October 2008 Alum of the Month

Heidi Dunfee
Rocheseter, MN
Class of 1983
Physical Therapy

Tell us about the work you do: I work at the Mayo Clinic as a physical therapist (PT) and have been a clinical educator for PT interns for over 20 years. I am presently the center coordinator of Clinical Education and the program director for the Physical, Occupational and Recreational Therapy interns. I coordinate the clinical education process for over 130 interns per year. This role allows me to assess the financial component of clinical education, identify key learning objectives, update clinical curriculum and assess learning performance.

A source of pride in your life: My family is my biggest source of pride. My husband is a social worker for the county and we have two wonderful children: Nate, 20, a junior in college; and Samantha, 18, a high school senior.

Best St. Scholastica memories: Being accepted into the Physical Therapy Program; posing as a class (24 of us) on the mat table the first day of PT and having it break; and the many, many wonderful friends who stuck together through the "weather" in all aspects!

Significant influences: St. Scholastica provided me with a strong point of view in taking on challenges, keeping a positive attitude and seeing the great aspects of life. Faculty members each played a role in providing pieces of the whole puzzle. As I reflect on my time at Scholastica, I have nothing but wonderful memories of how this undergraduate degree helped shape who I am today. Professional mentors who played a big role in my experiences are Dr. Margaret Plack (George Washington University), Dr. Reva Rauk (University of Utah) and Dr. Aaron Rindflesch (Mayo DPT Program).

Something unusual about your life: In 1992 our family was selected as finalists for the show America's Funniest People. Our entire family was flown to Orlando, FL, and filmed the show at Universal Studios. We won second place.

Family ties: I am very proud of two of your present students: Luke Green and Brianne Anshus. Both of these successful young people have a world of excitement ahead of them. My college roommate was Linda Wick, the wife of hockey coach Mark Wick.

Further education: I completed a Doctorate of Science in Physical Therapy (DScPT) in 2006 from the University of Maryland, Baltimore.

Philosophy: Character and integrity will shine through in all you do. Keep your attitude positive in both work and play and in the love of life.

Impact of the Benedictine values: After achieving my doctorate, I realized even more the strength of community and the respect for learning with which St. Scholastica provided me years ago. I am continually amazed at the growth that occurred while I was at the College and the integration of many components I value in my life such as honesty and generosity.