Honouring our Students
Every year the School of Physical Therapy, thanks to the generosity of alumni and special friends of the School, honours many deserving students for their hard work and special talents at 2 ceremonies: Graduation and our Fall Awards Ceremony. Here are some of the messages we received from our students about what the awards mean to them!
The generosity of donors to the MPT program at the U of S made a significant impact on my education experience. The time-consuming nature of the MPT program prevented me from working as I focused on my studies. I had a large financial need in order to pay for tuition, books and living expenses. I was very fortunate to receive awards during my 2 years at the U of S that have greatly reduced my financial strain, helped with student loans, and ultimately assisted me in achieving my goal of becoming a physical therapist. I am truly grateful for the kindness and generosity of donors as I now have the privilege of working as a physical therapist in Swift Current Saskatchewan.
Recipient of the Arthritis Society Wallace Graham Memorial, Craven Sports Services, Arthritis Society Talmage E. Hunt Gold Medal
Marlyn Hermanson, 2010 MPT Graduate
Dear Award Donors,
I was very honored to receive the Ivan and Margaret Toutloff Bursary and the Elisa Rieder Memorial Award. This support has helped me fulfill my dream of becoming a Physical Therapist.
I was raised with my older sister on a farm east of Innisfail, Alberta. My parents farm and have purebred Maine-Anjou cattle. My father manages a heating and plumbing business in Red Deerand my mother works at home. I was a member of the Knee hill Valley 4-H Beef club for a number of years and I still enjoy showing my family’s cattle when I can. I also enjoy figure skating. I started figure skating when I was 3 and skated up until Grade 11 when I injured my ankle while skating and needed physiotherapy. It was through this experience of needing physiotherapy which made me realize how interesting an occupation it was.
Once done high school, I attended Red Deer College to obtain my Kinesiology Diploma. I finished my Bachelor of Science degree in Kinesiology at the beautiful University of Saskatchewan. I was delighted when I was accepted into the University’s Master of Physical Therapy Program. I am in my last year of completing this program. I look forward to giving a unique contribution to health care by promoting, restoring, and prolonging physical independence by enhancing patients’ functional capacity and encouraging them to assume responsibility for their own health.
The Physical Therapy Program is continuous schooling. Therefore, I attend school eleven months of the year. Unfortunately, it is very heavy and intense leaving no time to work without taking away from my studies. Living away from home has been an additional expense for me. It means a lot to have you donate to the program to help me and other students achieve our goal of becoming a Physical Therapist.
Sincerely, Alana Shannon, Master of Physical Therapy Student, Class of 2011
Receiving the Arthritis Society Entrance Award and D. Ronald Bell Arthritis Physical Therapy Student Award has been such an honor, and I feel so fortunate to be recognized amongst the many well-qualified applicants. The generosity of those at the Arthritis Society will go a long ways towards helping me financially and undoubtedly, the award itself is such an incredible inspiration for me to continue towards my goals in physical therapy. To the Awards Committee, and to all the wonderful members of the Arthritis Society that make this scholarship possible, I thank you again, with all sincerity.”
Sincerely, Jung Eun Choi, MPT Class of 2012
