The College of Health and Human Services at California State University, Fresno has received its largest single gift to date: a $1,027,922 million bequest from the estate of alumnus Air Force Col. Edwin J. Cook to provide scholarships for nursing students.
Col. Cook died May 7 and was laid to rest with full military honors at Arlington National Cemetery after a distinguished 40-year military career. The gift is in memory of Col. Cook’s first wife, Lt. Col. Elvera Lindholm “Lindy” Cook, a nurse who joined the Air Force in 1952. During the Vietnam War she served as chief nurse of aeromedical evacuation and helped develop the protocol for seriously injured troops being transported by air. She died in 1991 and is also laid to rest at Arlington.
Dr. Andrew Hoff, dean of the college said, “Our region has a critical need for qualified health care professionals and this endowment will help address that need . Every day, graduates from the College of Health and Human Services make a difference in the lives of our Valley’s residents. The Cooks served their country honorably and left a lasting legacy that will make a difference to our students for many years to come. ”
Fresno State’s nursing program is highly regarded in the state and each year receives many more applications than there are spots available.
Col. Cook’s wife, Dr. Evelyn Fuqua Cook, is travelling from her Oregon home to be inducted into the university’s Pinnacle Society at a reception on Friday, April 23. The Pinnacle Society honors individuals whose generous contributions make a distinct difference in educational opportunity at Fresno State.
“My husband was a 50-year Mason with a strong belief in philanthropy,” said Evelyn Cook. “It will be an honor to represent him at this event.”
Col. Cook became connected to the Valley when he was 17 and his family moved to Reedley to operate a ranch. While attending a Sacramento high school, he was in ROTC. He used that experience when asked to develop the ROTC program at Reedley High.
He later transferred to Fresno High, and joined the Army Air Corps (now the Air Force) when he was 18. After his service in World War II, he returned to Fresno where he graduated from Fresno State in 1949.
Col. Cook piloted F-94 Starfighter jets when he was recalled to duty during the Korean War. He served as director of transportation for Military Airlift Command during the Vietnam War.
In civilian life, Col. Cook worked for Bankers Life Insurance, where he earned permanent membership in the company’s Hall of Fame for outstanding salesmanship
The Cooks’ military uniforms, medals and memorabilia are on permanent display in the College of Health and Human Services.
