Coker University has received its largest estate gift in history from Dr. Lawrence J. Anastasi, a 1972 alumnus who passed away on Jan. 30, 2026, following a year-long battle with pancreatic cancer. The $2 million gift—$1 million earmarked for general financial aid and $1 million to establish an endowed scholarship for biology students pursuing pre-med concentrations—reflects Dr. Anastasi’s deep gratitude for his Coker experience and his commitment to supporting the next generation of physicians.
“Dr. Anastasi told me that he believed Coker changed his life because it made his dream come true,” said Natalie Harder, president of Coker University. “His legacy gift will ensure that future generations of students can pursue their own dreams.”
Dr. Anastasi transferred to Coker College in 1970 to study biology and pre-medicine, graduating in 1972 as one of the first men to matriculate at the university. He later earned board certification in family medicine, sports medicine, and geriatric medicine, and was certified in diving medicine. He practiced medicine for over four decades before retiring in 2021.
The Dr. Lawrence J. Anastasi Endowed Scholarship Fund was created with $500,000 of the $2 million gift to ensure biology students with a pre-med concentration have the financial resources to pursue medical careers, regardless of economic circumstances. The additional $1.5 million has already supported dozens of students who enrolled this fall.
Dr. Anastasi and his wife, Suzanne, returned to Coker for Alumni Weekend in April 2022 to celebrate his 50th reunion. During that visit, he witnessed the university’s expansion and evolution firsthand. Impressed by the university’s growth and commitment to its students, Dr. Anastasi decided to invest significantly in Coker’s future.
“When Dr. Anastasi visited campus in 2022, he was energized by what he saw,” said Harder. “He understood that Coker’s mission to provide personalized, transformative education remains as vital today as it was 50 years ago. His gift ensures we can continue supporting students who will go on to careers in medicine and beyond.”
The Dr. Lawrence J. Anastasi Endowed Scholarship Fund reflects Coker’s commitment to personalized learning, removing financial barriers so students can pursue their individual professional goals.
Like Dr. Anastasi’s transformative bequest, planned gifts — including bequests and beneficiary designations — offer a meaningful way for alumni and friends to support Coker’s future while maintaining flexibility in their lifetime giving plans. To learn more about how a planned gift can align with your values and goals, please contact the Office of Advancement at advancement@coker.edu.
