Dean Sylvia A. Alva and Physical Therapy Department Chair Sheryl Low presented the scholarship awards on January 24, 2014 with Scholarship Benefactor Joni Campanella Roan, Los Angeles Dodgers Foundation Executive Director Nichol Whiteman, and Foundation Director David Brennan. Meet the 2014 recipients of the Roy and Roxy Campanella Scholarship funded by the Roy and Roxie Campanella Foundation and the Los Angeles Dodgers Foundation:
Class 57 (2nd Year Students)
Josh Chambers:
A yoga and meditation studies program in South India inspired Josh to pursue the goal of serving others as a physical therapist. He has been an active community service volunteer since beginning the Doctorate of Physical Therapy program at CSUN in 2012.
He has participated in events to support the Southern California Multiple Sclerosis Society, the American Cancer Society, and was a volunteer in education programs for Chatsworth High and Carpenter Community Charter Schools and an international exchange program with Japanese students visiting CSUN. He volunteers at the CSUN Center of Achievement providing aquatic therapy for individuals with special needs. Josh plans to teach meditation to patients in intensive care and hospice settings.
“I thank the Campanella Foundation and the LA Dodgers for the generosity of this scholarship. I am incredibly humbled and inspired to continue the pursuit of my dream to serve others through Physical Therapy. Go Dodgers!”
Shandiz Kamrava:
Shandiz is a first generation Iranian-American who came to understand the importance of rehabilitation following a volleyball injury in high school. With her undergraduate degree in psychology, she plans to integrate her studies in human behavior with her education in physical therapy.
A former CSUN University Ambassador and a member of Psi Chi, Shandiz is the Physical Therapy Club treasurer, assists with anatomy continuing education courses for massage therapists and coordinates the annual outreach program for Chatsworth High School students. Shandiz thanks the Campanella Foundation Board, CSUN PT and the Dodgers for recognizing her for this tremendous award. “This scholarship is an true honor to receive, it has not only helped financially, but it also motivates me to excel to my greatest potential. I will continue to embody the traits this award represents throughout my career.”
Allison King:
A lifelong athlete, Allison grew up in the San Francisco bay area. Captain of the Santa Rosa Junior College swim team, she later played Division 1 water polo for University of the Pacific. Her desire to become a physical therapist began with an interest in sports and injuries and she wants to work in pediatrics or with patients with neurological disorders.
At CSUN, Allison has volunteered to work with visiting groups, both international and from local high schools. Allison has also helped raise funds for pancreatic cancer research to honor her late uncle.
“I thank the Dodgers and the Campanella Foundation for honoring me with this scholarship and for supporting the profession. It is always wonderful to receive financial assistance and this scholarship reminds me of the reason I decided to become a physical therapist.
Collin McDonell:
Early involvement in advanced anatomy classes throughout high school ignited Collin’s passion for the workings of the body and for physical therapy. As an undergraduate at USC he majored in Health Promotion and Disease Prevention, and at CSUN he is earning his DPT, grateful to be a part of the CSUN family. He has assisted with the Japanese student visits and looks forward to working with faculty to help develop new ortho study materials for the upcoming DPT students.
Collin says he is extremely humbled to be receiving the Dodgers/Campanella Scholarship and that it will enable him to continue to follow his passion for assisting others in enjoying their lives to the fullest as he strives to do daily. A lifelong Dodger fan, he adds that it means the world to him and his family to receive this scholarship.
Shayna Reid :
Shayna began teaching yoga in 2005 and has been on a path to understand how to help people heal their bodies. This has lead to her pursuit of a career in physical therapy and she believes in sharing this knowledge.
Shayna has assisted in teaching anatomy to undergraduate massage students at CSUN, is secretary of the CSUN PT club and works with high school students. Shayna is grateful to have been awarded the LA Dodgers Campanella Scholarship.
“I want to show my appreciation for this rewarding and important scholarship. My passion for this field continues to grow as does my impetus to share the multitude of benefits this profession provides to the community.”
Class 58 (1st Year Students)
Julien Bui:
Born in Belgium, Julien moved to Los Angeles at 19, a year after he graduated from high school. He has practiced martial arts since the age of six and is a first degree black belt and a children’s instructor.
His interest in physical therapy began with a post-surgical shoulder rehabilitation. Whether volunteering at his Master’s Taekwondo studio or getting involved in the many different physical therapy settings such as the Lake Balboa Post Acute Care Center, Julien likes to be active with the community.
“Life as a PT student is very busy; however my goal is to stay involved throughout the program and after graduation. This recognition of my hard work and dedication means a lot to me and I am eager to continue my education and become a physical therapist.” He thanks the Dodgers and the Campanella Foundation for the scholarship.
Mark Kim:
Becoming a physical therapist has been a goal of Mark's ever since he was first introduced to the world of physical rehabilitation after a football injury during high school. As a CSUN undergraduate majoring in Kinesiology, Mark elevated his interest in physical therapy through his academics and an internship at the CSUN Center of Achievement. Mark says working with clients and faculty at the center has given him an unforgettable experience and the conviction to help others in need.
Mark expresses his utmost gratitude to the Roy and Roxie Campanella Foundation, the Los Angeles Dodgers Foundation and CSUN's Department of Physical Therapy for this tremendous honor. “I'm so thankful for this opportunity to get my foot in the door in pursuing this career.”