Hungarian-American couple honors legacy through philanthropy in Memphis: Establishing a lasting impact on medical research

Hungarian-born Penczner and his German wife, Jolanda, were an integral part of a vibrant community of Central European expats living in Memphis. The group also included Dr. Gabor Tigyi, a fellow Hungarian and chair of the Department of Physiology at UT Health Science Center. Physiology is the foundational science that explains how organs and the body function.

Penczner and his wife were captivated by Tigyi’s research work and entrusted him with their estate. In response to their generosity, they established two legacy funds aimed at maintaining research excellence and providing early-career support in the physiology department. Through their philanthropic efforts, they championed young scientists and ensured opportunities for non-native U.S. scholars in Memphis.

The Community Foundation safeguards their legacy, ensuring that their charitable impact will continue to influence generations to come. To learn more about the Penczners’ philanthropic endeavors, visit cfgm.org/wkno.