Suite at Stillwater Medical. Secondly, a scholarship will be named in their honor to help Stillwater Medical employees further their education in healthcare. 

Their gift is a lasting legacy and healthcare in Stillwater is enhanced because of their decision to give. 

Thank you, Rama and Gokula, for your generosity.