Dr. Shirley A. Wells receives a plaque from colleagues, former students and friends celebrating a remarkable career in occupational therapy, the plaque reads “may your retirement be filled with joy, health and new adventures.” The retirement celebration took place on Aug. 7 in the Student Union Theater on the Edinburg campus. Eduardo Escamilla/A&E EditorA table covered in a blanket of awards honoring Dr. Shirely A. Wells for her retirement as Chair and professor in the Department of Occupational Therapy on Aug 7. in the Student Union Theater on the Edinburg campus. Eduardo Escamilla/A&E EditorDean of the College of Health Professions Dr. Michael Lehker speaks words of praise and admiration during the opening tribute for Dr. Shirley A. Wells’ retirement celebration on Aug 7. in the Student Union Theater on the Edinburg campus. Eduardo Escamilla/A&E EditorOccupational Therapist, Sandy Hanenbring in a moving and emotional tribute shares touching anecdotes of her close friendship with Dr. Shirley A. Wells during her retirement celebration on Aug 7. in the Student Union Theater on the Edinburg campus. Also pictured is Hanenbring’s service dog Sasha. Eduardo Escamilla/A&E EditorDr. John Wells shares personal stories about his sister, Dr. Shirley A. Wells, revealing how she overcame challenges as one of six children raised by a single mother to become the person she is today, during her retirement celebration on Aug 7. in the Student Union Theater on the Edinburg campus Eduardo Escamilla/A&E EditorIn an impromptu speech, Dr. Shirley A. Wells, describes her journey and admitted she never planned to stay in the valley, much less to teach. However, she agreed on one condition: that an occupational therapy doctorate program be created at UTRGV. “There’s too much potential here for us to ignore,” she said. “They’re going to be the future of the profession … I made the decision to stay because of the students.” Eduardo Escamilla/A&E EditorDr. Shirley A. Wells, a walking legend, receives a standing ovation from faculty, friends and family during her retirement celebration on Aug 7. in the Student Union Theater on the Edinburg campus Eduardo Escamilla/A&E EditorFaculty, friends and family enjoy snacks and libations after Dr. Shirely A. Wells retirement celebration on Aug 7. in the Student Union Theater on the Edinburg campus Eduardo Escamilla/A&E EditorUTRGV alumni Abby Garza Leah, part of Cohort 1 for the OTD Program, shares a moment of laughter and joy with Dr. Shirely A. Wells on Aug 7. in the Student Union Theater on the Edinburg campus. “Dr. Wells believes in you more than you believe in yourself” Garza Leah said. Eduardo Escamilla/A&E Editor
