Scholarships
2023 Damon Johncour Scholarship
In 2023, The Johncour family generously funded a new Scholarship at Northwestern University Prosthetics-Orthotics Center (NUPOC). The scholarship was established to honor the legacy of Donald Damon Johncour, (March 29, 1966- February 23, 2018).
Damon pursued his dream of opening his very own O&P practice, despite the many challenges he faced throughout his lifetime. In 2003, he became the founder and owner of North Carolina Orthotics and Prosthetics, Inc. Damon quickly became a well-known figure in the O&P community. Damon touched the lives of thousands of people, helping them regain their mobility and functionality.
The Johncour family hopes to award this scholarship to a student who closely resembles Damon’s spirited personality and shares his dedication to the O&P field.
This award is open to all first-year students. The NUPOC Director of Education anonymously evaluates and selects the student awardee(s) currently enrolled at NUPOC. Award recipients are students who best exemplify the following characteristics:
- Generous; a student who willingly gives back to their community
- Friendly; a student who goes out of their way to get to know others, includes everyone, and makes everyone feel welcome
- Tenacious; a student who pursues their goals despite hardship, someone who is determined to succeed both in and out of the classroom
Ken Harris Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion Scholarship
An anonymous donor established the Ken Harris Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Scholarship at Northwestern University Prosthetics-Orthotics Center (NUPOC) in 2021. The scholarship was established to honor the 30+ year career, service, and dedication of Ken Harris and to provide support for students who are from under-represented populations in P&O and who are committed to advancing diversity, equity and inclusion. The anonymous donor hopes such a scholarship will be financially added to by others who seek to honor Ken Harris and provide support for students who are from under-represented populations. Anonymous Donor was quoted:
“Northwestern University Prosthetics-Orthotics Center has a long history of producing talented orthotists and prosthetists. Its curriculum prepares graduates for both the rigors of clinical practice and the rapidly-changing healthcare environment in the U.S. We are proud to fund the Ken Harris Scholarship, which will help ensure that in the future the clinical face of orthotics and prosthetics better reflects the patient communities it serves.”
Applications for the scholarship will be reviewed by a panel of faculty members who will recommend a student who best exemplifies these characteristics:
- Clear understanding of the principles of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI)
- Personal commitment to promoting DEI
- Strong interest in advancing the effectiveness of DEI
In January 2021, the Hanger Foundation launched the Hanger Foundation Diversity Scholarship program as part of its commitment to diversity and inclusion in the orthotics and prosthetics (O&P) profession. The new program diversifies the Foundation’s offerings, while still committing to advance communities by supporting charitable organizations that help people with limb loss, limb difference and other physical challenges. The scholarships supplement the cost of the two-year Master of Prosthetics & Orthotics (MPO) program and offer a two-year mentorship with the option of pursuing a residency with Hanger Clinic. Every fall, the Hanger Foundation issues the scholarships directly to a number of universities across the nation to help recruit underrepresented students into the O&P profession.
The scholarship aims to:
- Equip students from diverse backgrounds with the tools they need to successfully pursue a career in the O&P profession.
- Attract more diverse candidates to O&P graduate programs by raising awareness of MSPO program offerings at the undergraduate level.
- Build a more inclusive profession to better serve all.
Scholars are selected during the university’s admissions process and are recommended to the Foundation to receive the scholarship.
Tamarack Award
J. Martin Carlson, CPO, FAAOP, established the Tamarack Award at Northwestern University Prosthetics-Orthotics Center (NUPOC). Three annual awards of $2,000 per recipient are given to NUPOC Master of Prosthestics & Orthotics (MPO) students who demonstrate excellence in orthotics and submit an original essay that details their commitment to orthotics.
The NUPOC teaching faculty anonymously evaluates and votes for the student awardees in December of the second year of MPO training. Award recipients are students who best exemplify these characteristics:
- Clear understanding of the principles of orthotic management
- Personal commitment to patient-focused clinical care
- Strong interest in advancing the effectiveness of orthotic treatment
The competition is open to all full-time candidates enrolled in the second year of the NUPOC MPO program.
Previous Winners
2023
Kristen John, Courtney Klapka, Will Harris
2022
Cerik Carter, Abby Stepnitz, Emily Weidensee
2021
Anna Atkins, Kevin Clark, Kendra Hercules
2020
Nicolette Chamberlain-Simon, Casey Gruber, Jennifer Pudlo
2019
Kristin Barth, Maureen Connelly, Abbey Senczyszyn
2018
Kyle Miller, Sheila Pach
2017
Samantha Wright, Joshua Zumbrun
2016
Kate Binder
2015
Christian Rae S. Figueroa
About J. Martin Carlson
J. Martin "Marty" Carlson, CPO, FAAOP, owner and chief engineer of Tamarack Habilitation Technologies in Blaine, Minnesota, holds degrees in aeronautics and mechanical engineering and certifications in prosthetics-orthotics. He is a published scientist, teacher, entrepreneur and innovator who developed the Carlson AFO Modification technique, the Gillette orthotic seating system, Tamarack ankle joints and more. Carlson was recognized by the American Academy of Orthotists and Prosthetists with the Titus-Ferguson Award (2009) and the Clinical Creativity Award (1997). NUPOC deeply appreciates the generosity of Carlson for bestowing the annual Tamarack Awards at NUPOC.