Drake University’s College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences (CPHS) has welcomed a cohort of more than 100 new professional students into its pharmacy, nursing and occupational therapy programs.
The College held its annual Coating Ceremonies on August 22, 2025 in Sheslow Auditorium. Incoming graduate students received a white or blue coat, representing their entry into the healthcare profession. Then, students recited the Oath of Professionalism for their chosen path of study. Since 1988, these ceremonies have signified the beginning of a journey for Drake CPHS students.
CPHS Dean Erik Maki encouraged incoming students to reflect on the “profound symbolism” of receiving their coat.
“In the health professions, a white coat has come to symbolize the authority of science and the art of healing,” Maki said. “It is the symbol of commitment, compassion and care.”
Across three ceremonies, CPHS inducted 75 students into the Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) Class of 2029, 20 students into the Occupational Therapy Doctorate (OTD) Class of 2028, and 24 students into the Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABSN) Class of 2026.
‘Wear your white coat with pride’: PharmD Class of 2029 begins the next phase of their education
Drake welcomed 75 new PharmD candidates with their traditional white coats. As the students crossed the stage, faculty members Dr. Darla Eastman and Dr. Wendy Mobley-Bukstein adorned them with their coats for the very first time.
“I hope that you wear your white coat each day with pride, humility, and a deep sense of responsibility to improve the lives of others,” Dean Maki said.
Hannah Lester (PharmD ’27) encouraged the incoming students to step out of their comfort zone during their time on campus.
“Pharmacy school offers countless opportunities to try something new, whether it’s joining student government, taking a leadership role, going to office hours, or attending events where you don’t know anyone,” Lester said.
Nursing Class of 2026 congratulated for entering the ‘noble profession’
24 students entered the Accelerated Bachelor of Science in of Nursing program this year. This is the second cohort of students entering the one-year program, which launched in 2024.
Dr. Abby Rail and Dr. Amanda McGraw, two Nursing faculty members, bestowed white coats to the incoming students.
Lance Schmitt, Chief Nursing Officer at Broadlawns Medical Center, congratulated the students on their entrance into the nursing profession, and thanked them for pursuing a career in healthcare.
“As you stand at the threshold of this noble profession, remember, nursing is not just about treating ailments,” he said. “It’s about caring for the whole person. It’s about listening to the stories that they’re going to tell you, understanding where they’re coming from, meeting them in that space.”
Occupational Therapy Class of 2028 receive blue coats to honor WWI ‘bluebirds’
20 students were inducted into the OTD program, receiving a blue coat from OT faculty members Dr. Rachel Allen-McHugh and Dr. Mallory Asbe.
The blue coats honor “reconstruction aides,” a group of civilian women who provided occupational therapy to soldiers in World War One.
“The uniform of these reconstruction aides was a slate blue, which led the army to refer to these aides as the bluebirds,” Maki said. “It is with pride in honoring the beginning of the profession that we also use the color blue.”
Current O2 student Taylor Bohannan (OTD ’27) congratulated her new classmates on their entrance to the program and encouraged them to prepare for the academic challenges ahead.
“You will be stretched, you will be molded, you will be tested. But most importantly, you will be strengthened,” Bohannon said. “You will be challenged to think critically, asked for your perspective before being given an answer, (and) reminded time and time again that it depends as you build your unique professional identity.”