On a cold January morning in 2014, the first students enrolled in Campbell’s new Doctor of Physical Therapy program gathered in a remodeled Carrie Rich Hall. University administration addressed the new class that morning and urged them to distinguish themselves and the program early on.
Quickly adjusting to the rigorous course load, the inaugural class found volunteer opportunities at local nursing homes and rehabilitation facilities and ways to encourage active lifestyles in schools.
The tight-knit group was often found outside – from faculty-led yoga sessions to Frisbee during breaks. They even celebrated their last day of classes with a faculty vs. student water balloon fight.
Even though it looked like fun and games, the group spent countless hours in lab simulating the work they would be doing on clinical rotations and in practice after graduation.
A lot of things have changed since that morning. Campbell installed a new president, the College of Pharmacy & Health Sciences welcomed a new dean, and the physical therapy program relocated to its new building on the Health Sciences Campus. The passion this class has for changing lives through compassionate and dedicated patient care is one thing that has remained the same. Congratulations to the Doctor of Physical Therapy Class of 2016!
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