IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Aug. 27, 2008
CONTACT: Gordon Ovenshine:

Office: 724.738.4854

Cell: 724.991.8302

                                                                                                                                              gordon.ovenshine@sru.edu

SRU physical therapy graduate receives national award

SLIPPERY ROCK, Pa. – Valerie Williams, a 2008 Slippery Rock University doctor of physical therapy graduate, has received the 2008 Mary McMillan Scholarship Award from the American Physical Therapy Association. The award recognizes physical therapy graduates who excelled during their final year in college.

            Williams works as a physical therapist in Pittsburgh. 

            She received her undergraduate degree in exercise science from SRU in 2006. She graduated with a 3.9 grade-point average and received SRU’s Outstanding Senior Student Award.  Her research into the lower body flexibility of long-distance runners earned her a Student Research Award from The American College of Sports Medicine.

            As a doctor of physical therapy student, Williams received the Maggie Meise Graduate Student Scholarship and the Ryan F Chandler Memorial Scholarship. She also held a position on the student assembly board of directors for American Physical Therapy Association.

            The association is a national organization fostering advancements and physical therapy education, practice and research. The Mary McMillan Scholarship Award honors the late Mary McMillan, a physical therapy pioneer.

Slippery Rock University is Pennsylvania’s premier public residential university. Slippery Rock University provides students with a comprehensive learning experience that intentionally combines academic instruction with enhanced educational and learning opportunities that make a positive difference in their lives.