Downstate OT 60th Anniversary Awards

In honor of the incredible 60-year legacy of the SUNY Downstate Occupational Therapy Program, we are thrilled to announce the launch of the 2026 SUNY Downstate OT Excellence Awards! This milestone anniversary is the perfect moment to shine a spotlight on the extraordinary individuals who make our community so special. We are calling on our students, alumni, faculty, fieldwork partners, and friends to help us recognize those who truly embody the spirit of Downstate OT.

We seek to honor alumni and community members who have demonstrated exceptional leadership, innovation, and a deep-seated commitment to the field of occupational therapy. We are looking for those trailblazers who have gone above and beyond in their professional practice, academic pursuits, and community service; individuals who live out our mission of transforming lives and serving the diverse needs of our world every single day.

Whether it’s a young alum making waves early in their career or a dedicated partner who has shaped the future of our students, we want to celebrate their impact. These honorees will be officially recognized during our 60th Anniversary celebration, where we will come together to toast to their achievements and the bright future of our program. We invite you to join us in this celebration of excellence by submitting your nominations and helping us tell the story of 60 years of impact!

Eligibility

• Nominees must be affiliated with the Downstate OT Program — either as alumni, community supporter, or fieldwork partner
• Must be making a significant contribution to the OT field and/or the SUNY Downstate community
• Must be willing to be featured in alumni and university publications and marketing materials

Application Criteria

All nominations must include an application consisting of short answer questions and resume upload. After the nomination is submitted, you will receive an email to submit a letter of reference. Letters of reference will be accepted from a faculty, mentor, colleague, employer, or community leader.

Nominations may be submitted by anyone, self-nominations accepted. All nominees must submit the Nominee Application Form regardless of how they are nominated and include their resume/CV and one letter of reference. Honorees will be notified by June 1, 2026 and will be recognized at our 60th Anniversary Emeritus Lecture on Wednesday, June 17, 2026 at the SUNY Global Center in NYC.

How to Nominate

1. Complete the Nomination Form.
2. All nominees are required to submit a Nominee Application Form regardless of how they are nominated. If you are self-nominating, you only need to submit this form.

Submission Deadline: May 1, 2026 11:59 PM EST

For questions, please contact Efekona Nuwere: efekona.nuwere@downstate.edu