Convinced he couldn’t get through his dissection class, George Erb ’86 (Physical Therapy) was ready to withdraw from Cal State Northridge after two weeks of anatomy.

“I was fully prepared to leave,” recalled Erb. “Then Professor Dee Lilly stepped in and got me through it. She convinced me I could do it, and she helped me and supported me emotionally. And I did it.”

Anatomy turned out to be Erb’s favorite subject. The following semester, he even served as a lab assistant for the class.

Dee Lilly was a valued faculty member at California State University, Northridge throughout the 1980s, teaching anatomy and physiology. She was known for encouraging future physical therapists by instilling a yearning for knowledge and a motivation to help others.

“She was an amazing mentor,” said Erb. “You could go to her with any issue, whether it was school or personal, and she was there for you. I’m not kidding when I say that I remember studying late and calling her at midnight with questions. She has a gift in that regard; she’s still helping people.”

Today Erb is a leading orthopedic and sports physical therapist in Ventura County. He established George Erb Physical Therapy, Inc. in 1988 and the George Erb Fitness Center in 2006, both in Camarillo. Committed to providing his patients with excellent care in a friendly, family-like atmosphere, Erb has specialized in creating fitness programs that teach clients to avoid injury.

Lilly had meant so much to Erb and to peers who had come through the program that he wanted to honor her in a meaningful way. The best way to do that, he decided, was to help students. His generous gift established the Dee Lilly Scholarship.

“Dee Lilly was my anatomy professor when I was in the physical therapy program,” said Sheryl Low ’86, chair of the department. “She inspired a love for learning and conveyed to all of us the true meaning of being a physical therapist. Dee always made even the struggling student feel they could learn. She is responsible for mentoring and inspiring so many students through her continued teaching.”

The Dee Lilly Scholarship provides financial assistance to students pursuing degrees in physical therapy at CSUN. Its recipients have demonstrated exceptional commitment to professional growth and service, outstanding leadership, a positive and professional attitude, and outstanding clinical potential. Two scholarships are awarded each year.

“Dee Lilly has spent her entire professional life selflessly assisting people to achieve,” said Erb. “And really, as physical therapists, that’s what we’re supposed to do.”

— Julia Venkateswaran

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