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This fund supports a scholarship for student in the Department of Rehabilitation Science at UB.

Donations support the activities of UB's Department of Rehabilitation Science at the discretion of the chair or his/her designee. Examples of past uses include cash prizes for student research poster presentation award winners; PhD welcome reception expenses; and hosting costs pertaining to faculty searches.

Donations support the Occupational Therapy program at the discretion of the Department of Rehabilitation Science chair or his/her designee. Examples of past uses include busing UB OT students to Albany to meet with legislators in support of topics that affect OT practice in New York State as part of NYSOTA's annual Advocacy Day and sponsoring UB OT alumni mixers at AOTA national conferences.

The Dr. Sysan Nochajski Memorial fund provides an award or conference travel support to a student in the Occupational Therapy program who demonstrates excellence in disability practice in fieldwork, research or community service.

This scholarship for fifth-year occupational therapy students is awarded in memory of Kathy Schaffer, a 1987 graduate of the UB Occupational Therapy Baccalaureate program and senior therapist at Erie County Medical Center. Students are nominated for the award by OT faculty. A committee of faculty members, colleagues and family members selects the recipient.

All funds support activities of the UB chapter of Pi Theta Epsilon, the national honor society for occupational therapy students and alumni.

Donations support the Physical Therapy program at the discretion of the Department of Rehabilitation Science chair or his/her designee. Examples of past uses include hosting guest speakers and PT continuing education workshops made available to WNY PTs, which count toward required continuing education units

For many years, Al Caffiero was a prominent physical therapist in Western New York. This scholarship is awarded to doctor of physical therapy (DPT) students during their second year of study at UB. Applicants must be UB DPT students in their first year of professional study. Selection criteria include a history of community/professional service, financial need, professional promise and academic performance.

DPT students receive their white coat at the department's White Coat Ceremony, marking the beginning of their professional journey. A gift of $100 provides a student with their new white coat along with the opportunity to share a message of wisdom and advice. As students receive their coat, they will know that donors made it possible, are standing behind them and are proud of their chosen profession. In addition, by supporting a student, donors encourage and inspire the next generation of physical therapists to not only give their best, but to also pay it forward.

Dr. Bennett, who joined the faculty of the School of Public Health and Health Professions in 1998, was one of the school's most beloved faculty members. During her tenure at UB she served in many leadership roles including director of the Physical Therapy program, director of the Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Comprehensive Care Center, and, most recently, as interim chair of the Department of Rehabilitation Sciences. In honor of her memory, Sue's family, friends and colleagues created the Susan E. Bennett Memorial Fund, which provides a financial award to a student enrolled in the Department of Rehabilitation Science who demonstrates promise in the field of physical therapy. Building 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.

All funds support the important work of UB's Center for Assistive Technology. CAT is a community-based organization providing assessments, assistive technology loans and training for daily living, school, work and recreational activities. Access to assistive technologies help people in WNY's eight counties live more independent, healthy lives.