Date: April 30, 2007
Contact: Eric Matanyi
Governors State University
Phone: (708) 534-4044 
Fax: (708) 534-8399
Email: e-matanyi@govst.edu

 

 

 

University Park, IL, April 30, 2007 - Governors State University and Accelerated Rehabilitation Centers have again partnered to offer scholarship opportunities to students in the university’s Doctor of Physical Therapy program.

On April 25, Randy Frieser, president of Accelerated Rehab, met with GSU representatives including College of Health Professions Dean Dr. Linda Samson, Physical Therapy program chair Dr. Russ Carter, and Vice President of Institutional Advancement Dr. Jim Britt to establish the Accelerated Rehabilitation Centers Scholars Award Program.

The event was also attended by Dr. Elaine Maimon, president-designate, who will assume the position on July 1, 2007.

Each fall, the Accelerated Rehabilitation Centers Scholars Award Program will name one new physical therapy student as an Accelerated Rehabilitation Center Scholar. Students chosen as Scholars will receive a stipend of $7500 per year to help defray the cost of attending GSU.

“Supporting education is a labor of love for us,” Frieser said. “We’re proud to partner with Governors State because of their work with the community. Now it’s our turn to give back to the university. By working together, we will assure that the next generation of physical therapists receives the best training available.”

Accelerated Rehabilitation Center Scholars will be chosen by a committee comprised of representatives from Accelerated, the GSU Foundation, and the university’s Physical Therapy Department.

Dr. Carter said applicants to the Scholars Program will be judged based on rigorous criteria including maintenance of 3.5 grade point average and a written essay. “We are pleased to identify students who are as committed to their education and the profession as we are,” Dr. Carter noted. “Our physical therapy program continues to attract exceptional students and it’s important to recognize their accomplishments and hard work.”

In August, 2006, Frieser also established a $25,000 scholarship fund with the College of Health Professions. That program created five annual scholarships of $5000 each for GSU physical therapy students. Recipients of these scholarships will be provided a mentor from Accelerated Rehabilitation Centers, clinical practice opportunities at their centers, and employment opportunities with the company upon graduation and licensure.

“We’re excited to be able to partner with Accelerated once again,” said Dr. Samson. “With their assistance and dedication to education, we are able to continuously improve resources and financial access for our students.” She added, “The college’s relationship with healthcare industry partners is also an important component of our outreach to the communities we serve.

Accelerated Rehabilitation Centers offers physical therapy and sports medicine services at 110 offices in seven states, including Illinois.

For more information on the physical therapy program at Governors State University, call (708) 534-4388.