A Gift with a Personal Twist

What started as a family visit to the Jimmy Carter Presidential Library & Museum inspired a meaningful act of giving for Revathi A-Davidson and Russ Davidson. Impressed by the extraordinary lives and humanitarian spirit of former President Jimmy Carter and former First Lady Rosalynn Carter, the couple from Albuquerque, New Mexico, were moved to make an estate gift to The Carter Center.

Yet their story of generosity has a deeper, more personal dimension.

The Davidsons’ philanthropy also celebrates the life and work of their nephew, Dr. Arjun Srinivasan, a physician and health care epidemiologist who joined the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in 2003. He has been at the forefront of efforts to prevent infections in health care settings, improving people’s lives by informing policy and protecting countless patients from harm.

Recognizing the alignment of values between their nephew and the Carters, the Davidsons chose to make their gift to the Center in honor of Srinivasan.

“Russ and I value public service and a commitment to improving the lives of others,” Mrs. Davidson said. “Both qualities are consistently uppermost in the work of Arjun and the Carters.

It is easy to see why the Davidsons are proud of their nephew.

Srinivasan’s work has led to important protocol changes designed to address the root causes of infectious outbreaks in hospitals and other health care settings. He has led CDC efforts to promote responsible antibiotic use. His research and leadership have helped shape national policy, ensuring that nearly every hospital in the United States maintains an antibiotic stewardship program. Srinivasan has published more than 100 articles in peer-reviewed journals, spoken at conferences around the globe, and helped guide hospitals toward safer, more sustainable, and equitable health care practices.

However, perhaps what connects Srinivasan most deeply to the Carters’ legacy is his belief that humility and empathy should be the foundations of service. A humanitarian at heart, he shares their determination to make a difference and see the world through other people’s eyes And he believes a key to success is following one’s passion.

“One striking thing to me about the Carters is the incredible humility with which they lived their lives,” Srinivasan said. “They never sought the limelight.”

Through their generous estate gift, the Davidsons have united two remarkable paths of service, honoring both a global humanitarian legacy and a personal one within their close-knit family. Thanks to their philanthropy, The Carter Center can continue advancing the work begun by President and Mrs. Carter to wage peace, fight disease, and build hope.

“Our hope is that others are inspired to give to The Carter Center while recognizing someone in their lives who is making a difference,” Mr. Davidson said.

And as the Davidsons look forward to their next family visit to The Carter Center and the Jimmy Carter Presidential Library & Museum, their story — like their gift — stands as a testament to the power of values shared and service continued.