Photo Gallery

Dr.Shirley A. Wells Retires

Eduardo Escamilla September 8, 2025

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 Editor

A 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 Editor

Dean 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 Editor

Occupational 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 Editor

Dr. 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 Editor

In 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 Editor

Dr. 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 Editor

Faculty, 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 Editor

UTRGV 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

About The Author

Eduardo Escamilla

Eduardo ‘Lalo’ Escamilla serves as the Arts and Entertainment Editor for The Rider. He is majoring in Studio Art with a focus in Photography and minoring in Marketing. He aspires to continue his academic journey and receive his MFA.

See author's posts

United through music

Post Views: 127

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

[W] UTRGV Women's Basketball vs #5 Northwestern State
March 10, 2026 11:00 am - 1:00 pm
Lake Charles, La., Townsley Law Arena
UTRGV Women's Swimming & Diving 3-Meter Springboard
March 10, 2026 12:00 pm - 3:00 pm
College Station, Texas
UTRGV Baseball at Louisiana
March 10, 2026 6:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Lafayette, La., M.L. "Tigue" Moore Field at Russo Park
UTRGV Men's Basketball at No. 2 McNeese
March 10, 2026 8:30 pm - 10:30 pm
Lake Charles, LA, Townsley Law Arena

UTRGV Women's Basketball vs #1 McNeese
March 11, 2026 10:30 am - 12:30 pm
Lake Charles, La., Townsley Law Arena
UTRGV Men's Basketball vs Championship
March 11, 2026 4:00 pm - 6:00 pm
Lake Charles, La., Townsley Law Arena

Eduardo Escamilla

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Sections

Services

Contact Us