On October 3, 2026, alumni joined current students, faculty, and UConn administration to celebrate the Doctor of Physical Therapy program’s 75-year-long legacy.

The day-long event included an open house at the Kinesiology Building to learn about the program’s current research, teaching, and community outreach. Optional attendance at the UConn Football game added to the day’s festivities.

The celebration wrapped up with a reception at the Student Union where the program’s storied history, impactful present, and bright future were on fully display.

Among the speakers, CAHNR Dean Kumar Venkitanarayanan discussed the program’s broad impact.

“The influence of UConn Physical Therapy extends far beyond our campus. Through clinical practice, research, teaching, leadership, and service, our graduates have improved the lives of countless individuals and families throughout the country. Every patient helped, every student mentored, and every innovation advanced contributes to a legacy that this program has been building for many years.”

Sandra Kaplan ‘78, Sudha Srinivasan ‘14, Michael Parisi ‘78

Joey Smey '68

Kumar Venkitanarayanan & Michael Parisi ‘78

Joe Smey ‘68, John Johnston ‘81

Lori-Jean Lacaria ‘81, Linda Baird-Jansen ‘81

Chris Owens ’93 and Corrina Dixon

Margaret Duffy ‘79 & Roland Perreault ’82 ‘89

Current and Emeriti UConn Physical Therapy Faculty

Current Physical Therapy students

Michael Parisi ’78 and Sandra Kaplan ‘78

Dean Kumar Venkitanarayanan

Vice Provost Tadarryl Starke

DPT director, Maryclaire Capetta

Vice President for Research Lindsay DiStefano

David Tiberio ’73, ’81, ‘95

Stefanie Bourassa, National APTA Representative, and UConn Adjunct Professor

Deb Bubela ’81, ’00, ‘07 & Roland Perreault ’82 ‘89

Kyle Covington – National APTA President video remarks

Evans Payen, current DPT student

Current program director, Maryclaire Capetta, looked forward to the good work still ahead.

“When we gather here in 2051, I hope we will look back on this moment with the same gratitude and pride that we feel tonight. I hope we can celebrate that we did not simply preserve the extraordinary legacy entrusted to us. We built upon it. We expanded its reach. And we paved the way for those who would follow.”

Speaker Program

• Dean Kumar Venkitanarayanan – College Acknowledgement
• Associate Provost for Student Success Tadarrayl Starke – University Acknowledgement
• Interim Vice President for Research Lindsay Distefano – University Acknowledgement
• Stefanie Bourassa APTA Board of Directors – Profession Acknowledgement
• Kyle Covington APTA President – Video Message
• David Tiberio Emeritus – Faculty/Alumnus Perspective
• Roland Perrault/Deborah Bubela – 75^th Committee/History of the Program
• Evans Payen ’27 (CAHNR) – Student Perspective
• Laurie Devaney & Maryclaire Capetta Department Head/Program Director – Future of the DPT Program

To support UConn Physical Therapy, donate to the Fran Tappen Student Aid Fund.