Kaitlin Codd Named DCHS Pre-commencement Speaker

Doctor of Physical Therapy student Kaitlin Codd (DPT Class of ’23) has been selected as the 2024 Saint Louis University Doisy College of Health Sciences Pre-commencement speaker. 

Kim Levenhagen, PT, DPT, CLT, WCC, FNAP, professor in the Department of Physical Therapy and Athletic Training, spoke of Codd’s growth in the program.  

“As a representative for her Physical Therapy class, Kaitlin has demonstrated the transformative impact of SLU. Her dedication to excellence is evident in her involvement as the SLU Pro Bono PT Clinic Student Lead, where she has selflessly served the community while honing her skills as a future healthcare professional. As a Student Lab Lead, she has mentored her peers, instilled confidence and fostering a spirit of collaboration.”

Codd is also involved with the Neuroimaging and Behavior Lab as a research assistant, where she contributes to the advancement of research in Parkinson’s Disease by performing data collection with participants, building data tools for projects and more.  

Jason Longhurst, PT, DPT, PhD, assistant professor in the Department of Physical Therapy and Athletic Training and head of the Neuroimaging and Behavior Team, spoke of Codd’s commitment to research and scholarship.  

“From my earliest interactions with Ms. Codd, it was clear that she possessed a passion for doing all she could to help individuals with neurologic disease. I have seen her demonstrate this passion in her interactions with research participants and in the classroom with client volunteers. Kaitlin demonstrates a passion for research development in guiding evidence-based practice for improving patient-centered care.”

Codd’s other accomplishments include serving as a Graduate Student Association Representative and as a student member of Eta Nu Honor Society, International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society, and the American Physical Therapy Association. She also presented research at local and national conferences as a SLU student.

Dean Bernard Rousseau, PhD, MMHC, FASHA spoke of Codd’s recognition as this year’s student speaker.

“The Doisy College of Health Sciences congratulates Kaitlin Codd on her selection as this year’s pre-commencement speaker. We are extremely proud of Kaitlin’s accomplishments during her studies at Saint Louis University and very excited to have her share words of congratulations, encouragement, and inspiration with this year’s graduating class.”

The Doisy College of Health Sciences Pre-commencement Ceremony will take place at 4:30 p.m. Central Time, Friday, May 17, 2024, at Chaifetz Arena. The ceremony will stream live on slu.edu, Saint Louis University’s YouTube channel, and the DCHS Facebook page. Visit the Saint Louis University Commencement page for additional event details.  

About SLU’s Edward and Margaret Doisy College of Health Sciences:

The Doisy College of Health Sciences has provided students with the tools and education to become well-prepared healthcare professionals since 1929. The Doisy College of Health Sciences offers healthcare education at the baccalaureate, master’s, doctoral and professional levels in a variety of health-related fields.

About Saint Louis University:

Saint Louis University is a Catholic, Jesuit institution that values academic excellence, life-changing research, compassionate health care, and a strong commitment to faith and service. Founded in 1818, the University fosters the intellectual and character development of more than 13,000 students on two campuses in St. Louis and Madrid, Spain. Building on a legacy of more than 200 years, Saint Louis University continues to move forward with an unwavering commitment to a higher purpose, a greater good.