Classes of 2024 and 2025 SLP Students Shine Bright at the White Coat Ceremony
Speech-Language Pathology Students Don Their White Coats for the First Time
In a momentous occasion that marked a significant step in their educational journey, speech-language pathology (SLP) students from the Classes of 2024 and 2025 donned their white coats for the first time. The White Coat Ceremony took place in the John W. Nevins, M.D. '44 Auditorium on April 1, where the ambiance was charged with jubilation and a sense of accomplishment.
The event, attended by an enthusiastic audience comprising friends, family, esteemed faculty members, and distinguished leaders from the School of Health Sciences and Practice (SHSP), was a testament to the dedication and commitment of the 38 students from the Class of 2024 and 32 students of Class of 2025 to the field of speech-language pathology. With this symbolic gesture, they signified their transition into the clinical phase of their curriculum and the exciting commencement of their budding careers.
The proceedings began with a heartfelt messaged delivered by Vikas Grover, Ph.D., CCC-SLP, chief and associate professor in the Division of Speech-Language Pathology, who also shared encouraging sentiments with the students, echoing pride, achievement, and responsibility. “We tend to think of speech as something of our mouths,” he said. “We forget that speech has an origin and connection to our hearts and brains. The ceremony is a reminder of how complete your learning is and your willingness to come into your journey of service to others."
Joining the festivities remotely via Zoom, Edward C. Halperin, M.D., M.A., chancellor and chief executive officer, imparted words of wisdom and inspiration. “Students of speech-language pathology as you don the white coat, I welcome you to that long line of women and men, backwards and forwards in history, who have worn the white coat for the purpose of the relief of pain, the amelioration of suffering, and to help people to avoid, to the extent possible, premature death.”
The ceremony continued to be a beacon of celebration as Robert W. Amler, M.D., M.B.A., dean of the SHSP and vice president for government affairs, lauded the students, saying, "For many of you and for many of us, it’s not just a career, but it’s a calling," he said. “This is a happy moment. It’s a matter of great pride, but it’s a moment of real humble responsibility for the tasks you will have at hand.” The enthusiasm and support from the faculty and leadership underscored the vibrant atmosphere of encouragement and camaraderie.
The spotlight then turned to the invited speaker, Izel Obermeyer, M.S., OTR/L, ATP, FAOTA, chief clinical officer of the Westchester Institute for Human Development, who inspired students to use their education and personal experiences to shape the speech-language pathologists they want to be in their careers, and to make the most of their careers. Alumnus speaker Andrew Keltz, M.S., CCC-SLP '20, encouraged students to offer kindness and compassion to their patients no matter of their circumstance.
With bated breath and hearts brimming with pride, the students were called to the front of the auditorium to ceremoniously don their white coats with the assistance of their dedicated SLP faculty members. Adorned in their emblematic attire, the students stood tall and recited the Pledge for Speech-Language Pathology with unwavering commitment.
As the White Coat Ceremony concluded, it left an indelible mark on the hearts and minds of everyone present, heralding the bright futures and boundless possibilities that await these exceptional SLP students of the Classes of 2024 and 2025.
Videos of the SLP White Coat Ceremony and other ceremonies are available on the NYMC Youtube Channel.