For and With Others Physical Therapy Student Association (PTSA) Scholarship

The SLU Physical Therapy Student Association (PTSA) recently introduced the For and With Others PTSA Scholarship. This scholarship is to benefit a student in financial need from a historically underrepresented community or first-generation college student in the Program in Physical Therapy entering their second or third professional year. Fund will be administered by the Program in Physical Therapy Student Affairs Committee. If you have any questions, please contact Jill Fitzgerald at 314-977-8756 or jill.fitzgerald@health.slu.edu.

The alumna who helped make the For and With Others PTSA Scholarship possible was SLU PT Class of 1988 alumna Barbara Jacobsmeyer. Jacobsmeyer serves as the Executive Vice President and the President of Inpatient Hospitals at Encompass Health Corporation.

Our current students from PTSA and Ms. Jacobsmeyer explain in more detail what the scholarship means to them in this recent article published by Saint Louis University.

Students can apply for the scholarship here: https://slu.academicworks.com/opportunities/17380

Learn more about our student scholarships on the Saint Louis University Doisy College of Health Sciences website: https://www.slu.edu/doisy/about/scholarships-for-current-students.php

If you wish to support this student scholarship or others, please visit the Saint Louis University Giving Page: https://giving.slu.edu/doisy

PTSA Executive Board 2022

Introducing the 2021-22 PTSA Executive Board

Name: Jemma Kim

Year: PY2

Position: President

Spirit Animal: Otter <3

Hometown: Lake Zurich, Illinois

Favorite Food: Gumbo :)

Favorite Holiday: Mother's Day!! (my mom is one of my biggest role models)

Why PT? I fell in love with PT when I was diagnosed with scoliosis in middle school and my PT made 6AM so enjoyable with how warm and inviting the entire clinic was. I love the different specialties and ways that you can branch out with PT!

Name: Kalynn Clearwater

Year: Senior/PY1

Position: Secretary

Spirit Animal: Lion

Hometown: Springfield, IL

Favorite Food: Pasta - any kind

Favorite Holiday: Christmas

Why PT? Helping people get back to their daily living is an amazing site to see and every milestone in between!

Name: Selena Mueller

Year: Junior

Position: Secretary

Spirit Animal: Triceratops

Hometown: Glen Ellyn, IL

Favorite Food: Sushi

Favorite Holiday: Halloween

Why PT? I want to become a physical therapist because I want to be a positive aspect of my patient's healing journeys. Physical therapists contribute so much to not only the physical aspect of healing, but the mental. I am excited to be part of the process of alleviating people's pain and helping people gain a higher quality of life!

Name: Kristi Orthober

Year: PY2

Position: VP of Programming

Spirit Animal: Dolphin

Hometown: Milwaukee, WI

Favorite Food: Potatoes

Favorite Holiday: Christmas

Why PT? I want to become a PT because I am passionate about working with people to improve their health and daily function so they can have the best quality of life possible.

Name: Alex Suellentrop

Year: PY2

Position: VP of Programming

Spirit Animal: Elephant

Hometown: Parker, CO

Favorite Food: Fried Pickles

Favorite Holiday: Thanksgiving

Why PT? I want to become a PT to be able to help others regain independence - something that is so easy to take for granted in our daily lives.

Name: Andrea Buschkoetter

Year: PY2

Position: VP of Service

Spirit Animal: Monkey

Hometown: Lake Saint Louis, MO

Favorite Food: Lasagna

Favorite Holiday: Christmas (I love baking cookies and sitting around a campfire with my fam)

Why PT? I used to go to physical therapy when I was younger for various gymnastics injuries. In high school, I thought that I might enjoy it as a career, so I shadowed a PT and loved what they did. PT made a huge impact in my life to help me do what I love, and I hope to do the same for my future patients!

Name: Michael Weiss

Year: Sophomore

Position: VP of Service

Spirit Animal: Polar Bear

Hometown: St. Louis

Favorite Food: Pizza Rolls

Favorite Holiday: Christmas

Why PT? Help people heal injuries

Name: Abby Hanselman

Year: Senior/PY1

Position: VP of Philanthropy

Spirit Animal: Puffin

Hometown: St. Charles, IL

Favorite Food: Sweet potato fries

Favorite Holiday: Thanksgiving

Why PT? I love outdoor recreation: hiking, paddle boarding, rock climbing, etc. I acknowledge and appreciate my body's ability to partake in these activities that bring me joy. So, I wanted to become a physical therapist to ensure others are able to participate in the activities that make their lives meaningful, too.

Name: Delaney Walker

Year: Junior

Position: VP of Philanthropy

Spirit Animal: Cat

Hometown: Quincy, IL

Favorite Food: Pasta

Favorite Holiday: Halloween

Why PT? I wanted to become a PT after having experienced physical therapy twice when I broke both my ankles (not both at the same time) playing soccer. It was really interesting to see my progress in little things like being able to jump on one foot again or see those around me learn how to walk again. Also, multiple people have been affected positively by physical therapy, so I hope to make that impact one day.

Name: Kalie Sommerfeld

Year: Senior/PY1

Position: VP of Mental Health and Wellness

Spirit Animal: a turtle!

Hometown: Cleveland, Ohio

Favorite Food: Ice Cream

Favorite Holiday: Christmas

Why PT? I was in PT in high school for a long time due to a series of running injuries and my PT was so incredible and after being told that maybe I should give up running, she helped me get back into it safely, and I decided in that moment that I wanted to be able to help people like she helped me!

Name: Elizabeth Beffa

Year: Junior

Position: VP of Mental Health and Wellness

Spirit Animal: Giraffe

Hometown: Hillsboro, MO

Favorite Food: Mashed Potatoes

Favorite Holiday: Thanksgiving

Why PT? I love helping people and I saw how PT’s had an impact on my family and I loved how they made such a big difference in a small way sometimes.

Name: Erin Hmiel

Year: Junior

Position: VP of Alumni Relations

Spirit Animal: Deer

Hometown: Cumberland, Rhode Island

Favorite Food: Bread

Favorite Holiday: Christmas

Why PT? Because I can make a physical change in people's lives, helping them for the better! And anatomy is cool.

Name: Noah Cutter

Year: Sophomore

Position: VP of Alumni Relations

Spirit Animal: Turtle

Hometown: O’Fallon, Illinois

Favorite Food: Fresh Gatherings Breakfast Burritos (specifically the chorizo ones)

Favorite Holiday: Thanksgiving

Why PT? I slipped a disk in middle school and went through 8 months of PT. I had too much fun and I’ve been set on being a PT since!

Name: Catherine Potter

Year: Sophomore

Position: VP of Fundraising

Spirit Animal: Polar Bear

Hometown: Saint Louis, MO

Favorite Food: Chicken Alfredo

Favorite Holiday: Christmas

Why PT? I wanted to have a career where I could interact with people all day rather than sitting behind a desk, and the human body is very fascinating to me.

Name: Nicole Marco

Year: Sophomore

Position: Treasurer

Spirit Animal: Octopus

Hometown: Ada, Michigan

Favorite Food: Eggs

Favorite Holiday: 4th of July

Why PT? I like being able to help people and want to work in a medical setting. I also like the idea of working in a constantly changing environment.

Name: Lexi Sims

Year: Freshman

Position: VP of DEI

Spirit Animal: Alpaca

Hometown: Kansas City

Favorite Food: Bread

Favorite Holiday: Christmas

Why PT? I want to become a PT because I love the human body and want to help people maximize their abilities. Whether it be recovering from an injury, surgery, or an illness, movement is such a privilege and I want to help people get that to the best of their abilities.

2022 Irma Ruebling Distinguished Speaker Series

Join the Saint Louis University Program in Physical Therapy for the annual Irma Ruebling Distinguished Speaker Series:

Innovative Approaches to Optimize Performance 

in the Real World in Persons with Neurological Conditions

presented by

Terry Ellis, Ph.D., PT, NCS 

Dr. Ellis is an Associate Professor at Boston University, College of Health & Rehabilitation Sciences: Sargent College in the Department of Physical Therapy & Athletic Training. Her research focuses on investigating the impact of exercise and rehabilitation on the progression of disability in individuals with Parkinson's disease.

Dr. Ellis is also the Director of the Center for Neurorehabilitation at Boston University where she conducts research, provides clinical consultations and education to healthcare professionals and to persons with neurological disorders. Dr. Ellis also directs the American Parkinson Disease Association National Rehabilitation Resource Center housed at Boston University and teaches examination and treatment of patients with neurological disorders. In addition, Dr. Ellis is a board-certified specialist in Neurologic Physical Therapy. She has published numerous articles and lectures internationally on topics related to rehabilitation in persons with Parkinson's disease.

This event is complimentary but registration is required to receive the event link. Please register by March 22.

If you are having troubles accessing the registration site, you can copy and paste this link into your search bar: https://alumni.slu.edu/ruebling22

Cheryl L. Cavallo Endowed Memorial Fund

The Cheryl L. Cavallo Endowed Memorial Fund is for upcoming professional year III students in the Physical Therapy program. Applicants must have a 2.7 GPA or higher and a desire to participate in healthcare-related domestic or international mission trips.

Dr. Cheryl Cavallo received her bachelor's, master's, and doctorate degrees from Saint Louis University and was a member of the faculty for 32 years, retiring in 2011. During her tenure, she received multiple awards for teaching and service. Cheryl participated in mission trips to Haiti and El Salvador and was extremely passionate about student involvement in service trips. Cheryl truly saw her profession as a gift because she could serve other people. 

The Cheryl Cavallo Memorial Scholarship was established to reflect Cheryl's passion and lifetime commitment to the education of her students and their preparation in the Jesuit tradition to become men and women for others. She served as the faculty mentor for the Program in Physical Therapy Student Council (now the Physical Therapy Student Association) for 22 years and tirelessly coordinated the Hustle for Your Health 5K event for 11 years. She lived the Jesuit mission every day by giving back to those less fortunate. 

The purpose of this award is to assist physical therapy students in their upcoming PY III year who have the same desire to participate in healthcare-related domestic or international mission trips. International trips must have a focus on healthcare. Belize clinical placement will count towards your eligibility.  Please note that the number and dollar amount of scholarships given will vary.  If you have questions about this scholarship, please contact Jill Fitzgerald at 314-977-8756 or jill.fitzgerald@health.slu.edu.

Students can apply for the scholarship here: https://slu.academicworks.com/opportunities/17667

Learn more about our student scholarships on the Saint Louis University Doisy College of Health Sciences website: https://www.slu.edu/doisy/about/scholarships-for-current-students.php

If you wish to support this student scholarship or others, please visit the Saint Louis University Giving Page: https://giving.slu.edu/doisy

Carolyn Gioia Memorial Scholarship

Carolyn Gioia was a 1949 graduate of Saint Louis University's Program in Physical Therapy. Carolyn was always mindful of and generous to the poor, the needy, and the underserved of society.  She worked as a dedicated physical therapist for 45 years and actively participated in various international and national physical therapy organizations. Carolyn was a life-long supporter of Saint Louis University - Go Billikens! She was a member of the Saint Louis University 1818 & DuBourg Society, two giving societies recognizing those that give generously to the University. Carolyn established the Carolyn Gioia Memorial Scholarship to support physical therapy students.  The first scholarships were granted in 2019.

The scholarship is available to professional phase Physical Therapy students.  Students must have a 2.7 GPA or higher and demonstrate financial need.  Preference will be made first to students with a physical disability, then to students going into their PYII or PYIII year of the program.  Please note that the number and dollar amount of scholarships given will vary.  For questions regarding this scholarship, please contact Jill Fitzgerald at  jill.fitzgerald@health.slu.edu or 314-977-8756.

Students can apply for the scholarship here: https://slu.academicworks.com/opportunities/17663

Learn more about our student scholarships on the Saint Louis University Doisy College of Health Sciences website: https://www.slu.edu/doisy/about/scholarships-for-current-students.php

If you wish to support this student scholarship or others, please visit the Saint Louis University Giving Page: https://giving.slu.edu/doisy

Sister Mary Imelda Pingel Scholarship

Sister Mary Imelda Pingel (1911-2006), a member of the Franciscan Sisters of Mary, became the director of the physical therapy department in 1943 after pursuing clinical work at Firmin Desloge Hospital (now Saint Louis University Hospital), where she treated polio patients and opened a cerebral palsy and rehabilitation center. She earned a bachelor’s degree in physical therapy in 1942 and a master’s degree in education in 1969, both from Saint Louis University.

In honor of Sister Imelda Pingel, the Chairperson of the Department of Physical Therapy from 1943-1977, a scholarship fund was created in 1983 through generous contributions by alumni and friends.  The Pingel Scholarships are awarded to selected Doctor of Physical Therapy students to assist in their PY II or PY III year. The decisions for the awards will be based on financial needs and academic records.  Your annual Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is one tool used to determine need.  This information must be on file with the SLU Financial Aid office to be considered for an award.  Please note that the number and dollar amount of scholarships given will vary. If you have any questions, please contact Jill Fitzgerald at 314-977-8756 or jill.fitzgerald@health.slu.edu.

Students can apply for the scholarship here: https://slu.academicworks.com/opportunities/17661

Learn more about our student scholarships on the Saint Louis University Doisy College of Health Sciences website: https://www.slu.edu/doisy/about/scholarships-for-current-students.php

If you wish to support this student scholarship or others, please visit the Saint Louis University Giving Page: https://giving.slu.edu/doisy

Dr. Peter D. Mosher Endowed Memorial Scholarship

The Dr. Peter D. Mosher Endowed Memorial Scholarship is inspired by the example and life of Dr. Peter D. Mosher (1981-2013) who received his DPT from SLU in 2006. Dr. Mosher excelled in all facets of his education and was greatly respected and admired by fellow students and colleagues. He devoted his life to the service of others, including as an energetic educator and compassionate physical therapist. Because Pete’s passion for social justice was the motivating force throughout every facet of his life, it was his great desire for his students to practice their profession among those who are underserved. This award was established to defray costs for physical therapy students who choose a clinical experience that fulfills this goal.

This scholarship carries forward his enduring passion for the clinical component of physical therapist education and his vision that physical therapy students should seek clinical experiences that explore and extend their horizons, challenge themselves, and serve the under-served. This scholarship is for students in the Program in Physical Therapy entering PY III year for next academic year and placed in a clinical setting over the upcoming summer or during PYIII spring that would be considered as serving the underserved.  Preference is given to students serving outside of the St. Louis area.  Eligible students must have a minimum of 2.7 GPA. Please note that the number and dollar amount of scholarships given will vary.  If you have questions about this scholarship, please contact Jill Fitzgerald at 314-977-8756 or jill.fitzgerald@health.slu.edu.

Students can apply for the scholarship here: https://slu.academicworks.com/opportunities/17665

Learn more about our student scholarships on the Saint Louis University Doisy College of Health Sciences website: https://www.slu.edu/doisy/about/scholarships-for-current-students.php

If you wish to support this student scholarship or others, please visit the Saint Louis University Giving Page: https://giving.slu.edu/doisy

Theresa Bernsen Endowed Memorial Award

Professor Theresa Bernsen (1965-2010) was a passionate advocate for physical therapy students. This award is a testament to Theresa’s commitment to excellence in education and practice.  Since 2018, this award has been designated for students in the post-baccalaureate portion of the Program in Physical Therapy who are first-generation students.

This scholarship will support a student in physical therapy entering their PY II or PY III year who exemplifies academic integrity and effort as did Theresa Bernsen. Theresa Bernsen was among the first Honors Student Program graduates in Physical Therapy and joined the PT faculty as a lab assistant in 1991. Theresa was the first member of her family to graduate with a college degree. 

Eligible applicants must have a declared major in Physical Therapy and be considered a first-generation college student (your parents did not earn a college degree).  Applicants must have a minimum cumulative undergraduate or post-bac GPA of 2.7. Your annual Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is one tool used to determine need. This information must be on file with the SLU Financial Aid office to be considered for an award. Please note the number and dollar amount of scholarships will vary.  If you have any questions, please contact Jill Fitzgerald at 314-977-8756 or jill.fitzgerald@health.slu.edu.

Students can apply for the scholarship here: https://slu.academicworks.com/opportunities/17669

Learn more about our student scholarships on the Saint Louis University Doisy College of Health Sciences website: https://www.slu.edu/doisy/about/scholarships-for-current-students.php

If you wish to support this student scholarship or others, please visit the Saint Louis University Giving Page: https://giving.slu.edu/doisy