The Department of Occupational Therapy (OT) at the University of Pittsburgh School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences is proud to recognize outstanding students through three prestigious awards made possible by our generous donors.
Honoring Achievement and Supporting Student Success
Each year, these awards celebrate the exceptional dedication that defines our students. Thanks to our donors during Pitt Day of Giving, we can continue to support the success of future occupational therapists while they are at Pitt and beyond.
To make a contribution, please visit the Pitt Day of Giving website.
YOU can make a difference! See what our student award recipients from 2025 have to say about the opportunities provided to them through these funds:
Joan C. Rogers Occupational Therapy Award
Awarded to an occupational therapy student who demonstrates high-level scholarship, exemplary professionalism and commitment to advancing the profession.
“I am truly honored and grateful to receive the Joan C. Rogers Occupational Therapy Award. This recognition is deeply meaningful as it reflects the values of scholarship and commitment to the profession that I have strived to embody throughout my education at Pitt. The faculty in the Department of Occupational Therapy have been instrumental in my growth, consistently pushing me to excel while providing me with the tools and support needed to succeed.
This award will help reduce the financial burden of completing my degree, allowing me to dedicate more time to my passion for supporting children with neurodevelopmental disorders and advocating for the scope of OTs in the school system. As I graduate this spring and begin my journey as an entry-level clinician, I am eager to apply the clinical skills, leadership and advocacy training I have gained at Pitt to make a meaningful difference as an entry-level occupational therapist.”
Caroline Robinson Brayley Student Enrichment Award
Awarded to a student to support academic needs, education-related travel and community outreach, this fund enables students to expand their educational experiences beyond the classroom.
“I am incredibly honored and appreciative to receive the Caroline Robinson Brayley Student Enrichment Award. This scholarship allows me to focus more on the volunteer and fieldwork experiences that prepare me to be an empathetic and capable occupational therapy practitioner.
I would like to thank the wonderful staff, professors and my peers who make up Pitt’s incredible Department of Occupational Therapy. My enthusiasm for OT has only grown through their endless positivity and encouragement. I am also incredibly grateful for my partner, family and friends who have supported me throughout my journey. With this award, my passion and my support, I am excited to become a practitioner whose impact will continue to progress the field of occupational therapy!”
Award of Professional Excellence
Awarded to OT students for exceptional ability in promoting occupational therapy through professional activities.
“I am incredibly honored to be selected as the recipient of the Award of Professional Excellence! This would not have been possible without the support of the Pitt OT community- especially Assistant Professor Avital Isenberg, Professor Pamela Toto and Assistant Professor Kelsey Voltz-Poremba. I am grateful for the encouragement to bring my unique experiences and passions into my work as an occupational therapist.
This award will support my pursuit of an adaptive yoga certification, allowing me to combine my background as a certified yoga instructor with my occupational therapy training to help individuals of all abilities move and celebrate what their bodies are capable of. This opportunity reflects the values instilled in me at Pitt OT and strengthens my commitment to creating spaces where every individual feels seen, supported and empowered!”
Department of Occupational Therapy Fund
This essential fund provides direct support to OT students for their academic needs, helping to reduce financial barriers and ensure that all students have access to the resources necessary for success in their studies.
To make a contribution, please visit the Pitt Day of Giving website.
Together, we continue to advance the profession and empower the next generation of occupational therapists to make a difference in their communities.