In addition to welcoming the incoming Class of 2027 and presenting them with their white coats, the Physical Therapy presented scholarships to more than a dozen students across the program during its fall ceremony. Those awards join a pair of scholarships presented during Commencement activities last spring.

The scholarships and recipients are:

Lewis and Violet Childers Memorial Scholarship recognizes students dedicated to providing care in rural settings. Two recipients were awarded renewed scholarships: Feather Wright, Class of 2025, and Latney Goodman, Class 2026. Jacob Barker, Class of 2027, is a first-time recipient.

A.D. Williams Awards were presented to one second- and one third-year student: Emily Piazza, Class of 2025, and Jack Riley, Class of 2026.

The Cindy Gouldin Memorial Scholarship, created by the 1987 alum’s family to honor students who demonstrate outstanding volunteer service, which was a hallmark of her life: Alex Maynor, Class of 2025, and Andrew Biegner, Class of 2026.

The M. Scott Sullivan Memorial Scholarship, which honors the former faculty colleague, recognizes a second-year student for involvement in the American Physical Therapy Association or Virginia Physical Therapy Association: Sara Burtner. 

The Barry Williams Memorial Scholarship honors the 2012 graduate, whose positive attitude and sense of humor brightened long days in the classroom and built camaraderie among classmates. The scholarship recognizes a second-year who exhibits those same qualities: Daryn Armstrong. 

Jules Rothstein Scholarships, named for an iconic and influential former PT faculty member, supports two third-year students who exhibit strong scholarship and professional leadership: Jessica Dixon and Caitlyn Conner.

The Marianne E. “Mac” McDonald Award honors a dedicated faculty member, who was known for her compassionate and caring personality - values that are demonstrated by a third-year student: Nada Youssef. 

The Marjorie Champion Salamone Award was established by the Class of 2002 to honor a classmate’s mother who died in the September 11 attack on the Pentagon. This award goes to a third-year student who emulates her values, specifically concern for others and a willingness to share time and talent to assist them: Daisha Wilson.

The Sue Hirt Leadership Award recognizes the contributions of a graduating student who served as a leader during the three-year DPT program and demonstrates promise as a future leader in the profession: Morgan Harper, Class of 2024.

The Terry Wise Memorial Scholarship, named for a PT alum and Washington, D.C.-based practitioner, honors a graduating student who demonstrates outstanding clinical competence: Gates Towell, Class of 2024.