As the winter sun rises over St. Ambrose University this December, a remarkable milestone unfolds in the university’s history. With the awarding of the newest Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) graduates, St. Ambrose will celebrate surpassing 1,000 graduates from its esteemed Physical Therapy Department during its winter commencement ceremony on Saturday, Dec. 14 at 10 a.m. The achievement is a testament to decades of excellence, growth, and transformative impact.
Dr. Michael Puthoff, PT, PhD, Professor and Director of the Physical Therapy Department, reflected on this milestone with pride.
"Reaching 1,000 graduates is an incredible achievement for our program and our university,” said Dr. Puthoff. “Each graduate represents a story of service, dedication, and a commitment to improving the lives of others. It's not just a number; it’s a legacy for our past and current faculty and staff who have committed themselves to training and mentoring physical therapists who are now serving their communities.”
"This milestone is not just about the past; it’s about the future," Dr. Puthoff shared. "Our graduates are leaders and innovators in healthcare. They carry the values of St. Ambrose—integrity, service, and compassion—into their practice, touching countless lives. We look forward to the next 1,000 graduates and the difference they’ll make."
The physical therapy department is graduating more than 30 students during the 2024 winter commencement ceremony. A special acknowledgment of the milestone is being made. After the hooding of the DPT graduates, the audience will hear a brief yet poignant addition to the ceremony script: "As we award those who have earned their Doctoral Degrees in Physical Therapy today, we mark the one-thousandth graduate from the University’s Physical Therapy program, truly an impressive milestone!"
"Milestones like this remind us of the power of education, the importance of community, and the incredible potential that every student and graduate holds. It’s a time to celebrate, to honor our past, and to embrace the future with enthusiasm and hope."
For more information about St. Ambrose University’s physical therapy program, click here.
