Quinnipiac U Hosts White Coat, Pinning Ceremonies for Nursing Students

Caption: Quinnipiac University’s White Coat Ceremony commemorated 235 nursing students as they began their transition to clinical rotations and professional component of their program. A separate pinning ceremony sent 48 members of the Quinnipiac School of Nursing accelerated BSN August Class of 2024 off into the world of professional nursing.

HAMDEN, Conn.– Quinnipiac University recently held White Coat and pinning ceremonies for its School of Nursing.

The White Coat Ceremony commemorated 235 nursing students as they began their transition to clinical rotations and professional component of their program.

In front of a crowd of family and friends, the bachelor of science in nursing (BSN) Class of 2026 and accelerated BSN Class of August 2025 donned their white coats and took the ceremonial oath in the M&T Bank Arena.

School of Nursing Dean Larry Slater said putting on the white coat marks a milestone for the students as they continue their work toward joining the profession shared by their faculty and administration.

“Getting your white coat today signifies the start of your clinical rotations and actually getting out there in the community and taking care of patients, and families and communities,” said Slater. “We, as nurses, are honored to have you alongside us in this journey.”

As they undertake the rigorous work ahead, Slater reminded the students to lean on their support systems, including their family and friends in attendance.

The ceremony honored 185 members of the BSN Class of 2026 and 50 members of the Accelerated BSN Class of August 2025. School of Nursing faculty bestowed white coats upon each of the students, together with pins provided by the Arnold P. Gold Foundation.

Tyler Traister, director of undergraduate programs, presented the history of the White Coat Ceremony and led the combined classes in the school’s White Coat Ceremony Oath.

“So let this be your mantra as you face inevitable challenges and setbacks that may lie ahead,” Traister said. “But do remember that each of you here is resilient, intelligent and amazing. You have the power to make a real difference in the world.”

A separate pinning ceremony sent 48 members of the Quinnipiac School of Nursing accelerated BSN August Class of 2024 off into the world of professional nursing with a celebratory event in the M&T Bank arena on Aug. 30.

The graduates were joined by faculty, staff, administrators, family and friends who have supported them on their rigorous academic and clinical journey during the intensive, one-year BSN program.

In his welcome, Slater reviewed the history and exceptional growth of the School of Nursing, which graduated its first class in 1973. Slater said the Quinnipiac School of Nursing pin is a mark of holism, excellence and leadership which the graduates will proudly wear throughout their nursing career.

“This afternoon’s celebration is about all of you, our graduates. Your courage, strength and dedication during your nursing education has been inspirational,” Slater said. “Your drive and perseverance have provided a new sense of pride in our work as nurse educators, but also a sense of urgency as we continue to build on our mission of providing leadership in nursing and healthcare through innovative undergraduate and graduate education that embraces holism, interprofessional and inclusivity.”