On Friday May 14, 2021, 31 students in the Doctor of Physical Therapy program received their white coats in an intimate outdoor ceremony on the Student Union terrace. The program, which is housed in one of the nation’s top ranked departments of kinesiology in the College of Agriculture, Health and Natural Resources, was founded in 1956 and is one of the oldest continuously operated programs in the country.

The White Coat Ceremony represents the end of students’ classroom experience as they start their clinical practice. Students received their white coats from the faculty members with whom they have worked closely over the past two years. This is also the last time the cohort will be together until graduation as they will be sent throughout the country for clinical rotations.

“We worked really hard these past two years and we’ve been through a lot together,” class treasurer Christine Volz says. “It’s a nice closure to our didactic part and opening up into the next step.”

Each white coat contained a card with a message of advice and congratulations from an alum of the program, a testament to the importance of the program’s network during and beyond the students’ academic experience.

The event honored David Bostic (‘83) with the Joseph Smey Excellence in Physical Therapy Alumni Award. Bostic is the founder of Connecticut Physical Therapy Specialists, along with his wife Sandra Bostic, an ‘88 alumna of the program. Connecticut Physical Therapy Specialists is an orthopedic manual physical therapy practice with three locations in Connecticut. Bostic routinely takes on UConn students for their clinical training in his practice.

The award holds special significance for Bostic as Joseph Smey, former program director and dean of allied health, first introduced him to physical therapy, launching a lifelong passion.

“Being a UConn graduate, I’ve always had a special place in my heart for UConn,” Bostic says. “Representing your alma mater well and being a strong supporter of this profession are important for new grads, as well as experienced clinicians.”

“He is really a champion for the physical therapy profession,” Associate Program Director Laurie Devaney, says. “This is a way for us to acknowledge his clinical excellence, outstanding mentorship of UConn students and young clinicians, and lifelong dedication to patient care.”

Bostic was nominated for this award by his wife. Sandra Bostic says she is constantly impressed by his commitment to the highest levels of professionalism.

“It’s about the profession, it’s about the people,” she says. “And anyone who has spent time with David comes away with that lesson.”

Alumni involvement in the event helps encourage the development of a network between current and past students. It also helps students see alumni working in the field as role models as they begin their clinical careers.

The event itself also encourages students to work together and form a community of like-minded professionals. The 2021 event was entirely student-organized. During the year, student organizers found creative and COVID-safe ways to fundraise including selling UConn physical therapy merchandise and leaf raking.

“We thought it was really important to do something despite COVID restrictions and everything that’s been going on for the past year,” class vice president Casey Diaz says.

Faculty and alums alike take inspiration from seeing the current class of DPT students engaged so wholeheartedly in their studies and their communities.

“Student success is our top priority,” says program director and professor of kinesiology, Jeff Kinsella-Shaw. “We’re excited to have this opportunity to recognize our current students alongside successful alums. It’s a clear indication of how our customizable curriculum can prepare students for the path they hope to take in the future.”