By Carlos E. Medina
The University of Florida College of Nursing celebrated a milestone moment on Oct. 23, when more than 220 nursing students donned their white coats during a ceremony held for the first time at the Stephen C. O’Connell Center.
The move to the O’Connell Center marked a significant change for the college, prompted by record enrollment growth — a 60% increase over last year. The larger venue provided space for students, faculty, families and friends to gather and celebrate this symbolic transition from classroom learning to clinical care.
Dean Shakira Henderson, PhD, DNP, MS, MPH, EMBA, IBCLC, RNC-NIC, dean of the UF College of Nursing and chief nurse executive for UF Health, opened the ceremony by commending students for their commitment to entering the nursing profession during a time of extraordinary need.
“This is the largest class in our history, and being here in the O’Connell Center is a powerful symbol of the future of Gator Nursing,” Henderson told the crowd. “Your white coat represents trust, professionalism and a responsibility to care with empathy and clinical excellence.”
The White Coat Ceremony, a tradition across health professions, marks a defining moment in a nurse’s education — the beginning of their journey into patient care. Students received their coats as faculty members offered words of encouragement and inspiration.
For many students, the moment represented the fulfillment of a long-awaited milestone. Nursing student Melody Song, who moved to Florida from New York to study at UF, said she was eager to begin hands-on patient care.
“It is amazing and such a blessing to have this opportunity,” Song said. “Transitioning into clinical practice means we can finally work with patients and make a real change in their physical and mental health.”
Among those celebrating was nursing student María José Cobos Moreno, who moved from Colombia with her family and is pursuing a lifelong dream of entering the medical field.
“I still cannot believe it,” she said. “All my life, I wanted to study something related to medicine, and now I am living the dream I always hoped for. Receiving this coat feels like one of the biggest goals I have ever reached.”
Her mother, Mónica Moreno, reflected on how far her daughter has come after being born prematurely with a difficult prognosis. Maria Jose and her twin, Maria Camila, were born at 30 weeks, about 10 weeks premature.
“She has overcome so many physical challenges with incredible determination,” she said. “Seeing her here today fills us with pride and happiness.”
María Camila also watched from the audience.
“I am very proud of my sister,” she said. “This is only the beginning of everything she will accomplish.”
Keynote speaker and alumna Dr. Staccie Allen encouraged students to embrace the moment ahead.
“Tonight is not just about a coat,” she said. “It marks the moment you step into the nursing profession and begin transforming knowledge into compassionate care.”
Families filled the arena with applause and cheers as students crossed the stage, each one representing a future caregiver, leader and advocate.
“As our college grows, so does our impact,” Henderson said. “Today’s ceremony shows the strength of our community and our shared commitment to advancing health for all.”
The event concluded with a recitation of the nursing pledge, uniting students in their promise to care, lead and inspire.