The University of Iowa Eight Over 80 Award

Anita Hockett (54GN) was an unstoppable hero in health care. A nurse manager most of her career, she opted out of retirement and into helping others.

Soon after leaving her hospital position in 1995, she assisted in opening Volunteers in Medicine (VIM), a free medical clinic near St. Charles, Missouri. In 1996, Hockett was appointed clinical director and remained in that role until her passing on April 13, 2025.

Hockett's career path began at age 7, when she assisted the doctor in caring for her baby sister who had contracted pneumonia. She became a registered nurse after graduating from Iowa, pausing briefly to focus on her children.

Following decades in pediatric and orthopedic departments, Hockett helped grow VIM to an unpaid staff of 49 nurses and doctors. Through their efforts, VIM has provided medical and mental health care to thousands of low income and uninsured adults.

Her achievements and leadership have been recognized frequently. She received the 2009 Lifetime Distinguished Service Humanitarian Award from the St. Charles Chamber of Commerce and a 2008 Lifetime Achievement Award at the Dove Awards for Women of Achievement in St. Charles County. In 2013, St. Andrews Senior Services named her an Ageless Remarkable St. Louisan. She also received the University of Iowa Distinguished Service Award in 2011.

In 2004, she and her husband, Frank (59BSE), established the Anita and Franklin Hockett College of Nursing Scholarship for Master of Science in nursing students. The couple also created the Franklin D. and Anita L. Hockett Engineering Scholarship in 2011. Hockett's kind, giving nature was always admired and appreciated.