Current MSN Students Don White Coats
Latest Cohort Experiences Rite of Passage During Intimate Ceremony
Members of the Master of Science in Nursing’s Class of 2026 received their white coats March 26 during an intimate ceremony at The Farragut Inn on campus.
The ceremony represents a rite of passage in a student’s educational journey.
“The white coat that you receive today is more than a garment,” said Kathy Hahn, Interim Assistant Director of the School of Nursing. “It is a reflection of your commitment, your growth, and your readiness to lead change in a profession that never stands still.”
Hahn spoke of the demanding schedules each student has balanced, long work shifts, personal sacrifices, and rigorous academic expectations to earn their white coat.
“You challenged yourself not only to gain knowledge, but to transform how you think, how you lead, and how you serve,” Hahn said.
Nursing Students Serve as Day’s Stars
Twelve students donned their white coats during the ceremony. Lunden Stiggers has been a nurse for about eight years and is seeking to become a dermatology nurse practitioner. Stiggers said she appreciates the hybrid nature of the MSN program, which she said has proven helpful to her.
Cynthia Ojeda said she is a first-generation U.S. resident and the first in her family to earn a college degree. The public health nurse said she hopes her higher education journey can inspire others in her family to pursue college degrees.
Cassandra Dowell said the ceremony serves as a mile marker of sorts along her career path. She said she hopes to continue her education to become a nurse practitioner while continuing her service to the community.
“I believe this is a great milestone that each student is going through this moment and it reflects each student’s motivation, their determination, and the support of the community here at Touro,” Dowell said.
Program Alumni Support Current Cohort
For working nurses entering the MSN program, the white coat ceremony signifies the beginning of their journey to become leaders in the field of nursing.
“I know the dedication and perseverance required to reach this milestone,” said Nikitia “Niki” Hardwick, MSN Class of 2020 and a member of the TUC Alumni Association Board of Directors, in a prepared message to the class. “Today this coat represents your commitment to compassionate, ethical care and lifelong learning. May you always remember why you chose nursing and the difference your presence makes for patients and families.”
Initiative Offers Chance to Encourage Students
Several alumni of the program chose to support the new MSN students through the “White Coats, Bold Dreams” initiative by providing notes of encouragement that were shared with the students during the ceremony.
There’s still time to support School of Nursing students through “White Coats, Bold Dreams.” Follow the link for additional details.