How an Inver Hills alum turned an unexpected gift into a lifetime of giving back
Years ago, while Judith (Judy) Pechacek was in the trenches of her LPN training at Inver Hills Community College, she was quite literally “patching together” every cent she had just to stay enrolled. To her complete surprise, an anonymous benefactor stepped in and paid for her books. That single, quiet act of generosity was the bridge she needed to finish her program. Seeing the trajectory of her life change because of a few textbooks was the spark that ignited a long tenure of giving. Pechacek and her wife Lisa Hedin have been giving back to their communities ever since.
In 2012, Judy and Lisa founded the Inver Hills Walter and Ester Pechacek Endowed Scholarship, honoring the memory of Judy’s parents. Judy’s mom, Ester, was a strong advocate for education. Ester graduated from Inver Hills with her A.A. and went to work for the college, a job she loved. Her boss was future college president, Cheryl Frank. Frank was president from 1997 to 2010. Judy’s dad, Walter, followed a career as a machinist at 3M.
Fueling the passion: The professor & the engineer
Judy graduated from Inver Hills in 1982 with an Associate’s Degree in Nursing. She continued her education, earning a BA degree in Nursing from Metro State (1990), followed by a Masters of Science (1996) and Doctor of Nursing Practice (2009) from the University of Minnesota. Lisa graduated from the University of Minnesota with a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering (1986).
Their passion for supporting Inver Hills students is fueled by their unique professional lenses.
The clinical heart
As a nursing professor, Judy sees the “grit” required for this path. The training is grueling, the clinical hours are long, and the academic bar is high. she believes financial strain shouldn’t be the hurdle that trips up a talented future nurse. Often, a small scholarship is the difference between a student crossing the graduation stage or being forced to drop out.
The strategic builder
From an engineering perspective, Lisa sees giving as an investment in the “human infrastructure” of our community. Skilled and compassionate professionals are needed to keep healthcare systems robust and efficient.
The parent perspective
With their two children, Simon and Linnea, currently navigating the high stakes of graduate school, Judy and Lisa are acutely aware of the rising costs of education.
They know exactly what it feels like to worry about tuition and fees, which makes them even more determined to ease that burden for others.
The pay-it-forward vision
Judy and Lisa hope their gifts do more than just pay a bill; they want them to bolster dreams. They hope their support provides a sense of “wind in the sails” for nursing students as they pursue their calling.
Beyond the immediate financial relief, they view their giving as a template. Their goal is to set the stage for students so that one day, when those students are financially stable and established in their careers, they too will look back and choose to become the “anonymous benefactor” for someone else.
A message to fellow supporters
If you are considering a gift, whether it is money, time, or service, know this: Every little bit counts. You don’t need to fund a whole building to change a life. Sometimes, just like it was for Judy, it’s as simple as the cost of a few books. That small gesture can be the catalyst for a lifelong career of service.
More about Judy and Lisa…
Dr. Judith Pechacek DNP, RN, CENP, Professor of Nursing, is a Distinguished Professor and holder of the Katherine R. & C. Walton Lillehei Chair in Nursing Leadership. Her teaching responsibilities include courses in leadership, quality, business and global studies. Her scholarship is dedicated to interprofessional practice and the connection to organizational culture and quality patient outcomes. Dr. Pechacek is a Senior Quality Scholar, faculty member for the Veterans Administration Quality Scholars Fellowship program. Dr. Pechacek received the Inver Hills Outstanding Alumni Award in 2011.
Lisa Hedin works in the Hastings public schools in a variety of roles. She is active in the community volunteering and supporting the community in many impactful ways.
They enjoy traveling, hiking, volunteering and pretty much anything outdoors. Both kids are now in graduate school pursuing their dreams, and their locations serve as a perfect vacation spot for Judy and Lisa.
Supporting students
Your donation to the Inver Hills Community College Foundation transforms lives, makes college more accessible, and helps dreams come true.
Support scholarships, emergency grants, or a meaningful program. We can help you create a named scholarship in honor of a loved one or establish a permanent endowment.
For questions and information about making your gift, please contact:
Amy Countryman
Foundation Development Director
College Center Room 381
Inver Hills Community College
foundation@inverhills.edu
651-450-3407
