We’ve been celebrating 75 years of Occupational Therapy education in Northampton

The Faculty of Health and Society celebrated 75 years of Occupational Therapy (OT) education in Northampton on Saturday 5 November, with a special event held on Park campus.

Over 85 alumni of the University of Northampton and its founder site at St Andrew’s Hospital came together to enjoy memorabilia, displays of past and present students’ work, and photographs from throughout the decades.

Presentations were delivered by Sue Griffiths (Subject Lead for Occupational Therapy), Professor Emeritus Annie Turner, Dr Hayley Singlehurst-Mooney (the first Occupational Therapy PhD student from the University) and Julia Skelton (an alumna of the University who is now Director of Professional Operations at the College of Occupational Therapists). At the end of the day there was also the opportunity for delegates to visit the programmes’ previous site at St Andrew’s Hospital.

Former student James Wyatt won a special award at the event, for student engagement related to his final year of study. James is now an Occupational Therapist working for St Andrew’s Healthcare. He commented: “It was great to learn how the profession has developed and grown over the past 75 years, and as a newly qualified OT this makes me proud. This event empowered the next generation and embraced its history, making it a totally awesome day at the University of Northampton. Thank you.”

Senior Lecturer Sara Simons commented: ”It was great to see so many of our former students coming back to support this event. The day was very relaxed and informal and gave everyone a chance to reminisce and exchange their experiences. Our speakers provided informative thought-provoking, entertaining presentations. We were delighted to see and welcome back ex-Govenors Lady Penny Braye and Celia Conquest, previous programme leader Elizabeth Cracknell and one of longest standing alumni Beryl Warren. The day concluded with celebratory cake and presentation of prizes by Irwin Mitchell to current students for Research and Engagement.”

Leonie Siddons, Senior Lecturer in OT, added: ”We thank the Vice Chancellors’ office, Alumni, Marketing and current Occupational Therapy staff for all their hard work in delivering this event.”

To view a gallery of images from the event, click here. To find out more about our Occupational Therapy degree programme, click here. Visit the webpage for more information regarding our Alumni Association.