The Floyd L. Carriker Memorial Endowed Scholarship Fund was established in August 2020 to honor Lion Floyd’s memory by fellow Lions Club members in South Central Texas.
Funds distributed from the endowment will directly support scholarships for second- and third-year students enrolled in the Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD) program who possess a strong interest in and/or demonstrate clinical involvement with patients in the area of low vision rehabilitation.
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"If a person’s vision is affected for any reason, it may profoundly impact their ability to perform familiar, everyday activities they need, want, or are expected to do. This can include self-care skills like dressing and bathing, home management skills such as preparing a meal, being in the community for social activities or shopping, and leisure activities. Therefore, occupational therapists are an integral part of the healthcare team who work with people with low vision to support their functioning in all areas of daily living. This scholarship is deeply appreciated because it will support occupational therapy students who are committed to pursuing clinical training in low vision assessment and intervention."
Dr. Bridgett Piernik-Yoder, Associate Professor & Chair, Department of Occupational Therapy
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Floyd L. Carriker was born on July 16, 1914, in Mineral Wells, Texas. He attended schools in Lubbock, San Angelo, and Mineral Wells. During his time in high school, he worked in drug stores, which spurred his interest in eventually opening his own pharmacy. He attended Capital College of Pharmacy and passed the certification exam on the first attempt.
During World War II, Carriker volunteered for the United States Navy and served as a Pharmacist Mate First Class. He was stationed at Naval Air Station Jacksonville and later served in the Pacific and Asiatic seas as part of the Sixth Fleet. After an honorable discharge, Carriker returned to Houston, Texas, and launched his career in the pharmacy business. After moving to Kerrville, Texas, Carriker was a dedicated member of the Kerrville Sunrise Lions Club, where he faithfully served for over five decades. Lion Floyd volunteered countless hours on behalf of others. His service covered myriad community needs, but aiding the visually impaired and disabled children were chief among his passions.
Floyd was married to Mary Alice Henderson in 1940 until her passing in 1992; he married Lynn DeVille in 2001 and was widowed in 2018. He had two sons, George and Robert Carriker, and many nieces, nephews, and stepchildren. Carriker passed away peacefully on December 21, 2019. The Floyd L. Carriker Memorial Endowed Scholarship Fund will last in perpetuity as a reflection of his community-driven spirit and dedication to serving those within the low vision community.
To make a gift in support of our occupational therapy students to the Floyd L. Carriker Memorial Endowed Scholarship Fund, complete and submit the form below. If you have any questions, please contact Anna Chowdhury, Director of Development for the School of Health Professions, by email or by phone at 210-450-7308.