Category: Physical Therapy
Class of 2021 Physical Therapy Graduation
January 26, 2022 Written by Colin Heffinger | Photo by Evan Krape
The University of Delaware graduated 64 Physical Therapy (PT) students for the class of 2021 on Friday, January 7. The ceremony honored the 46th class of PT students to emerge from UD and the 18th graduating class of DPT students as part of the Department of Physical Therapy.
The graduation was attended by approximately 135 people in person, and additional people virtually, with a total of 378 viewers. Those participating consisted largely of family and friends, as well as faculty and staff of the College of Health Sciences. Attendees displayed their support in-person and virtually.
Darcy Reisman, Chair of the Department of Physical Therapy, headed the ceremony. She highlighted how the pandemic has helped demonstrate the “patience, empathy, resilience, creativity, and complete determination” harbored in this class of PT graduates.
“The challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic are unlike anything we have experienced before,” Reisman said. “Certainly, the pandemic, along with other events of the past two years, has shaped the future of the Class of 2021. I believe it has made them more ready than ever to tackle whatever life has in store, both personally and professionally.”
During the ceremony, remarks were provided by an array of prominent leaders at UD, including Kathleen Matt, Dean of the College of Health Sciences and Louis Rossi, Dean of the Graduate College. Andy Smith, DPT Class President and Speaker for the class of 2021 also spoke.
“This graduating class has persevered and is poised to make meaningful change in the field of physical therapy,” said Kathleen Matt, Dean of the College of Health Sciences. “Our staff and faculty are extremely proud of these graduates, and we look forward to seeing their continued growth and impact as the future leaders of health care.”
The newly graduated students have plans spanning across a variety of career opportunities in the field of physical therapy, ranging from pediatrics to outpatient clinical work and beyond. Some of the students intend to continue their studies at UD through the BIOMS PhD Program or residency programs.
At the end of the ceremony, Reisman provided her closing thoughts to these future leaders for the field of physical therapy.
“On behalf of the faculty and staff of UD,” Reisman said, “Best wishes for continued success to the members of the DPT Class of 2021. We hope you leave UD with a great sense of pride and accomplishment because it is well deserved.”
