College of Saint Mary celebrates occupational therapy doctorate students during inauguration

OMAHA, Neb. – College of Saint Mary (CSM) celebrated Occupational Therapy Doctorate (OTD) students during an inauguration ceremony on November 1.  

The event recognized occupational therapy students during the fall of their second year, the halfway point in the program before they begin the clinical care portion of the curriculum.  

“The OTD inauguration ceremony is a celebration of the students’ progression through the program,” said Tara Ruppert, director of occupational therapy. “Students take the OT oath to embrace their professional identity and receive a memento of the occasion to serve as a reminder of the commitment to the profession they are taking on.” 

Whitney Merz, associate professor of occupational therapy, presided over the ceremony. OTD students Paige Stuck and Adrienne Howey gave the reflection and Ellie Cusic, associate professor of occupational therapy, was the guest speaker. Student speakers were Luke Sykes and Meigan Liska.  

The students received certificates and recited the occupational therapy student oath before Ruppert provided the closing remarks. 

CSM’s OTD program focuses on developing clinical practical and research skills, and builds knowledge on administration, leadership, program development, policy, advocacy and theory development. The program can be completed in eight semesters. Students must complete two 12-week fieldwork experiences along with a 14-week doctoral experience that culminates in a scholarly project.  

Occupational Therapy Doctorate Class of 2027 

Ella Brooks 

Shayna Carson 

Ashton Davis 

Kevin Filius 

Sofia Gomez-Garcia 

Adrienne Howey 

Nisha Hull 

Meigan Liska 

Emily Nelson 

Sydni Spearman 

Paige Stuck 

Luke Sykes 

Elizabeth ‘Maggie’ Verkuilen