CTSA News

Beth Tross knows she’s not alone in confronting epilepsy’s debilitating effects.

The former Montessori preschool teacher understands that millions of people live with her condition, which doctors diagnosed when she was 13. According to the World Health Organization, epilepsy is one of the most common neurological diseases in the world, affecting 50 million people globally. In addition, nearly five million people receive an epilepsy diagnosis each year, and their risks of premature death are up to three times higher than the general population.

However, Beth and her husband, Nate (82BA), of Highland Park, Illinois, want to help change this reality. Beth attended the University of Iowa from 1978 to 1983 and is a third-generation Hawkeye. Nate earned his economics degree from the university. The couple believes Iowa’s scientists hold the answers to better treatments—and even cures—for patients with epilepsy and other debilitating brain disorders. That’s what has inspired the Trosses to invest in epilepsy research at their alma mater throughout the last several years.

Recently, the pair built upon their family’s generous support, which included the creation of the Beth L. Tross Epilepsy Professorship, with a new commitment of $5 million. Their latest pledge will establish the Nate and Beth Tross Epilepsy Cures Fund for pediatric research and the Tross Family Adult Epilepsy Research Fund. A portion of this gift also will support the University of Iowa Stanley Museum of Art, where Beth served as an advisory board member...

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