WHEELING, WV Aug. 31, 2009 — Wheeling Jesuit University anointed the hands of its current class of 2009 Doctor of Physical Therapy graduates as it celebrated one final time the newest group of professional physical therapists on Friday, Aug. 28. The group of professionals also received the official Wheeling Jesuit Doctor of Physical Therapy pins to mark their move into the professional world of medicine today.

“We are so pleased to celebrate with our 2009 class of physical therapy graduates. We are confident that they will carry the tradition of Wheeling Jesuit excellence as caring and competent professionals to their interaction with patients, families and communities,” said Letha Zook, academic vice president of the university and herself a physical therapist. Zook was formerly the director of the Wheeling Jesuit program and was instrumental in moving the program from a master’s into a doctorate program.

Graduates include: Noelle Adams, Wheeling; Seegee Bachtel, Terra Alta, W.Va.; Jessica Busi, Pittsburgh, Pa.; Coty Cole, Wheeling; Charles Corliss, New Martinsville, W.Va.; Lindsay Coyne, St. Clairsville, Ohio; Anna Diaspro, Wheeling; David Edwards, St. Clairsville, Ohio; Derek Hagen, Wheeling; Virgil Hannahs, III, Barnesville, Ohio; Ashley Jordan, Dilliner, Pa.; Timothy Kelly, Westerville, Ohio; Courtney Keylor, Barnesville, Ohio; Derek Kocher, New Martinsville, W.Va.; Sara Lantz, Clarksburg, W.Va.; Daniel Leovic, Perry, Ohio; David Light, Connellsville, Pa.; Rachel Linville, Foster, W.Va.; Meghann Meyers, Bridgeport, Ohio; Ashley Mlakar, Belle Vernon, Pa.; Robert Phillips, Akron, Ohio; Abby Powell, Wheeling; Trent Roederer, Byesville, Ohio; Jessica Shipe, Freeport, Ohio; Bethany Sloane, Wheeling; Christopher Stephens, Wheeling; Tracie Weekley, Moundsville, W.Va.; Brandi Weiss, Jerusalem, Ohio; Michelle Werner, Thurmond, Md. and Asher Zaccagnini, Fairmont, W.Va.

The group of doctoral students actually participated in this past May's commencement ceremony but finished their clinical work over the summer.

The Rev. Donald Serva, S.J. opened the formal pinning and anointing ceremony with a prayer and officiated at the ceremony, held in Troy Theater. Zook addressed the graduates, faculty and guests along with Interim Director of Physical Therapy Mark Drnach. Serva performed the anointing.

Wheeling Jesuit University physical therapy graduates are prepared to deliver physical therapy services to diverse populations throughout the medical world of prevention, wellness and rehabilitation. They are generalists who are able to practice in a variety of settings, including those areas underserved by the health care system. Wheeling Jesuit physical therapy graduates demonstrate skills in problem-solving and life-long learning, which prepares them for leadership within the health-care system.

Wheeling Jesuit’s Physical Therapy Department is located on the second floor of the Alma Grace McDonough Center and is staffed by nine professionals. The newest class of Doctor of Physical Therapy graduate students includes a group of 44 students that are beginning at the university today. For more information on the physical therapy department, please call 304-243-2068.