DONOR PROFILE
GIVING BACK T O
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Dr. Luis M. Tumialán ’90, a Professor of Neurosurgery at the Barrow Neurological Institute in Phoenix, Arizona, honors the memory of his brother with a monthly gift to Priory. By remembering his brother in this way, he hopes it will have a ripple effect on the students who walk through the hallways at Priory. Jorge Tumialán, a 1993 graduate of Priory and Dr. Tumialán’s brother, passed away at the age of 26 after battling Bartter Syndrome. “Jorge struggled his whole life with this terrible disease,” Dr. Tumialán said. “He was vulnerable to even minor things like the flu. It was very difficult especially for my parents. I give to Priory in his honor. While I can call my sisters and my mom and dad and have a conversation or see them at a wedding or a baptism, I will never be able see my brother again in this world. Priory was our special connection. My gift to Priory fills that void to some extent. The monthly gift is my connection to Jorge.” Jorge wore his brother’s jersey to the Priory football games. “He wore No. 41, my jersey, and he would cheer for me. It’s how I remember him. He’s still looking out for me,” reflects Dr. Tumialán. Jorge Tumialán ‘93.
“I have four children and I have to be careful because I always want to treat them all the same. So, I tucked my brother’s name as a middle name for one of my sons,” he says. “My second son is named Andreas Jorge. My mother tucked her father’s name in as my middle name. So, I reflected on that and wanted to honor my brother. It allowed me to commemorate him.”
The Gifts Of Giving Dr. Tumialán says you’ll never know what the ripple effect could be when you give back to causes and organizations that are important to you. “Gifts compound,” he says. “In all likelihood, you may never know how your gift affects others. But the snowball effect can reach critical masses.” “Luis’ contributions to Priory over many years have been a blessing for many students in the school,” Abbot Gregory Mohrman, O.S.B., ’76 says. “His ongoing support is a testament to his devotion to his brother and to the school. The legacy established in his brother’s memory will sustain Priory students for many years to come. We are so grateful to him and all the Tumialán family.”
Education Foundation Formed At Priory After graduating from Priory, Dr. Tumialán attended the University of Missouri, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in chemistry. After Mizzou, he graduated from Georgetown University School of Medicine with the intention of being an orthopedic surgeon. However, during an internship at the Naval Medical Center in San Diego, he saw neurosurgery in depth for the first time and knew he wanted to change paths.
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