Gary Anderson establishes scholarship to honor late wife and support MSU Social Work students

January 15, 2025 - Brandon Drain

Gary Anderson served at Michigan State University’s School of Social Work for 25 years; 15 years as its director and another 10 years as a faculty member. Dr.  Anderson developed and supported many innovative programs and projects, like the Community Programs, which continue today and allow the school to fulfill its service mission across the State of Michigan.

Honoring his late wife, Valerie Glesnes-Anderson, Dr. Anderson has established the Glesnes-Anderson Cancer Care Social Work Endowment: a scholarship to support MSU social work students pursuing healthcare and hospice work. This gift reflects his lifelong commitment to strengthening the social work workforce, developing innovative programs and uplifting those most in need.

In 2001, Valerie Glesnes-Anderson was diagnosed with breast cancer, and was able to treat and overcome it at times until her passing in 2021. Her extensive knowledge of the healthcare systems as a former Hospital Vice President helped her navigate some of the challenges of finding good care. However, social workers made a positive difference throughout the process and the family could see how hugely significant social workers could be to people. 

“We had experience with two social workers during Valerie's many hospitalizations and treatments,” said Dr. Anderson. “Both were MSU Master of Social Work (MSW) students. Their knowledge of community resources, ability to connect us to those resources, and helpfulness were needed, timely and valuable.”

As a social worker, Dr. Anderson believed having therapeutic, concrete assistance that social workers could provide in medical settings “should be integral to addressing the management of this illness.” The endowment ensures that future generations of social workers are equipped to provide compassionate care and advocacy for individuals and families navigating the challenges of cancer and the complexity of a medical bureaucracy. Each MSW student must demonstrate a commitment to the field of healthcare or cancer care through prior experiences, internships, or professional goals.

With the encouragement of his two daughters, Lauren and Elizabeth, Dr. Anderson chose to honor his late wife’s memory and contribute to a positive legacy for her by creating an endowment to support social work students. “When considering how to honor my wife, I was certain that supporting students was the right direction,” said Dr. Anderson. “Providing a scholarship reflected our devotion to students and was consistent with the priorities and values that I tried to highlight during my time as the school's director.”