Story by Emily Bord

New inductees listened intently as student officers of Colorado State University’s Pi Theta Epsilon chapter shared the meaning of the honorary society. “Pi is the letter in the Greek word for advancement,” said Ellen Nye. “Theta is the first letter in the Greek word for therapeutic,” shared Holly Minning. “Epsilon is the first letter of the Greek word for occupation,” followed Maddy Gardner. “Therefore,” concluded Caroline Rose, “Pi Theta Epsilon stands for advancement in occupational therapy.”

Invitation to join this national society is an honor for students across the nation and is reserved for occupational therapy students who display academic excellence in their graduate programs. On February 26 the Department of Occupational Therapy at CSU along with Arlene Schmid, PTE advisor, was pleased to welcome nine new members into CSU’s PTE chapter.

“By appearing before us you have signified your desire to become a member of Pi Theta Epsilon,” announced Nye, president of the CSU chapter of PTE. Each new member lit a candle and said the PTE pledge, thus committing themselves to the advancement of occupational therapy through scholarship and research.

Scholarly activities

Jaclyn Stephens, assistant professor, concluded the ceremony by sharing how her international experience and doctoral training in cognitive neuroscience has enhanced her occupational therapy practice and research which is focused on traumatic brain injury. As part of its mission of promoting scholarly activities, PTE at CSU has sponsored various speakers throughout the school year including occupational therapists, researchers and experts on interesting topics related to the field.

Pictured above are this year’s inductees: Pia Guevarra, Christine Dawson, Dorothy Kalmbach, and Katie Lucas (front row); Tim Hunt, Abby Anderson, Justine Cawthorne, Katherine Ward, Delaney Drake (back row).