McDaniel College celebrates Nursing and Occupational Therapy students during inaugural White Coat Ceremony

Students from McDaniel's Bachelor of Science in Nursing and Master of Science in Occupational Therapy programs participated in the college’s inaugural White Coat Ceremony on Friday, Nov. 6, which was held during Parent & Family Weekend. Overall, 34 Nursing students and 24 Occupational Therapy students were honored at the ceremony.

White Coat Ceremony 2026 — McDaniel College held its inaugural White Coat Ceremony for students in the Bachelor of Science in Nursing and Master of Science in Occupational Therapy programs on Friday, Nov. 6, honoring 58 students.

Students from McDaniel College’s Bachelor of Science in Nursing and Master of Science in Occupational Therapy programs participated in the college’s inaugural White Coat Ceremony on Friday, Nov. 6, which was held during Parent & Family Weekend.

The White Coat Ceremony marks the transition from foundational classes into clinical coursework for the students as they officially begin their healthcare journeys.

"The White Coat Ceremony marks an important milestone as students enter the clinical phase of their educational journey, symbolizing their commitment to compassionate care, ethical practice, lifelong learning, and the responsibility to serve and advocate for others," said Nursing Program Director Heather Gable. "For our future nurses, this clinical education is critical in providing students with the opportunity to translate classroom knowledge into practice, develop essential clinical skills, and build the confidence and professional judgment necessary to deliver safe, compassionate, and effective patient care.”

Occupational Therapy Program Director Cathy Felmlee Shanholtz added, "The clinical phase is always where you see our students grow the most. It is a time when they begin to shape their professional identity, explore their vocation, and apply the knowledge and skills they have gained to real-world clinical practice. It is when you see them recognize the many ways they can make a difference in the lives of others."

Vickie Mazer and Leigh Chapman — Dean of Graduate and Professional Studies Vickie Mazer introduces Leigh Chapman, chief nurse officer and vice president of patient care services at Carroll Hospital

Leigh Chapman, chief nurse officer and vice president of patient care services at LifeBridge Health’s Carroll Hospital, served as the keynote speaker for the Nursing program. She encouraged the students to remember the responsibility that comes from wearing the white coat.

"Tonight, as you put on your white coats, remember the people who will one day place their trust in you," Chapman said. "The white coat carries a promise: that you will bring both knowledge and humanity to the people who trust you. You have so much to learn and so much to give. Congratulations to McDaniel's first white coat class!"

The keynote speaker for Occupational Therapy was Isabella Mediola '20, who graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Kinesiology and is now a licensed occupational therapist. Mendiola reflected on her own experience as a student in the Occupational Therapy program at Shenandoah University, where Shanholtz previously served as program director.

"Being here today, back at my alma mater, celebrating McDaniel's first OT cohort is truly a full circle moment for me. Having been part of an inaugural cohort myself, I know how exciting it can be to be part of something new and to have the opportunity to help shape what the program will become," Mendiola said.