Recent Doctor of Physical Therapy program graduate Carolyn (Carrie) Schmitz, PT, ’23, has been awarded the highly prestigious Mary McMillan Scholarship Award by the American Physical Therapy Association.
The Mary McMillan Scholarship Award is awarded to a physical therapy student who is within 12 months of graduation and exhibits superior scholastic ability and potential for future professional contribution.
Schmitz is the second Marquette student to win the award since 2016; she says she was excited and honored to be among the highly distinguished cohort of previous winners.
“I owe a lot of my success to the faculty and classmates who have supported me at Marquette. Academic achievement that runs concurrent with service and leadership is only possible when you have good team members around you,” Schmitz says. “When I reflect on my time at Marquette, the lesson I have come away with is to always take advantage of your opportunities. If you identify your goals, aren’t afraid to put yourself out there to try something, and have good people and support around you, you will make waves.”
Dr. Allison Hyngstrom, professor and chairperson of physical therapy, called Schmitz “a true triple threat” student due to her extraordinary academic achievements, coupled with her prowess in research and her heart for service. In addition to her strong academic record, Schmitz has co-authored scientific work in the research laboratory of Dr. Kristi Streeter, and has coordinated the annual Marquette Challenge — the Department of Physical Therapy’s national fundraising event that supports research awards made by the Foundation for Physical Therapy. “Carrie has been an outstanding and driven student during her time at Marquette – the embodiment of what it means to incorporate Marquette’s pillars of excellence, leadership and service into her daily studies and work,” Hyngstrom says. “Receiving the Mary McMillan Scholarship Award is the highest honor a physical therapy student can receive, and we couldn’t be prouder of Carrie and the work she has done to achieve this great honor.”
