2025 OT Pinning Ceremony Held
25 SFU Occupational Therapy Students Honored in Pinning Ceremony
With warmth, reverence, and a celebration of professional growth, Saint Francis University held its annual Occupational Therapy Pinning Ceremony on May 9, 2025, honoring 25 graduating students as they transition from academic study to clinical practice.
The one-hour ceremony, steeped in tradition and symbolism, reflected both the spiritual and professional journey of each student. The event began with a heartfelt greeting by Dr. Kerri Golden, Dean of the School of Health Sciences and Education, followed by an Opening Prayer led by Saint Francis University President, Fr. Malachi, Van Tassell, T.O.R., setting a tone of gratitude and reflection. Dr. Michael McGinnis, Vice President of Academic Affairs, offered opening remarks, emphasizing the transformative experience of OT education at SFU.
A central moment of the ceremony was the Lighting of the Candles by faculty members. Each of the seven candles on the altar represented one of the core values of the occupational therapy profession: altruism, freedom, equality, dignity, justice, prudence, and truth. This meaningful ritual illuminated the ethical foundation the students are now called to uphold.
Fr. Malachi continued the spiritual thread with the Blessing of the Pins and Hands, reminding attendees of the sacred responsibility carried by OT practitioners. Students then received their official Occupational Therapy pins, each accompanied by a personalized dedication, and recited both the Pledge and Creed of Occupational Therapists, affirming their commitment to client-centered, ethical care.
The ceremony also featured student reflections from Madison Jordan & Kayla DeHetre offering insight into the journey, growth, and collective support experienced over the course of the program. An alumni speaker, Ms. Jennifer (Ferchalk) Conrad - MOT Class of 2002, inspired the cohort with reflections on life beyond the classroom, emphasizing resilience and continued service.
In recognition of excellence within the field, the university presented the Fieldwork Education Award to Stephanie Lawruk and the Outstanding Franciscan Excellence Award in OT to Katie Addison, honoring individuals who exemplify the mission and values of Saint Francis University and the OT profession.
The event concluded with a Closing Prayer from Fr. Malachi, bringing a sense of peace and purpose to the day.
A unique and heartfelt token awaited each student—a lucky bamboo plant. Symbolic in nature, this plant mirrors the students' journey: "It takes four years for lucky bamboo to develop a strong root system, during which time visible growth is modest. But in its fifth year, it can soar—growing more than 40 feet." The plant serves as a living reminder of the students' five years at SFU and a metaphor for their personal and professional evolution. As they move forward, may they continue to SOAR in all aspects of life.
The Saint Francis University Occupational Therapy Pinning Ceremony is more than a milestone; it is a ritual of passage into a lifelong vocation of compassion, healing, and service.
View photos from the 2025 OT Pinning Ceremony.
In the photo:
Row 1: Valarie Nealen of Northen Cambria, PA; Katie Addison of Greenville, PA; Mack (Faythe) Miller of Lititze, PA; Alana Michener of Allentown, PA; Faith McMullen of Loretto, PA; Koral Esposit of Lock Haven, PA; , Emily Folk of Shellsburg, PA; Zoey Novella of Northen Cambria
Row 2: Dr. Kerri Golden, Dr. Andrew Miller, Elisabeth Zajdel, of Winber, PA; Claire Hildebrand of Fairfax Station, VA; Stephanie Lawruk of Hollidaysburg, PA; Caroline Ribich of Jeffers Hill,PA; Gabrielle Krug of Loretto, PA
Row 3: Dr. Erin Long, Dr. Amy Hudkins, Kayla DeHetre of Hughesville, MD; Sara Muriceak of Cresson, PA, Sarah McConnon of Springfield, PA
Row 4: Ms. Ann Kordish, Ms. Jen Conrad, Dr. Jennifer Misiura, Dr. Lorie Rowles, Dr. Julie Nagle, Erin Gianneski of Butler ,PA; Caroline Fyock of McMurray, PA: Sydney Baker of Uniontown, OH: Madison Jordan of Forest Hill, MD: Mikayla Burke of Johnstown, PA Cassidy Bezek of Johnstown, PA; Olivia Hite of Asheville, PA; Mary Kate McCann of Phoenixville, PA; Dr. Michael McGinnis, Fr. Malachi Van Tassell
About the OT Major at SFU
Start as a freshman in our accelerated 3+2 Occupational Therapy program for the fastest path to your OT career, or join us as an MOT graduate student! The Master of Occupational Therapy (MOT) program at SFU offers a multidisciplinary approach, scholarly and fieldwork opportunities, and the expertise of practicing faculty to help you become the best occupational therapist you can be.