The Iowa Physical Therapy Foundation established an annual $500.00 physical therapist student scholarship in 1983. An annual $250.00 physical therapist assistant student scholarship was established by the IPTF in 1995 which was initially funded by a contribution from physical therapists Steven and Susan Bell. In 2010 the IPTF increased these awards so that each year four physical therapist student scholarships and one physical therapist assistant student scholarship are awarded. The scholarships are made possible by a bequest to the Foundation from Olive C. Farr, PT, the first director of the physical therapy education program at the University of Iowa.

The scholarships are awarded to student members of the American Physical Therapy Association enrolled in accredited Iowa PT/PTA education programs who have concluded the first year of their accredited entry-level Iowa program. Award of the scholarships is based on demonstrated scholarship, potential for professional contributions and leadership qualities.

Olive C Farr Scholarship 2022 Recipients

Grant Milam: Grant Milam is a second year student in the St. Ambrose Doctor of Physical Therapy Program. He graduated from the University of Iowa with a degree in biomedical engineering. Grant currently is involved in leading review sessions for his peers in the physical therapy program as a graduate assistant; volunteering in the St. Ambrose Pro Bono Clinic; and serves on an Academic Support Committee to help provide the resources students need to succeed in the classroom. Grant was initially drawn to physical therapy because of his passion for empowering patients who have undergone amputation to continue to pursue their own ambitions. After graduation, Grant hopes to complete a residency in neurology so he can be better prepared to care for his patients and ultimately teach in a physical therapy program to inspire others to care for this underserved population as well.

Julia Black: Julia is in her second year at Briar Cliff University in the Doctor of Physical Therapy Program where she continues to share her passion for foreign language services. She serves as a Spanish-speaking interpreter in the Briar Cliff Pro Bono Clinic and is the founder of the North Central Region Consortia for the Pro Bono Network with foreign language at the forefront. Julia aspires to be a future physical therapist who bridges the language barriers in our society by advocating for access to the best possible care for all patients. She strives to treat each patient as a whole human being with heartfelt, compassionate care while continuing with extensive involvement in her professional development through the APTA. Julia would like to thank her parents and Dr. Soren Grieve at Briar Cliff University for their constant support and inspiration throughout her physical therapy journey.

Nathanael Seaberg: Nathanael Seaberg is a second-year Physical Therapy student at the University of Iowa. Growing up with a pediatric Physical Therapist for a mother inspired Nathanael to pursue physical therapy in order to create lasting change in the lives of both patients and families. Originally from Moline, Illinois, Nathanael attended Drake University for his undergraduate education, playing on the Men's Soccer team while earning a Bachelors of Science in Health Sciences. While at Drake University, Nathanael was named a National Alumni Scholar, served as President for the Student-Athlete advisory committee, and was selected as a First Team Academic All-American. Nathanael met his wife Mandi, a dental student at the University of Iowa, at Drake University and they plan on staying in the state of Iowa once they both graduate. In his spare time, Nathanael loves to coach and play soccer, fly fish, and read.

Morgan Dunahoo: Morgan Dunahoo is a current 3rd year DPT student at Clarke University, in Dubuque. Morgan first became interested in becoming a physical therapist after being injured in high school. Since then, her passion for physical therapy has grown. The aspect of physical therapy Morgan loves the most is being able to connect with patients and help them recover physically, mentally, and emotionally. She enjoys helping others reach their greatest potential - to be the best version of themselves. After graduation in May, Morgan plans to start working in the outpatient orthopedics/sports medicine world and continue advancing the profession of physical therapy.