The Institute for Massage and Bodywork Therapy honored its first ever graduating class with a commencement ceremony on Aug. 14, presenting diplomas for the 2021-2022 academic year. LMBT and Director of the Institute Brenda J. Howell assembled the ceremony. 

“It’s been a labor of love for our profession. We have a great graduating class of massage therapists who are first and foremost, good, caring people. They worked very hard and it showed, as they all had success with their final case study clients. We’re very proud of our first graduating class,” Howell shared in a press release. 

IMBT, the first institute of its kind in the Fayetteville area, offers education ranging from Anatomy and Physiology to Ethics, Pathology and Business. IMBT educators also teach students about medical massage techniques for lymphatic drainage, pre and post natal, sports injuries, disorders of the musculo-skeletal systems and more. 

Graduate Nailah Victoria Davis delivered the keynote address at the commencement ceremony. In her address to present students and future students, Davis shared her joy for the future of the massage industry. 

"Massage is evolving. It is not stagnant. It is time to do away with those old ideas of slapping oil on bodies and move into an era of seeing this profession as worth changing the lives of so many, and because we believe in the power of this profession, we as a class encourage you all to find a massage therapist that works for you in the same way you found your primary care doctor."

Davis finished her fervent message by encouraging her classmates and showing appreciation for the support she felt along the way, "So to my class, own your oneness and not only do the massage, but be the massage therapist you want to become. We did it! Thank you to everyone who got us here!" Davis was quoted as saying in a press release.