Celebrating the College of Nursing White Coat Recipients
Monday, Mar 24, 2025
On March 20, Florida Atlantic’s Christine E. Lynn College of Nursing held its annual White Coat Ceremony at the Carole and Barry Kaye Auditorium. This time-honored tradition welcomed over 120 first-year Bachelor of Science in Nursing students into the profession, as they received their white coats for the first time, marking their commitment to compassion, caring and professionalism in nursing.
The program included speeches from several university leaders, including Florida Atlantic University President Adam Hasner, Interim Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. Russ Ivy and College of Nursing Dean Cameron Duncan.
Keynote Speaker Dr. Hank Drummond, senior vice president and chief clinical officer, Cross Country Healthcare, addressed the future nurses with words of encouragement.
“The white coat is not only a symbol of your abilities as a nurse but also a reflection of the trust and hope
that your patients and their families are placing in you. Nurses, as we know, are the backbone of health
care. You will often be the first point of contact for patients and families, providing that bridge between
the clinical aspects of care and the emotional needs of those who seek it. Your ability to connect to
people, to listen, to understand, to provide comfort, is what makes nursing such a unique, indispensable
profession. Go and shine, and make us proud!”
Several faculty members assisted with the donning of the white coats. The ceremony concluded with the students reciting the White Coat Ceremony Oath, led by Dr. Joy Longo, associate dean of academic programs and associate professor. This oath serves as a solemn promise by these students to uphold the highest standards of responsibility and care throughout their nursing journey.
The White Coat Ceremony is a powerful reminder of the importance of supporting nursing education and helping our students succeed. Please consider donating to the Annual Lamplighter and White Coat scholarship fund by visiting fauf.fau.edu/nursing-white-coats.