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Richard W. Kadel and Carl F. Gerhardt, Jr. Scholarship

Richard Kadel and Carl Gerhardt enjoyed a decades-long partnership and marriage with a fierce bond of love while residing in their painted lady home in the Castro. Amongst his varied interests and accomplishments, Richard was a world-renowned small particle physicist, primarily working at Lawrence Berkeley National Lab. He always credited his time at Yale University during his graduate program as a life-changing experience for a young gay male in the 1970's. Carl devoted his life to supporting health care for all who needed it in the city at the San Francisco Department of Social Services, Tom Waddell Health Clinic, and Office of Vital Records. He was particularly devoted to those who needed care for HIV, saving the lives of many people over those decades, including some who became dear friends for life. His quick smile, deep chuckle, and zingy wit were well-known and loved across the Castro.  

A photo of Richard W. Kadel and Carl F. Gerhardt, Jr.Richard W. Kadel and Carl F. Gerhardt, Jr.

Richard Kadel and Carl Gerhardt enjoyed a decades-long partnership and marriage with a fierce bond of love while residing in their painted lady home in the Castro. Amongst his varied interests and accomplishments, Richard was a world-renowned small particle physicist, primarily working at Lawrence Berkeley National Lab. He always credited his time at Yale University during his graduate program as a life-changing experience for a young gay male in the 1970's. Carl devoted his life to supporting health care for all who needed it in the city at the San Francisco Department of Social Services, Tom Waddell Health Clinic, and Office of Vital Records. He was particularly devoted to those who needed care for HIV, saving the lives of many people over those decades, including some who became dear friends for life. His quick smile, deep chuckle, and zingy wit were well-known and loved across the Castro.  

The couple extended their impact beyond their lifetimes through their estate by providing a four-year scholarship in perpetuity for a student studying at Yale University. This scholarship is awarded during Point’s regular selection cycle for four-year undergraduate scholarships.

Through their generosity, Point is also able to provide support for internships.

Flagship Scholarship

The Point Foundation Flagship Scholarship empowers LGBTQ students who are earning their undergraduate, graduate, & doctoral degrees at accredited colleges in the United States by offering financial support, community resources, and professional development. 

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The Kadel and Gerhardt Internships 

HIV infections disproportionately impact the LGBTQ community. Lack of access to affordable, culturally competent care and continued pervasive stigma around HIV status and disclosure are two of several barriers to addressing the continued spread of HIV/AIDS. Point seeks to tackle these barriers through The Kadel and Gerhardt Internships. The first barrier addressed is the dearth of culturally appropriate, affordable medical care and social services for LGBTQ individuals. Studies indicate that cultural competency is critical in maintaining at-risk individuals in care; individuals who perceive judgment or a lack of empathy from their health care and social service providers are less likely to return to care. Further, HIV-positive individuals not maintained in care are increasingly likely to carry elevated viral loads, and high-risk individuals of unknown HIV status are more likely to engage in risky behaviors when not maintained in care.

Point seeks to increase the number of culturally competent, affordable providers working within the LGBTQ community of HIV-positive and high-risk individuals by funding nonprofit internships for academically talented LGBTQ scholars. The nonprofit service providers, which may include medical facilities, clinics, and social service and advocacy facilities, provide low-cost services by design. The Kadel and Gerhardt Internships will also confront the stigma that surrounds HIV status and disclosure. This stigma breeds a culture of secrecy, resulting in decreased dialogue about risk factors and the dissemination of misinformation.

More information about The Kadel and Gerhardt Internships is coming soon.