 Penn Medicine parents provide support and advice.
Sandy and Steve Waters, parents of second-year Penn Medicine student John Waters, believe that the relationship with one’s college or university goes far beyond sitting in the classroom and earning a degree. "It’s belonging to a group," Sandy says. "You’re a member, and members need to support the institution."
As a med student, Sandy explains, their son isn’t yet able to support Penn’s School of Medicine. She and Steve have become involved with Penn as volunteers and financial supporters to create an example for John to follow.
Steve Waters, an investment banker, supports his undergraduate and graduate institutions, Harvard College and Harvard Business School. Sandy, former school board chairman in Greenwich, Connecticut, serves on the Board of Trustees of Oberlin College, where she earned her undergraduate degree.
For Penn Medicine, they’ve added their signatures and enthusiasm to fund-raising letters, and contribute generously to the Annual Fund. The Waterses feel strongly about supporting financial aid, and making a medical education more accessible to underrepresented minorities. "It’s not in anyone’s interest to exclude any applicant with talent and ability," says Sandy.
Sandy participated in a panel discussion during last fall’s Parents and Partners Program. She says, "As a parent, I worry about my child having balance in his life. They work very hard in medical school. As far as advice for other parents, I think Vice Dean Gail Morrison said it best: 'Your role is to tell your child that yes, they should come home for Thanksgiving, and yes, they should go out to dinner with their friends.'"
"John loves Penn, and we are very impressed." Sandy continues. "The School is both rigorous and compassionate, and it seems like they are always seeking out ways to improve the way they do things." |
