Pauline Cerasoli, or Polly as friends and colleagues know her, grew up in Vermont. Vermonters are often described as determined, self-reliant, and "salt of the earth." That is Polly, with the addition of a wonderful sense of humor, and a love of skiing! As a child, Polly would accompany her father, a country doctor, on his patient home visits, braving the snow and ice of the Green Mountains to reach those in need in rural Vermont. Those special times with her dad and with patients fostered in Polly an enthusiasm for medicine and a commitment to helping others. When she learned about the profession of physical therapy, she knew what her life-long passion would be.
Polly received her BS in Physical Therapy from the University of Connecticut. She then moved to Boston where she worked as a clinician and earned an MS in Physical Therapy Education from Boston University. She became a member of the PT faculty at Northeastern University (NU) in 1967. As a teacher, she taught a variety of courses, but her specialty was therapeutic exercise and Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation (PNF). She also served as academic coordinator of clinical education, and acting chairperson of the physical therapy department. During her tenure at NU she worked on her EdD in Rehabilitation Administration. Her doctoral dissertation, "The Relationship Between Leadership Style and Job Satisfaction in Physical Therapy Clinicians", reveals her deep commitment to leadership in her profession.
Polly loved teaching and was devoted to nurturing the best in those around here. She always had time to mentor students and colleagues and inspire them to "reach for the stars." Somewhere along the way, Polly developed the art of accomplishing many things at once. To the un-initiated, her office in Robinson Hall seemed chaotic, filled with bags and piles of papers. She often carried several bags as she hurried to class or a meeting, so was lovingly referred to as "The Bag Lady." However, it was always Polly who could instantly find just the right article or file that was needed. She was able to compartmentalize her many roles and responsibilities while giving full attention to the person or task at hand.
Polly's organizational and leadership abilities were put to good use beyond NU. Peers in the profession knew they could count on Polly to creatively solve problems, get people involved, and energetically see a project through to completion. She became a leader of the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) at both the local and national levels, volunteering to serve on various task forces. She was an active member of the House of Delegates, the Education and Legislation and Regulations Sections, and served on evaluation teams for the Commission on Accreditation for Physical Therapy Education.
Polly left NU in 1981 to become Director of Rehabilitation at Massachusetts General Hospital, and to teach at the MGH Institute. From there she moved to Denver, Colorado, following a "higher calling" and a chance to live and ski in the Rocky Mountains. She became the Assistant Dean of Allied Health and Director of the Physical Therapy Program at the University of Colorado where she continued working to advance the profession of physical therapy. However, throughout the years, Polly has maintained her ties to Northeastern University as she has to the nurturing green mountains of Vermont.
Unfortunately, Polly's career was cut short in 1996. She was attending the APTA Combined Sections Meeting in Atlanta, GA when she was attacked by an unknown assailant, and sustained a traumatic brain injury. Today Polly lives in a lovely long-term care facility in rural New England. Totally dependent, she is fortunate to be cared for by a compassionate and professional staff. It is difficult for Polly to speak, but she is able to convey her humor and interest in the happenings of family, friends, and her profession.
Since her injury, Polly's colleagues have honored her in many ways. The APTA Section for Education sponsors the Polly Cerasoli Lectureship at Combined Sections Meeting each year. This lecture recognizes selected leaders, educators, and practitioners in the field of physical therapy. During the first Polly Cerasoli Lectureship in 1998, her nephew read excerpts from letters her family received from Polly's friends, colleagues, and students. The outpouring of love and respect for her contributions and her impact on the lives of so many was overwhelming.
Clinician, teacher, mentor, scholar, leader, skier, and friend, Polly has inspired students and colleagues to excel both personally and professionally. Now NU alumni and friends are invited to join in celebration of Polly's commitment and many contributions to Northeastern University and its Physical Therapy Program, and to the profession of physical therapy. You can help Polly's ideals to endure and cultivate her qualities in the next generation of physical therapists by contributing to the NU Polly Cerasoli Scholarship Fund.
The Polly Cerasoli Scholarship will be awarded to an NU physical therapist graduate student who exemplifies the characteristics that reflect those Polly displayed throughout her career. Awardees will be compassionate, sensitive, and motivating practitioners with a good sense of humor. Awardees will have sound clinical decision making skills and will display coordinated and effective application of motor skills. They will be good teachers, demonstrating strong written and verbal communication skills with peers, patients, and families. And they will be active in the APTA, demonstrating leadership qualities and interest in conducting research and the advancement of the profession.
To fund the endowed Scholarship and assure its continuation, we need to raise at least $25,000. Please send your contribution, payable to Northeastern University with a note stating that your gift is designated to the Polly Cerasoli Scholarship Fund.
When mailing your gift, please write:
Attention: Cindy Zilch
Northeastern University
Office of Development
347 Richards Hall
360 Huntington Avenue
Boston, MA 02115
For those who wish to make a credit card gift, stock gift, or who have any specific questions, please contact Ms.Zilch at 617.373.5553 or c.zilch@neu.edu.