The American Occupational Therapy Foundation has announced Marquette University’s Occupational Therapy doctorate program as the winner of its annual St. Catherine Challenge.
The St. Catherine Challenge is a national student-led fundraising initiative. Proceeds from the challenge support occupational therapy research grants awarded by the American Occupational Therapy Foundation.
Marquette’s OT students outraised over 60 other occupational therapy programs across the nation to earn the top spot in the challenge and lead the way to $78,000 being raised for early-stage occupational therapy research.
Christi Katz, clinical assistant professor and faculty advisor for Pi Theta Epsilon and the St. Catherine Challenge, says her team of students were the driving force behind the activities and fundraising, truly embodying being men and women for and with others.
“Over 30 students in the OT program served on the St. Cat’s Committee, led by second year Isabelle Dienhammer. They all took this challenge to the next level, really wanted to succeed as a group and understood the impact of occupational therapy research on the field,” Katz says. “They did a great job of promoting and hosting events to bring people in to raise money for these important causes.”
“Our program is committed to developing students who embody critical curiosity and servant leadership, and I am proud to see that mission reflected in our students’ efforts to raise funds for the St. Catherine Challenge,” says Dr. Christine O’Neil, Department of Occupational Therapy chair. “Our students have a deep appreciation for the vital role occupational therapy research plays in advancing the profession. Their commitment to raising funds in support of this work reflects their dedication to making a meaningful impact — they truly exemplify what it means to Be The Difference.”
For winning the challenge, Marquette’s Occupational Therapy program receives tickets to a variety of AOTF events, a commemorative plaque and two student registrations to the American Occupational Therapy Association conference held in April.
For more information about Marquette’s Department of Occupational Therapy, click here.
