Duke DPT Celebrates 104 Graduates at Cameron Indoor Stadium

The Duke Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program celebrated 104 graduates from its Class of 2026 during commencement exercises held Monday at 9:30 a.m. in Cameron Indoor Stadium. The ceremony marked a milestone for the program—its 83rd graduating class—and honored a tradition of excellence that dates to Duke’s distinction as the 18th physical therapy program established in the United States.

Family members, faculty, and friends gathered to recognize the achievements of the Class of 2026, whose journey through Duke’s rigorous curriculum reflects both academic excellence and a deep commitment to patient-centered care.

In his remarks, W. Todd Cade, PT, PhD, FAPTA, division chief of the Duke DPT program, formally welcomed the graduates into a profession grounded in purpose.

“You are now part of the Duke DPT legacy—welcome to this rewarding profession,” Cade said.

Benjamin Alman, MD, chair of the Duke Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, reflected on the collective effort behind each graduate’s success and the resilience required to reach this milestone.

“This is a step in your career—it’s a step for you, and for your family, friends, and faculty. They all played a role in this team support,” Alman said. “Think about all of the change you have encountered during your time at Duke—and how you found a way forward.”

The ceremony featured an acknowledgment of Richard Clendaniel, PhD, PT, who was awarded the Jan K. Richardson Excellence in Teaching Award for his contributions to the program. This moment was especially meaningful as Clendaniel approaches his retirement at the end of 2026, concluding a notable career in physical therapy education.

Keynote speaker Aditee Narayan, MD, MPH, vice dean for Medical and Health Professions Education, highlighted the significant influence graduates will exert on their patients’ lives and the overall healthcare environment.

“Congratulations to the Duke DPT Class of 2026. This is your day,” Narayan said. “The education of the next generation of professionals and a true dedication to excellence define the Duke DPT experience. Your curriculum is rigorous, expectations are high—and you give people their lives back.”

She emphasized the human connection at the heart of physical therapy practice.

“You will meet people who cannot return to their normal lives without your help. You will witness their progress and help them become the stars again in their own lives,” she said. “Thank you for the service you will soon render—we are proud that you will represent the best of Duke in the clinical space so wonderfully.”

A highlight of the ceremony was the program’s beloved “wildcard” segment, during which elected Class of 2026 student leaders offered reflections and advice to their peers—capturing the shared experience and values that define the cohort.

Class President Devon Anthony called on graduates to prioritize self-care as they enter demanding clinical careers.

“When we first started, our convocation speaker reminded us to care for ourselves first. Let’s keep this front and center in our journey,” Anthony said.

Vice President Lauren Dreusicke emphasized the balance of technical skill and compassion.

“We taught ourselves to care for others and to analyze movement so that we could be the compassionate people our patients need,” she said. “Always choose compassion and care.”

Secretary Megan Broomfield reflected on the quieter moments that shape both personal and professional growth.

“Altruism thrives in small, quiet moments—be present and put your best foot forward,” she said. “Be thankful for the forever family you have built at Duke.”

Treasurer Raymond Huang highlighted the importance of collaboration and lifelong learning.

“None of us gets far on our own,” Huang said. “The collaboration we engaged in here needs to travel with us throughout our careers. Let’s stay curious and continue to educate ourselves as much as we can.”

GPSG Senator Cierra Berry focused on cultural humility and patient-centered care.

“We have trained to become practitioners who respect our patients’ backgrounds so that we can realistically determine the best solutions,” Berry said. “Let the humanity of physical therapy always guide you.”

Throughout the ceremony, speakers returned to common themes: resilience, compassion, collaboration, and the transformative role of physical therapists in restoring movement and independence. Graduates were recognized not only for mastering a demanding curriculum but also for developing the empathy and clinical judgment necessary to serve diverse patient populations.

As the Class of 2026 crossed the stage at Cameron Indoor Stadium, they joined a global network of Duke DPT alumni advancing the profession across clinical practice, research, education, and leadership. Their experiences—shaped by rigorous training, interdisciplinary collaboration, and meaningful patient interactions—position them to make immediate and lasting contributions in the field.

The ceremony closed with both celebration and anticipation, as graduates prepared to begin their professional careers. Grounded in Duke’s legacy and guided by a shared commitment to excellence, the newest members of the Duke DPT community are poised to make a meaningful impact—helping patients reclaim mobility, independence, and quality of life.

As Cade noted, they now carry forward a legacy built over decades—one defined not only by achievement, but by service, purpose, and the power to change lives.