PT holds inaugural white coat ceremony

April 13 was a proud occasion for the Department of Physical Therapy: its first White Coat Ceremony, held for members of the doctor of physical therapy Class of 2019.

As nearly 200 faculty, family and friends looked on, 54 students strode onstage to receive their white coats and DPT pins in a ceremony symbolizing their transition from academic study to clinical practice.

The ceremony, held in Student Center West, was organized by students with faculty support. Class presidents Ryan Pawloski and Steve Noorda were the student speakers. Faculty speakers included professor and head Ross Arena, Richard Severin and Gay Girolami, director of professional studies.

“It was a moment to reflect and be proud of all the countless hours studying and long weekends in the lab, and to be thankful for the outside support and financial resources that have been put into becoming successful doctors of physical therapy,” said Corinne Busby, DPT Class of 2019 and one of the event’s organizers.

“Putting on that pinned white coat, in front of the people who helped make it all possible, was such a great feeling.”