Thursday, September 13, 2012
UMES marks 126th milestone with convocation and commencement
PRINCESS ANNE, MD-(Sept. 13, 2012)Today, the University of Maryland Eastern Shore celebrated its 126th Founders’ Day and the graduation of its largest class of Doctor of Physical Therapy students in the program’s 10-year history.
Thirty graduates, representing nine states; one being Hawaii, walked across the stage to receive their diplomas.
Mike Miller has a job lined up at a private physical therapy practice in his hometown, Myrtle Beach, S.C. “I’m definitely prepared educationally and clinically,” he said. “I feel confident about getting out there and practicing right away.”
The next step for the PT students is to sit for a national certification exam Oct. 23. “I’m very excited,” Celia Martins, a native of Brazil, said. “I’m sure we’re all going to be ready for it.”
The university is a leader in producing graduates who pass on the first try, said Dr. Raymond Blakely, the program’s founder. Once they pass, they will enter the healthcare field as physical therapists in hospitals, senior care facilities and for private practices.
Johnny C. Taylor, president and CEO of the Thurgood Marshall College Fund representing the nation’s historically black public institutions of higher education, was the guest speaker. The event concluded with a wreath laying ceremony and a birthday cake reception.
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Gail Stephens, assistant director, UMES Office of Public Relations, 410-651-7580, gcstephens@umes.edu.
Bill Robinson, director, UMES Office of Public Relations, 410-621-2355, wrobinson3@umes.edu.
