Over the past five years Dr. Donald Neumann and Dr. Guy Simoneau, Professors in the Physical Therapy Department at Marquette University, have established a special relationship with the Lithuanian Academy of Physical Education and the greater physical therapy community in Lithuania. It all started when a group of Lithuanian physicians and therapists visiting Milwaukee attended Dr. Neumann’s kinesiology class in 2001. Dr. Neumann met Professor Aleksandras Krisciunas on this visit and it was he who invited Dr. Neumann to teach kinesiotherapy (physical therapy) and ergotherapy (occupational therapy) students at Kaunas Medical University, in Kaunas, Lithuania. This invitation was part of Dr Neumann’s first Fulbright Scholarship, awarded for the Fall of 2002.
In late 2002, Dr. Grazina Krutulyte, President of the Lithuanian Physiotherapy Association and Professor of Physiotherapy at the Lithuanian Academy of Physical Education, invited Dr. Neumann to teach physiotherapists again in 2003 and 2004. This educational program was later enhanced by Dr. Simoneau, who taught orthopedics at the Academy in 2004, 2005, and 2006. Dr. Simoneau’s effort extended the educational program to physiotherapists throughout the entire country of Lithuania.
Based on their efforts and dedication to the Physical Therapy profession in Lithuania, the Lithuanian Academy of Physical Education presented both Dr. Neumann and Dr. Simoneau with an Honorary Doctorate Degree on June 21, 
2007. The Honorary Degree and presentation ceremony recognized their work for the advancement of physiotherapy education in Lithuania. Different from universities in the United States, this ceremony took place separate from the academy commencement. The attendees at the ceremony included Academy professors, physiotherapists, physicians, community members, and members of the Senate of the Academy. Drs. Neumann and Simoneau were each presented a traditional gown and cap along with the degree and flowers. After the presentation both professors presented a speech on what the award meant to them. Dr. Neumann stated that it was a huge honor to have that kind of impact on such a small country and they were very gracious of his efforts. Dr. Simoneau highlighted that it was truly an honor that you do not expect to receive for doing something that you enjoy and brings you a lot of personal satisfaction.
For more information on these two outstanding Physical Therapy professors visit http://www.marquette.edu/chs/pt/faculty/index.shtml.
By: Colleen Moore
