Ryan Wheelock, DPT ’22, ’24G
Husson Program(s): B.S. in Exercise Science, Master's in Business Administration with a concentration in Healthcare Administration and Doctorate of Physical Therapy.
Current Profession: Student in the Husson Doctorate of Physical Therapy program.
What do you like (love) most about Husson?
Community! The close-knit community is what I love most about Husson. From the faculty, staff and students, Husson is the perfect size, with friendly and familiar faces around every corner. Everyone at Husson wants you to succeed and they make it their mission to ensure you do. The close connections you can form with other students and those who work here make you feel supported and that you will always have help if you need it.
What's your earliest memory of getting involved with Husson?
The earliest extracurricular I remember getting involved with on campus is Student Government. Petitioning to run for a senate position forced me out of my shell and allowed me to form lasting connections and valuable skills. As a senator, I learned how to organize groups of my peers to create events and advocate for the students' viewpoints on campus.
These skills allowed me to grow through the ranks to become President of Student Government. As President, I gained different perspectives and skills through the many opportunities presented to me. A critical role of being Student Government President is representing the student body on the Husson Board of Trustees (BOT). During my time as a member of the BOT, I learned a lot about being an effective leader and decision-maker.
Why do you give back to Husson? What motivates you?
I give back to Husson because of what Husson has given me. The opportunities through Student Government have given me the experience that I believe would have taken decades at other organizations. Without the philanthropic support of those who came before me to give back, Husson would be a very different place and thus would have been my experience.
One of my greatest motivators is continuing my family's fight against hunger. My grandfather was a founding member of a soup kitchen in my hometown many years ago. Over the years, my father has shared many wonderful stories about the hard work he and the rest of the family dedicated to renovating the building to service the community when he was a child.
When I heard about the epidemic of Food Insecurity on college campuses across the nation, I decided that like my grandfather I would do something.
Why is giving back so important?
My grandfather has always told me, "All it takes is for someone to sow the seeds and the rest will come."
Growing up, I have seen this lesson come to life. I know that by giving back to the communities who have helped me, I too, can make the world a better place. As I previously mentioned in my speech at Commencement 2023, if no one ever takes action, then nothing will ever change. The time and effort I and other individuals have put into establishing the pop-up food pantry on Husson's campus was one of the most fulfilling projects I have ever worked on.
How will your Husson degree(s) help you in your career path?
My undergraduate degree in Exercise Science has already paid off by establishing the foundation I needed to succeed in Physical Therapy School. I know that once I graduate with my Doctorate in Physical Therapy, my Husson education will allow me to move into the workforce with confidence. In addition to my undergraduate degree, my Master's in Business Administration with a concentration in Healthcare Administration will give me a leg up in the competitive employment market. Beyond degrees, the experience and skills I have acquired through the opportunities presented to me at Husson can never be taken away.
This will allow me to better serve my patients and the community in the future!