The Nu Chapter of Pi Theta Epsilon, the national occupational therapy honor society, inducted new members from the UTMB Class of 2012. Laura Hartmann, a second-year student and President of Nu Chapter, presided over the ceremony. 

Back row, L to R: Dr. Kira Beal, Jana Cernosek, Elyse Cooke, Rory Autry, Hillary Lindheim, Sarah Kalina, Kate Chrisy, Lindsay Hattaway, Michelle Lindsay.

Front row, L to R: Andrea Alvarez, Ryann Wishon, Emilie Feldmaier, Allison Pipak, Kayla Morgan, Kathleen Johnston.

Inductees included first-year masters level occupational therapy students Andrea Alvarez, Rory Autry, Jana Cernosek, Kate Christy, Elyse Cooke, Emilie Feldmaier, Lindsay Hattaway, Kathleen Johnston, Sarah Kalina, Hillary Lindheim, Michelle Lindsay, Allison Pipak, Kayla Morgan, Ryann Wishon, and honorary inductee Dr. Kira Beal. 

Inductees were invited to apply based on academic standing. They were selected after a review of criteria that included submission of a scholarly work, prior civic and community activities, membership in professional organizations, and a written essay. Inductees read excerpts from a scholarly work during the ceremony and made a pledge to advance the profession of occupational therapy.

Pi Theta Epsilon stands for the three first letters of the Greek words meaning “Advancement in Occupational Therapy.” The purposes of the organization are: (1) to recognize and encourage scholastic excellence of occupational therapy students; (2) to contribute to the advancement of the field of occupational therapy through the scholarly activities of student and alumni members; and (3) to provide a vehicle for students enrolled in accredited programs in occupational therapy to exchange information and to collaborate regarding scholarly activities.