Tuition and Scholarships

This award was established in recognition of Dr. Alice C. Jantzen who founded the Department of Occupational Therapy, and throughout her 18 years here, chaired a program reputed for excellence. The award is funded by Mr. and Mrs. Robert K. Gwin, Jr. Mrs. Gwin is an alumna of the University of Florida Department of Occupational Therapy. Support graduate fellowships in the Department of Occupational Therapy, College of Public Health and Health Professions; annual award shall be given to deserving students who portray exemplary leadership and academic excellence. The award is given in the first semester of the program.

This award honors Margaret Clare Shoemyen, OT, who is the former Chief of Staff of the Department of Occupational Therapy’s clinical services at Shands Hospital. Ms. Shoemyen developed the Shoemyen Diagnostic Battery as a psychiatric assessment tool for occupational therapists. This award is funded by Mr. and Mrs. John L. Shermyen to support doctor of occupational therapy fellowships in the Department of Occupational Therapy. The annual award assists an incoming student to the Doctor of Occupational Therapy program who has potential to contribute to the science of OT practice and for leadership in the profession. The award is given in the first semester of the program.

This fund was endowed in Honor of Kay F. Walker, PHD, OTR, Dr. Walker was the Chair of the Department of Occupational Therapy from 1984 to 2000. She was known for unwavering and inclusive support of student and faculty. This scholarship is funded by Frank Gainer, OTR/L, FAOTA, a graduate of the University of Florida Occupational Therapy Program, in honor of Kay F. Walker, PhD, OTR/L, FAOTA, the former Chair of the Department of Occupational Therapy. Criteria: A gay/lesbian or bisexual student OR a student that has a significant history of active support for gay/lesbian or bisexual community programs OR a student with history of active military service. Such experiences shall be reflected in the application statement for the award. Students may apply for this award during the spring semester of their second year in the program.

This scholarship is endowed by Dr. Joanne Foss and Rob Foss. Dr. Foss is professor emerita of the department, having held both program director and interim chair roles. Before her retirement from UF in 2017, Foss taught undergraduate and graduate courses in adult and child development, pediatric assessment and intervention, and professional development for 28 years. This scholarship was established in memory of her grandmother, Louisa Chambers, who passed on the importance of education and keeping a positive perspective. The scholarship was funded to support students in the OTD program who are pursuing a career change with a secondary preference that they were a first-generation college student. This award is given in the fall semester.

The scholarship was endowed by Mr. Paul C. Dell, M.D. and Mrs. Ruth Below Dell, OT, in memory of occupational therapist Trish Buescher Nelson. Criteria: This fund was established to support scholarship to a College of Public Health and Health Professions occupational therapy student pursuing a pediatric or hand/upper extremity capstone experience with an entity such as Hands to Love. Students may apply for this award during the spring semester of their second year in the program.

The fund was endowed in Honor of Judie Pink-Goldin, OTR by Toni Thompson DrOT, OTR/L, C/NDT. Ms. Pink-Goldin was graduate of this program and long career occupational therapist at the James A. Haley Veterans Administration Hospital in Tampa. This is a one-time memorial scholarship award. Criteria: The recipient has overcome or experienced significant adversity in his/her lifetime; such experience should be reflected in the application statement for the award. Students may apply for this award during the spring semester of their second year in the program.

This scholarship is funded by the Florida Chapter of the Benevolent and Protective Order of the Elks. The Elks Children’s Therapy Program brings mobile, in-home therapy services to children across the state. The 400-acre Elks Youth Camp in Umatilla builds character while simultaneously inspiring Florida’s youth by teaching respect and responsibility. This is an annual scholarship award of $500 for a student planning to complete a fieldwork rotation in pediatrics. The applicant’s statement should be a one-page essay that addresses reasons for choosing to complete a pediatric rotation and addresses the impact of the experience on their career plans. Students may apply for this award during the spring semester of their second year in the program.