In an evening filled with joy, pride, and heartfelt reflection, family, friends, and loved ones celebrated the Duke Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) Class of 2025 at the Hooding and Recognition Ceremony. Held on May 10, 2025, at the Washington Duke Inn, this milestone event marked a profound transition for 98 graduates, who began their journey as classmates and emerged as esteemed physical therapy professionals.
Duke DPT Division Chief Dr. W. Todd Cade, PT, PhD, FAPTA, set the tone for the evening, expressing pride in the graduates: "We are proud of our graduates, and I welcome you to the 82nd annual Duke DPT commencement ceremony."
Dr. Benjamin Alman, MD, Duke Orthopaedic Surgery Department chair, delivered an inspiring keynote emphasizing healthcare's collaborative nature: "Healthcare is not a hierarchy; it’s a team effort. Physical therapists and surgeons work together to support musculoskeletal issues with solutions. PTs provide therapeutic services, solutions, and continuing care that enhance the patient's health for their lifetime. You need to adapt quickly to what is happening in the surrounding environment."
The night also honored outstanding members of the graduating class with distinguished awards:
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Robert Bartlett Student Recognition Award for Service and Leadership Excellence – Brian Tanigawa
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Jan Gwyer Student Recognition Award for Academic, Clinical, and Scholarly Excellence – Spencer Green
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Duke DPT Inclusive Excellence Award – Kiara Smith
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Helen Kaiser Duke Physical Therapy Alumni Association Award – Said Mendez
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Jan K. Richardson Excellence in Teaching Award – Dr. Kelly Reynolds, PT, DPT, PhD
Affectionately known as the event’s ‘wild card’ segment, this portion—led by the class officers—delivered heartfelt reflections and uplifting encouragement.
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GPSG Senator Elise Gianotti urged her peers to “Go Off!”, reminding them to embrace their unique strengths and lean on one another: “We bring different talents and approaches to the table. We are better together, so do not be afraid to contact each other. Be bold, go where your heart leads you. We are on a journey—you are never alone. You have Duke behind you.”
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Treasurer Hannah Zhao reinforced the boundless potential of their chosen field: “The need for physical therapists is greater than ever, and we need to embrace this challenge with confidence. I know that we will always have the Duke community supporting us.”
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Vice President Awah Bodunrin emphasized the cohort's resilience and strength: “We are thinkers, doers, and achievers. Here, we are stronger and united through diversity. Our strong qualities make us unique. Here’s to us, Class of 2025—We did the darn thing!”
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Finally, President Cameron Clark encouraged the graduates to pursue their passion and purpose: “We did it, y’all! We learned the importance of treating people as individuals. Remember, you are worthy. Remember your ‘why.’ Serve yourself so that you may serve others. Carry yourselves with peace and kindness.”
As the ceremony concluded, Dr. Cade urged the graduates to remain connected to their Duke family: "We are thinking of you as colleagues and friends."
With smiles, camaraderie, and a shared sense of accomplishment, the Class of 2025 steps forward into a bright future, ready to make a lasting impact in physical therapy.