A moment in history

The School of Nursing’s first-ever White Coat ceremonies in January and March were the beginning of a new tradition. Appropriately, they also marked another historical moment—the school’s 50th anniversary.

Intended for first-year students in the medical, nursing and physician assistant programs, the White Coat Ceremony “serves to welcome students to health care practice and elevate the value of humanism as the core of health care,” said Eileen T. Breslin, Ph.D., RN, FAAN, dean of the School of Nursing.

More than 400 incoming and current traditional Bachelor of Science in Nursing students, and 93 students entering the accelerated bachelor’s program, received their white coats and committed to the professional, ethical and compassionate practice of nursing throughout their career.

The White Coat Ceremony started in 1993 at Columbia University’s Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons. It has since spread around the world.