The Department of Physical Therapy celebrated its Doctor of Physical Therapy Class of 2025 with a heartfelt commencement ceremony marked by speeches, awards, and the recitation of the Oath of Physical Therapy. The event brought together students, faculty, and family to honor the graduates’ achievements.
The ceremony opened with a traditional procession to Elgar’s “Pomp and Circumstance” and included welcoming remarks from Provost Michael Steiper, PhD, Dean Ralf Peetz, PhD, and Professor Zaghloul Ahmed, PT, PhD. Class speakers Ryan Tierney and Martina Youssef shared inspiring reflections on their journey through the rigorous program.
The celebration continued with faculty remarks from Susan Medford, PT, and award presentations led by Amanda Rotondo, PT, DPT, OCS; Maria Knikou, PT, PhD; and Wei Zhang, PhD. Highlights included the Distinguished Clinical Site Award and the Distinguished Service Award.
The event concluded with the recitation of the Oath of Physical Therapy, a student slide presentation, and closing remarks by Michael Chiacchiero, PT, DPT, as the new graduates recessed to the strains of Elgar’s classic march.
See the photo gallery below capturing these unforgettable moments!
Congratulations to the Doctor of Physical Therapy Class of 2025:
Elitzur Bergman
Karoline Dawidowski
Justin Diaz
Husam Elessawy
Inessa Fakhari
Ashley Flynn
Megan Gorman
Hajar Hanafy
Vincent Lee
Jonathan Mekhael
Samantha Perez
Talaia Regist
Yosef Sachs
Ryan Tierney
Tommy Xu
William Yang
Evelyn Yim
Martina Youssef
Henry Zheng
Yanrong Zheng
