Clarkson University’s Melissa A. Walsh ’03 ’05 Memorial Endowed Scholarship has been awarded to a third-year Doctor of Physical Therapy student Shelby Miller of Clovis, CA and a second-year Doctor of Physical Therapy student Nicholas Mather of Cadyville, NY.
The scholarship was established in memory of Walsh by her family and friends to assist a Clarkson University physical therapy student with qualities and goals similar to Walsh’s.
Walsh was a Massena High School and Clarkson University graduate, who lost her life in a 2007 motor vehicle accident. At Clarkson, she earned a bachelor of science degree in psychology in 2003 and a master of physical therapy degree in 2005.
A description of the scholarship reads, in part:
“The Walsh Scholarship was established to celebrate Melissa’s life and continue support of the physical therapy profession. Melissa was a standout student, respected amongst professors and peers… She went on to become a licensed physical therapist and worked in outpatient orthopedics. Melissa put her heart into all that she did, whether relationships, education, or employment. Melissa was a role model in every sense of the word, in her personal life, her professional commitment, and her belief in caring for others… Melissa’s life and accomplishments are an excellent example of what a Clarkson University student should strive to achieve.”
These two students were chosen from a robust pool of qualified applications due to their commitment and passion for physical therapy positively impacting all those around them. Both Ms. Miller and Mr. Mather portray a strong sense of professionalism and a profound desire to work with the public. In her application, Ms. Miller wrote “Most people believe that physical therapy is just the healing of body parts – bones, muscles, nerves, ligaments, etc. However, many professionals forget to treat the emotional side of the injury. When people are at their most vulnerable is when they need someone, who cares about them and not just their injury. I have had several opportunities to showcase my love for the profession and my love for working with people over my career in the rehabilitation field.” In his application, Mr. Mather wrote about the great need he saw in his own community for trained physical therapists, “I recognized early in my life that my hometown was in need of skilled therapists that could competently restore function to their patients and get them back to doing the things they love. Going into college I knew I wanted to pursue a healthcare occupation and give back to my community… I am grateful for the chance to study and become immersed in this field where a proper mindset and work ethic can stimulate excitement and ways for caregivers to endlessly learn.” Through their applications, Ms. Miller and Mr. Mather demonstrated clearly that they represent those things most important to Melissa and her family.