W.W. Patty Distinguished Alumni Award

Theodore Becker, Ph.D. is an expert on hard-data performance testing and capacity evaluation. He earned an M.S. and Ph.D. from SPH-B, during which time he was also a trainer for the U.S. Olympic Swimming Team. A mentoree of legendary swimming coach James "Doc" Counsilman, the two explored the relationship of stroke mechanics and adolescent scoliosis. The International Olympic Committee adopted their findings into official certification for swimming coaches in 2014. While an orthopedic research associate at Southwestern Medical School, Dr. Becker’s research published in the journal Spine established protocols for spinal rehabilitation that have been widely cited and utilized for more than 40 years. He established both EPI Rehabilitation and BEC Biomechanics, and as a forensic expert he was instrumental in establishing the now-ubiquitous "concussion protocol." His pivotal role in uniform public health practices was further cemented in October 2022, when his prediction section of the text Functional Capacity Evaluation (FCE) & Disability Analysis became the FCE standard for physical and occupational therapists throughout the U.S.

Joshua Rawitz is president of the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum. A baseball industry veteran of more than 30 years, Mr. Rawitch has spent the last several years working to elevate the organization’s visibility for the next generations of fans while honoring baseball as a cultural touchstone. His dedication to technological advancements and special events including the first-ever Hall of Fame East–West Classic—a sold-out tribute to the Negro League’s All-Star Game—have brought fresh eyes and new awareness to a sport that is indelibly tied to American history. Joshua earned a B.S. in sport marketing and management from SPH-B before serving the Los Angeles Dodgers for 15 years in marketing and public relations, and the Arizona Diamondbacks for 10 years as senior vice president of content and communications. He has taught sports communications courses at both Arizona State University and the University of Southern California, and received the 2018 Robert O. Fishel Award for Public Relations Excellence in Major League Baseball.