{"id":254019,"date":"2026-10-12T08:20:27","date_gmt":"2026-10-12T12:20:27","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/today.uconn.edu\/?p=254019"},"modified":"2026-10-12T09:18:04","modified_gmt":"2026-10-12T13:18:04","slug":"uconn-physical-therapy-event-celebrates-75-years-of-impact","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/today.uconn.edu\/2026\/10\/uconn-physical-therapy-event-celebrates-75-years-of-impact\/","title":{"rendered":"UConn Physical Therapy Event Celebrates 75 Years of Impact"},"content":{"rendered":"

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.<\/p>\n

\"UConn<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

Among the speakers, CAHNR Dean Kumar Venkitanarayanan discussed the program’s broad impact.<\/p>\n

“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.”<\/p>\n

\"Sandra<\/a>
Sandra Kaplan \u201878, Sudha Srinivasan \u201814, Michael Parisi \u201878<\/div><\/div>\"Joey<\/a>
Joey Smey '68<\/div><\/div>\"Kumar<\/a>
Kumar Venkitanarayanan & Michael Parisi \u201878<\/div><\/div>\"Joe<\/a>
Joe Smey \u201868, John Johnston \u201881<\/div><\/div>\"Lori-Jean<\/a>
Lori-Jean Lacaria \u201881, Linda Baird-Jansen \u201881<\/div><\/div>\"Chris<\/a>
Chris Owens \u201993 and Corrina Dixon<\/div><\/div>\"Margaret<\/a>
Margaret Duffy \u201879 & Roland Perreault \u201982 \u201889<\/div><\/div>\"Current<\/a>
Current and Emeriti UConn Physical Therapy Faculty<\/div><\/div>\"Current<\/a>
Current Physical Therapy students<\/div><\/div>\"Michael<\/a>
Michael Parisi \u201978 and Sandra Kaplan \u201878<\/div><\/div>\"\"<\/a>
<\/div>\"Dean<\/a>
Dean Kumar Venkitanarayanan<\/div><\/div>\"Vice<\/a>
Vice Provost Tadarryl Starke<\/div><\/div>\"DPT<\/a>
DPT director, Maryclaire Capetta<\/div><\/div>\"Vice<\/a>
Vice President for Research Lindsay DiStefano<\/div><\/div>\"David<\/a>
David Tiberio \u201973, \u201981, \u201895<\/div><\/div>\"Stefanie<\/a>
Stefanie Bourassa, National APTA Representative, and UConn Adjunct Professor<\/div><\/div>\"Deb<\/a>
Deb Bubela \u201981, \u201900, \u201807 & Roland Perreault \u201982 \u201889<\/div><\/div>\"Kyle<\/a>
Kyle Covington \u2013 National APTA President video remarks<\/div><\/div>\"Evans<\/a>
Evans Payen, current DPT student<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>