Sandy Peckens benefitted from funding established by an extended family member throughout both her undergraduate and graduate social work studies at Michigan State University. Her great aunt, Vivid Cobb, graduated in the class of 1928, and was influential in Sandy’s choice of an MSU education.
The financial assistance proved invaluable, in combination with work-study hours, employment and a student loan. She had a long and rewarding career in social work, working primarily in medical centers with patients, families, and health care teams in the areas of chronic disease and End Stage Renal Disease in Michigan, Massachusetts and Maine. The first in her family to attend and graduate from a university, she credits mentors, faculty, friends and colleagues who provided support and encouragement as well as challenges, to enrich her satisfying 40 year career.
Sally Hood was born in England, and was fortunate to receive state funded medical education, enabling her to start her career in medicine without a mountain of debt. Having received post graduate medical training in Canada, she experienced the stark natural beauty and inimitable spirit of Newfoundland and the pioneer attitude of Alberta.
She was again fortunate to secure a Fellowship in Nephrology at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester and launch a career tempered by the experience of having trained in three different healthcare systems. She worked in numerous capacities in both academic and private practice in her 35 year career, enjoying the opportunity to teach students and residents. She was always mindful of the responsibility and privilege of caring for people in need of clinical expertise, but above all, compassion.
Both Sandy and Sally have expressed gratitude for the many and varied opportunities in their careers. They extend their wish that this endowment may help others to follow their chosen professional path in social work and health care.