Celebrating 100 years of OT at WMU
Activities will include continuing education programs on Friday followed by the 100th Anniversary Gala on Saturday. Many experiences are being planned for the Gala – from student poster presentations and alumni artwork to campus tours and an OT Historical Artifacts exhibit hosted by Fred Sammons.
If you would like to display any artwork in our Alumni Art Exhibit, fill out this form.
Invitation
Official invitations were sent out in May. If you didn't receive one, DON'T WORRY. You can still RSVP for the event. And if you want to update your info so we know how to reach you for the next celebration, simply fill out our alumni update form.
CE sessions
We are pleased to offer these continuing education sessions, led by our fantastic alumni. Registration is open now.
Strategy Training in Post-Acute Rehabilitation
Presented by Dr. Elizabeth Skidmore, PhD, OTR/L, FAOTA, FACRM, WMU OT Alumni (1996)
This 12-hour workshop over two days (Friday attendance is mandatory for Saturday attendance) will prepare clinicians to implement an evidence-based strategy training program for people who have experienced a cognitive and motor deficit that limits their ability to plan and execute desired movements.
Promoting Sleep Health in Adults: Implications for OT Practice
Presented by Dr. Aaron Eakman, PhD, OTR/L, FAOTA, WMU OT Alumni (1992)
This seven-hour workshop will prepare clinicians to better understand how to provide sleep hygiene innervations based on evidence-based the course instructor’s findings from a research grant he had with the VA.
Current Evidence and Practice: The Role of OT and Assistive Technology for People with Spinal Cord Injuries
Presented by Erin Muston-Firsch, MS, OTR/L, WMU OT Alumni (2007)
We'll provide an overview of the role of occupational therapy and assistive technology for people with spinal cord injury throughout the lifespan. We'll review current research findings on perceived barriers or facilitators of AT access/utilization and its impact on functional and psychosocial outcomes after tetraplegia.
An OT's Guide: Evidence Based and Clinically Supported Management of Neurogenic Bowel
Presented by Tara Grann, MS, OTR/L, WMU OT Alumni (2018)
We'll provide a brief overview of neurogenic bowel and related patient/caregiver roles and routines. We'll highlight supporting research and need for continued analysis and examine the utility of adaptive equipment in facilitating independence.
Schedule of Events
Saturday Tour Opportunities:
- Unified Clinics - About two blocks from the CHHS building. You can walk or drive there.
- Main Campus - Drive to main campus for a 1-2 mile driving tour.
- Oakland Drive Medical Campus - Tour the CHHS building and the grounds of the state hospital. (We can't enter the hospital.)
- East Campus - Self-guided, untimed tour. No buildings will be open on July 23.
July 22 - Continuing Education Day
- Continuing Education Offerings - See complete listing below
- Lunch options - Food Trucks - TBD
- Alumni Art Exhibit - CHHS Second Floor Art Gallery
100th Anniversary Gala - July 23
| Time | Event | Location | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2 to 3 p.m. | Keynote Presentation - WMU OT’s First 100 years Sharon Carlson, Professor Emeritus, University Libraries | CHHS 1010 | |
| 3 to 4 p.m. | Historical Mental Health Ann Chapleau, Professor, Presidential Endowed Professorship | CHHS 1087 | |
| 2 to 5 p.m. | Cohort Reunions First floor classrooms, Second floor PBL rooms, and outside in the reunion tent | ||
| 2 to 6:15 p.m. | Fred Sammons’ Catalog of Historical Artifacts Digital display on laptop | CHHS 1083 | |
| 4 to 6:30 p.m. | Western Jazz Quartet | CHHS Atrium | |
| 5 to 5:30 p.m. | A Toast to the Next 100 Years | CHHS Atrium | |
| 5 to 7 p.m. | Local Beer and Wine (attendees 21 and over) Appetizers (until 6:30) | CHHS Atrium | |
Saturday afternoon exhibits
These opportunities will be open all day Saturday, from 2 to 6:30 p.m. Please feel free to visit as many as you care to.
