When Nancy Sandoval arrived at Stanford in 1983, she knew she wanted to be a doctor. But no one in her family was a physician, and she had little exposure to the medical profession growing up. Then Sandoval met Ruby Mason, a counselor with the Undergraduate Advising Center. "She was sort of a cheerleader," recalls Sandoval, '87, MD '92. "When I said, 'Oh, my God, I'm not going to be able to do it,' she would say, 'Yes, you can. You have these good qualities.'" Sandoval is now a pediatric anesthesiologist at Oakland Children's Hospital.
Mason has been guiding would-be doctors at Stanford for more than 22 years. She helps freshmen choose classes and steers seniors through interviews. But she also serves as a surrogate parent -- letting students cry in her office when they stumble and celebrating with them when a thick envelope arrives. Mason's long tenure and loyal student following have made her something of a Stanford institution. In October, the recognition went beyond campus: the National Academic Advising Association honored her with an outstanding adviser award -- one of 15 given this year.
Mason's impact on her advisees extends beyond graduation day. She has attended some of their weddings at Memorial Church and kept in touch with many others for years. "Whenever they stop by or e-mail or write a card, I respond," Mason says.
Students and faculty returned the favor when her husband, Quenton, was diagnosed with leukemia in 1986 and died 14 months later. "The kids kind of came out of the walls in being sure I knew they were supportive," Mason remembers.
Now 73, Mason proudly wears a pin honoring her 30 years of service to Stanford (her first eight years were at the hospital). And she expects to stick around to guide another generation of students through the system. In other words: bring on the freshmen.
