Thirty-eight Doctor of Physical Therapy students stood tall and proud in the Pope Convocation Center on Saturday, December 18 as they waited to walk across the stage to be recognized for reaching the end of their educational journey. The sixth graduating class overcame many challenges during the past two years and were celebrated the day before graduation with a Convocation Ceremony in Hobson Performance Center, where they received their hoods and were awarded honors.
Jason Harloff (PT, MSPT, AT-RET), adjunct faculty member with the DPT program, provided the convocation address. He offered words to encourage, inspire and motivate the students.
2021 Student Award recipients:
- The Clinical Excellence Award: Ashton Grimm
- The Leadership Award: McKinley Pollock
- The Dr. Angela Griffin Community Service Memorial Award: Monique Jones
- The Academic Excellence Award: Katherine Moffitt and Ryan Swiezy
Awards
The Clinical Excellence Award
Purpose: To recognize a graduating DPT student who has demonstrated significant improvement or consistent qualities of clinical excellence through professionalism, clinical skills, and commitment to promoting the physical therapy profession. Criteria for selection includes successful integration of didactic knowledge into clinical practice, feedback from clinical instructors related to outstanding professional behaviors, commitment to the mission of the DPT Program through rural-based clinical activities, interprofessional activities, compassionate patient centered care, and demonstrated clinical performance to elevate the practice of physical therapy including use of EBM and advocacy such as participation in the Pro Bono Clinic or Farm Worker’s Clinic.
The Leadership Award
Purpose: To recognize a graduating DPT student who demonstrates exemplary leadership qualities. This person performs established and innovative methods in the delivery of patient care, initiates involvement in community service, charities and events, and develops relationships in professional organizations locally and nationally.
The Dr. Angela Griffin Community Service Memorial Award
Purpose: To recognize a DPT student who, in the spirit of Dr. Griffin, served with a generous heart to improve the well-being of members of the community. It is meant to honor the characteristics embodied by Dr. Griffin and found to be present in the recipient: regard and respect for those in need; compassion for others; empowerment through the sharing of knowledge; and initiative and effort on behalf of the underserved. This award recognizes a student who demonstrates outstanding community service beyond the academic requirements of the program, recognizes a community need and creates a solution, demonstrates a cooperative attitude toward community members and leaders, and performs activities in keeping with the core values of the profession. The recipient, in his or her service to others, exemplifies Christian character as a Campbell ambassador.
The Academic Excellence Award
Purpose: To recognize a graduating DPT student for outstanding academic achievement in coursework completed during the Doctor of Physical Therapy program. This graduating student has also shown a commitment to lifelong learning and to fostering learning in others.
