Northern Arizona University’s College of Health and Human Services recently received a generous investment from the Virginia G. Piper Charitable Trust. Part of the grant will support a significant renovation, expanding a lab to allow students in NAU’s physical therapy, occupational therapy, and athletic training programs to practice clinical skills in a larger, technology-equipped environment designed for collaborative learning.
Additionally, the gift will support 15 graduate students per year for three years in NAU CHHS programs based at the PBC who are studying to become physician assistants, physical therapists, and occupational therapists, along with 10 students annually from NAU’s Maria and Steve Sanghi College of Nursing.
Meet the first group of CHHS Piper Scholars and learn how this scholarship will impact their academic and professional journeys.
Amenze Joyce Igbinoba
Program: Occupational Therapy
Class Year: May 2027
Hometown: Phoenix, Arizona
Scholarship Impact
This scholarship will help me continue pursuing my goal of becoming an occupational therapist. School is not cheap, as we all know, and like many students, I need financial support to stay focused on my education. Receiving this scholarship would ease some of that burden and allow me to fully commit to my academic and career goals.
Ryleigh Collins
Program: Physician Assistant
Class Year: August 2026
Hometown: Mesa, Arizona
Scholarship Impact
As an aspiring primary care provider, this scholarship will help me lower my cost of loans coming out of school. It will allow me to put more focus on my patients and worry less about my repayment plans. I am so grateful for this scholarship.
Cademon Buettner
Program: Doctorate of Physical Therapy
Class Year: September 2026
Hometown: Prescott, Arizona
Scholarship Impact
This scholarship is going to help me continue to pursue my DPT degree, and soon I will be going into my final terminal rotations. This scholarship will help to cover my final tuition costs, allow me to continue to study, and will help me thrive while I finish my degree. It will truly help to relieve some stress of financial costs, so I can focus fully on studying and preparing for my national exam. I hope to start practicing as soon as I’m able to.
Ashley Davis
Program: Physician Assistant
Class Year: August 2027
Hometown: Goodyear, Arizona
Scholarship Impact
This scholarship not only supports my educational journey, but also reinforces my commitment to give back to the community that has invested in me throughout my lifetime. By reducing the need for additional loans or outside employment, I can focus whole-heartedly on my journey to becoming a PA where I have been a lifelong resident.
Falon Sonnen
Program: Physician Assistant
Class Year: August 2027
Hometown: Goodyear, Arizona
Scholarship Impact
I am truly so grateful for this scholarship because it will allow me to focus on my education without worrying as much about my many expenses. It gives me the freedom to dedicate myself fully to learning, growing, and becoming the provider I aspire to be. This support not only eases my financial burden, but also inspires me to give back to my community in Maricopa County and to educate others on the importance of giving back. I want to use this opportunity of temporary financial ease to serve others with care, consistency, and understanding.
Edith De La Torre
Program: Physician Assistant
Class Year: August 2026
Hometown: Gilbert, Arizona
Scholarship Impact
As a PA student, the demands of this intensive academic and clinical schedule limits my ability to work, making financial support essential. This scholarship helps ease that burden, allowing me to focus more fully on my education, clinical training, and professional development. Beyond financial relief, this support brings me closer to achieving my long-term goal of working in preventative care, where I can empower patients through education and early intervention. It allows me to invest my time in becoming a well-rounded, compassionate provider. Ultimately, this scholarship is not just an investment in my education, but in the patients and communities I hope to serve.
Austin Clayton
Program: Physical Therapy
Class Year: September 2026
Hometown: Glendale, Arizona
Scholarship Impact
This scholarship will help me in my endeavors to open up my private, faith-based clinic and pursue my primary care residency.
Olivia Fisher
Program: Doctor of Physical Therapy
Class Year: September 2026
Hometown: Tempe, Arizona
Scholarship Impact
This scholarship will support my pursuit of a Doctorate of Physical Therapy by reducing financial barriers and allowing me to focus more fully on my academic and clinical training. This opportunity will provide greater flexibility to engage in meaningful educational and professional opportunities, strengthening my development as a clinician. With this support, I can continue to grow as a compassionate, well rounded physical therapist and remain committed to improving access to care and patient outcomes within my community.
Miah Wussow
Program: Occupational Therapy
Class Year: December 2027
Hometown: Scottsdale, Arizona
Scholarship Impact
This scholarship will help me tremendously as I pursue my goal of becoming an occupational therapist. This gift is such a blessing, and it is something I do not take lightly. It will provide meaningful financial relief for my husband and I as I continue through graduate school. It will allow me to focus more fully on my education, clinical growth, and preparation for my future in the health professions. It is also deeply encouraging to know that others believe in me and in the path I am pursuing, and that support motivates me to keep working hard toward becoming a future practitioner.
Alexandra (Allie) Ferrara
Program: Physical Therapy
Class Year: September 2026
Hometown: Phoenix, Arizona
Scholarship Impact
Receiving this scholarship support will significantly ease the financial pressures associated with pursuing my education in physical therapy, allowing me to devote my full attention to academic and professional pursuits. By reducing the burden of tuition, I will be able to spend more time engaging with my coursework and seeking out additional experiences beyond the classroom, such as research, volunteer work, and professional development. This financial relief will not only enhance my ability to succeed academically, but also empower me to grow into a well-rounded, compassionate, and highly skilled practitioner dedicated to providing the best possible care to my future patients and this community.
Kameryn Clark
Program: Occupational Therapy
Class Year: May 2026
Hometown: Peoria, Arizona
Scholarship Impact
This scholarship will help me pursue my career aspirations as an occupational therapist, as it will help offset some costs of my program fees. I look forward to using my degree and giving back to the community!
Robert Ryan Simpson
Program: Doctor of Physical Therapy
Class Year: September 2027
Hometown: Phoenix, Arizona
Scholarship Impact
This scholarship will help reduce the financial burden of tuition, allowing me to spend less time working and more time focusing on my studies and becoming a better health care provider.
Hasibullah Zafari
Program: Physician Assistant Studies
Class Year: August 2026
Hometown: Phoenix, Arizona
Scholarship Impact
One of the ways Virginia Piper Charitable Trust will help is relieve some financial stress that then gives me more room to focus on my studies/ongoing academics.
Alexia Munoz
Program: Doctorate of Occupational Therapy
Class Year: December 2027
Hometown: Phoenix, Arizona
Scholarship Impact
This scholarship will help me continue pursuing my education in occupational therapy and move closer to my goal of working in early intervention. It will provide financial support that allows me to stay focused on my training and fieldwork experiences, while continuing to build the skills needed to support infants, young children, and their families.
Madison Marrujo
Program: Doctorate of Occupational Therapy
Class Year: December 2027
Hometown: El Mirage, Arizona
Scholarship Impact
This scholarship will be an immense help in supporting my education by alleviating the increasing costs of school. It will allow me to focus more fully on my studies and clinical training as I pursue a career in occupational therapy, ultimately enabling me to better serve the Maricopa communities I hope to impact.
By: NAU College of Health & Human Services | April 16, 2026 | Original Post