Remembering Wimberly Edwards, Founding Professor and Trailblazer in OT

Wimberly Edwards, a founding professor of the Occupational Therapy program at York College, recently passed away at the age of 92. Her remarkable legacy at York will long outlive her.

Born and reared in Harlem, New York, Prof. Edwards earned degrees in Occupational Therapy from New York University and Boston University. She was an influential figure in the field and a pillar of the discipline at York for more than 25 years. According to her biography submitted for her inclusion on the "100 Influential People" list, some years ago, she also co-founded the Black Occupational Therapy Caucus in 1974. The caucus's mission is "to serve as a support system that encourages recruitment, retention, equal opportunity, and leadership among occupational therapy practitioners and students of African-American descent."

In addition to her distinguished teaching career, Prof. Edwards was a successful practitioner, serving as supervisor, administrator, and chief of occupational therapy at Montefiore Hospital in the Bronx.

Prof. Donald Auriemma, current chair of York's Occupational Therapy Department and a former student of Professor Edwards', credits her with shaping his professional journey. After he graduated from York and launched his career as a clinician, Prof. Edwards recruited him to teach at his alma mater. He fondly recalls her as a dedicated professor and mentor who was supportive of her students.

"Prof. Edwards was a positive influence, instructor, and chair," Prof. Auriemma said. In addition to Chair and Prof. Auriemma, Deputy Chair Dr. Clover Hutchinson, and Assistant Professor Dr. Paula Stewart are also proud graduates of the program she helped build.

In her memory, York College extends heartfelt gratitude to Prof. Edwards for her visionary leadership and lasting contributions to the Occupational Therapy program and the college community at large. May she rest in peace.

A memorial Service for Professor Edwards will take place on Thursday, 10-30-25, at Bedford Central Church, 1200 Dean Street, Brooklyn, NY 11216, from 11 am to 12:30 pm. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to NTSBOTC @ nysbotc.com.