Lindsey Noack, DPT Awarded Tom Hyland Family Endowed Scholarship
The award supports future leaders in physical therapy.
Lindsey Noack, a third-year Doctor of Physical Therapy student, is the 2024 recipient of the Tom Hyland Family Endowed Scholarship. The scholarship was established in 2021, through a generous donation from Mercy University physical therapy faculty members Matthew and Nannette Hyland. The award supports a second- or third-year doctoral student in the physical therapy program who demonstrates leadership and outstanding academic achievement.
“Healthcare and giving back have always been deeply important to me, especially since losing my brother,” Noack said. “Receiving this award reassures me that I’m on the right path and provides a deep sense of relief, knowing that I’m pursuing what I truly love.” Noack continued, “This scholarship is a tremendous help, especially as I balance being a full-time graduate student while also working full-time.”
The scholarship contributes to the growth of physical therapy by recognizing and investing in exceptional students. “The Tom Hyland Family Endowed Scholarship is about helping others, and Lindsey Noack embodies those values,” said Matthew Hyland, PT, PhD, MPA at Mercy University. “She wants to change lives, and by becoming a doctor of physical therapy she will help transform individual’s experiences through movement.” Hyland continued, “She’s also a parent to her wonderful service dog, Maddie. Lindsey is a leader in her cohort and a positive influence among her peers.”
Noack brings extensive hands-on healthcare experience to her doctoral studies. In her brother’s memory, she became a licensed EMT and volunteer firefighter. She responds to medical emergencies throughout her community, developing critical assessment skills and quick decision-making abilities that enhance her physical-therapy education. Her emergency response work has given her valuable experience in patient care under challenging conditions, reinforcing her commitment to helping others during their most vulnerable moments.
Beyond emergency services, Noack works alongside athletic trainers, supporting high school athletes during pre-season evaluations and throughout their competitive seasons. This experience allows her to understand the full spectrum of athletic injury prevention, immediate care, and rehabilitation – key components of physical therapy practice.
Her diverse background in emergency medicine and athletic training provides unique insights into patient care. While EMT work focuses on immediate medical needs, and athletic training emphasizes prevention and performance, physical therapy bridges these approaches by supporting long-term recovery and improved quality of life. This comprehensive understanding of health care delivery shapes Noack's approach to patient care in her doctoral studies.
Noack was honored to receive the award this year. “Being selected for this award means more to me than I can express,” she said. “[It] aligns closely with my mission to inspire resilience in others, “ Noack explained. “I’m passionate about encouraging others to believe in their strength and showing them that no matter the challenges they face, they can still live a full and vibrant life.” She continued, “Every class I attend fills me with excitement, and I leave with even greater passion for the field than when I arrived.”
*Matthew Hyland was not part of the independent committee evaluating potential scholarship recipients.
