Sacred Heart University has partnered with Amity Physical Therapy—with locations in Woodbridge, Hamden, Branford, Milford and Wallingford—owned by alum Michael Dow ’98, MSPT ’00, to create an annual $10,000 scholarship for a men’s or women’s basketball team member who is a student in SHU’s physical therapy, athletic science or exercise science program.
Dow earned his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Sacred Heart’s accelerated 3 + 3 physical therapy program, which allows students to fast-track their graduate degrees after three years of undergrad. He felt compelled to give back to the University by supporting student-athletes. “I know firsthand how difficult it is to balance practices, workouts and a game schedule with classes and labs and to be successful at all of them,” said Dow. “It’s hard to be an athlete and make a track in the medical field. If I can ease some of the financial burden of graduate school, it’s the best gift I can give. It’s about making a donation that matters and makes a difference.”
After being out of touch with Sacred Heart for a few years, Dow attended a recent basketball alumni event and became inspired to help current student-athletes. “It makes sense for me to reward people who are working hard to be the next generation of physical therapists,” he said.
Setting up the scholarship was easy. Dow worked with Anthony Latina, head coach of Sacred Heart’s men’s basketball team, and Stacy Velarde, SHU’s executive director of advancement for health professions and nursing, to brainstorm how best to serve the University and the students Dow wanted to reach.
Dow is the perfect example of an alum who stayed in Connecticut, grew a successful practice and reached out to reconnect with SHU and its student body, according to Paul J. Sutera, senior vice president of University advancement. “Alumni scholarships are a meaningful way to create a legacy and profoundly affect students’ lives,” he said.
Jessica Mannetti, women’s basketball head coach, described the scholarship as a generous gift that will provide opportunities to SHU’s student-athletes. “We have had many successful exercise science and physical therapy majors come through our program who are excited about the opportunity to pay it forward and give back in this challenging and rewarding profession. This means so much to our athletics program, as we strive to continue to provide our student-athletes with the best possible education and preparation to make an impact in their lives beyond SHU,” Mannetti said.