Occupational and physical therapy programs to hold first combined commencement
The first Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD) and Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) joint commencement in Hanover College history will be held Friday, August 21. The inaugural combined ceremony will begin at 10 a.m. in Collier Arena.
Hanover’s Class of 2026 totals 104 doctoral graduates, representing 25 states from coast to coast. Forty-five occupational therapy students are set to earn degrees during the event, which marks the OTD program’s second graduation ceremony. Hanover’s physical therapy program will confer degrees to 59 students as part of its fourth-annual commencement.
Live Video / Commencement Program
Dr. Lindsay Weaver, M.D., FACEP, commissioner of the Indiana Department of Health, will deliver the commencement address. Weaver was appointed to the position June 1, 2023, by Gov. Eric Holcomb ’90. Prior to her appointment, she had worked as chief medical officer for the Indiana Department of Health since 2020, where she helped lead the state’s COVID-19 pandemic response.
Weaver also serves as an assistant professor of clinical emergency medicine at the Indiana University School of Medicine. In addition, she practices emergency medicine at Methodist Hospital in Indianapolis.
President Lake Lambert will confer degrees to each student. Carey Adams, provost and vice president for academic affairs, will present the candidates. Kerry Volansky, associate provost for graduate studies, will serve as reader.
Occupational therapy program awards will be presented by Gayla Aguilar, program director. Aguilar and Stephanie Bachman, director of student affairs, will conduct the hooding of each OTD student.
Physical therapy program awards will be presented by David Denton, interim program director. Denton and Elaine Lonnemann, director of curriculum, will hood each DPT graduate.
Michelle Binder Jarboe ’86, president of the Alumni Leadership Council, will welcome the graduating students into the Hanover College Alumni Association.
Rev. Catherine Y.E. Knott, Ball Family Chaplain, will open the ceremony with an invocation. She will also close the proceedings with the benediction.
Marshals for commencement activities include Joseph Girard, director of student affairs for the physical therapy program; Dean Jacks, professor of occupational and physical therapy; and Sharon Wright, director of admission for the occupational therapy program.
Parking
Free parking will be available throughout campus. Shuttle service will be available for individuals with disabilities or other special needs.
