Alumni Feature Fall 2022
1980s -2000s
Photo appearing with newspaper article February 24, 1987 showing Judy Brodie and Ardythe Parker receiving the Mary Black Award. From left to right: Margaret Spindler (NSSOT), Judith Brodie, Ardythe Parker and Elizabeth Townsend. (Courtesy of NSSOT Archives.)
The 1980s were an exciting time for occupational therapy in Nova Scotia. With the opening of the School of Occupational Therapy at Dalhousie University in 1982, Halifax would welcome hundreds of eager students, in the years to come, looking to acquire their Bachelor of Science degree in Occupational Therapy (BScOT).
This decade would also see a flurry of activities hosted by the Nova Scotia Society of Occupational Therapists. One such occasion was publicized in an article written by Susan LeBlanc, of the Halifax Chronicle Herald, and published February 24, 1987* The article highlighted the awards ceremonies at which the NSSOT presented the first Mary Black Award, in honor of Mary Black herself, to Judith Brodie and Ardythe Parker for their efforts and contribution to the society and occupational therapy in Nova Scotia, including the establishment of the School of Occupational Therapy.
With the growing trend of entry-level Master's programs in Occupational Therapy schools across North America, the School of Occupational Therapy at Dalhousie University set out to develop a curriculum that would take their program to new heights. With the entrance of the final Bachelor of Science in Occupational Therapy class in 2004, the School accepted its first entry-level Master's students in the Fall of 2006.
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*LeBlanc, S (1987). Halifax natives honoured by society of therapists. In the Halifax Chronicle Herald, February 24, 1987. Courtesy of NSSOT.
Excerpt from "OT in Atlantic Provinces" website - Content contributed by Peter L. Twohig.
The School of Occupational Therapy was established in 1982, at that time the students were accepted into the program after their first year of undergrade courses. Following 3 years of studies these students graduated as the Class of 1985 with a Bachelor of Science - Occupational Therapy.
Recently this inaugural class had a reunion and this is what they said:
We have seen and experienced so many changes in our careers from making tap turners in woodworking shop, to the introduction of computers in the workplace, to using virtual health to see our patients and clients remotely, to the use of 3D digital printers to produce functional aides (like tap turners) for patients on the spot! Our class has seen and experienced all of this and more!
~Mary Nieforth
It was the reconnection I didn’t know I needed! So nice to share memories and have many belly laughs-the best kind! ~Karen Cormier (Jackson)
What a thrill it was for me to join our very 1st occupational therapy class in PEI for their Alumnae Reunion - just as the School of Occupational Therapy celebrates its 40th Anniversary since starting in 1982 and just as we warmly welcome the next graduating class to join expanding health & social practices all over the world. ~Liz Townsend
One quote I heard over and over was "It is so great to see you!" Everyone was greeted by a hug when they arrived by those already there! ~Ann Moore (Straight)
It truly is amazing that out of a class of 23 graduates (2 of whom have sadly passed) the majority of us still make the effort and get excited to be together! I loved collecting the old photos and sharing them! Even the quotes and antics we all seem to clearly remember make it seem like it was yesterday!! ~Karen Landry
For me it was like picking up where we left off at graduation. Everyone feels like family still, even after all that time.” ~Jennifer Mason
This is the most amazing group of people and truly a tribute to the
success that the OT school has experienced over 40 years! I cannot
believe that after so long we can come together and pick up where we
left off.
It is a challenging time in health care and we all feel the change. ~Mary Nieforth
