It is a delight and an honor to recognize the many accomplishments of our 2020 Outstanding Alumni honorees, Afam Nwambuonwo (2014) and Uche Nwambuonwo (2015), as well as highlight their continued engagement with Paradise Valley Community College as Proud Puma Alumni. Both Afam and Uche are PVCC grads whose professional pursuits eventually led them to the same destination - Doctors of Physical Therapy.
The Nwambuonwo brothers are recognized as our Puma Choice Outstanding Alumni for their commitment to the PVCC values of life-long learning and positive social change as they give back to their community, as well as their achievement in their professional careers. Recently, they were on campus as members of a panel of alumni sharing insights with students interested in STEM related professions.
Afam and Uche’s family immigrated to the US from Nigeria in 1996. Afam graduated from the University of Arizona with a BA in Physiology. While there, he was a mid-fielder on the University’s club soccer team, and went on to receive his Doctorate in Physical Therapy from AT Stills University in 2017. Afam has more than 10 years of experience in the healthcare field as a Certified Nursing Assistant, Pharmacy Tech, Physical Therapy Tech, and now a Doctor of Physical Therapy. He is trained in both outpatient and home health physical therapy. Afam loves working with all age groups. Currently, he works primarily with geriatric and home-bound patients, with the goal to maximize their functional abilities while preventing rehospitalization.
Uche pursued a degree in computer networking at Northern Arizona University. Six months into the program, he realized that it wasn’t for him. He took a year off to travel with other young adults speaking to teenagers about making good choices. At 20, Uche became a youth pastor with the desire to mentor teenagers and young adults. During that time, he discovered his passion for movement and the body’s ability to heal itself through exercise. Uche received his Doctorate of Physical Therapy in July 2019, and currently works in the outpatient and home health settings. Uche loves working with people on an individual basis. His aim is to provide adequate physical therapy care while possessing a deep understanding of the body as a whole, synergistic system.
In addition to running their own practice, Afam and Uche are strong believers in giving back to the community. They are both involved in non-profit organizations, such as the Refuge Foundation, and continue to give back regularly to PVCC. Each time an opportunity arises where their perspective and experience are needed, they always come through. They are wonderful role models and freely give of their time and provide inspiration to many. With this award, we celebrate the tremendous impact they have had both locally and nationally.
Congratulations to both!