Dr. Ruth Zemke Lectureship in Occupational Science

About the Dr. Ruth Zemke Lectureship

In recognition of Dr. Ruth Zemke's mentorship, questing intellect, and ongoing efforts to foster an occupational science community of researchers, this lectureship was named in her honor. The lectureship is designed as a forum to present visionary, theoretical, and critical analyses of occupational science.

The recipients of the Ruth Zemke Honorary Lecture in Occupational Science are given an engraved kaleidoscope in recognition for their contribution to the study of occupation. Occupation is made up of simple, everyday actions that can be combined in an infinite variety of ways. This variation creates a complexity that requires examination from many perspectives in order to understand its many facets and meanings in people's lives. According to Dr. Zemke, the kaleidoscope serves as a metaphor for occupation. It is a collection of simple, everyday items that can create beautiful and often complex images. People change their perspectives by rotating the kaleidoscope to see the endless variety of images created. Indeed, the kaleidoscope is a well-chosen keepsake for the recipients of the Ruth Zemke Honorary Lecture in Occupational Science.

Nominations for the 2025 Ruth Zemke Lectureship in Occupational Science are now closed. 

Stay tuned for the announcement of the 2025 RZLOS 

History of Dr. Ruth Zemke Lectureship in Occupational Science