Clarkson University Physical Therapy Student Awarded Kafka-Phillips Memorial Scholarship
Clarkson University Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) student Raelin Burns ’28 of Gouverneur, New York, has been awarded the 2025 Kafka-Phillips Memorial Scholarship.
The scholarship was created to celebrate two people who shared a deep love for life and adventure and strong dedication to the physical therapy profession, Kathleen Kafka and Reed Phillips. It was established in 2014 by their classmates, the DPT Class of 2016, and the Physical Therapy Department.
“Raelin is an exemplary student who already shows a strong dedication to the physical therapy core values of excellence, integrity and accountability,” said Dr. Samantha Marocco, chair and program director of physical therapy at Clarkson University. “We are confident that Raelin will continue to honor Kathleen and Reed’s legacy and that she will have a meaningful impact on her community as a future physical therapist.”
“I am truly honored to have received this scholarship. I am beyond grateful to be recognized as someone who reflects the values of Kathleen Kafka and Reed Phillips,” Burns said. “One of the main reasons I chose Clarkson is because I am from the North Country and it has provided me with amazing opportunities close to home. I hope to give back to this community after I complete the DPT program and continue to represent these values. Thank you again for this incredible honor and supporting my education.”
In honor of Kafka and Phillips, the memorial scholarship is awarded annually to a deserving first-year DPT student at Clarkson University who strives to implement the core values of the physical therapy profession both inside and outside the classroom in the same manner that Kathleen and Reed did.
Applications are reviewed and the scholarship awarded based on a number of criteria, including adventure for life outside the classroom, passion and commitment to the physical therapy profession, demonstration of the APTA core values, and current standing in the Clarkson University DPT program.
