Zachary “Zac” Saunders, MSOT ‘17, has been named the 2025 Occupational Therapy (OT) Alumnus of the Year Award - a well-deserved recognition for his dedication and impact to the profession.
“It was a pleasant surprise that I’m incredibly grateful for,’’ said Saunders. “I enjoy giving back to the University through volunteering my time, but didn’t expect something like this to happen.”
According to Anna Grasso, OTD, MS, OTR/L.CAPS. ECHM, fieldwork coordinator for the OT program, Salus at Drexel University, who nominated Sanders for the award, he has indeed given a lot back to the University, including serving as Student Council vice president and as a volunteer in the Student Affairs Department.
“Zac is an ambassador for both the Salus OT program and the profession of OT through his leadership, service and clinical expertise,” she said.
After graduating, Sanders served as the Salus Alumni Association president – the first OT alum to serve in the capacity – and has been a regular guest speaker to current OT students sharing his experiences in the OT profession and as alumni association president.
He has advanced his education through the rigorous process of becoming a Certified Hand Therapist, and as a result, is able to provide specialized intervention to clients with hand and upper extremity injuries to help them return to doing their meaningful activities of daily living.
He started his occupational therapy career at Kessler Rehabilitation Center, where he continues to make an impact as a senior occupational therapist. He now also serves as Kessler’s fieldwork coordinator. In this role, he mentors future professionals and has taken Salus students as a clinical instructor, coordinating their placements throughout New Jersey.
“To be recognized for what I’ve done is an honor I don’t take it lightly,” said Saunders. “This award puts more of a fire under me to work harder, promote our profession, and to take risks to see what else I can accomplish.”
