| Marquette University PT students initiated The Marquette Challenge in 1989 as a fundraising effort to support physical therapy research through the American Physical Therapy Association's Foundation for Physical Therapy.
Each year, PT students at Marquette University challenge others at each PT or PTA program across America to raise money for physical therapy research. The program that raises the greatest amount of funds is declared the Challenge winner and honored with co-hosting the next year with Marquette.
For ten consecutive years, the University of Pittsburgh has embraced the Challenge, earning first place and contributing a grand total of $265,000. Graciously, Pittsburgh has recently chosen to retire from active competition for first place but will continue to participate as co-sponsors with Marquette, creating the new title: Marquette Challenge co-sponsored by the University of Pittsburgh.
The 2006-2007 Pittsburgh-Marquette Challenge set a new record, raising $244,110 for the Foundation. The University of Pittsburgh solely contributed $103,000, which is four times the largest previous donation also made by Pittsburgh. The overall aim for 2006-2007 was to reach a nineteen year total of $1 million. Not only did the participating schools help achieve the goal, but surpassed it by raising $1,174,890. Quite an impressive number for a campaign completely organized by students!
The 2007-2008 Challenge marks the 20th anniversary of the students’ fundraising efforts. Both Marquette University and University of Pittsburgh look forward to honoring a new winning school for the first time in ten years and making the anniversary a momentous one.
What's in it for you?
In addition to supporting and promoting your profession, prizes will be awarded to a student coordinator from each winning school.
First place: Travel and registration for the 2008 National Student Conclave in San Jose, CA; travel and registration for PT 2008 in San Antonio, TX and a ticket to the Foundation's annual dance.
Second place: Travel and registration for PT 2008 and a ticket to the Foundation's annual dance.
Third Place: Travel stipend and registration for PT 2008 and a ticket to the Foundation's annual dance.
In addition to the prizes listed above, Honorable Mentions go to schools that raise $3,000 or more. A student coordinator or representative from the schools will receive a ticket to the Foundation's dance at PT 2008 in San Antonio, TX. All winners will be recognized during APTA's Honors and Awards ceremony during PT 2008.
Step On Up!
Contact the following if your school wishes to step up to the Challenge and raise money for PT research.
Lawrence J. Pan, PT, PhD
Marquette University Faculty Co-Advisor
Sheila Schindler-Ivens, PT, PhD
Marquette University Faculty Co-Advisor
Foundation for Physical Therapy
Kathy Cebe
Kristine Schlachter
Tim Petrie |
All money raised by the Challenge is donated to the Foundation for Physical Therapy.
The organization funds research grants supporting studies designed to evaluate the “effectiveness of physical therapist interventions.” Each year, the money is awarded as a one-year research grant. The last 6 recipients have been: 2007 – Jennifer E. Stevens, PT, MPT, PhD, “Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation after Total Knee Arthroplasty to Counter Quadriceps Muscle Activation Deficits.”
2006 - Craig J. Newsam, DPT, "Strengthening Exercises to Reduce Shoulder Pain in Persons with Tetraplegia."
2005 - Michael C. Schubert, PT, MS, PhD, "Mechanisms of Gaze Stability in Recovery of Dynamic Visual Acuity."
2004 - John Childs, PT, MPT, MS, MBA, PhD, OCS, CSCS, FAAOMPT, "Effectiveness of an Extension-Oriented Intervention in Patients With Low Back Pain: A Randomized Clinical Trial."
2003 - Neva Kirk-Sanchez, PT, MSPT, PhD, "Factors Related to Adherence to a Home Exercise Program After Discharge From Outpatient Therapy."
2002 - Christian C. Evans, PT, MSPT, PhD, ATC "Effects of Exercise Training and Unloading by left Ventricular Assist Devise on Cardiac Physiology and Functional Ability in Patients with Heart Failure."
By: Clare Kennedy
08/2007
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