WEST LIBERTY, W.Va., September 19, 2024 – West Liberty University (WLU) nursing students marked their entry into the professional field of nursing with a white coat ceremony taking place Thursday, September 12 in the Kelly Theater.
The ceremony recognized 28 students which included the classes of December 2025 and May 2026. Family and friends, along with WLU faculty and staff, joined in celebrating the special occasion.
This annual rite of passage serves as a significant milestone in the careers of aspiring nurses. The significance of the white coat ceremony dates back to 1993 with standards set by the Arnold P. Gold Foundation to recognize the concept of compassionate, collaborative, and scientifically excellent humanistic patient care at a critical juncture in the nursing students’ education.
WLU Nursing Department Chair Barbara Kulpa further explains the commitment from students.
“When I ask my students, why nursing?, the answer is always the same – I want to help people,” Kulpa notes. “This philosophy is the cornerstone of the profession. By understanding and committing to care for people in a holistic way, students have successfully taken their first step on the path to becoming professional nurses,” she adds.
WLU alumna and current Instructor of Nursing Jessica Davis served as the event’s keynote speaker. Other speakers who shared in congratulating students and providing words of encouragement included Nursing Department Chair Barbara Kulpa (welcome and closing remarks), Dean of the College of Sciences Dr. Karen Kettler, and WLU President Dr. Tim Borchers.
The Bachelor of Science in Nursing class of December 2025 students includes Katelyn M. Hammonds, Colliers, WV; Savannah M. Holbrook, Oak Hill, WV; Ubab Mamina Ahmed, Wheeling, WV; Holly L. Suarez, Glen Dale, WV; Kiersten R. Wade, New Martinsville, WV, and Jessica R. Zadrozny, Wheeling, WV.
The Bachelor of Science in Nursing class of May 2026 students includes: Beatrice C. Allan, St. Catharines, Ontario; Alexa P. Birkett, Wheeling, WV; McKenna A. Calahan, Chester, WV; Abigail N. Calvert, Wellsburg, WV; Olivia E. Charlton, Wheeling, WV; Megan L. Dougherty, Glen Dale, WV; Benjamin D. Foster, Wheeling, WV; Carlee R. Funari, Wheeling, WV; Jarynn L. Hartman, Hawthorn Woods, IL; Emma J. Hockman, Parsons, WV; Shelby M. Koontz, Wheeling, WV; Josephine R. Kulpa, Wheeling, WV; Tara R. Lanham, Akron, OH; Carlee A. Leidy, Three Springs, PA; Nia M. Miranda, Cypress, TX; Savana G. Rinchetti, New Eagle, PA; Grace E. Smith, Chester, WV; Jessica L. Sonda, Bethany, WV; Tiana K. Tauber, Parkersburg, WV; Colton J. Thomas, Wheeling, WV; Lauren K. Wright, Wheeling, WV, and Victoria H. Yost, Triadelphia, WV.
West Liberty University’s Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree offers tracks for high school and college graduates. A 16-month accelerated program for those who already have a bachelor’s degree. The Nursing Program incorporates various educational opportunities in classroom and clinical settings to prepare students as professional nurses. The baccalaureate degree program is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education.
To learn more, visit westliberty.edu/nursing or call 304-336-8108.
