A Journey of Gratitude and Giving: Joanne Posner-Mayer’s Lasting Impact on CU Physical Therapy
Written by Laura Alsum
Jul 23, 2025
Joanne Posner-Mayer, PT ’73, has never forgotten the opportunity that changed her life. As a first-generation college graduate and the daughter of a Holocaust survivor, her time at the University of Colorado’s Physical Therapy Program laid the foundation for a remarkable career and a lifelong commitment to philanthropy.
“I wouldn’t have had my career if CU hadn’t accepted me,” Joanne says. “I had a fabulous career because of my education, and I want to give back so others can benefit. I encourage others in their later years to be thankful and give back to the school that gave them so much.”
A Career That Transformed a Profession
After earning her degree, Joanne spent over six years in Switzerland, where she was introduced to the use of Swiss Balls in physical therapy. Upon returning to the U.S. in 1980, she continued her clinical practice and began teaching others about the orthopedic and sports applications of the ball. Her entrepreneurial spirit led her to found Ball Dynamics International, Inc. in 1991, followed by Fitball, Inc., which brought Swiss Balls into mainstream fitness.
Her contributions to the field have been recognized with numerous honors, including the Physical Therapy Alumni Achievement Award and an honorary doctorate in humane letters from CU.
Philanthropic Vision for the Future
Joanne’s gratitude has inspired a legacy of philanthropy. She supports the Physical Therapy Program at the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, makes monthly gifts to the Ludeman Center and has made significant contributions across other CU campuses. Her generosity also led to the creation of the Joanne Posner-Mayer Endowed Chair in Physical Therapy, the first of its kind at CU Anschutz and one of only a few in the nation.
“Through this endowed chair, I hope to help create an even better learning environment for students as they pursue their education,” she says.
The inaugural chairholder, Michael Harris-Love, MD, brings a commitment to inclusive excellence. His vision includes expanding access to physical therapy education for nontraditional students and fostering an academic culture where everyone is welcome and has a voice.
“Considering my own nontraditional academic journey,” Dr. Harris-Love notes, “this endowed chair also fuels our continued efforts to recruit and support nontraditional students, and to help broaden our view of who can become a physical therapist or the next great rehabilitation scientist.”
Investing in Students, Building a Legacy
In addition to the endowed chair, Joanne has established the Joanne Posner-Mayer Scholarship with a $250,000 endowment to support students in perpetuity. She also serves on the Physical Therapy Program’s Scholarship Endowment Advisory Board and remains an active member of the University of Colorado Foundation Board of Trustees.
Wanda Deriot is a current recipient of the Joanne Posner-Mayer scholarship and shares that she owes part of her success to the scholarship because it helps her focus on her education and find a healthy balance between school, work and the rest of her life.
“I am extremely grateful for Joanne—for her financial assistance and her overall support,” says Wanda. “She has been someone I can reach out to for advice and guidance as I have navigated moving to a new state, adjusting to a doctorate program and building connections as I continue my journey toward becoming a physical therapist. It has been so interesting hearing about her experience and trajectory in the world of physical therapy, and I will forever be thankful for Joanne's generosity and selflessness.”
For Makayla Callender, another scholarship recipient, the assistance couldn’t have come at a better time. Her car broke down, and the scholarship helped prevent her from taking out a loan.
“Instead of stressing about my finances that year, I was able to dedicate my time and energy towards my education, allowing me to shadow and be part of the campus community as cohort president and student leadership for White Coats for Black Lives,” shares Makayla. “I am so appreciative of Joanne and not just because of the scholarship. Since getting to meet her, she has wanted to be active in my life and support me in any way that I need. You can tell how passionate she is about helping students on their journey to physical therapy.”
A Call to Fellow Alumni
Joanne hopes her story inspires others to reflect on their own journeys and consider giving back.
“I am happy and proud that I did so well and have the means to assist others financially. I want to help students, and I encourage others to be thankful and give back to the school that gave them so much.”
Through her generosity, Joanne Posner-Mayer is honoring her past—and shaping the future of physical therapy education at CU Anschutz.
