Quinnipiac University Celebrates 48 Physician Assistant Graduates at White Coat Ceremony

Quinnipiac University celebrated 48 members of the Physician Assistant (PA) Class of 2026 during a certificate awards and White Coat Ceremony on Aug. 7 at M&T Bank Arena on the York Hill Campus.

The ceremony marked the completion of the graduates’ 27-month academic and clinical journey and the beginning of their careers as physician assistants. Surrounded by family, friends, faculty and clinical preceptors, graduates received their certificates, were helped into their white coats and recited the Physician Assistant Professional Oath.

The keynote speaker was Quinnipiac PA alumnus Jason Prevelige, immediate past president of the American Academy of Physician Associates and an adjunct faculty member at Quinnipiac. He encouraged graduates to make their patients their top priority and to advocate for people facing barriers to health care.

“As individuals, we’re not going to fix all the problems of the world, but together as a team we can sure try,” Prevelige said, urging graduates to approach patient care with empathy and compassion.

Jocelyn Depathy, department chair and director of the graduate physician assistant studies program, reminded graduates that the white coat represents not mastery, but a commitment to lifelong learning.

“Think of it as a reminder that you have earned the privilege of continuing to learn it, with curiosity and compassion,” Depathy said.

Trent Honda, dean of the School of Health Sciences, presented certificates to the graduates. The ceremony also recognized student leadership, academic achievement, professional excellence and community service.

Among the Class of 2026 honorees were Rachel Golden, who received the Academic Excellence Award; Meghan Donahue, Medical Writing Award; Abigail Slaney, Leadership Award; Aliana Castro, Professional Excellence Award; Tiffany Lam, Community Service Award; and Brianna Sullivan, Professional Involvement Award. Zeel Patel received the inaugural Director’s Award, and Quinnipiac PA alumnus and part-time faculty member Matthew Mancini, received the Distinguished Alumni Award.

The class also honored Bernard A. Clark III, PA program medical director, as Didactic Professor of the Year and Hayley Merrill as Clinical Preceptor of the Year.

As part of its commitment to service, the Class of 2026 donated $500 to the Connecticut Children’s Foundation and designated remaining class funds to support current and future Quinnipiac PA students.

Sullivan, president of the Quinnipiac PA Student Society, encouraged her classmates to carry the values of resilience, friendship and community into their careers.

“May we always remain curious, humble and compassionate,” Sullivan said.

Prevelige closed by encouraging the graduates to use the skills they gained at Quinnipiac to improve the health of their patients and communities.

“Bring change to your patients’ lives and the world around you,” he said.