In the spring of 1980, Sandra Lynn Kerman left Batavia, Illinois and headed for graduate school at NC State University. Sandy's initial goal had been to get a Master's degree in Parks and Recreation, but with the loss of most of her vision due to diabetes, she changed her plans and enrolled in the Master of Science program in Psychology. She completed her masters degree in December of 1988 and later completed the Ph.D. program in December of 1996.

During the course of her time at NC State, Sandy sustained an injury to her left foot and needed the mobility assistance of a wheelchair. Complicated by the effects of diabetes, Sandy’s injury worsened and it became necessary for her to undergo dialysis. It was during this time that she worked in the Counseling Center and the Disability Services for Students office, which is now known as the Disability Services Office (DSO). Despite the medical attention she received, Sandy’s foot was amputated in October of 1997. In the beginning of 1998, Sandy required both a kidney and a pancreas transplant. She only lived a few short months after the operation before she passed away in March. Sandy was 40 years old. The artwork that hangs in the DSO is here in memory of Sandy. It serves as a constant reminder of who she was and the ever-lasting impact she had on us all.

Wolves, by Scott McClure

Surfing the Spectrum, by Ronnie Lawson

Location: Student Health Center Building, 2815 Cates Avenue, Suite 2221, Campus Box 7509, Raleigh, NC 27695-7509
Office Hours: 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM Monday through Friday
Phone Numbers: Main: 919.515.7653 TTY: 919.515.8830 Fax: 919.513.2840
Email:disability@ncsu.edu