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BILLINGS, MT—The University of Mary is inviting high school counselors and principals, health care professionals and the general public to a grand opening of its new campus location in Billings.

This open house is Tuesday, September 13, 2016, from 4:30 p.m. until 7:30 p.m., at the new location, 2590 Holman Avenue, Suite A. Guests can expect tours and a brief program at 5:30 p.m. with comments from University of Mary President Monsignor James Shea and Occupational Therapy Director Janeene Sibla.

University of Mary’s well-respected and accredited graduate program in occupational therapy has had a presence in Billings since the fall of 2013—offering an entry-level Master of Science in Occupational Therapy. As part of the university’s new Vision 2030 Capital Campaign for growth and due to the high demand for its services in the Billings and surrounding area, Mary identified a need to expand into this larger 9,000-square-foot facility.

“This allows the program to accept more students in an attempt to meet the healthcare needs of the people of Montana,” stated Sibla. “There continues to be shortage of occupational therapists in the region and the University of Mary is hoping to help fill the gap. Because we are the only occupational therapy program in the state of Montana, this commitment also helps the University of Mary fulfill the mission of its founders—the Benedictine Sisters of Annunciation Monastery—and meet the needs of this region and beyond.”

Sibla adds, that there are two full-time occupational therapy faculty members and one administrative assistant on staff at the new facility. This new, larger space allows the University of Mary to accept a cohort of 16 OT students compared to 12—with room to grow more in the future, which would require the addition of more faculty.