Eleven students in Georgia Southern University’s Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program were awarded scholarships totaling more than $16,000 from the Savannah American Business Club (AMBUCS) for volunteer work with the organization.

Each year, AMBUCS awards scholarships to students pursuing careers in the allied health professions who volunteer with the organization. The DPT students volunteer with AMBUCS at events such as a League of Exceptional Bowlers, which the organization has hosted for more than 50 years. Though the organization had to place AMBUCS events on hold in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, AMBUCS was able to resume events this past fall.

DPT students Miriam Gritis, Isaac Milliken, Mary Carpenter, Kevin White, Alexandra Perry, Corbette Soltysiak, Colleen Guetherman, Rachel Pelzek, Kendra Harris, Catherine Sailor and Kelsey Lewis received scholarships. 

By volunteering, DPT students have the opportunity to interact with different members of the community and assist bowlers with physical and intellectual disabilities to promote an inclusive and competitive environment.

DPT student and second-year scholarship recipient Gritis has been volunteering with AMBUCS for two years.

“Volunteering has given me a broader perspective and made me more aware of how fortunate I am,” said Gritis. “Working with differently abled or underserved populations has helped me to be more grateful for things that I used to take for granted.”

Additionally, volunteering has taught Gritis to be more considerate of others.

“Having a sense of accountability to the friends I have made through AMBUCS, I now understand the choices I make that seem inconsequential to me can actually really impact another person,” Gritis said.

Gritis, who plans to work in a variety of physical therapy settings after graduation, plans to use the scholarship funds toward her tuition.

“I appreciate this scholarship more than I can express because it removes a significant burden,” she said. “I will be able to spend more of my energy focusing on my education and experiencing more of the resources Georgia Southern and its invaluable faculty offer to students.”