Overcoming the Odds

Join us for a deeply personal and inspiring conversation with the Watkins Alumni Family—Sarah and Matthew—as they share their raw, behind-the-scenes journey following Matthew's traumatic brain injury (TBI). This session offers invaluable lessons that will motivate and inspire others.

This is more than a story of survival; it’s a testament to the essential role of human connection in the face of life's greatest challenges.

This session offers invaluable lessons for:
• Medical and Rehabilitation Providers: Gain profound insight into the patient and healthcare experience, which can inform compassionate, comprehensive care
• Caregivers and Support Networks: Find solidarity, practical takeaways, and inspiration in navigating complex recovery journeys.
• Community-Minded People & "Cheerleaders": Learn how to show up effectively for those in your network who are facing life-altering events.

Discover the "Lessons Behind the Scenes"—the practical realities, the emotional truths, and the surprising strength found in community. Sarah and Matthew will candidly discuss the crucial systems and individuals who became their lifeline and how their experience redefined the meaning of "People Need People. This session offers invaluable lessons that will motivate and inspire others.

Don't miss this opportunity to connect with your alumni family and be reminded of the incredible power of compassion and resilience.

About Sarah Watkins and Matt Watkins
Sarah Watkins earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Physical Therapy in 1978 from the University at Buffalo. A Master's Degree in Exercise Physiology was obtained from Kent State University in 1985. She retired in 2022, after 44 years in Physical Therapy and lower-level administration. Sarah was instrumental in establishing Breast Cancer Rehabilitation and Abdominal Pain Management programs at Saratoga Hospital, and had specialized training in trigger point therapy for headaches, back, and neck pain, and interventions for stroke recovery.

Matt Watkins was the Valedictorian of his high school class and attended the University at Buffalo for his undergrad, earning a double degree in Computer Engineering and Electrical Engineering. At UB, he was the president of two honor societies. He then went to Cornell for his Master's and PhD in Computer Engineering. There, in addition to classes and research, he was a member of the competitive ballroom dancing team and progressed from newcomer to bronze to silver to gold and, for some styles, to prechamp. Out of college, he became a visiting professor at Harvey Mudd College, then tried his hand at industry, working as a Design Component Engineer at Intel, but found that work less satisfying, so after slightly more than a year, he returned to teaching. For the next 6 years, he was an Assistant Professor, first at Bucknell University and then at Lafayette College. On April 10th, 2018, his life changed dramatically due to a brain hemorrhage, requiring extensive rehabilitation and recovery. Matt is now eager to resume his career as a professor. He is actively applying and interviewing for a professorship.