Taking time to elevate our students' experiences

Our students remain front and center throughout the year, but the transitional moments that happen during the summer provide a moment to celebrate their successes and consider the impact of VCU’s Occupational Therapy program.

We’ve just watched our latest graduating class cross the stage to accept their diplomas. Each year, I’m impressed with what graduates have accomplished during their time on campus. Only a few days after Commencement, we welcomed our incoming class.

In this issue, you’ll find stories that demonstrate our commitment to students and the highest-quality education. A major component of that is our simulation lab, where we’ve introduced some meaningful updates. As we take our physical space to the next level, we’re also advancing the associated curriculum as we continue to elevate our top-ranked program.

A Note from Carole K. Ivey, Ph.D., OTR/L, FAOTA, Chair, Occupational Therapy

PROGRAM SPOTLIGHT

OT Academy opens doors for aspiring clinicians

Our annual five-day OT Academy invites undergraduate students and recent graduates to explore careers in occupational therapy. The program also aims to help participants better understand the field, connect with peers and ultimately enroll in an OT graduate program.

Among the program’s 15 alums, six have gone on to enroll at VCU.

Congratulations to our Class of 2025

In May, 46 members of the Class of 2025 crossed the Commencement stage to collect their Occupational Therapy Doctorate (OTD) diplomas. The majority of our graduates enter traditional and emerging practice areas, prepared with expertise in applying evidence-based practices. We look forward to applauding their successes and watching them explore other opportunities, including research.

First-year OT students arrive on campus

The Class of 2028, comprising 48 students, has arrived on campus for its three-year doctoral program. The students' first significant milestone will occur in September, when they will receive VCU Occupational Therapy vests as a symbol of their commitment to the discipline.

Students turn skills into solutions at Design Fair

Grad II OT students capped off their three-week design course with innovative, purpose-driven projects at the annual OT Design Fair.



From 3D printing to sewing, they applied hands-on skills to create custom assistive devices that promote greater independence and inclusion.

Graduates stand as change agents with capstone work

This spring’s OT graduates showcased their passion and purpose through senior capstone projects that are already making an impact – from NICU care improvements to inclusive children’s literature.

Working in three program tracks, these projects demonstrate leadership, innovation and community engagement.

OT earns Ph.D. with research to help caregivers serve children with autism

Recent Ph.D. graduate Lynne Hollaway, a veteran occupational therapy researcher, developed a promising caregiver engagement model that shows strong early results in autism therapy sessions. 

Professor seeks to improve access to early childhood development resources

Virginia Chu, Ph.D., OTR/L, now a tenured associate professor in VCU’s Department of Occupational Therapy, is launching a $25,000 pilot program to expand early childhood development resources for underserved families. Rooted in her work with the Children’s Museum of Richmond, the initiative will focus on improving access for Spanish-speaking and low-income communities.

High-tech upgrades boost realism in simulation lab

A $108,000 investment has transformed the College of Health Professions’ simulation lab into an immersive clinical training environment – complete with a lifelike mannequin and tech-enhanced patient scenarios – to better prepare OT students for the realities of modern care.

Berry earns OT, CHP honors for impact in adaptive sports

Caitlyn E. Berry, M.S., ’15, OTR/L has been recognized with two prestigious honors: the Jayne Shepherd Making a Difference Alumni Award and the 2025 Dean’s Outstanding Service Award.

From innovative therapy models to advancing adaptive sports, Berry's impact spans communities, families and future practitioners.

What self-care strategies helped you as a student and new practitioner?

Abby Lemmon, OTD, OTR/L, '23, is studying how recent occupational therapy graduates leveraged self-care and wellness strategies during their education and as they transitioned into professional practice. If you graduated between 2022 and 2025, consider taking this survey to share your input and experiences. Lemmon is a member of the clinical faculty at Old Dominion University.

Be part of something bigger with CHP Alumni Council

The College of Health Professions Alumni Council is launching – and we want our OT graduates to be part of it. This council will include passionate alums working to build engagement across all CHP departments. Members also will serve as ambassadors, support students and recent grads, and advance professional networking, mentorship and giving.