On Saturday, October 21, 2023, the University of South Florida (USF) School of Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Sciences (SPTRS) celebrated the twenty-fifth anniversary of the school and fortieth anniversary of the athletic training program during a starlit gala at Mision Lago Estate. The gala was full of entertainment, networking, and great food and drink to not only celebrate the anniversaries, but also to raise funds for the school.
The gala kicked off with a cocktail hour in the courtyard, while an aerialist and contortionist showcased body movements, which are integral to physical therapy and athletic training. Guests also had the opportunity to bid at the silent auction, grab a picture with Rocky the Bull, and capture the moment with some fun group pictures at the photo booth. The main event of the evening was a plated dinner, which featured alumni awards, speeches, and a photo montage looking back over the years. Dr. Douglas Haladay, School Director and Associate Dean of Morsani College of Medicine kicked off the formal portion with a warm welcome and a few highlights of our accomplishments over the years. Dr. Donna Petersen, Sr. Associate VP USF Health and Dean of USF Health College of Public Health provided a welcome on behalf of USF Health but also shared her strong commitment and partnership to our school and academic programs.
The alumni recipients for each program were:
Physical Therapy:
- Outstanding New Professional: Delysia Davis – Physical Therapist, Lakeland Regional Health
- Leadership and Administration: Christine Alvero – Vice President Hospital Operations, Moffitt Cancer Center
- Clinical Excellence: Ginny Fox - Physical Therapist & SCCE BayCare St. Pete
- Service Award: Christopher Gai, Physical Therapy, PT Solutions
- Educator Award: Raine Osborne, Assistant Professor, University of North Florida
- Outstanding Research Award: Suzanne O’Neal – Associate Professor, Midwestern University
Athletic Training:
- Outstanding New Professional: Brittany Jones – Athletic Trainer, University of South Carolina
- Leadership and Administration: J. Ostia – Owner, Nexus Sports Medicine
- Clinical Excellence: Matthew Ramirez – Athletic Trainer, Orlando City
- Service Award: Raena Steffen – Athletic Trainer, U.S. Soccer Federation, Children’s Ortho & Scoliosis Surgery Associates, and PT Solutions.
- Educator Award: Erica Filep - Assistant Professor, Texas A&M University
- Outstanding Research Award: Ayami Yoshihara - Athletic Training Fellow, University of Michigan
A surprise during dinner was a special recognition for former USF President Betty Castor, who not only worked tirelessly to establish the school at USF but has been a strong supporter over the years. Dr. Haladay presented Betty with a new award established in her name, the Betty Castor Outstanding SPTRS Faculty and Staff Award. This award will be bestowed annually to a deserving SPTRS faculty and staff member to recognize their hard work and dedication to the school, programs, and overall success.
The last formal part of the gala was the announcement of our silent auction winners, which brought in over $4,300 to the gala. The evening concluded with some dancing, music, and more networking and conversations. The anniversary gala was not only a success in bringing together faculty, staff, students, alumni, and community partners but also brought in over $75,000 in gifts and donations to the school. Our success was due to several sponsors and partners whom we would like to thank and give well-deserved recognition below.
Sponsors:
Brooks Rehabilitation, CORA Physical Therapy, RDK Truck Sales, Tampa General Hospital, USF Health College of Nursing, USF Health Advancement and Development, TrueLearn, Nexus Sports Medicine, MedQuip, Select Physical Therapy, Florida Orthopaedic Institute, Fyzical Therapy and Balance Centers, Mision Lago Estate, SaltBlock Hospitality, TherapyEd, and Final Frontier.
Silent Auction Donors:
Tampa Bay Rays, New World Brewery, Toronto Blue Jays, World of Beer, Tampa Bay Sporting Clays, LoweGear, TB Buccaneers, HawkGrips, Grill & Provisions, WUSF, Heaven Hill Distillery, Water Oak, Hog Island Fish Camp, Olde Bay Café.