Elliot B. Maisel, a local businessman and native Mobilian, has committed $5 million to the construction of the Frederick P. Whiddon College of Medicine. Though the building has received support from many community members, corporations, foundations, state and federal officials, this is the largest donation given by an individual.

The construction of the new College of Medicine, a $200 million project, is set to complete in December 2026. The building will allow for the expansion of each incoming class to go from a maximum of 80 students to 100, with the ability to eventually grow to 125. Once classes begin in January 2027, more than 500,000 square feet of space on South’s campus will be dedicated to healthcare education.

“Soon, more students will be choosing the Frederick P. Whiddon College of Medicine as their home to study medicine to become not only physicians and researchers, but healers and providers of hope,” said University President Jo Bonner.

In recognition of the Maisels’ contribution to the college, a central and public gathering place in the new building will be named the Maisel Family Forum.

“This community has been really good to my family, and a lot of individuals within this community have been really good to me,” said Maisel. “This [gift] is in memory of my parents, Herman and Freida Maisel. This is a gift from my entire family – my brother, my sister, my children, my nieces, nephews, and particularly, my grandchildren.”

According to U.S. News and World Report, Whiddon College of Medicine is ranked third in the nation for “Most Graduates Practicing In Health Professional Shortage Areas.”

Dr. John Marymont, dean of the Whiddon College of Medicine and vice president for medical affairs, echoed this achievement. “The college of medicine truly supports our entire healthcare delivery system,” said Marymont. “Our medical and graduate students, as well as our faculty, deserve an environment that fosters interactive learning and best practices; this gift is an investment in the future of healthcare to meet the needs of all Alabamians.”

Jessica Irvin, a fourth year medical student from New Jersey, shared that she was drawn to South because of its sense of community.

“[The faculty and staff] support us in our professional development, but they also support us personally,” said Irvin. “They talk about us being a family and a community in this program, and I really think that we are.”

Though Irvin is not sure if she’ll be able to see the new building for the College of Medicine, she is grateful for what Maisel’s donation means for future South Alabama medical students. “It’s nice to finally get a building that really matches the caliber that I think the program is at,” said Irvin.

“[The university] brings culture and diversity into our city. We’re in the golden age of Mobile.”

Elliot B. Maisel

“The University of South Alabama is probably the most important institution in the city and one of the most important institutions of the state,” said Maisel. “[The university] brings culture and diversity into our city, and it has propelled Mobile to the top of the chart. We’re in the golden age of Mobile. This is a proud moment for me, for my family, for the city, and hopefully, it will encourage others to participate in helping the University continue to grow the medical school.”

Edited title for clarity on Dec. 1, 2024