As faculty members stood behind each group, holding white coats embroidered with the names of these future practitioners, the students carefully slid their arms into the sleeves. 

The best part — with electric smiles nearly three years in the making — was a gentle tug on the lapels for a perfect fit. Suddenly, it all felt so real.

For everyone.

The wave of applause was tailored for this moment at the Dr. Katherine Harris White Coat Ceremony on Quinnipiac’s North Haven Campus. It was Harris, after all, who modeled the credo, “Demonstrate compassion and strive for excellence.”

This ceremony marked the 50th anniversary of Quinnipiac’s physical therapy program, a bridge of excellence spanning from the Class of 1974 to those who wore their white coats for the first time here.

“Our inaugural class of 28 students, half of whom are joining us today, built the foundation for our program,” said Ken Kosior, PT, EdD, MPT, ATC, and the chair of the physical therapy department. “Their collective steps into the unknown at that time 50 years ago have paved the way for the current Class of 2025.”

In all, Kosior said, more than 3,400 alumni have passed through Quinnipiac’s program to become leading physical therapists. The Class of 2025 is well suited to follow their path. 

“We challenge you to move forward into the profession with the excellence that we've seen over the past two years,” Kosior said. “Please know that your impact on the profession, the program and the community is just beginning.”
 
The cloaking ceremony, a DPT tradition that began at Quinnipiac in 2021, represents the unwavering commitment to patients and the unabated pursuit of healthcare excellence.

Samantha Wall, SPT, a member of the Class of 2025, described the significance of a white coat and how Harris continues to impact the program through her memory.
“Our white coats help to show the camaraderie we share that has made each step of this journey more meaningful,” Wall said. “As we have built relationships and friendships that last a lifetime, I would be remiss if I did not acknowledge Dr. Katherine Harris today. 

“Kathy Harris was a key member of the faculty team that led us to this moment, and her legacy continues to be strong within the Quinnipiac physical therapy community,” Wall said. “While our cohort never had the opportunity to meet Kathy, we have felt her impact and love for the profession throughout our time here.”

The imprint of a physical therapy program spanning a half-century was not lost on Jeff McCubbin, interim dean of the School of Health Sciences. 

“Ken’s efforts and his idea to bring our classes together represents the bookends of the PT program,” McCubbin said to a capacity crowd. “To celebrate with all of you is pretty special. I appreciate the opportunity to be here.”

The event featured three keynote speakers, including Class of 1974 representatives Karen Brecher, PT, MA, and Hank Balavender, PT, MSOB, FSOM, CBA. Alan Balavender ’86, PT, MS, president of Physical Therapy and Sports Medicine Centers and a member of the Physical Therapy Professional Advisory Board, also addressed the students.

For Brecher, a 50-year reflection offered a window into change as well as the PT program’s sustained excellence. It also offered her a chance to thank and acknowledge Ed Tantorsky and Russell Woodman, two retired professors in attendance who taught physical therapy students at Quinnipiac for decades.

She also told the story of how the late Harold Potts founded the physical therapy program in 1972 after getting hurt playing football with the Cleveland Browns.

“It’s fair to say that a lot has changed in the last five decades,” Brecher said. “Our program conferred a BS degree not a DPT. Our classes were held at Albertus Magnus College in New Haven. There was no room for us here. There were no computers ... and papers were typed with manual typewriters in the clinic. 

“We didn’t have a research-oriented approach to treatment because there wasn’t enough research. We took our PT licensure exam with a No. 2 pencil and waited three long months for the results,” Brecher said. “After graduation, the program indeed became accredited.” 

Hank Balavender said the formative leadership of Potts and Tantorsky laid the groundwork for a PT program that has become one of the best in the country.

“Harold coddled us a little bit. He coaxed us a little bit. He challenged us. He corrected us. He cheered us and he celebrated us,” Balavender said. “And, we remember Ed from his first day. He was a faculty member here in our last year of the program. 

“Ed pushed the program and took it to another level. He was definitely a driver and a strong influence on the program,” Balavender noted. “Again, back to the point about the influence Harold and Ed had on us. It’s not so much the buildings. It’s the people with their passion for the profession and their passion for the program.”

Alan Balavender, Hank’s brother, has spent his career building a world-class physical therapy practice at more than 30 locations across Connecticut. Balavender said his education, his lifelong learning and the relationships he built at Quinnipiac have all enabled him to thrive. 

“Stay connected to the people in this room, in this building, on this campus. Your people, your tribe, your core group, whatever you call them, stay connected with them,” Balavender said, adding that he’s hosted an annual party with his Quinnipiac friends for the past 25 years. 

“I hope some of you steal that idea. Back then, our core group got together for a day, and I made a commitment that I would host a party the second Saturday in August every year,” he said. “During that time, it’s granted me the opportunity to really get to know my friends from here — my lifelong friends. Get to know their spouses. Get to know their children.”

Balavender also told the students to leverage the value of their Quinnipiac education.

“The next thing I'd say to you is sell. Yes, I said the ‘S’ word to a room full of healthcare professionals,” Balavender grinned. “The reality is, as a physical therapist, you will sell every single day. You will not be selling used cars. You'll be selling you. The good news is, as a graduate of Quinnipiac with a DPT, that’s a pretty awesome thing to sell.

“And, remember to take risks, both personal and professional. Just watch, 50 years are going to go by in a flash. Make a difference. And take risks,” he said. “Imagine where this profession can go if you guys really leaned into it? Get involved at the state and national level. Move this profession forward.”

Erin M. Lapron, PT, DPT, NCS, clinical associate professor of physical therapy, addressed the students about their humanity, compassion, and growth as both people and clinicians.

“Throughout the past few years, I've seen so much growth in each of you — growth in the clinic, in the classroom and in personal growth,” she said. “I feel strongly that it’s my job as an educator to help you become capable and competent clinicians. Part of that at times is exploring our own vulnerabilities as people because we’re all people first and foremost.”

Lapron also noted how students have learned from each other and trusted in each other throughout the DPT program.

“Our time together this summer helped us to highlight that we identify not only as students, educators and physical therapists,” Lapron explained. “We are also incredibly beautiful and talented writers, singers, dancers, painters, poets, storytellers and so much more.

“I'm grateful for your willingness to have those meaningful conversations. I'm grateful for your trust and for your trust in each other,” Lapron added. “As I've watched you grow, I've grown with you as a result of knowing you and learning with and from you.”

Jacob Hug, SPT, the Class of 2025’s student speaker and “reigning champion of the PT volleyball tournament,” channeled his inner Ted Mosby, the main character in the sitcom, “How I Met Your Mother.”

One of Mosby’s most memorable quotes in the series is delivered poignantly: “If you’re not scared then you’re not taking a chance. If you’re not taking a chance then what the hell are you doing anyway?”

Hug let the quote marinade for a moment before continuing his remarks.

“This quote represents the fears and uncertainties we all face about this program, whether it was an exam, a practical participating in class or treating a patient for the first time, we all knew that a little too well,” he said.

“And while it was frustrating at times, that fear was assigned. We were stepping out of our comfort zones, pushing ourselves to grow and take on new challenges,” Hug added. “This program has taught us to be comfortable being uncomfortable, which is not only a crucial skill for a PT, but a valuable quality in life.”

The ceremony’s sponsors were Physical Therapy and Sports Medicine Centers, Hartford HealthCare and Spear Physical Therapy.