Daemen University Physical Therapy Research Symposium
Saturday, December 7, 2024
Spring/Summer 2024 Edition
Class of 2023 Department of Physical Therapy Award Winners
This award is in honor of our founding director Dr. Richard Schweichler and is given to the student who earned the highest GPA in the professional-phase of the DPT program, along with demonstrating contributions to the department, university, and community.
This award is given annually to a graduating DPT student who has demonstrated significant academic achievement, contributed in the classroom and clinic, as well as demonstrated service to the department, university, and community.
This award recognizes a hardworking student who has demonstrated significant leadership within our Student Physical Therapy Association (SPTA) in the role as student liaison to the Western District of the NYPTA.
Physical Therapy Charity Gala Supports Greater Buffalo Adaptive Sports
The charity gala was started in 2006 as an initiative by the Physical Therapy Department and Daemen’s Student Physical Therapy Association to pursue the program’s mission and commitment to serving the community.
Each year, the students vote on a charity organization with a physical therapy related mission as the recipient for the gala’s proceeds.
On April 22, 2023, the 15th annual Daemen PT Gala was held to benefit Greater Buffalo Adaptive Sports. Greater Buffalo Adaptive Sports, formerly known as the sled hockey foundation, is an organization that was formed to provide adults and children with physical, developmental, and intellectual disabilities with the opportunity to participate in sports, make friends, and grow. Currently, they offer a variety of programs including lacrosse, sled hockey, tennis, and curling.
Thanks to the tremendous effort and commitment of the students, a total of $7,205.95 was raised for the charity.
Another important element of the Daemen PT Gala has been honoring esteemed clinicians who have achieved and excelled in the field of physical therapy. Three clinicians were awarded: Christy Martin ’12, PT, DPT, named Outstanding Clinical Educator; Jessica Jenney ’09, PT, DPT, named Esteemed Alumnus; and Jeremy Voorhees ’00, PT, CCS, CCRP, named Community Leader.
Breast Cancer Awareness Fundraiser
Daemen University’s Student Physical Therapy Association (SPTA) Community Service Committee held a breast cancer awareness event on Saturday October 28, 2023.
The event was created to raise awareness and money for the Breast Cancer Network of WNY (BCNWNY), an organization that assists the wellbeing of those who have been affected by breast cancer through support groups, educational programs, and restorative health classes.
The SPTA held various opportunities to raise money the week leading up to October 28. They designed pink t-shirts and sold them to benefit the BCNWNY and were worn throughout the week to raise awareness of breast cancer. There was a dress-up spirit week which included all three professional phase classes. If students wanted to participate in the dress-up days, they were asked to make a donation. Another opportunity to raise money was a volleyball tournament which featured a team of students and faculty as well.
During the event, there was a chili cookoff where physical therapy professors made chili and the students got to vote on their favorite.
Overall this event was a huge success and Daemen’s SPTA Community Service Committee raised $700 to be given to the Breast Cancer Network of WNY.
Parkinson’s Moving Day
On Saturday, September 23, 2023, Daemen Physical Therapy students and faculty volunteered at the Moving Day Buffalo event for the Parkinson’s Foundation.
Students were able to serve as route guides for the walk, teach the community about Parkinson’s disease, and even help to lead a warm-up before the walk. This event was a huge success, raising both awareness and over $114,000 for the Parkinson’s community.
Daemen DPT Class of 2024 Student Athletes
The Daemen PT Class of 2024 left their mark in the classroom and on the court and playing fields. At Daemen, our students have the opportunity to compete in NCAA Division II Athletics while obtaining their DPT. Eight of the graduating students competed for two or more years while in the Daemen PT Program. Five of these students earned the designation of team captain.
We asked these students to share some of their favorite memories as a Daemen PT student athlete.
How did playing sports during college help you grow?
“My time as a student athlete improved my time management abilities and overall communication skills as I interacted with coaches, teammates who were both local and foreign, other Daemen faculty who worked in and around athletics, and anity individuals we encountered while traveling.”
“It taught me effective communication, how to work as a team, and to celebrate both wins and losses.”
“Being an active member of an athletics team in college played an immeasurable role in my growth. I learned how to be resilient, manage my time, and be consistent. Being a student athlete means more than just showing up and completing a routine. It means showing up for your teammates and pushing them in addition to working on getting yourself stronger.”
“It taught me the importance of what it means to be a teammate and a friend and how to show up and support the people around you. It also taught me perseverance. When things in games or practices didn't go my way, as the years went on, I learned how to not get defeated and to always try again.”
What was your favorite memory from Daemen Athletics?
“My favorite memory was competing with my team when the game was really close. It made our team very close and created a bond of trust. The amount of support and excitement with each shot was exhilarating and made each tournament fun and exciting.”
“My favorite memory from Daemen Athletics would have to be when our head coach Dan Dolan called me into his office and told me I was named team captain. It was one of the greatest honors of my life. I felt so lucky to be able to lead such an amazing team and represent such an honorable program.”
What would you say to students considering playing sports and being a part of the Daemen PT Program?
“I would say keep academics at the forefront in terms of importance. Having an open line of communication with your coach and professors will yield the best results. It can be done even though it won’t always be easy.”
“I would highly recommend playing a sport and becoming a part of the Daemen PT program. It provides you the perfect opportunity to compete at the NCAA Division II level, while also getting a high quality education.”
“Playing collegiate men's volleyball at Daemen University has been the best decision I have ever made. Collegiate athletics has kept me involved institutionally and in the community. I can confidently say that I would not be the person or student I am today without Daemen University Men's Volleyball.”
