Each year, SPHSC recognizes a former graduate by inviting them to deliver a special presentation the Friday before UW Commencement, and to deliver a speech at the SPHSC Recognition Ceremony. The 2026 SPHSC Distinguished Alum is Dr. Catherine Off, Ph.D., CCC-SLP! Dr. Off graduated from UW in 2008 with her doctoral degree under the mentorship of Dr. Kristie Spencer and Dr. Margaret Rogers. Dr. Off's doctoral work examined repetition and dosage of language stimuli during treatment for people with aphasia. Now, Dr. Off is Professor and School Chair of the School of Speech, Language, Hearing, & Occupational Sciences at the University of Montana. She is also the current President of the Academy of Neurologic Communication Disorders and Sciences (ANCDS). 

Dr. Off inspired this year’s graduating class during their June recognition ceremony and delivered a research talk entitled, “From Anomia to Access: Connecting Language Science to Life Participation for People Living with Aphasia.” Prior to this year’s Distinguished Alumni Lecture, a SPHSC Research Spotlight event featured the work of Dr. Christina Zhao, Dr. Yi Shen, doctoral candidate Tamar Nir, and Dr. Erin Ingvalson, demonstrating the breadth and impact of SPHSC research. 

Learn about upcoming events in SPHSC by checking out the Event Calendar here.