BOLIVAR, Mo. – Southwest Baptist University doctor of physical therapy students were recognized with the top academic awards presented by the DPT program.
The “Bill Karl Service Award” is presented annually to a graduating Doctor of Physical Therapy student who demonstrates superlative service to the Lord, the profession of physical therapy and the University. The award is named as a memorial to Bill Karl, MPT ’98, the first recipient of this award, who died tragically after his graduation in 1998.
The 2019-2020 recipient is Richard Baldwin of Herculaneum, Mo.
“This is our top award given each year,” said Dr. Steven Lesh, department chair and professor of physical therapy. “As a program, we believe strongly that service to others is reflective of the helping nature that is physical therapy and reflective of our Christ-centered mission at the University.”
Seven DPT students were honored with the program’s top academic student awards: Aaron Anderson of Burnsville, Minn.; Julia Ashey of Canterbury, N.H.; Richard Baldwin of Herculaneum, Mo.; Paul LaPointe of Yorktown, Va.; Steven Owens of San Antonio; Trennon Roarty of Country Club, Mo.; and Bradley Tippin of Dallas.
“The demands and sacrifices of managing graduate physical therapy school are tremendous,” Lesh said. “These students receiving this award have demonstrated the ability to master all of the concepts and skills within the curriculum at an exceeding high level while balancing all of the demands in their lives outside of school.”
SBU will broadcast three Spring commencement ceremonies online at 10 a.m. to honor all associate, bachelor and graduate degree recipients. The ceremonies will be available for viewing simultaneously and also available for viewing for at least one year after May 16, 2020. Visit www.SBUniv.edu/academics/commencement/ for updates and more information about the ceremonies.
*Published: 5-11-2020