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The Division of Physical Therapy celebrated its 58th annual commencement ceremony on Saturday, August 5,

Division of Physical Therapy graduates listen as fellow classmates and faculty recount their favorite memories of the class of 2017.

2017, at the William and Ida Friday Center. More than 30 graduates representing the Doctor of Physical Therapy and the transitional Doctor of Physical Therapy programs received their degrees. Three physical therapists who completed residencies in orthopedic and pediatric physical therapy were also recognized.

Friends and family gathered in Grumman Auditorium where Division Director Dr. Deborah Givens led the ceremony. Faculty members presented honors and awards, including the Margaret L. Moore Award to Amanda Weber for exceptional overall performance and character, the Sekerak and Massey Award to Whitney Huryta for exceptional service, and the Judy Capps Beswick Award to Molly Miller for outstanding clinical performance. Dr. Dana McCarty received the 2017 Faculty Award.

This year’s commencement ceremony marked a special milestone in the division’s history, as it is celebrating the 60th anniversary of its founding by Dr. Margaret L. Moore.

Dr. Givens remembered Dr. Moore during Saturday’s ceremony as a pioneer in the field of physical therapy, always demonstrating her commitment to education and service.

“If Dr. Moore were here, she would advise you that you are just beginning a rich and exciting journey in your professional life; that you have the foundation to continue on a path to become a great physical therapist, leader, and role model,” Dr. Givens said to the graduates.  “She would want you to embrace this legacy and look for ways to contribute to the state and national physical therapy associations. The future is bright and you are ready.”

Today, the Division of Physical Therapy consistently ranks in U.S. News & World Report as a top program in physical therapy. The program boasts more than 1,600 graduates who live around the world but maintain close ties with Carolina.