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Physical Therapy Alumni Association

The Northwestern University Physical Therapy Alumni Association facilitates a collegial relationship among our physical therapy graduates and promotes continued interest in, communication with and support of physical therapy education programs at Northwestern University. Our mission is to inspire NUPTHMS alumni intellectually, socially and professionally through programs that foster curiosity, connection, advocacy and growth. We cultivate lifelong relationships, inspire continuous learning and connect our diverse alumni network by fostering a vibrant and inclusive community. Learn more about our work and get in touch.

Stay Connected

Interested in staying in touch with us and your fellow alumni? Follow us on social media or connect with us through our quarterly newsletter.

Celebrating Alumni

Board of Directors

alumni board of directors posing for a photo

Our Alumni Association Board of Directors serves as the official voice of the association and liases between alumni and the Department of Physical Therapy & Human Movement Sciences.

Executive Committee: President - Beth Amoroso (‘05), Vice President - Suzanne Semanson (‘06)

Members: Kathryn Brito (‘18), Suzie Coleman (‘95), Jon Go (‘12), Cathy Irwin (‘85), Aleks Kerzee-Stamatelopoulos (‘10), Teri Jo Lientz (‘95), Margot McCloy (‘06), Jean Rogers (‘71), Clay Schewe (‘14), Keyra Thurn (‘18), Sally Edelsberg (Honorary Member), Aben Cooper (‘95 - Immediate Past President)

 

PTHMS award winnersAlumni Awards

The following awards celebrate and recognize the achievements of our distinguished alumni.

To nominate an alumnus for consideration:

  1. Fill out the award nomination form.
  2. Share the nominee's curriculum vitae and two letters of recommendations to emily.becker@northwestern.edu.

 

Alum of the Year

Recognizes an alum who has made significant contributions to the profession of Physical Therapy.

headshot of winner Andrea Zujko

Current Winner (2023): Andrea Zujko (Class of ’02)
Pronouns: She/her

Bio: Andrea Zujko is this year's recipient of the NUPTHMS Alumnus of the Year Award. Andrea Zujko PT, DPT, OCS, COMT is a licensed and board-certified physical therapist, certified Pilates Instructor, and educator in the Dance Medicine field. Andrea graduated with her Doctor of Physical Therapy degree from Northwestern University in 2002. Post-graduation, Andrea received her COMT certification from NAIOMT in 2010 and became an Orthopedic Certified Specialist (OCS) through ABPTS in 2013. 

In 2002, Andrea joined Westside Dance Physical Therapy (WSDPT) where she is currently a senior physical therapist and the clinic manager of the practice. As part of her work, Andrea treats dancers with the New York City Ballet and the School of American Ballet. 

In 2012, Andrea became an adjunct professor and onsite PT with the Tisch School of the Arts Dance Department at NYU. In addition to providing onsite PT care and Pilates instruction, Andrea is currently teaching functional anatomy classes to the BFA dance majors. 

Since 2008, Andrea started teaching continuing education coursework through her involvement with WSDPT’s Dance Medicine Practicum. In 2018, she was recruited by Johns Hopkins Hospital to teach this program as part of the didactic portion of their Performing Arts Fellowship Program as well as a continuing education offering to healthcare professionals. In 2020, she decided to create the Dance Medicine Education Initiative, a new collaborative and comprehensive education company devoted to the assessment and treatment of dancers' bodies. 


Award Description: A Physical Therapist who has earned a degree (including certificate, BS, MPT, MS, DPT, PhD, etc.) from Northwestern University Department of Physical Therapy and Human Movement Sciences and has made and/or continues to make contributions to the profession of Physical Therapy. This may occur in a variety of ways and the nominee may contribute to the physical therapy program by means of:

  • Teaching (e.g. guest lecturer, TA, member of panel discussions, etc.)
  • Promoting the University program (e.g. liaison for admissions/interviewing potential candidates, assisting at job fairs and/or career nights at area schools)
  • Participation in Clinical Education (serving as clinical instructor or CCCE, mentoring students)
  • Promoting the Alumni Association (e.g. member of the Board of Directors, class representative, committee member)
  • Upholding the values and ideals of NUPTHMS through their contributions to the profession throughout their career

A good candidate will also have made meaningful contributions to the APTA nationally, as well as in their state chapter.

Nominees who promote the NUPT Alumni Association (e.g. member of the Board of Directors, class representative, committee member) or contribute directly to NUPT will be given weighted consideration.

Previous Recipients: 2022: Jennifer Gilbertson ('87), 2021: David Wessells (’99), 2020: Mark Hunter Hall (’97), 2019: Jean Kestner (’87), 2017: Paula Goga Eppenstein (’92), 2016: Rachel Tappan (’96), 2015: Bill Healey (’93), 2014: Joe Farrell (’76)

Community & Societal Impact Award

Recognizes leadership in community engagement, health equity and societal change.

Inaugural Winner (2025): yet to be announced


Award Description: The Community and Societal Impact Award honors a Northwestern University DPT graduate who has made significant contributions to community health, societal well-being, and advancing equity in rehabilitation and healthcare access. This award recognizes individuals who demonstrate leadership in service, advocacy, mentorship, and research, working to create sustainable and meaningful change in their communities and the profession.

Eligiable nominees will have demonstrated outstanding contributions in one or more of the following areas:

  • Public Health & Community Outreach- Creating initiatives that improve health education, rehabilitation awareness, and patient care access in underserved or marginalized populations.
  • Health Equity & Access Expansion- Advocating for equity in healthcare policies, rehabilitation services, and professional workforce in physical therapy.
  • Service to Underserved Populations- Engaging in pro bono services, disaster relief, humanitarian work, or expanding care for vulnerable groups.
  • Education & Workforce Development- Mentoring and training students, clinicians, and faculty to advance health equity practices.
  • Interdisciplinary Collaboration for Societal Impact- Partnering with healthcare systems, public health organizations, and policymakers to address barriers to rehabilitation and wellness.

Why this award matters: it recognizes leaders who use their expertise in physical therapy to make a lasting impact on communities, healthcare systems, and public policy.

We would like to recognize previous recipients of two former awards that have been combined to create the Community & Societal Impact Award: 2023: Lee Ryder ('18), Tasha Weatherspoon ('98), 2022: Dawn Brown ('99), 2021: Karin Schumacher (’73), 2020: Patsy Lawton (’64), 2019: Rick Schurman (’77), 2018: Jennifer Henry (’05), 2017: Nate Coomer (’06), 2016: Susan Davis (’77), 2015: Toni Sander (’87), 2014: Demetra John (’77)

Distinguished Alum Award
An individual who has exhibited outstanding leadership and/or impact on the profession through contributions in scholarship, teaching, administration or service.

Current Winner: 2025 Winner Yet to be Announced

Full Description: The Distinguished Alum Award is offered from the Department of Physical Therapy & Human Movement Sciences and NU Physical Therapy Alumni Association to recognize an individual who has exhibited outstanding leadership and/or impact on the physical therapy profession throughout his or her career as shown by contributions to and/or promotion of PTHMS in scholarship, teaching, administration, or service. This individual is a physical therapist who has earned a degree (including certificate, BS, MPT, MS, DPT, PhD, etc.) from Northwestern University.

Previous Recipients: Robert Babbs, Jr., Sally C. Edelsberg, Joe Farrell, Marilyn Holt, Mark Kaufman

Research Achievement Award
Recognizes contributions to the program in the area of research.

Current Winner (2022): Jonathan Tsay (Class of '18)

Award Description: A Physical Therapist who has earned a degree (including certificate, BS, MPT, MS, DPT, PhD, etc.) from Northwestern University Department of Physical Therapy and Human Movement Sciences and has made and/or continues to make contributions to the program in the area of research. The research, past or present, can be conducted at Northwestern or through an employer, professional organization (e.g. IPTA/APTA, etc.), or other educational institution(s). The nature and content of the research should improve the profession as a whole by contributing objective measurement and sound reasoning to the practice of Physical Therapy.

Previous Recipients: 2022: Jonathan Tsay ('18), 2021: Margaret Danilovich (’07), 2020: Jane Sulllivan (’81), 2019: Karen Mueller (’87), 2017: Marcie Harris Hayes (’86), 2016: Dr. Mary Massery (’77), 2015: Lois Hedman (’87), 2014: Alison Chang (’96)

Young Alum of the Year
Recognizes an alum from the past 10 years and their contributions to the profession of physical therapy.

headshot of winner Meghan Lamothe

Current Winner (2023): Meghan Lamothe (Class of ’17)
Pronouns: She/her

Bio: Meghan Lamothe is this year's recipient of the NUPTHMS Young Alumnus of the Year Award. Meghan currently works as a Clinical Specialist at the Hospital for Special Surgery in New York. She is Coordinator, Faculty, & Mentor in the HSS Orthopedic Physical Therapy Residency Program and also coordinates the HSS Rehab Concussion Program. She completed an Orthopedic Residency at USC in 2018 after graduating from NUPT in 2017. 


Award Description: A Physical Therapist who has earned a degree (including certificate, BS, MPT, MS, DPT, PhD, etc.) from Northwestern University Department of Physical Therapy and Human Movement Sciences within the past 10 years and has made and/or continues to make contributions to the profession of Physical Therapy. This may occur in a variety of ways. The nominee may contribute to a Physical Therapy program by means of:

  • Teaching (e.g. guest lecturer, TA, member of panel discussions, etc.)
  • Promoting the University program (e.g. liaison for admissions/interviewing potential candidates, assisting at job fairs and/or career nights at area schools)
  • Participation in Clinical Education (e.g. serving as clinical education (e.g. serving as clinical instructor or CCCE, mentoring students).

A good candidate will also have made meaningful contributions to the APTA nationally, as well as in their state chapter.

Nominees who promote the NUPT Alumni Association (e.g. member of the Board of Directors, class representative, committee member) or contribute directly to NUPT will be given weighted consideration.

Previous Recipients: 2022: Kristen Tinlin (’13), 2021: Colleen Ward (’15), 2020: Amanda Greene (’09), 2019: Mary Kate Casey (’13), 2018: Natalie Look Reed (’08), 2017: Laura Miller McPherson (’12), 2016: Dr. Justin Lantz (’12), 2015: Lindsey Plass (’12), 2014: Kristin Liebl (’08)

 

Living Histories

Robert Babbs, Jr. Living History

Robert Babbs portrait photoRobert Babbs, Jr., a 1957 Northwestern University physical therapy graduate, has significantly impacted the profession locally, nationally and globally. As an exceptional leader and mentor, he's influenced hundreds of colleagues throughout his career, earning recognition through APTA's Hall of Fame award, IPTA's Outstanding Physical Therapy award and Northwestern's Alumnus of the Year.

At the University of Chicago, Robert built comprehensive physical therapy services, creating opportunities for diverse professionals and providing essential mentorship. His advocacy for minority physical therapists has helped diversify the profession for future generations.

Guided by strong values from his parents, military service and early mentors, Robert held numerous leadership positions, including IPTA President (1982-1984), 26-time House of Delegates representative and APTA Administration Section President (1976-1978). An APTA member since 1956, he also served as an IPTA scholarship trustee (1969-1989) and was active in the CPTDF and AAPT.

Watch Living History video on Robert Babbs, Jr.

Robert Babbs, Jr. Endowed Scholarship Fund

A scholarship has been established in Robert’s honor to support physical therapy students at Northwestern. We are actively fundraising to endow the scholarship for a lasting influence in the profession. Make a donation online or through the information below. 

vic-maurer.png

Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine
Development & Alumni Relations
420 E. Superior St.
Arthur J. Rubloff Building, 9th Floor
Chicago, IL 60611
773-709-0739
victor.maurer@northwestern.edu

Sally C. Edelsberg Living History

Sally Edelsberg portrait photoSally C. Edelsberg, PT, MS, FAPTA, directed Northwestern University's physical therapy programs from 1972 to 1999, demonstrating exceptional leadership with a commitment to making physical therapy education accessible regardless of students' financial circumstances.

Her extensive professional service included terms as Illinois PT Association president (1973-1977), APTA House of Delegates representative (1970-1975), APTA board member (1975-1982) and World Confederation for Physical Therapy vice president (1995). Her achievements were recognized with the APTA Lucy Blair Service Award (1983), FAPTA status and as the inaugural recipient of the University of Wisconsin's Margaret Kohli Award (1972).

Sally began her career at Chicago's Hines Hospital VA before directing the Health Careers Council of Illinois. She joined Northwestern initially as a graduate student (earning her MS in 1972), then quickly progressed from part-time instructor and clinical coordinator in 1970 to director by 1975.

Watch Living History video on Sally Edelsberg

Sally C. Edelsberg Scholarship

Gifts in honor of Sally can be made to the Sally C. Edelsberg Scholarship in Physical Therapy. Showing gratitude for Sally's impact in your life and on the profession is a thoughtful way to support future physical therapy education and training at NorthwesternMake a donation online or through the information below. 

vic-maurer.png

Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine
Development & Alumni Relations
420 E. Superior St.
Arthur J. Rubloff Building, 9th Floor
Chicago, IL 60611
773-709-0739
victor.maurer@northwestern.edu

Alumni Resources

trees on the NU Chicago campus

Find relevant resources and services for PTHMS alumni through the links below.

  

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