Following a long-honored tradition in the medical field, Davenport University recognized 31 Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) students Jan. 28 in a White Coat ceremony on its W.A. Lettinga Grand Rapids Campus. The ceremony signifies each student’s transition from classroom learning to clinical practice.

Davenport nursing students from across the region were joined by family and friends at Sneden Auditorium for the solemn event, which recognized their many hours of hard work as they move to the next phase of their education. Students represented several concentrations, including family nurse practitioner, psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner and nurse educator.

“Our MSN students are stepping into the profession at a pivotal time. Health care is evolving faster than ever, with new technology, research and innovations shaping how we care for patients,” said Tracy Alberta, Davenport University’s nursing department chair and program director. “The one thing that never changes though is the personal connection. Nursing is about so much more than medicine. It’s about building trust, listening and showing up for patients when they need it most.”

This year’s keynote speaker, Amy Thrush, was a Davenport University MSN alumna, graduating in 2025 from the psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner program and now working in the field. Thrush spoke about the significance of the students’ accomplishments thus far and provided encouragement and inspiration for the next steps in their journey.

“Clinicals are often what students remember most, when classroom learning turns into real patient care,” said Alberta. “Clinical experiences help shape their skills, their confidence and ultimately the path they choose in nursing.”

During the highly symbolic ceremony, a white coat is placed on each student’s shoulders, and they recite an oath to provide patients with humanistic, compassionate, collaborative and scientifically excellent care.

This tradition of recognizing nursing students for their achievements was established by the Arnold P. Gold Foundation in 1993 at Columbia University. In 2014, the Gold Foundation began partnering with nursing schools worldwide to hold White Coat and Oath ceremonies. 

Davenport currently offers more than 15 associates, bachelor’s and master’s health care degrees and certificate programs and continues to expand. For those already in the field seeking ways to elevate their leadership skills,  the university now offers a MSN program with a clinical nurse leader concentration.

“This new degree program allows nurses to elevate their skill set – and impact – transforming from a skilled caregiver into a catalyst for change,” Alberta said.

“I was honored to be part of the MSN White Coat ceremony alongside my fellow future advanced practice registered nurses at Davenport University,” said Mya Adame. “This intimate ceremony acknowledged our hard work, compassion, resiliency and the significance of earning our white coats. The white coat represents our professionalism, our commitment to compassion and our dedication to providing holistic, individualized care to every patient we will serve.”

Adame said Davenport’s MSN program helped instill these values in her. “Since the start of the program, I felt supported and motivated by my professors to continue on my path to becoming a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner. With the knowledge and skills I have gained from this program, I will have the tools needed to make a meaningful impact within the mental health system in my community.”

Click here for more information on Davenport University’s MSN and other health professions programs.