Heartland student awarded Physical Therapy Assistant Scholarship

 

[December 15, 2021] 

A Heartland Community College Physical Therapy Assistant program student has received a scholarship from a nonprofit whose mission is rooted in paying acts of kindness forward.

Heartland student Samantha Uhe was announced as the recipient of the Continuing the Circle of Kindness scholarship from the Bloomington nonprofit group of the same name.

OSF St. Joseph Physical Therapy Assistant (PTA) Kellie Rumps is a member of the board for the Continue the Circle of Kindness organization in Bloomington, and was instrumental in developing the scholarship for Heartland’s PTA and Radiography students.

“We had some wonderful applicants,” said Rumps. “It’s always inspiring to see what kind things they plan to do if selected for the scholarship.”
 

Uhe was named recipient of the scholarship by Kellie Rumps and Tania Seibly, the nonprofit’s founder, on Tuesday, December 7.

“We know every student in the PTA program is a wonderful and caring person, hence why they’re all pursuing the profession they are,” Seibly added. “After reading her application materials, it was clear how Samantha embodies the uplifting ideals of Continuing the Circle of Kindness and, especially with how challenging this past few years have been, we need to be leading by example and inspiring those around us, just as she does.”

The $2,000 scholarship is a one-time award given to a student currently enrolled in a medical program for physical therapy or radiography. Uhe is the second recipient of the scholarship in HCC history.

(L-R) Tania Seibly, Samantha Uhe, & Kellie Rumps.

“Samantha has a work ethic and demeanor that emanates professionalism,” shared Daryl Menke, Associate Professor and Coordinator of HCC’s PTA program. “While managing a family, a home, and supporting a husband in the military, she forges ahead with an infectious positive attitude that encourages and inspires her fellow classmates.”

The Heartland Community College Physical Therapy Assistant program prepares students to perform various assessments, exercises and treatments under the supervision of a physical therapist. Students complete 23 hours of general education coursework followed by 49 hours of technical and clinical education courses. PTAs find employment in a variety of settings, including hospitals, outpatient clinics, schools, nursing homes and home health agencies as well as sports and fitness facilities.

[Steve Fast
Director, Public Information
Heartland Community College]