The Alyssa Sack Memorial Scholarship honors a life of faith and determination

When Frank and Virginia “Ginger” Sack began considering how best to honor their daughter’s memory, they returned to what defined her life: faith, perseverance and a deep commitment to helping others. They established the Alyssa Sack Memorial Endowed Scholarship at Lenoir-Rhyne University to support future Master of Science in Occupational Therapy students, helping carry forward the character and determination Alyssa embodied.

Alyssa Sack ’20, M.S. ’22, discovered her passion for occupational therapy while still in high school. After shadowing an occupational therapist who worked alongside her mother in a school setting, she knew she had found her calling. She enrolled at Lenoir-Rhyne as an exercise science major, a path that would prepare her for the university’s master’s program in occupational therapy.

An equally talented student and athlete, Alyssa graduated summa cum laude with program honors in 2020 and continued directly into the master’s program. She was a member of the women’s lacrosse team from 2017–21, scoring more than 100 goals in her career and leading the conference in scoring during one season. A fierce competitor on the field, she was just as disciplined in the classroom.

“She had a lot of determination,” her father, Frank, said. “When she put her mind to something, she gave it 110%.”

During her final year of graduate school, Alyssa welcomed her daughter, Abigail. Balancing motherhood with classes, practicums and clinical experiences took careful planning and extraordinary focus. Faculty and classmates rallied around her, offering encouragement and practical support to ensure she stayed on track.

“I truly adored her as a person and student,” said Nicole Coffey ’05, M.S. ’06, DrOT, professor and interim program director of occupational therapy. “From day one she wanted to come up with a plan to stay on track and miss as little time as possible. She just had the best attitude through everything and was always so uplifting to everyone around her.”

Her peers celebrated milestones alongside her — including hosting a baby shower — and professors stepped in to help when needed. The support reflected the kind of community Alyssa herself fostered.

“She was busy being a mom to Abigail and balancing her studies and her practicals, but we have countless stories of her taking time to help others,” Ginger said. “If they needed to talk or needed assistance with academics — whatever it was, she was never too busy to be there for others.”

Friends remember her compassion and quiet strength.

“As Alyssa’s friend, I watched her pour herself into every role — student, athlete, mother — with a level of determination and heart that still inspires me,” said Madison Ruth, M.S. ’22. “She didn’t just juggle OT school, lacrosse, work and motherhood — she fully showed up for each, always choosing grace and gratitude even when her plate was overflowing.”

Alyssa completed her final internship at Warm Springs Institute for Rehabilitation in Georgia and passed her occupational therapy board exam in Feb. 2023. She had accepted a full-time position and was preparing to begin her career when she passed away later that month at age 25.

Those who knew her describe a woman marked not only by work ethic and discipline, but by warmth and joy. She loved traveling, hiking outdoors and spending time with her brothers, Derrek and Ethan Sack ’22. She also loved to cook, and when she and Ethan were home from Lenoir-Rhyne, they often experimented with new recipes in the kitchen. In one favorite family memory, she and her mother filmed a playful “Carpool Karaoke” spoof with Alyssa channeling Cyndi Lauper — a reflection of the sense of humor and light she carried with her.

“She was very calm,” Ginger said. “Having a baby in her last year of schooling was demanding, but she met the challenge. Her faith in God brought her through it. Everything she went through, she relied on the Lord.”

That faith and resilience now shape the scholarship established in her name.

“I think she decided to be an occupational therapist to help people — so in her memory, we wanted to help someone else,” Frank said. “She worked hard to finance her education, waiting tables. To help someone else with their expenses would honor her and the work she put in. We wanted to do something positive with a situation that was heartbreaking. It helps us to know that she is still helping people through her memory.”

Today, Abigail, Alyssa’s young daughter, is surrounded by family — including her grandparents — and the same Lenoir-Rhyne friends and classmates who continue to share stories of her mother’s strength, faith and compassion. Through this scholarship, Alyssa’s commitment to lifting others up will continue shaping the lives of future occupational therapists — students who, like her, approach their calling with determination, grace and an unwavering desire to serve.

To help future occupational therapy students overcome unexpected obstacles and complete their degrees — continuing the kind of work Alyssa cared so deeply about — you may contribute to the scholarship here or contact Stephanie Roberts, director of annual giving, to discuss options for support.