WVU Parkersburg hosts White Coat Ceremony to honor nursing students

Parkersburg, W.Va. (February 13, 2025) — WVU Parkersburg hosted its Spring Nursing White Coat Ceremony on Tuesday, February 4, at 5:30 p.m. in the Multi-Purpose Room.

The ceremony is the oldest and most well-known program of the Gold Foundation. The Arnold P. Gold Foundation established the White Coat Ceremony in 1993 at the Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians & Surgeons as a way to emphasize humanism in medicine at the very start of medical education.

While it may take different forms, the ceremony emphasizes the importance of humanistic patient care, defined as compassionate, collaborative and scientifically excellent healthcare, early in the nursing training and professional identity formation.

Kathy Frum, dean of Nursing & Health Sciences, welcomed the audience and shared the history of the White Coat Ceremony.

“I appreciate that you’re stepping out into the world and saying, ‘This is what I want to do.’ It (nursing) is a noble calling,” said Dr. David Lancaster, vice president of Academic Affairs.

Alumna Savannah Jarvis was the guest speaker. Jarvis graduated in December 2024 and is a newly registered nurse.

“Nursing school is an exciting yet challenging journey, but remember you’re stepping into a profession that changes lives. Nursing school is more than just an academic experience; it’s a journey that will shape you into a compassionate, skilled and resilient professional,” said Jarvis. “The academic requirements of this program are intense, but you are surrounded by some of the best instructors who are going to support you every step of the way.”

The Spring 2025 White Coat recipients include: Brooklyn Anderson, Holley Baldwin, Billie Balser, Emma Barnett, RuthAnn Blankenhorn, Conner Bond, Taylor Branham, Haleigh Bush, Dillen Chichester, Barbara Cobble, Olivia Dodd, Ashton Eckelbery, Dylan Edwards, Cortney Fickiesen, Hadley Freshour, Ethan Gray, Carley Holbert, Jacklyn Hoosier, Jesse Houle, Christopher Johnson, Emma Jones, Kiersten Kesselring, Morgan Kimble, Devyn Latture, Meghan Lauderman, Lindsey Law, Elainna Linhart, Madison Lovejoy, Jacob Matlack, Chelsi McCarty, Elise McCay, Brenna Miller, Kaitlin Miller, Carter Mills, Ashley Morris, Ryan Nutter, Grace Packer, Karissa Porter, Madison Shears, Sydney Smith, Jessica Waggoner, Amy Westfall, and Samantha Wright.

Family Night followed the ceremony, giving students the opportunity to showcase the simulation and skills labs where they practice clinical procedures to their families.