EWU Physical Therapists Pay it Forward

As the holiday season approaches, we’re reminded that every gift can have an indelible impact on the world. One act of kindness can become a living legacy that transforms lives, both today and into the future. On Giving Tuesday, Eagles need to look no further than the profound generosity of the university’s own graduates for inspiration.

In August 2020, the EWU Doctor of Physical Therapy Class of 2023 began their journey to becoming physical therapists—six feet apart, behind masks and safety glasses, in a world shaped by the COVID-19 pandemic. But what they remember most isn’t the social distancing. It’s the grief.

During their three years at EWU, this cohort faced what felt like an unusually high—and profoundly unfair—number of family deaths and terminal diagnoses. Many students missed class, postponed exams, and traveled long distances to say goodbye or honor their loved ones. Alongside the emotional toll came financial strain, including travel costs, lost income, and the expense of funeral attire—stressors that made an already demanding program even harder.

To ease unexpected burdens for future students, the EWU DPT Class of 2023 established the Living Legacy Fund. By providing financial support during times of loss, the students hope to give others the freedom to grieve, heal, and continue their education without compromise. This is their living legacy: ensuring no student walks alone through life’s toughest moments.