The UConn Doctor of Physical Therapy program celebrated its 75th anniversary this year as students in the Class of 2027 received their white coats during the program’s annual White Coat Ceremony.

Student speaker Evans Payen thanked family members, friends, and faculty for supporting students throughout their time in the program.

“Thank you to the friends and the families that allowed us to practice on them, examine them and move them in ways they didn’t know they could,” Payen says. “You encouraged us every step of the way and reminded us to keep going even when we felt like we couldn’t.”

Payen also reflected on the close bonds formed within the cohort.

“PT school is many things; it teaches you how to learn again, it teaches you how to listen, how to connect with others,” he said. “I expected to learn a lot about physical therapy, but I did not expect to grow so close in that same time.”

Eric Kopp, associated faculty member and lead for the PT CARES Student Oriented Learning Experience, encouraged students to approach the next stage of their education with humility, compassion, and curiosity.

“Be humble and kind,” Kopp says. “Listen first and talk second. Let the patient tell their story. Treat the entire patient.”

Kopp also reminded students of the importance of continuing to learn throughout their careers and maintaining the personal connections that supported them during the program.

“Thank the people who helped you get here,” he says. “Two years ago you were a group of strangers with a drive and passion to help people. Look at the bonds you have created in just two years. Keep connected with one another.”

The ceremony also recognized Dr. Lori Quinn as this year’s recipient of the Joseph Smey Excellence in Physical Therapy Award.

Quinn serves as professor of Movement Sciences and Education and Kinesiology at Teachers College, Columbia University, where she directs the Program in Motor Learning and Control and chairs the Department of Biobehavioral Sciences.

“Dr. Quinn’s impact on the physical therapy profession is extraordinary. Through decades of research, publications, invited presentations, and international collaborations, she has helped shape how we understand and support individuals living with neurological conditions such as Huntington’s disease and Parkinson’s disease,” says Maryclaire Capetta, director of UConn’s physical therapy program.

Quinn was also recognized for her leadership as editor-in-chief of the Journal of Neurologic Physical Therapy and her recognition as a Catherine Worthingham Fellow of the American Physical Therapy Association.

This work relates to CAHNR’s Strategic Vision area focused on Enhancing Health.

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