Auburn’s College of Education launches Tiger Giving Day Project to empower future physical therapists with national conference experience

Auburn College of Education’s Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) students are preparing to lead the future of healthcare — and the American Physical Therapy Association’s Combined Sections Meeting (CSM) is where that journey will accelerate.

The national conference is the largest annual gathering of physical therapists, offering students the chance to present high-impact research, compete in professional challenges and connect with top clinicians and innovators. It’s an experience that aims to sharpen students’ skills, expand their networks and elevate Auburn’s voice in physical therapy excellence.

For some students, though, financial barriers hinder their access to such transformative opportunities. That’s why Auburn’s College of Education is launching the “Lead the Movement” project for Tiger Giving Day, with a goal of raising at least $15,000 to ensure every DPT student — regardless of financial means — can attend CSM in Philadelphia.

“This Tiger Giving Day, we need your help to support our Lead the Movement project, which is going to help our physical therapy students attend the largest gathering of physical therapists annually in Philadelphia,” said Harsimran Baweja, the founding director of the School of Kinesiology’s Physical Therapy program in Auburn’s College of Education. “This experience allows our students to present high-impact research and connect with clinicians from around the country.”

This year’s Tiger Giving Day is taking place on March 25. It follows a previous Tiger Giving Day campaign two years ago when donors helped the DPT program equip a new anatomy lab in the School of Kinesiology with Anatomage Tables – which digitally offer 3D anatomy experiences. With an initial cohort of 21 DPT students having started classes in June, 2025, this year’s Tiger Giving Day Lead the Movement project aims to further equip DPT students with a firm foundation as their program aims to establish the gold standard in physical therapy.

Students say they can’t wait to attend the CSM conference and greatly appreciate the Auburn Family’s support in making that possibility a reality.

“The opportunity to go to this conference is really important to me because it gives me the ability to meet physical therapists from all specialties,” DPT student Jacob Jerkins said.

DPT student Blair Waltman agreed about the importance of the conference.

“As we establish the gold standard for physical therapy education, this conference will allow us to see top cutting-edge technology and research, ”she said. 

Baweja said he’s excited for students to attend the life-changing conference, knowing it will further propel their academic and professional goals. 

“At this national conference, our students will grow as leaders and return equipped to make a lasting impact in their classrooms, clinics and the communities they serve,” he said.

To support the effort, give to the College of Education’s Lead the Movement Tiger Giving Day project on March 25.