For 33 years, Dr. William Feldman cared for children and families throughout Hampton Roads. But his commitment to improving lives extended well beyond his medical practice. With his wife, Mary, Feldman believed that one of the most meaningful ways to strengthen the Jewish community was to invest in the education and success of its young people.
That belief became the foundation of the Feldman Family Medical and Health Professions Scholarship, established to help Jewish students pursue careers in healthcare while carrying forward the couple’s values of compassion, service, and lifelong learning.
Today, that vision is taking shape through three aspiring healthcare professionals. Tidewater Jewish Foundation has named Marissa Marczak, Olivia Pooley, and Ryan Mancoll recipients of the 2026 scholarship.
“The Feldmans understood that supporting one student’s education can have an impact far beyond the classroom,” says Naomi Limor Sedek, TJF president & CEO. “These recipients are already putting their Jewish values into action through service, leadership, and compassion. Their commitment to caring for others is exactly the kind of legacy the Feldmans envisioned.”
Marissa Marczak, a Randolph-Macon College graduate, is pursuing her medical education at Eastern Virginia Medical School. Her volunteer work with individuals with disabilities and free medical clinics has inspired her interest in treating patients with neuro disabilities. A former Hillel president, Marczak credits her Birthright Israel experience with strengthening her Jewish identity and commitment to advocating for Jewish students.
Olivia Pooley, an Old Dominion University graduate, is pursuing a career as a physician assistant through EVMS at ODU. A volunteer emergency medical technician with Virginia Beach EMS, she has dedicated thousands of hours to helping people during medical emergencies. Her Birthright Israel experience reinforced her commitment to tikkun olam, repairing the world, and serving others with dignity and compassion.
Ryan Mancoll, an Elon University graduate and EVMS medical student, has a strong interest in surgery and clinical research. He has held leadership roles in several medical student organizations while volunteering with the Virginia Beach Rescue Squad. Mancoll credits his involvement in BBYO with teaching him the importance of Jewish community, belonging, and investing in others.
Through their education and service, all three recipients are carrying forward the Feldmans’ belief that caring for others is among the most meaningful investments a community can make.