First endowed physical therapy scholarship honors future practitioners at WMU

A visit to Western Michigan University’s College of Health and Human Sciences physical therapy program left a lasting impression on Helen Eleades Magas, inspiring her to establish the program’s first endowed scholarship to support the next generation of physical therapists.

After Nicholas Smith invited her to speak to his physical therapy class about her career, Magas toured the department, visited classrooms and met faculty members. Most memorable, however, was the students’ warm welcome. Their respect, kindness and enthusiasm inspired her to recognize the dedication required to earn a doctoral degree in physical therapy.

Learning that WMU’s program takes 30 months to complete further impressed Magas as she considered the commitment students make to prepare for their careers.

Through the Helen Eleades Magas Endowed Scholarship, she hopes to ease some of the financial burden students face while recognizing their hard work and dedication.

“I hope this scholarship brings students some financial relief while recognizing their dedication and the hard work they put into pursuing their degrees,” Magas said.

Beyond financial support, Magas hopes recipients will carry compassion and empathy into their professional lives. She believes physical therapists do more than provide medical care; they also help patients reach their full potential through kindness and meaningful connections.

“I hope students pursue the areas of physical therapy they love and remember that their work is about more than medical care. Kindness, compassion and empathy can help patients reach their full potential,” Magas said. “I loved the years I worked as a physical therapist. It makes me happy that I might contribute in some small way to promote future physical therapists.”

During her visit, Magas also learned about the research and collaboration behind WMU’s physical therapy program. She expressed gratitude for meeting faculty members and College of Health and Human Services Dean Lillian Smith, and praised the caliber of the program and the opportunities it provides future practitioners.

For Magas, establishing the scholarship is a way to give back to a profession she found deeply rewarding. She hopes her gift encourages future physical therapists to pursue their chosen specialties and approach their work with the same care and compassion that inspired her to support them.