PRESBYTERIAN COLLEGE CELEBRATES OTD CLASS OF 2025 IN THIRD ANNUAL COMMENCEMENT AND DOCTORAL HOODING CEREMONY
May 6, 2025
Presbyterian College honored the achievements, resilience, and future promise of 19 graduates from its Doctor of Occupational Therapy program during a heartfelt commencement and doctoral hooding ceremony held Saturday morning in Belk Auditorium.
The Class of 2025 crossed the stage to receive doctoral hoods and medallions, symbolizing the culmination of more than three years of rigorous study, fieldwork, and service. Faculty, family members, and friends gathered to celebrate a class marked by academic distinction, personal growth, and an unwavering commitment to the healing profession of occupational therapy.
‘YOU CARRY THE LEGACY OF SERVICE’
Presbyterian College President Dr. Anita Gustafson delivered a warm welcome to graduates and their guests, underscoring the deep connection between occupational therapy and PC’s liberal arts mission of service.
“Today marks not just the culmination of your academic journey, but the beginning of your calling to serve others through the transformative practice of occupational therapy,” said Gustafson. “At PC, we believe that education finds its highest purpose when knowledge is applied in service to others. As occupational therapists, you will embody this principle daily.”
She thanked the program’s director, Dr. Moni Keen, for her vision and leadership, and also offered words of encouragement to the graduates as they begin professional practice.
“You carry with you not just a degree,” Gustafson said, “but Presbyterian College’s legacy of service. May you approach each patient with empathy, creativity, and the determination to make a difference.”
A TIME FOR REFLECTION—AND RENEWAL
Dr. Erin McAdams, provost and vice president for academic affairs, reflected on the significance of the occasion in her remarks, celebrating the students’ accomplishments while also reminding them of the responsibility they now bear.
“Earning a doctoral degree requires a great amount of determination and hard work, and your dedication and perseverance have led you to this significant milestone,” McAdams said. “As you step into your new professional roles, I hope that you carry with you the values of empathy, integrity, and lifelong learning.
“Remember that your education at Presbyterian College has prepared you not just for a career, but for a life of service and leadership. The world needs your expertise, your compassion, and your commitment to excellence. Continue to strive for innovation and excellence in all things, and never lose sight of the profound impact you can make on the lives of others.”
McAdams offered particular praise for the program’s faculty, describing them as models of mentorship and professional excellence.
“One of the things that has impressed me most in my time as provost is the extraordinary dedication of our OT faculty to their students’ growth,” she said. “Thank you for preparing the next generation of occupational therapy doctors—not only with knowledge, but with values.”
KEYNOTE SPEAKER URGES GRADUATES TO TRUST THEMSELVES
The keynote address, titled “Beyond the Next Door: The Path of Lifelong Learning & Purpose”, was delivered by Dr. Amanda Giles, associate professor at the Medical University of South Carolina Division of Occupational Therapy. Giles challenged graduates to reflect on their journey and recognize the personal transformation that often accompanies professional growth.
“You’ve been conditioned to learn based on external feedback,” Giles said. “But today, you’re walking through a new door—one that doesn’t involve grades, GPAs, or test scores. Now, your guide must be your own reflection, your instincts, and your empathy.”
She encouraged the new doctors to remain open to change and unexpected opportunities in their careers.
“Some of you aren’t sure where you’ll be next year—and that’s okay,” she said. “I didn’t know I would end up running an international company or teaching at MUSC. I just kept asking questions and moving forward with what felt right. Stay open to what’s beyond the next door.”
In a moment of levity, Giles asked graduates to look around at each other and remember that the bonds formed during their doctoral training could become lifelong professional connections.
“Your classmates are now your colleagues,” she said. “Stay connected. Support each other. And keep learning.”
CLASS SPEAKER EMPHASIZES RESILIENCE AND PURPOSE
Representing the graduating class, Graceanna Sessions—a former SOTA President and recipient of the Leadership & Service Award of Distinction—gave an emotional and uplifting address titled “Bound by Chaos, Growth, and Heart.”
“When I asked my class to describe OT school in three words, the answers were raw and honest: brutal, sleepless, chaotic,” Sessions said. “But alongside that chaos came words like life-changing, transformative, and empowering. Those words tell the real story—how we grew not just as future occupational therapists, but as people.”
Sessions acknowledged the crucial role of peer support, family encouragement, and faith in helping the class persevere. She shared anecdotes and insights from fellow graduates, who reflected on their fieldwork experiences and how real-life application deepened their confidence and professional purpose.
“Karina was surprised by how much mental health plays a role in every setting,” Sessions said. “Britny realized she knew more than she thought—and learned to believe in herself. Claudia talked about the love and care that define this profession. Madie saw how much our presence impacts not only clients, but their families.”
She closed with a rallying call to her peers: “We are forever bonded by chaos, growth, and heart. We didn’t just survive OT school—we owned it. Congratulations, Doctors of Occupational Therapy. The world is lucky to have us. Let’s go out and make a difference.”
HONORING EXCELLENCE: 2025 AWARD RECIPIENTS
Several graduates and field educators were recognized for outstanding contributions to academics, research, leadership, and professional service:
A CHARGE TO SERVE
Following the awards, graduates were presented with doctoral medallions before reciting the Occupational Therapy Oath, adapted from the original 1926 version and modernized with principles adopted recently by the American Occupational Therapy Association. The oath emphasized ethical standards, cultural sensitivity, and the ongoing pursuit of competence and service.
LOOKING AHEAD
As bagpipes signaled the recessional and graduates processed out of Belk Auditorium into the spring sunshine, the mood was celebratory and hopeful.
In her final words to the class, Dr. Moni Keen offered a reminder of the road ahead: “Be amazing in all you do. You have earned this moment, and the world needs your compassion, your skills, and your voice.”
THE PRESBYTERIAN COLLEGE OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY DOCTORAL PROGRAM CLASS OF 2025
OLIVIA ADAMS
Cum Laude
Student Occupational Therapy Association (SOTA) Board Member
KARINA ANTONIO
Cum Laude
SOTA Board Member
KIANA BROUGHTON
Magna Cum Laude
ZAYN DEANDRADE
Cum Laude
Student Ambassador
MADISON DEGENNARO
Summa Cum Laude
Pi Theta Epsilon Member
SOTA Board Member
Student Ambassador
Academic Award of Distinction
CORINNA MARY KATHERINE GIBBS
Cum Laude
SOTA Board Member
ALYCEA GRAHAM
Cum Laude
SOTA Board Member
Clinical Education Award of Distinction
JENNA HARE
Magna Cum Laude
Pi Theta Epsilon Member
Student Ambassador
KRISSY HARRELSON
Professional Development Award of Distinction
LINDSEY JOYCE
ANGELA KARASEV
Magna Cum Laude
Pi Theta Epsilon Member
HALLIE KEISLER
Cum Laude
SOTA Board Member
BRITNEY LEE
Cum Laude
CRYSTALYN BROOKE LYERLY
Magna Cum Laude
Pi Theta Epsilon Member
SOTA Board Member
CLAUDIA NEWSOM
Cum Laude
Pi Theta Epsilon Member
SOTA Board Member
Professional Research and Scholarship Award of Distinction
EMILY WEI-HWA OUYANG
Magna Cum Laude
Pi Theta Epsilon Member
SOTA Board Member
Student Ambassador
ADDISON POWELL
Cum Laude
Student Ambassador
Leadership in Community Innovation Award of Distinction
GRACEANNA SESSONS
Magna Cum Laude
Pi Theta Epsilon Member
SOTA Board Member
Leadership and Service Award of Distinction
NUBIA NALLELY VAZQUEZ ARANA
Cum Laude
SOTA Board Member
