Distinguished Alumni Award
Mike Billings '94
President & Co-Founder
Infinity Rehab
“Dr. Billings is an individual who has applied himself fully to all elements of all three areas of telehealth research: practice, innovation, and leadership standards of the Duke DPT Program and alumni association.” ~ Alan Lee ‘94
“Perhaps Mike’s most distinguishing professional mark is that he is an innovator. From the earliest days, Mike's career has been marked by innovative, visual practices, where the word ‘developed’ is his resume mainstay.” ~ Sean Gallivan ‘94
“Mike has a talent for making every person he meets feel valued (and for making them laugh). His optimistic and forward-thinking attitude has been infectious since his time at Duke.” ~ Shannon Lutrell Bowling ’94
“Throughout his career, Mike has excelled in everything: patient care, research, teaching, mentoring, leading, presenting, publishing, managing, marketing, strategizing, and innovating. After graduating from Duke in 1994, he quickly became a leader in rehabilitation and filled multiple Director roles.” ~ Tricipa Lupi Agnoli
“Mike sets a high bar for excellence and leadership for himself and others. He lifts others and brings them along.” ~ Kelley Kubota ’94
“He is truly a loyal Blue Devil.” ~ Carol Casper Figuers ‘81
Emerging Leader Alumni Award
Allyson Sutkowi-Hemstreet ‘14
Teaching Specialist
University of Minnesota Medical School
“Dr. Hemstreet has consistently been a phenomenal educator and role model in my experience with her. Her goals as an instructor and values as a clinician reflect the DPT program’s mission to develop future therapists that advance the field of physical therapy and are committed to high-quality quality, evidence-based, equitable, and patient-centered care…I cannot picture the past year of PT school without Dr. Hemstreet, and I am incredibly grateful for the richness she has added to my academic and personal experience during this new phase of my life.” ~ Elizabeth Farmer ‘25
“Her willingness to try and find how we learn best is always appreciated for our overall benefit. However, Dr. Hemstreet’s ability to teach us moves beyond the didactic work she needs to teach us. Just like many of our faculty, she is a mentor in compassionate care through her actions and ability to connect with each student on a personal level. Dr. Hemstreet complements the current staff through her interpersonal relationships and adds to the diversity of the staff.” ~ Dana Oakes ‘25
“She will always be a wonderful representative of Duke DPT and our mission. I cannot think of a better recipient for this award. She is a Duke DPT alumnus who is innovative in advancing our mission and PT delivery in general. Her focus on DEI research within the profession demonstrates a strong commitment to improving our community and profession. She should receive this award primarily because of her ability to advocate for patients, students, and our profession.” ~Dr. Marcus Roll ’11
“I nominate Allyson without hesitation for this award. She is deserving. I am waiting for her to set the PT world on fire with her passion and devotion to best practices in education and research..” ~ Dr. Jamie Greco
Distinguished Alumni Award
–2023 Lee Dibble ’91
–2022 Gerard P. Brennan ’75
–2021 Blair Packard ‘76
–2020 Alan Lee ‘94
–2019 Kelley Kubota ‘94
–2018 Elizabeth Mostrom ‘78
–2017 Dan Vreeman ‘03
–2016 Anne Weekley Thompson ‘79
–2015 Gary Zigenfus ‘74
–2014 Rebecca Craik ‘72
–2008 Andrea Behrman ‘80
Emerging Leader Alumni Award
–2023 Maggie Holland ’16
–2022 Tasala Rufai ‘12
–2021 Tara Widgins Dickson ‘12
–2020 Michael Schmidt ‘12
–2019 Amy Arundale ‘11
–2018 Matthew Ithurburn ‘12
–2017 Paul Salamh ‘07
–2016 Annalisa Na ‘09
–2015 Rebecca Gutman Quinones ‘07
–2014 Dean McCall ‘04