On May 4, 2021 the USF Health Office of Shared Student Services held their annual Student Awards Ceremony to recognize students, organizations, groups, faculty, and staff for their accomplishments over the past year. This year several students from our School of Physical Therapy & Rehabilitation Sciences (SPT&RS), one of our student organizations, and a staff member received awards and were recognized.

Student Leader of the Year Award

This award recognizes a student who has served as an officer or leader for their academic program, served in a leadership capacity within USF Health, lead a volunteer or service project, or someone who has inspired growth and development. Recipients were chosen by their faculty and staff.

Kristine Johnson, DPT Class of 2021

Eugene Sinclair, Athletic Training Class of 2021

USF Health Spirit Award

This award recognizes graduating students who exemplify the core values we embrace as a community in support of our mission to “Make Life Better” in the communities we serve. These values include interprofessionalism, compassion and passion, accountability, respect and inclusion, courage and resiliency, optimism, integrity, and excellence.

Jearlon “Jay” Butler, DPT Class of 2021

Brock Ackerman, Athletic Training Class of 2021

Outstanding Student Organization Award

This award is presented to a student club or organization that achieved success in sponsoring programs, events or activities for fellow students focused on one or more of the following: Interprofessional education, diversity and multiculturalism, wellness, leadership, professional development, or student engagement.

Association of Physical Therapy Association (APTS)

Over the past two years the members of this organization have worked diligently to become student centered, and to enhance the student experience. These students have brought various guest speakers to campus for their peers to discuss hippotherapy, working during Covid19, and other topics of interest. They have put on numerous social events including an annual ice cream social, Halloween party, and trivia nights. They fundraised to send students to professional conferences to grow professionally and gain leadership skills. They have also put on wellness events such as the Moving March Challenge and more to enhance the experience for their fellow students. This year with both athletic training programs moving to our School, the Association of Physical Therapy Students has ensured to be inclusive and intentional through inviting Athletic Training students and faculty to all events. Even during a global pandemic, they have strived to provide quality engagement activities for others. They worked to create a special interest group to promote diversity and inclusion in the Physical Therapy profession. Through a collaborative panel session with Florida A&M University PT program and our program, one event had over 200+ attendees from across the country. The Association of Physical Therapy students not only meets the criteria for this award but exceeds it.

Excellence in Interprofessionalism Award

This award is designed to recognize individuals for their involvement in the development of innovative practices, organizational change, IPE engagement, and scholarship in the realm of interprofessional education at USF Health.

Alana White, DPT Class of 2022

Outstanding Shared Student Services Member

This award is presented to a member of the Shared Student Services team who has consistently exceeded expectations in their position through going above and beyond to serve students, support fellow colleagues, and truly embody the missions of USF Health and Shared Student Services. The recipient of this award is someone who has supported multiple units within Shared Student Services over the years.

Jeremy Turkall, MS – Manager, Educational & Student Affairs

Mr. Turkall was nominated by various colleagues across USF Health for his dedication to support students and our various academic programs.  They nominated him for stepping up to serve as SPT&RS Covid19 Care Team person, helping with the transition of both athletic training programs to the School, and his unwavering support of students. He has been with USF Health over six years serving in a variety of admissions, student affairs, and academic affairs positions. He has been a member of the Shared Student Services (SSS) team since it’s inception serving on a variety of committees and task forces, which includes USF Health Homecoming Committee, USF Health Multi Cultural Week Committee, Pre-Admissions Academic Partner’s,  USF Health Student Affairs Council, and SSS Professional Development.