On Wednesday, April 29, 2026, the George Washington University Occupational Therapy program gathered for the GW OT Program Student Celebration, an evening dedicated to honoring the achievement, dedication, and character of its doctoral candidates.
The event featured a presentation of the Curricular Theme Awards, which recognize the students who have demonstrated extraordinary modeling of the core values and philosophy of the GW OT program through the four curricular themes: SPIRAL, CLEAR, STAR, and JEDI. These awards are faculty-nominated distinctions and each recipient was awarded a cash prize in recognition of their positive contributions to the GW community and their commitment to the ideals of the profession.
2026 Award Recipients
The SPIRAL Award: Situated, Purposeful, Integrative, and Reflective Analysis of Learning
Recognizing students who demonstrate adaptability, servant leadership, and cultural humility. These individuals excel at facilitating a community of learning that appreciates diverse vantage points.
- Honorees: Deanna Rowland & Alex Delinois
The CLEAR Award: Clinical Learning and Listening for Engaged and Artful Reasoning
Presented to those who display excellence in clinical decision-making and the translation of complex knowledge into practice. This award signifies exemplary critical thinking and the ability to synthesize evidence creatively.
- Honorees: Emma Screws & Kenan Carter
The STAR Award: Systems Thinking Across Realms
This award honors a commitment to advocacy and strategic awareness. These students demonstrate a unique ability to connect personal and community experiences with broader cultural, social, and political systems.
- Honorees: Bonny Thach & Sarah Williams
The JEDI Award: Human Service Addressing Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion
Recognizing students who embody a commitment to combating healthcare disparities. These recipients implement justice-based approaches to empower and positively impact the health of society.
- Honorees: Acacia Williams & Savannah Halabuk
The GW OT program is built upon a foundation of evidence-informed practice, global advocacy, and occupational justice. By recognizing these eight outstanding individuals, the GW OT program reaffirms its mission to develop reflective leaders who will influence diversity and ensure inclusive engagement in society.
"We are doing something different at GW" noted the program director, Roger Ideishi, JD, OT/L, FAOTA during the presentation. "There are very few who are enacting the values that we share here at GW."
