Under the golden glow of a spring morning, the Duke Occupational Therapy Doctorate (OTD) program marked a momentous occasion—the graduation of its Class of 2025. The swaying branches of the willow oaks outside Duke Chapel seemed to echo the movement of time and transformation as forty-three graduates proudly accepted their doctoral shawls and diplomas.
Dr. Barbara Hooper, PhD, OTR/L, founding director and division chief, set the tone for the celebration, expressing profound pride in the graduates’ journey. “It is my pleasure and privilege to celebrate the second cohort of students to graduate from the OTD program at Duke University,” she exclaimed, her words resonating through the historic chapel.
Joining her at the podium, Dr. Benjamin Alman, MD, chair of Duke Orthopaedic Surgery, reminded the graduates of their essential role in shaping a healthier world. He urged them to embrace the inevitable challenges and lean on their training, colleagues, and unwavering passion for occupational therapy.
A defining feature of the Duke OTD program is that the graduates select their commencement speakers.
Peyton Gemmell reflected on the cohort’s transformation, recalling a decisive moment from orientation—when each student wrote down where they were on that day, linking their notes to form a chain. “Think of the chain links today and realize where you are. What we learned from our books, we will now apply it and live it with our patients,” she shared, inspiring her peers to carry their whole selves into their practice and embrace their calling with conviction.
Tamara May echoed the spirit of resilience, describing the cohort’s journey as one marked by tenacity and support. She encouraged her classmates to foster empathy and inclusion in their communities, reminding them to always hold onto their “why”—the driving force behind their dedication to occupational therapy.
Before graduates crossed the symbolic threshold of their profession, Dr. Hooper spoke of the significance of the doctoral shawl, a global emblem of transformation, respect, and the commitment to healing through occupation.
As the ceremony neared its close, Dr. MaryBeth Gallagher, PhD, OTR/L, BCMH, shared a poignant affirmation from an anonymous graduate: “Remember when we hoped and dreamed about where we are right now…let that sink in for a minute. Now, repeat it out loud to yourself.”
In the final address, Dr. Sarah Jean Barton, ThD, MS, OTR/L, BCP, urged graduates to appreciate the passage of time—both their own and the clients they will serve. She emphasized that occupational therapy is about more than treatment; it is about restoring balance, promoting healing, and celebrating the everyday lives of those they touch. "OTs give opportunities, not prescriptions. Each new date is a new opportunity, and I am so proud to call you now colleagues."
As the graduates exited the Duke Chapel and stepped forward into their careers, the message was clear—this was not just an ending but a beginning. The Duke OTD Class of 2025 is ready to make an impact, carrying with them the knowledge, passion, and purpose that will shape the future of occupational therapy.