Ruby Decker Award
HISTORY
In 1962, an outstanding physical therapist, Ruby Decker, was honored by an anonymous donor who wished to perpetuate the recognition of outstanding physical therapists in Texas. To assure this, "The Ruby Decker Award” was established. Ruby Decker was named, by the donor, as the original awardee. The donor was aware that many physical therapists are in positions which gain for them public and professional recognition. On the other hand, there are many physical therapists whose job responsibility of direct patient service prevents such recognition. The donor realized that a number of these people are making contributions to both their profession and community, and should be given recognition for their good works.
Thus, the express wish of the donor is that the Ruby Decker Award be presented to someone whose primary responsibility is in the area of direct patient service and who contributes to the growth of the profession and community.
ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA
1. A physical therapist who: is a current member of the TPTA. has practiced in the state of Texas for at least two years immediately prior to the nomination. actively participates in and contributes to the professional organization (APTA and TPTA) and community activities. demonstrates personal and professional growth through service to patients and the profession.
NOMINATION PROCEDURE
- Nominations are made by completing an electronic nomination form and submission of letter of nomination.
PREVIOUS RECIPIENTS
1962 – Ruby Decker (deceased) |
1990 – Mary Daulong |
1963 – Mary Callaghan (deceased) |
1991 – Stephen Campbell |
1964 – Ruth Wood |
1992 – Wayne Sawyer |
1965 – Elizabeth Barkley (deceased) |
1993 – Davis Gordon |
1966 – Dorn Long |
1994 – Karen Pevoto |
1967 - No Award Given |
1995 – Jean Rosenstein |
1968 – Bettye Rice |
1996 – Cynthia Fisher |
1969 – Hebert Sauer, Jr. |
1997 – Tom Waugh |
1970 – Joy Davenport (deceased) |
1999 – Miriam Partridge (posthumous) |
1971 – James Thompson |
2000 – Danica Sims |
1972 – Bob Poynor |
2001 – Bonnie Whittington |
1973 – Dorothea Everett |
2002 – Steven Stratton |
1974 – Rex Nutt |
2003 – Patti L. Schwartz |
1975 – James Spano |
2004 – Vivian "Bea” Ellis |
1976 – Mary Romaine |
2005 – Major John Childs |
1977 – JD Wendeborn |
2006 – Carol McFarland |
1978 – Joan Firra |
2007 – David Lott |
1979 – Nathan Pepper |
2008 – Mary Lou Garrett |
1980 – Jeanette Winfree |
2009 -- Diane M. Merwarth |
1981 – Blanche Carpenter |
2010 – James Villers |
1982 – John C. Polk |
2011 – Gwendolyn Housman |
1983 – Madeleine Baker |
2012 – Donna Carver |
1984 – James Dalton |
2013 - Kirsten Harper |
1985 – Joe Kleinkort |
2014 - Kevin McHorse |
1986 – Sarah Jane Watson |
2015 – Kathleen A. Roth |
1987 – Jo Ann Tomberlin |
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1988 – Patricia Shields |
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1989 – Barb Melzer |
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