Alumni Donor Spotlight: A Gift of Gratitude
When Dr. Jennifer Cook (Class of 2000) reunited with classmates in Seattle for their 25th reunion, the atmosphere felt instantly familiar.
She was reminded of the bonds formed through long study hours, early clinical experiences and the shared challenges of becoming physicians. With decades and countless achievements between them, reconnecting with classmates provided Cook a renewed appreciation for the value and impact of her SIU School of Medicine education.
A first-generation physician from a rural community in southern Illinois, Cook says she has often reflected throughout her career on the opportunities her medical degree created and on the patients and colleagues who shaped her path. That sense of gratitude inspired her to give back.
Her $50,000 gift greatly enhances the YMCA membership program for current students and serves as a powerful reminder of how essential continued support is to keeping the program thriving.
This alumni-supported wellness program began in her second year of medical school under the leadership of their class representatives. Dr. Cook recalls how group exercise classes, volleyball league play and weight training provided much-needed balance to long days of studying and patient care. “I have so many fond memories of those activities,” she said. “Almost 30 years later, I was excited to learn the program remains alive.”
"My gift is to ensure all students have this opportunity. As my career has progressed, I’ve also come to value the importance of wellness in the care of myself and my patients. Investing in the wellness of our next generation of physicians truly resonates with me.”
Dr. Cook hopes her gift will encourage other alumni to support the SIU School of Medicine. “There is something very special about being an SIU School of Medicine alum. My education opened doors and shaped the way I lead and care for others. Supporting our school keeps that experience alive for future physicians.”
Georgia Graham, MS2 - We have a great group of our classmates that come to the hip-hop dance/cardio class that's offered at the downtown location; sometimes as many as 15 of us are there! We look forward to going to the class every week; the instructor Joy (pictured in blue) is AMAZING and we are so happy and thankful that we have access to classes at the Y like this!
Carlos Marmolejo, MS2 – It’s been a great resource to de-compress throughout the semester. I’m definitely thankful for the offering and would love to see the funding continue!
