2015 David M. and Oolah B. Evans Physical Therapy Scholarship Awarded

Congratulations to Emma Lam, Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) class of 2016, who was awarded this year’s David M. and Oolah B. Evans Physical Therapy Scholarship. Emma attended a luncheon in her honor with Patti Evans, DPT co-chairs Dr. Nicole Christensen and Deborah Diaz, and SMU President Sharon Diaz.  

The Evans Physical Therapy Scholarship is unique in its recognition of awardees’ dedication to service. The luncheon with Dr. Evans provides awardees with an opportunity to hear stories from her own professional life and those of her parents (for whom the scholarship is named) that illustrate the ways that involvement and meaningful service to a profession and a community can change the world.

pictured from left to right:

Dr. Nicole Christensen, Associate Professor & co-chair Department of Physical Therapy
Emma Lam, DPT student, class of 2016
Dr. Patti Evans, past faculty of the Department of Physical Therapy
Dr. Deborah Diaz, Associate Professor & co-chair Department of Physical Therapy
Dr. Sharon Diaz, SMU President

About the David M. and Oolah B. Evans Physical Therapy Scholarship
In 1991, Patricia Rae Evans, then Academic Coordinator of Clinical Education of the Department of Physical Therapy, established the David M. and Oolah B. Evans Physical Therapy Scholarship Fund in honor of David and Oolah Evans’ profound influence on her life, particularly in the areas of professionalism, service and community.
As a young man David Evans became a volunteer fireman in Hobart, Indiana. He was the primary force for the professionalization of the fire service in Hobart and eventually became the first Fire Commissioner for the city. David belonged to a number of civic organizations all of which were designed to provide assistance and service to the people of his community. David never met a stranger and instilled in his daughter a deep sense of loyalty and responsibility.
Oolah Evans served as the elected Clerk-Treasurer for the City of Hobart, Indiana for 20 years. Known throughout the state and on Capitol Hill in Washington, DC, as an honest, forthright, and tenacious official who believed in her constituency Oolah inspired many young people to believe in our system of government and in our need to be informed and active in community life. Oolah instilled in her daughter a true sense of public service as a trust given by the citizenry – a trust which must be honored with integrity and humility. Oolah was and continues to be very active in community projects and programs designed to enhance the quality of all of our lives.
The David M. and Oolah B. Evans Physical Therapy Scholarship Fund was established to honor two remarkable individuals and is symbolic of their commitment to community, service, and professionalism. The physical therapist student who receives this award typifies the values of David and Oolah Evans and their daughter, family, and friends.

Donations to the Evans Physical Therapy Scholarship
If you would like to donate to the David M. and Oolah B. Evans Physical Therapy Scholarship Fund, please contact Carla Ross, Director of Alumni Affairs & Development, at 510.869-6618 or cross@samuelmerritt.edu. Read more about the variety of ways to donate to SMU here.