The University of South Florida School of Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Sciences (SPTRS) celebrated 68 graduates during its annual combined graduation ceremony, welcoming 48 Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) graduates and 20 Masters of Science Athletic Training (MSAT) graduates from the Class of 2025.
"This is an exhilarating moment, not just for the graduates, but for our school as well," said Dr. Doug Haladay. The ceremony marked the third year of the combined celebration, highlighting both professions' contributions to healthcare and their shared commitment to movement sciences.
Program Excellence
The graduation showcased continued program achievements:
· DPT program maintains Top 50 national ranking according to US News & World Report
· Record $59,000 awarded in student scholarships this year
· Program outcomes continue to exceed national averages for pass rates and employment
· Both programs offer among the lowest tuition rates nationally
Distinguished Award Recipients
Doctor of Physical Therapy Awards:
· Dr. Laura Lee "Dolly" Swisher Ethical and Professional Leadership Award: Karissa Olsen, recognized for outstanding professionalism and leadership
· Dr. Catherine Page Award for Clinical Education Excellence: Emma Dodd, selected for exceptional clinical skills
· Outstanding Capstone Research Project: Christian Najjar, Jake Schlenoff, Jacquelyn Bouffard, and Kaitlyn Jesionowski with faculty advisor Dr. Irene Davis
Seven students were inducted into the ACAPT National Physical Therapy Student Honor Society: Donna Zheng, Jaimy Wenhold, Jarrett Dutton, Allison Dransfield, Danielle Amoruso, Whitney Herd, and Karissa Olsen.
The National Physical Therapy Student Honor Society was established by ACAPT in 2018 to recognize current Doctor of Physical Therapist students who:
- Demonstrate excellence, integrity, and professionalism in areas of:academic achievement (top 25%),
- Leadership,
- Service or research, and
- Demonstrate strong moral character, ethics and the core values of the PT profession.
We are proud to have been inducting students for several years now, and now even give out cords for students to wear at USF Commencement signifying their induction to this prestigios society.
Athletic Training Program Awards:
· Student Service Award: Rya Epps, recognized for going above and beyond in service to both the program and profession
· Student Leadership Award: Melina Madden, voted by peers as an outstanding student-leader
· Director's Award: Valentina De Figueiredo, selected by faculty for academic performance, service, leadership, and professionalism
· Jhanae Ingraham Memorial Perseverance Award: De'Ja Wimbush, honoring a student who exemplifies passion, commitment, and determination while maintaining a positive attitude
· Athletic Training Program Service Award: Steve Walz, Director USF Athletics Sports Medicine
Betty Castor Outstanding Faculty and Staff Award
Started in 2023, this award allows the department to annually recognize a faculty member and staff member who have gone above and beyond the past year. The award honors our former USF president, Betty Castor and the outstanding legacy she has left at USF and within our department. The award nominees are made by SPTRS faculty, staff, and students, and then selected by Dr. Haladay, School Director and MCOM Associate Dean.
2024 Faculty - Deidra Russell, Assistant Professor DPT Program
2024 Staff - Rebecca Miro, PhD, Unit Research Administrator
USF Health Recognition:
· Student Leader of the Year: Rachel Carter (AT) and Whitney Davis (DPT)
· Spirit Award: Theoni Chitty (AT) and Jake Schlenoff (DPT)
A SPTRS First: Honorary DOG-torate Degree
In an unprecedented moment, Bo Jesionowski was awarded an honorary USF SPTRS DOG-torate degree. Bo faithfully attended nearly every lecture and lab alongside his human, Kaitlyn Jesionowski, providing support to the entire cohort throughout their rigorous program.
"We would be remiss if we did not recognize someone who provided emotional support to many in the cohort," noted Dr. Melissa Lazinski during the ceremony. This historic recognition welcomes Bo to a league of his own, even with a full hand/paw shake with Dr. Haladay.
Class Gifts
Both graduating classes presented meaningful gifts to honor their faculty and leave a lasting legacy:
· DPT Class of 2025: Presented a commemorative gift to the school and program leadership consisting of a vestibular model of the inner ear.
· Athletic Training Class of 2025: Gifted a class composite and individual appreciation gifts to faculty members
Moving Forward
As graduates join an alumni network of over 1,400 professionals, they begin careers equipped with knowledge and values from their USF Health education.
"Remember that you're always a part of the USF SPTRS family, and we're here to support you every step of the way," Haladay told the graduates, emphasizing the boundless opportunities ahead in their respective fields.