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College of Saint Mary Celebrates OTD Inauguration Ceremony

Thursday, September 29, 2022

OMAHA, Neb. – College of Saint Mary celebrated 35 occupational therapy doctorate (OTD) students during an Inauguration Ceremony on Saturday, Sept. 24, in Gross Auditorium. The event recognized the student who will begin the clinical care portion of the curriculum by cloaking them with stoles. “These students represent the future of our discipline, and considering the work ethic, motivation levels and compassion that the people in this cohort each possess, I know the future is bright,” said Dr. Tara Ruppert, associate professor and interim director of the occupational therapy program.

Dr. Whitney Rubin, assistant professor of occupational therapy, presided over the ceremony. Jillian Washington D’24 led the opening prayer. The opening remarks were given by Dr. Ruppert, while Dr. Erin Westover, assistant professor of occupational therapy, was the guest speaker. Bailey Lundman D’24 gave the student speech. After receiving their stoles, the students were officially welcomed into the occupational therapy profession. They also recited the occupational therapy student oath. CSM President Dr. Maryanne Stevens, RSM, gave the closing remarks.

CSM’s OTD program focuses on developing clinical practical skills, research skills, administration, leadership, program and policy development, advocacy, education, and theory development. In addition, 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 2024

Precious Awopetu, Belton, Mo.

Karly Barnes, Omaha, Neb.

Sydney Boyce, Louisville, Neb.

Madison Cain, Edmond, Okla.

Elizabeth Cloyed, Omaha, Neb.

Jesse Coble, Mullen, Neb.

Chelsey Crenshaw, Omaha, Neb.

Michelle Davidson, Omaha, Neb.

Kaylee Doyle, Omaha, Neb.

Megan Eastman, Blair, Neb.

Maggie Feehan, Columbus, Neb.

Miranda Gruidel, Omaha, Neb.

Tara Harris, Oconomowoc, Wis.

Nicole Hilderbrand, Council Bluffs, Iowa

Selma Huskic, Omaha, Neb.

Kamryn Kautman, Pender, Neb.

Sophia Kirwan, Blair, Neb.

Isabelle Krones, Omaha, Neb.

Kurgan Larsen, Omaha, Neb.

Bailey Lundman, Omaha, Neb.

Cristina McNamara, Olathe, Kan.

Morgan Morgan, Nickerson, Neb.

McKenzie Osborne, Lincoln, Neb.

Caitlynn Peterson, North Platte, Neb.

Brooke Riley, Bellevue, Neb.

Emma Schnell, Sully, Iowa

Mackenzie Sederburg, Bennington, Neb.

Jennifer Simons, Omaha, Neb.

Cassidy Stussy, Bellevue, Neb.

Lauren Swenson, Valley, Neb.

Macy Ticknor, Bridgewater, Iowa

Kinsley Tingelhoff, Wahoo, Neb.

Jillian Washington, Papillion, Neb.

Ayoma Watts-Johnson, Omaha, Neb.