Despite the rain clouds that gathered overhead, the graduates and their families were left with undamped spirits. At 2 p.m. on Friday, May 17, 50 doctoral candidates were honored at the Doctor of Physical Therapy Hooding and Commencement Ceremony in the University of Lynchburg’s Turner Gymnasium.

University President Dr. Alison Morrison-Shetlar greeted the doctoral candidates, emphasizing the importance of their role in health care.

“As physical therapists, you will help prevent injury, ease the pain of chronic illness, and restore hope in the future,” she said. “Because of your courage, dedication, and hard work, the diploma you receive today represents the privilege you’ve earned to walk people through one of the most powerful steps of the healing process — rehabilitation.”

Patricia Garrett, social chair for the Class of 2024, was chosen by her peers to address the cohort during the ceremony.

In her address, Garrett dwelled fondly on the “1,081 days and 25,118 hours” the group spent together during their time in the DPT program. She emphasized not only the academic and professional relationships they built but the personal bonds as well.

“We bonded together through class potlucks, Intramural games, hosted ping pong tournaments,” she said. “We shared celebrations for class engagements, marriages, and babies.”

Garrett, who also was the student success liaison and co-president of Wheels on the James, expressed that nothing they did as Lynchburg DPT students was done in isolation.

“We accomplished this together. We made a difference together. We impacted our program, future cohorts, and the greater Lynchburg Community, together,” she said. “Some will say, ‘Oh it was just three years.’ No, it was the best three years.”

As she came to a close, Garrett shared her best wishes for her colleagues by reciting a physical therapist prayer by an unknown author.

“Let me dedicate my life today to the care of those who come my way,” she read. “Let me place gentle hands and the healing art for which I stand. Let the divine force flow from me to you. Let our energy spirit renew, and then tonight, when day is done, let me rest peacefully if I helped just one.”

Watch a video of the Doctor of Physical Therapy ceremony here.