Dates

• Existence: 1922 - 2016

Biography

Florence Stevens Cromwell (1922-2016) Born in Lewistown, Pennsylvania May 14, 1922 and died in Claremont, California, November 5, 2016. The youngest of three sisters, she attended elementary education in Collingwood, New Jersey and relocated with her family at age 10 to Springfield, Ohio. Earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Education at Miami University in Ohio in 1943. Applying new skills, she enlisted in Officer’s Training, WAVE (Women Accepted for Volunteer Emergency Service) U.S. Naval Reserve at Mt. Holyoke College, 1943, and was commissioned as Ensign, USNR, August 1943. Following the war, Cromwell earned a Bachelor of Science degree at Washington University, St. Louis, Missouri in Occupational Therapy, in 1949. Some years later, she joined the counted few at the University of Southern California to earn a Master of Arts in Occupational Therapy in 1952. A strong leader with a quick mind, Cromwell’s illustrious career was acknowledged by the American Occupational Therapy Association and the American Occupational Therapy Foundation with the President’s Commendation Award in 1999. She served as President of the American Occupational Therapy Association 1967-1973. She excelled as an administrator, practitioner and educator. As a University of Southern California alumnus, following her AOTA Presidency, Cromwell served as Acting Chairperson of Occupational Therapy, University of Southern California, 1973-1976. Receiving the Year 2000 Heritage Award, the department acknowledged her attributes as administrator, faculty member and Board of Councilor member.