Stories of Change

Over 120 students, faculty and benefactors gathered at the CU Anschutz Health Sciences Building on March 26 for an evening rooted in gratitude and focused firmly on the future of healthcare. 

The CU Anschutz School of Medicine’s annual Scholarship and Awards Celebration brought together supporters and students from the Doctor of Medicine, Physical Therapy and Physician Assistant programs. The event honored student achievement while highlighting the lasting impact of scholarship support on access, education and opportunity. 

“At the School of Medicine, we see the impact of scholarship support every day. This generosity strengthens the learning experience for our students and allows them to focus fully on becoming the clinicians our communities need,” said Naresh Mandava, MD, senior associate dean for strategic advancement, Department of Ophthalmology chair, and the Sue Anschutz-Rodgers Chair in Retinal Diseases. 

Demand for a CU Anschutz School of Medicine education continues to grow, attracting students motivated by curiosity and a deep commitment to service. Scholarships play a critical role in ensuring that financial barriers do not stand in the way of that calling. 

“Scholarship support does far more than ease the cost of tuition,” Dr. Mandava said. “It provides reassurance and stability during an intense period of training, giving students the space to learn deeply, pursue hands-on experiences and explore new areas of medicine and care.” 

Shanta Zimmer, MD, professor and senior associate dean of medical education, then spoke about the collective strength of the CU Anschutz School of Medicine’s MD, PT and CHA/PA programs and the shared mission that unites them. 

“Working with students across our programs is a privilege,” Dr. Zimmer said. “Their compassion, focus and eagerness to learn are woven into every corner of our campus and remind us why education sits at the heart of our mission.” 

Dr. Zimmer also recognized the physical therapists, physician assistants and physicians in attendance — many of whom were once CU Anschutz students themselves — highlighting the generational impact of giving back. 

After Dr. Zimmer’s remarks, benefactor Vicki Sakata shared reflections on behalf of herself and her mother, Joanne Sakata, whose life experiences continue to shape their family’s philanthropy. Vicki spoke about her mother’s upbringing in rural Colorado, her resilience as the backbone of a family farming business and the values that led her to establish the Joanne Sakata Endowed Scholarship in 2019 to support rural healthcare.

Describing the kind of care that made the greatest difference in Joanne’s life, Vicki noted that “sometimes what is most important lies behind the chief complaint, and sometimes the cure that we’re looking for is just spending the time to listen.” That belief, rooted in empathy, presence and respect for the whole person, guides the Sakata family’s long‑term commitment to helping students pursue meaningful careers dedicated to care and service. 

The most personal moments of the evening came from three student speakers: Jasmine Acree, a physical therapy student; Peyton Boyd, a medical student; and Amanda Somo, a physician assistant student. 

Each student shared what drew them to their chosen field, the challenges they have navigated and what scholarship support has meant along the way. Their stories spoke to the power of perseverance and to the profound relief and encouragement that comes from knowing others believe in their potential. 

As the celebration concluded, Dr. Mandava thanked benefactors and students alike for their role in shaping the future of the CU Anschutz School of Medicine. “Your support stays with students long after this evening and helps them step confidently into the careers they are preparing for,” he said. 

Together, the stories shared throughout the evening reflected the enduring impact of generosity at the CU Anschutz School of Medicine: opening doors, strengthening education and investing in the next generation of healthcare leaders.