Susan Bennett, DPT, EdD, MS, a longtime UB faculty member and pioneer in rehabilitation practices for people with multiple sclerosis, died in 2020 after a battle with cancer. She is remembered as a kind and generous teacher, mentor, colleague and friend, most notably for her caring, empathy and dedication to her students and patients.

A clinical professor in the Department of Rehabilitation Science and interim chair of the department from 2016-18, Bennett founded her physical therapy practice, Bennett Rehabilitation Institute, in 1992. The practice is a leader in treating patients with neurological conditions. Sue was the first rehabilitation professional to receive the Consortium of Multiple Sclerosis Centers’ Lifetime Achievement Award, which recognizes an individual whose decades-long commitment has driven significant advances in the care of people with MS.

$4,000 is awarded each year. 

Awarded to students enrolled in the Department of Rehabilitation Science who demonstrate promise in the field of physical therapy. In order to build upon Sue’s legacy, preference will be given to students with a desire to work in neurological rehabilitation or with an interest in treating MS patients.