Ames Native Awarded the Louis and Dorothy Laubenthal Memorial Scholarship

2016-10-28

A scholarship fund that honors an Iowa family’s three generations of commitment to higher education has been awarded to a deserving student from Ames, Iowa.

First-year University of Iowa Doctor of Physical Therapy student Kim Richards has been named the 2016-2017 recipient of the Louis and Dorothy Laubenthal Memorial Scholarship. The scholarship, established in 2011, commemorates the Laubenthal’s belief in the value of education by providing financial assistance to first-year students in the University of Iowa Department of Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Science.

Louis and Dorothy Laubenthal were born and raised in Emmetsburg, Iowa. They had very limited educational opportunities while growing up in rural Iowa in the early 1900s. Though they were academically gifted, family considerations required them to enter the workforce and forego higher education.

Thanks to the generosity of Louis and Dorothy’s grandson, Chris Laubenthal, this scholarship has been established to recognize the Laubenthal’s belief in the importance of education. The scholarship—the only of its kind in a department currently ranked sixth nationally by U.S.News & World Report among public institutions—is awarded to students in their first year of study toward a Doctor of Physical Therapy degree.

Kim Richards graduated from Iowa State University with Dean’s list honors and was involved in many student organizations and volunteer activities across campus, including the Kinesiology and Health Club, Special Olympics, and was a College of Human Sciences Ambassador.

The Laubenthal family has deep ties with the university and the UI Department of Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Science. Chris Laubenthal’s father, Nick Laubenthal, and his step-mother, Karla S. Laubenthal, both built successful careers in University of Iowa Health Care and mentored numerous students within the Department of Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Science. Nick Laubenthal earned his B.S. degree, physical therapy certification, and M.A. degree from the UI. Chris Laubenthal received B.A. and M.B.A. degrees from the UI and shares his grandparents’ belief in the value of education.

 

About the University of Iowa Foundation

The University of Iowa Foundation’s mission is to advance the University of Iowa and fulfill the aspirations of those it serves. The university’s dedicated contributors fund a broad array of needs, from student scholarships, breakthrough research and life-changing health care to innovative facilities, community outreach and global education.

The UI and UI Foundation are conducting a historic comprehensive $1.7 billion fundraising campaign, For Iowa. Forever More: The Campaign for the University of Iowa, which will secure the UI’s status as a world-class institution for future generations.

The University of Iowa Foundation is the preferred channel for private contributions that benefit all areas of the University of Iowa. For more information about the foundation and the campaign, visit the foundation website at https://www.foriowa.org.

Iowa Magazine
Explore the latest stories from Iowa Magazine.

We use cookies to understand how you use our site and to improve your experience. By continuing to use our site, you accept our use of cookies in accordance with our Privacy Statement unless you have disabled them in your browser.