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

  1. 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  
1988 – Patricia Shields                       
 1989 – Barb Melzer