Tampa, FL (November 6, 2006) -The University of South Florida's first-year physical therapy students were recently recognized at the School of Physical Therapy & Rehabilitation Sciences' (SPTRS) 3rd Annual Commitment to Professionalism Ceremony. The Oct. 19 ceremony at the USF Health Auditorium was a highlight of Physical Therapy Month activities across the Tampa Bay area.

The procession of 35 students entered the auditorium led by College of Medicine faculty member Gregory Nicolosi, PhD, professor of physiology, who wore a kilt and played the bagpipes. 

William S. Quillen,  PhD, PT, associate dean and director of the SPTRS, welcomed family and friends of the Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) Class of 2009 to the ceremony, which was emceed by Steven Specter, PhD, associate dean for COM Admissions and Student Affairs.

Guest speaker Dr. Janet Bezner, the senior vice president for education of the American Physical Therapy Association, spoke on the topic "Professionalism isn't the only thing, it's  everything."

In a surprise, the School's Commitment to Professionalism Award, awarded yearly to a second-year student was renamed in honor of Dr. Gregory Nicolosi, who was instrumental in the development and initial accreditation of the School in the late 1990s. The recipient of this year's award was Peggy Heim, a member of the Charter DPT Class of 2008.

Words of Wisdom for the new class were delivered by Acquanetta Henry and Cassie Guest, members of the DPT Class of 2008.

Explanation and background to the School's Professionalism Ceremony was provided by Laura L. Swisher, PT, PhD, coordinator of  professional education.  Each member of the Class of 2009 crossed the auditorium stage to don their first clinical coat, assisted by members of the school's faculty. The students received copies of the Physical Therapist's Oath of Commitment and USF Health pins.

Led by class president Jamie L. Fox, the class recited their Commitment to Professionalism Oath, which the students had adapted from oaths prepared by previous physical therapy classes.

The USF SPTRS Doctor of Physical Therapy Class of 2009 had a record number of applicants, with one student admitted for every four qualified applicants. The class is a racially and ethnically diverse group with representation from throughout Florida and the United States.