St. Catherine University DPT Program

Third Year Spotlight - Autumn Yelich

Dr. Cort Cieminski retires after 34 years!

It is bittersweet to say goodbye to Dr. Cort Cieminski…..we are so excited for his retirement adventures, but he will be very missed by the DPT Program and St. Catherine University. After 34 years, Cort is a cornerstone of the DPT Program and it is impossible to think of the Program without him! Here are some highlights of his many accomplishments with the DPT Program:

Teaching: With his background in outpatient orthopedics and as a licensed athletic trainer, Cort has been a key member in delivering orthopedic content, as well as exercise physiology and anatomy content to 33 cohorts of MPT/DPT students. Students have always appreciated his enthusiasm for the content matter and consistently commented that he is committed to their learning and growth. Cort was recognized for his outstanding teaching with the Faculty Teaching Award in the 2001/2002 academic year.

Scholarship: Cort’s research has primarily focused on measuring joint motion and kinematics, particularly at the shoulder complex. Evidence of his dedicated excellence to this scholarly agenda includes 13 peer-reviewed publications and 41 peer-reviewed presentations in this area. Many of these products include student researchers or junior faculty, demonstrating Cort’s consistent commitment to mentorship.

Service: Cort has provided exceptional service and enduring leadership to the DPT Program and to St. Catherine University. He served as DPT Program Director for a total of 12 years, during which time he led the program through the MPT-DPT transition, oversaw two accreditation visits, navigated the program successfully through the Covid pandemic, and directed the program move from the Minneapolis to the St. Paul campus.

As can be seen from these highlights, Cort leaves a legacy of leadership, mentorship, graciousness, and friendship to his many colleagues at the University and most importantly, so many students! Cort highlighted gratitude and his lessons learned in a “Last Lecture” on May 27, 2026. Many students, current and former faculty/staff and alumni were able to attend this celebration

Faculty members Jon Duellman and Erin Schumacher presented a platform presentation at the Midwest Interprofessional Education Conference in May. They highlighted the interdisciplinary work and collaboration experience throughout the State Fair Project. If you are interested in volunteering with the project at the State Fair this summer please reach out to Erin Schumacher.

Congratulations to 2026 recipients of Clinical Instructor of the Year awards! Jillian Gramling from Fraser C**n Rapids was selected as the DPT Class of 2026 recipient while Shannon Symanietz from Physical Therapy Consultants was the PTA Program recipient.