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PORTLAND, Maine

UNE Doctor of Physical Therapy students join record-breaking fundraiser to invest in the future of PT research

Cameron Vaillie and Megan Burns with Department of Physical Therapy Interim Program Director Jim Cavanagh
Cameron Vaillie and Megan Burns with Department of Physical Therapy Interim Program Director Jim Cavanagh

Students from the University of New England were among physical therapists around the country who rallied to set a record-breaking year for the Mercer-Marquette Challenge. The annual student-led fundraiser benefits the Foundation for Physical Therapy, a national nonprofit that funds physical therapy research to optimize health and movement.

UNE students were recognized with an Honorable Mention, awarded to schools that raised more than $3,000. The fundraising effort at UNE was led by Megan Burns and Cameron Vaillie of the Class of 2019.

The Marquette Challenge was launched in 1989 to support the foundation and fund research grants and scholarships. Now in its 30th year, the Marquette Challenge has raised more than $4 million to aid the organization in its mission. Students from 178 schools raised $328,456 in the 2017-2018 fundraising cycle – a record number of participating schools and the third year running that the program has raised more than $300,000.

“It has been incredible to witness the dedication these students show towards their future profession and the foundation,” said Foundation Board of Trustees President, Edelle Field-Fote, PT, Ph.D., FAPTA. “These students – and the faculty who encourage this passion – understand that we must invest in research and researchers to keep improving and demonstrating the value of physical therapy services.”

To learn more about the University of New England’s Westbrook College of Health Professions visit www.une.edu/wchp

To apply, visit www.une.edu/admissions

About the University of New England

The University of New England is Maine’s largest independent university, with two beautiful coastal campuses in Maine, a one-of-a-kind study abroad campus in Tangier, Morocco, and an array of flexible, accredited online degrees. In an uncommonly welcoming and supportive community, we offer hands-on learning, empowering students to make a positive impact in a world full of challenges. The state’s top provider of health professionals, we are home to Maine’s only medical college, Maine’s only dental college, a variety of other interprofessionally aligned health care degree programs, as well as nationally recognized programs for marine science degrees, natural and social sciences degrees, arts and humanities degrees, and business degrees.