NWCNHS Occupational Therapy 50th Anniversary Celebration
Join us April 26, 2025 as we celebrate 50 years of excellence in Occupational Therapy at the Nicole Wertheim College of Nursing & Health Sciences! This milestone event honors the rich history and remarkable achievements of our Occupational Therapy program, which has shaped countless professionals dedicated to improving lives through innovative care.
The celebration will include alumni recognition, a look back at our impact in the community, and exciting plans for the future. Stay tuned for event details and join us in commemorating five decades of transforming healthcare and empowering individuals to live their fullest lives!
In honor of our 50th anniversary, we are collecting images from alumni, friends and colleagues of the OT program from the past 50 years.
Help us collect these special moments by emailing them to occupthe@fiu.edu with a short description/year.
Celebrate with us! RSVP here
Award Nominations are OPEN
Do you know an occupational therapist who has gone above and beyond in their work? Or perhaps you’re one yourself? FIU’s Occupational Therapy Department invites you to nominate yourself, a friend, or a colleague for our Recognition Awards to be presented at our 50th Anniversary Celebration. These awards acknowledge exemplary service and outstanding contributions in various categories, highlighting the incredible impact occupational therapists have in supporting meaningful participation in daily life. Don’t miss this opportunity to shine a light on the dedication and achievements of those who make a difference every day.
Video Gallery
Explore our video gallery featuring FIU Occupational Therapy alumni as they share how the program shaped their professional growth and equipped them with essential skills for success. Hear firsthand how FIU's OT degree empowered them to make a meaningful impact in their careers and communities.
Evelyn Terell ’99, OTD, MSHSA, OTR/L, FACHE
Nicklaus Children's Hospital
Carlos H. Ayllon ’99, FACHE, MBA, OTR
Director, Neurosciences Service Line, Memorial Healthcare System
Alexander Hughes ’11, MBA, OTR/L
Martia Sutton ’15, MS, OTR/L
Tara Riley ’13, DHS, MS, OTR/L
Gisela Jorge ’19
Jessica Alfonso ‘19
M. Cristina Dumlao ’05
Teresita Terrón ’79
Fleur Minott Nembhard ’86
Our History
The Occupational Therapy Department was established in 1975 to offer a Bachelor of Science in Occupational Therapy as the professional entry-level degree. Originally located within the School of Health and Social Sciences on the Tamiami Campus—now known as the Modesto Maidique Campus—the department has continually evolved to meet the profession's growing demands.
In 2004, the entry-level Bachelor of Science in Occupational Therapy transitioned to the Bachelor of Health Sciences with an Occupational Therapy Track, which then led to a Professional Master of Science in Occupational Therapy (MSOT) degree. By 2010, the Bachelor of Health Sciences program, along with all related tracks, was concluded to streamline our focus on graduate-level education.
Today, the Department proudly offers an accredited entry-level Professional Master of Science in Occupational Therapy. During the most recent re-accreditation in 2019, the program earned a full 10-year re-accreditation from the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE).
Attendees must be 21 years or older to RSVP and attend the 50th Anniversary Celebration.
Should you need ADA accommodations to participate in this event or to request materials in an accessible format, please contact FIU’s Office of Civil Rights Compliance and Accessibility (CRCA) at 305-348-2785 or ocrca@fiu.edu. All requests for ADA accommodation or accessible materials for this event must be submitted to CRCA at least two weeks prior to the event or at the earliest possible opportunity.