College of St. Scholastica - Doctorate of Physical Therapy

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2026 Alumni Award Winners Spotlight: Dalerie Lieberz '01
Dalerie has been awarded the Scholastica Inspire Award. This award honors faculty or staff whose interest and concern for the students have positively influenced the student community.

"Dalerie graduated from the Master of Physical Therapy program at The College of St. Scholastica in 2001 and transitioned from clinical practice to academia in 2009. She earned her transitional Doctor of Physical Therapy degree in 2013 and completed a PhD in Human Services with a specialization in Health Care Administration in 2019. Her research focuses on preventative models of care in physical therapy, and in 2023, she received the Moffat Geriatric Research Grant from the Foundation for Physical Therapy Research. Working alongside graduate DPT students, she has published research in leading journals, including the Journal of Geriatric Physical Therapy and the Physical Therapy & Rehabilitation Journal.

Throughout her time at St. Scholastica, Dalerie has held numerous leadership roles within the Physical Therapy Department, including Director of Clinical Education, Assistant Program Chair, and Program Chair beginning in 2024. A board-certified Geriatric Clinical Specialist and vestibular therapist, she teaches in areas aligned with her clinical expertise while mentoring student research and fostering interprofessional collaboration. In 2011, she founded an on-campus pro bono physical therapy clinic at CSS to provide students with hands-on clinical learning opportunities while serving community members in need. Today, the maurices Clinic continues to thrive as a teaching and learning clinic, offering free physical therapy services to the community in support of student education and experiential learning. She has championed interprofessional collaboration and provides students with opportunities to collaborate across professions, including experiential learning in simulation.

Community In-Reach: 56 Physical Therapy students from the College of St. Scholastica - Doctorate of Physical Therapy joined us in The Forest for their Lifespan Motor Development class.

The children engaged in imaginative play while the PT students observed the motor choices and movements that they made in a natural environment. Whether the children were saving the world from natural disasters (running and climbing), pretending to be owls flying in the night (jumping and balancing) or gathering kindling for a campfire (lifting and carrying) I hope that this observation opportunity impacts the work of these future providers in a meaningful way.

And maybe, just maybe, we will begin to see more therapeutic appointments take place beyond the four walls of a structure and out in the fresh air!

Congratulations to the DPT Class of 2026 🎓
Through years of hard work, clinical experience, and commitment to patient care, these graduates are ready for the next chapter. Wishing these graduates continued success as they begin making a difference in the lives of others. ✨

Second year students presented their research posters to the community and faculty Wednesday at HSC poster presentations! Thank you to everyone who took the time to listen, ask questions, and support our students!

The class of 2027 received their white coats this past weekend! 🥼
Big thank you to CSS OT for making ribbons to help us remember and honor Drew - we miss him every day 🕊️

This past weekend, faculty and second year students presented their research at the MN APTA conference! Hooray for learning!! 📚