The Byrdine F. Lewis College of Nursing and Health Professions received a major gift from Debbie and John Popielarczyk that well serves the college. Dr. Debbie Popielarczyk is a 1975 graduate of the Georgia State University physical therapy program.
Their $25,000 pledge is used to support the new biomechanics and exercise science lab. This lab, housed on the ground floor of Student Center West on the downtown campus, is a 600- square foot facility with isokinetic testing capabilities, using a human norm isokinetic extremity system. Students and faculty use the lab to assess muscle function in individuals with musculoskeletal and neurological impairments.
The lab also provides Georgia State athletic trainers a facility, along with the PT wellness clinic, to assess injuries in student-athletes and community members. The new lab will be named “The Debbie Proctor & John Popielarczyk Lab for Biomechanics” in honor of their gift.
In addition, the entire gift is eligible for 10 percent matching funds from the Legacy Challenge, so the Popielarczyk’s designated the match to the PT Alumni Scholarship endowment, which now is very close to becoming a $75,000 endowed fund.
Debbie and John thank the faculty and administration of Georgia State for working with them to structure and leverage their gift. The Popielarczyk’s feel blessed to support the students and faculty at Georgia State who have impacted their lives.
— written by Angela Go