DES MOINES, IA – (March 28, 2022) APTA Iowa is pleased to announce that S. Juanita Robel, PT, of Des Moines was awarded the 2022 APTA Iowa Olive C. Farr Distinguished Service Award. This award is the highest honor bestowed on a PT member of the association.

Olive Farr was born Sept. 22, 1895, in Waverly, Iowa. She was educated at Cedar Falls Teachers College, where she also taught. In 1922, she graduated from the University of Iowa with a degree in physical education. She received her certificate in physical therapy from the University of Wisconsin at Madison. After eight years as a clinician, she became the first director of the physical therapy education program at the University of Iowa, where she remained until her retirement in 1963. She served as president of the Iowa Physical Therapy Association from 1946 to 1948.

About S. Juanita Robel, Catherine Stevermer, associate professor of physical therapy at Des Moines University, said, “Perhaps Ms. Robel’s most indelible mark on the APTA Iowa has been her staunch advocacy for professional association membership. Throughout her career as a Des Moines University faculty member, Ms. Robel encouraged many former students in their APTA Iowa involvement and leadership roles. Many former DMU students have served as delegates to the APTA House of Delegates, in addition to serving in district and top-ranking leadership positions in APTA Iowa. While occasionally serving as a vocal representative of the chapter membership, she has posed thought-provoking questions and stimulated discussion amongst the district and state chapter’s leadership team. Her willingness to present an opposing viewpoint provided a model for professional discourse during APTA Iowa board meetings, which ensured the board membership considered all aspects during decision-making. She has also encouraged and supported student involvement in legislative and federal advocacy experiences.” 

S. Juanita Robel graduated from St. Louis University with a B.S. in physical therapy followed by a Master of Health Sciences from Washington University. She has been a member of the APTA for 45 years, serving on the APTA Iowa board of directors multiple times. She has served in the APTA House of Delegates as both a delegate and chief delegate. 

Robel’s clinical experiences are numerous and varied. Her initial employment was at Younker Rehab in Des Moines. Later, she served on the faculty of Maryville University’s PT program. A serendipitous site visit lead her to visit the newly developed physical therapy program at Des Moines University. After 32 years, she retired from Des Moines University as an associate professor of physical therapy.

Robel will be recognized for this award during the APTA Iowa Spring Conference Business Luncheon on Friday, April 8, in West Des Moines, Iowa. Those who are interested in attending this luncheon can contact the APTA Iowa office for more information.