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Adjunct Professor, University of Pittsburgh; Associate Athletic Trainer/Rehabilitation Coordinator, Pittsburgh Steelers | Pittsburgh, PA 

“I am humbled and overwhelmed with gratitude to be receiving this year’s Dean’s Choice Award.  I am honored to have been recognized by Interim Dean David C. Beck, and the entire School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences.  I have spent several years living out my dream of working as an athletic trainer/physical therapist in the NFL.  It means so much to me that the work I have put into this profession and the passion that I have for it has also resonated with others.  I would like to thank SHRS for offering recognition to health care professionals such as myself with this award.  I hope that this serves as an inspiration to all future SHRS alumni.  I will continue to do my best in aiding in the return to play aspect of our high professional athletes for many years to come. I am truly grateful and appreciative.  H2P!”

Associate Professor, University of Pittsburgh | Pittsburgh, PA 

“I am deeply honored to receive the Dean’s Choice Alumni Award. This recognition means so much to me, as it reflects not only my professional journey since my graduation from Pitt in 2010, but also the strong foundation that education provided. I’m grateful for the mentorship, opportunities and values instilled during my time at SHRS, which have guided me throughout my career and returned me here to continue my career. This award motivates me to continue striving for excellence and giving back to the community that shaped me. Thank you for this incredible honor—it’s truly humbling to be recognized alongside other distinguished alumni.” 

Executive Director and Occupational Therapist, Outreach Therapy | Pittsburgh, PA 

“I’m honored to receive the Humanitarian Award. My nonprofit, Outreach Therapy, was born from my journey through Pitt SHRS, from exploring career paths as an undergraduate to becoming an occupational therapist through the Doctor of Occupational program. The guidance and expertise of my mentors shape my values of empathetic, evidence-based care and continues to inspire me to challenge the status quo and build more equitable systems together.” 

Distinguished Professor of Physical Therapy and Athletic Training and Associate Dean for Research, College of Health, University of Utah | Salt Lake City, UT

“Knowing the legacy of excellence of SHRS over the years, receiving this award is particularly meaningful to me. The time I spent at the University of Pittsburgh was foundational to my career as a scientist and remains one of the most formative periods of my life. Thank you for this humbling recognition.” 

Chief Operate Officer & SVP, U.S. Oncology Network | Scottsdale, AZ

Receiving this philanthropic award is deeply humbling and profoundly meaningful. Over 25 years ago, I walked through the doors of SHRS as a transfer student—uncertain, determined and hopeful. Education didn’t come easy for me, but Pitt made it possible. The faculty and staff invested in me, equipping me with the knowledge, skills and confidence that have shaped many steps in my healthcare journey.

This recognition is not just a reflection of what I’ve been given back—it’s a celebration of what I was given. Through the years, I’ve been honored to share my time, experience and resources to ensure SHRS remains a place where future health care leaders can thrive. Supporting the next generation of students—who will navigate an increasingly complex and evolving health care landscape—is both a privilege and a personal mission. To be acknowledged by the very institution that helped launch my journey is a full circle moment, and I’m more committed than ever to helping SHRS continue its legacy of excellence.

Director, Accreditation (Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education), American Occupational Therapy Association | Huntsville, AL  

“Receiving the Distinguished Alumni Award is an incredible honor. It represents not only recognition of my professional journey, but a tribute to the mentors, peers and experiences that shaped me along the way. To be acknowledged by an institution that played such a pivotal role in my development is both humbling and affirming. I am grateful for this recognition and proud to be part of the Pitt SHRS community.” 

Director, Accreditation (Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education), American Occupational Therapy Association | Huntsville, AL  

“I’m really honored and humbled to have received this award. I want to thank the School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, as well as the Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders and all of my professors and mentors. They taught me a lot, not only about being a speech-language pathologist in my career, but also about leadership roles. I was very fortunate to have those mentors. Hail to Pitt!”

APP Manager and Assistant Professor of the Department of Family and Community Medicine at Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center | Hershey, PA  

“I am truly honored to receive this award. My journey would not have been possible without the guidance and support of so many people along the way. I am especially grateful to my mentor, Dr. Matthew Silvis, who challenged me to grow not only as a clinician but also as a leader. He recognized potential in me that I hadn’t yet seen myself, encouraging me to mentor and lead other advanced practice providers while helping shape and strengthen our department. I never had to fight for a seat at the table (something I know is rare!) and with his support, we’ve been able to create meaningful change within our department and in the lives of others, both colleagues and patients alike.  I am also thankful for the strong foundation provided by my professors, whose influence continues to guide the way I practice medicine every day. Thank you to the University of Pittsburgh for this tremendous honor. I am proud to carry forward the values instilled in me and to remain part of such an extraordinary community. H2P!” 

Provost, High Point University | High Point, North Carolina 

“Receiving the Distinguished Alumni Award is deeply meaningful to me, as it represents a homecoming to the institution that launched my career in physical therapy over four decades ago. From my early days treating patients with neurological and vestibular conditions to my current role in academic leadership, I’ve been guided by the core values this award represents: excellence in leadership, scholarship, dedication to education and service to our communities. Whether developing innovative curricula, mentoring the next generation of healthcare professionals or advocating for excellence in our profession, I’ve tried to honor the Pittsburgh tradition of combining academic rigor with real-world impact. This recognition belongs not just to me, but to the countless colleagues, students and mentors who have shaped my path, including my wife Debbie, a 1980 alumna of SHRS. I’m particularly grateful to the Department of Physical Therapy and to Dr. Jay Irrgang and Dr. Susan Whitney for their thoughtful and generous nomination.” 

Clinical Supervisor, AHN Chill Project ™ | Pittsburgh, PA  

“It is with sincere gratitude that I accept this Distinguished Alumni Award. I am deeply appreciative of the foundational skills and confidence I gained at SHRS, which enabled my successful transition into my career. Through my training, I learned that just as in a therapy setting, rapport building is a critical ingredient for success in all aspects of life. With this in mind, I have been intentional with accepting opportunities to give back to my community and to my field. This award is deeply meaningful to me, as it affirms that this guiding principle of investment in relationship building is truly valuable. I’m excited to see in what ways I can continue on this trajectory!”  

Executive Director, Pennsylvania Health Information Management Association | Allentown, PA 

“I am honored to be recognized with one of the SHRS 55^th Anniversary Distinguished Alumni Awards. Being a part of the Pitt and SHRS community for over 40 years has been a source of pride and inspiration.  I am fortunate to have had incredible educators, mentors and colleagues throughout my professional journey who have supported and shaped me.  As someone who interacts with health informatics/health information management professionals every day, I am inspired by their ongoing commitment to advancing health information and transforming the way health care is delivered.  Thank you for this honor and Hail to Pitt!”     

CEO and Co-founder at pathVu | Pittsburgh, PA 

“I am very honored to be chosen for this award among so many worthy recipients. Every day, my team and I strive to enable independent mobility by making sidewalks more accessible for all individuals, especially those with a disability.  When I was a master’s student at Pitt, my advisor at the time, Jon Pearlman (PhD ’07), suggested that I start a company to apply my research in the real world.  I knew nothing about startups or running a business, but through the support of many, we have grown pathVu into a successful and growing business.  Thank you to my wife, Ali (MS ’15), for constantly supporting me, dealing with my late hours and business trips.  Thank you to my team, which includes Jon Duvall (MS ’13, PhD ’18), Jon Pearlman, Nick Sinagra, Derrick Smith and Ed Bacheson, for this nomination, your tireless hard work and belief in me over the past 11 years.  pathVu’s successes belong to all of us.  Lastly, thank you to the University and Innovation Institute for providing me.”    

Director of Rehabilitation, New York Football Giants | Park Ridge, NJ  

“I am humbled and grateful to receive the SHRS 55th Anniversary Distinguished Alumni Award. This recognition holds profound meaning for me, both personally and professionally, as it reflects the foundation that SHRS and the University of Pittsburgh’s Athletic Training Education Program provided in shaping my journey as an athletic trainer. Throughout my career with the New York Giants, I’ve drawn on the knowledge, values and experiences gained during my time at SHRS. I am incredibly proud of this acknowledgment and take great pride in representing the institution that played such a pivotal role in my development. The memories made at the University of Pittsburgh, including in the classroom, on the field and with the exemplary faculty, will remain with me forever.  H2P!”  

Maryland Hospital Association, Healthcare Preparedness Program Logistician | Elkridge, MD 

“Hard work certainly bears fruit! It is an honor to be recognized at the SHRS 55th Anniversary Distinguished Alumni Awards. The role models and lifelong friends I encountered at Pitt have shaped my identity today. I extend my sincere gratitude to all the exceptional professors, teaching assistants and faculty who exemplified unwavering educational leadership. Their guidance and motivation have been instrumental in my success. Hail to Pitt!”  

Assistant Professor of Business Administration- Sports Management | San Antonio, Texas 

“I am deeply honored to receive the 55th Anniversary Rising Star Award from my alma mater. This recognition was never something I pursued or even imagined. It reminds me that when you stay true to the mission, the opportunities and honors will follow in due time. To be celebrated by the very place that played a role in my educational journey is both humbling and inspiring, a reflection of intentional connection and lasting impact. I hope that this recognition not only celebrates where I’ve come from and personal achievements but also inspires courage towards a pathway of service, excellence and transformation for those who will come after me.”  

Senior Manager, Employee Accommodations and Accessibility, The Walt Disney Company | Pittsburgh, PA  

“I am both grateful and honored to be recognized as a 2025 Rising Star award recipient and know my career trajectory was shaped in large part by the robust learnings and exceptional mentorship at SHRS.  I’m now incredibly proud to make magic for The Walt Disney Company in a strategic role enhancing the experience for employees with disabilities in two areas: disability accommodations and accessibility. It’s been a wild, exciting ride, and I owe a big thanks to the Rehabilitation Counseling program and my dear professors who were simply the best!”  

Senior Scientist, The Geneva Foundation | Schertz, TX   

“I am deeply honored to receive this recognition and extend my heartfelt thanks to my committee—Drs. Furman, Huppert, Sparto and Whitney (Committee Chair)—as well as the entire SHRS faculty and staff who supported and mentored me during my time at Pittsburgh. The experience, shaped by the world-class curriculum and the educators’ exemplary commitment to scholarship, service and teaching, provided me with a foundation that continues to guide my career. That mentorship and training set me on a fruitful path as I concluded my military service as program director for the Army-Baylor Doctor of Physical Therapy program and now lead impactful research focused on blast overpressure exposure.”   

Physician Assistant-Orthopedic Surgery (Trauma)-UPMC | Erie, PA    

“I am honored to receive a Rising Star Award. My career began as a dietitian over 10 years ago, where I developed a passion for patient-centered care. Wanting to have a more direct role in patient care, I pursued the path of becoming a physician assistant. My journey required several years of dedication, retaking courses to strengthen my academic foundation and improve my grade point average, shadowing physician assistants in diverse specialties, working, volunteering in my community and completing physician assistant school while continuing to grow my family. Today, I have the privilege to serve as a physician assistant in orthopedic surgery specializing in trauma, where I have the opportunity to care for patients during some of their most challenging moments. I would not be where I am today without the unwavering support of my University of Pittsburgh faculty, family and colleagues, and look forward to continuing to enhance my clinical skillsets and knowledge of orthopedics in an effort to better serve my patients.”  

Founder, Empowered Self Occupational Therapy | Pittsburgh, PA   

“I’m so thankful to the Pitt Occupational Therapy (OT) Department for not only teaching me the skills to be an occupational therapist, but also for giving me the encouragement and confidence to grow as a leader. Pitt OT showed me what it means to dream big in this profession and believe that ‘if you can dream it, you can do it.’ I’m truly honored to receive this award and excited to keep bringing the joy and impact of occupational therapy into new spaces!” 

Speech Language Pathologist and Assistive Technology Specialist, Play on Words Therapy Montgomery County Public Schools; Adjunct, Stony Brook University | Silver Spring, MD    

“I am truly honored to receive this award, as Pitt was the start of my journey to becoming a speech-language pathologist. I declared the major early and seized every opportunity to learn more about the field. Pitt has opened countless doors for me professionally, and I would choose Pitt in a thousand other lifetimes. Hail to Pitt!” 

Business Operation Analyst – Mohawk Valley Health Systems; Police Officer, Village of Dansville; Paramedic, Greater Baldwinsville Ambulance Corporation | Syracuse, NY   

This award reinforces my belief in the importance of using our skills to improve systems, support others and make a lasting impact. I am deeply grateful to SHRS for this honor and look forward to continuing to advance the values of excellence, education and service in all that I do.”