每日大赛鈥檚 communication sciences and disorders program held a combined Pinning and White Coat Ceremony this year for the first time.
Graduates of the speech-language pathology program were honored on stage recently at the first combined Pinning and White Coat Ceremony. More than 70 attendees cheered us on, including honorees, their families and friends, faculty, staff and members of the Alumni Advisory Council. We were gathered to celebrate the dedication and accomplishments of all our dedicated future speech-language pathologists.
In Speech-Language Pathology, the White Coat Symbolizes More than Clinical Readiness.
The white coat represents:
- A commitment to ethical and compassionate care
- The responsibility to advocate for vulnerable populations
- The trust placed in future speech-language pathologists to help individuals across all lifespans to communicate with confidence and connect with others in a meaningful way
From a student鈥檚 point of view, putting on a white coat is a true moment of pride鈥攕ymbolizing that we have entered a field grounded in empathy and evidenced-based clinical and meaningful connection. It鈥檚 the moment we fully realize what an honor it is to help others communicate and be heard.
Inspiration From the Chair, Dean and Students
Hariklia Proios, PhD, professor and chair of the Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders, warmly opened the ceremony by recognizing students鈥� dedication, perseverance and personal growth. She acknowledged the countless hours spent in class, clinic, research and reflection emphasizing that this milestone is a testament not only to the hard work, but to calling and purpose.
Xiao-lei Wang, PhD, dean of the Ruth S. Ammon College of Education and Health and Sciences, followed with heartfelt remarks celebrating Adelphi鈥檚 commitment of fostering student success.
Second-year graduate student Danielle Myers delivered a moving message centered on intentionality and self-growth, sharing guiding principles that resonated deeply with the audience. She spoke about choice, growth, belief, curiosity, support and confidence, reminding peers that:
鈥�We are worthy of the chapters ahead. Show up for yourself, stay curious, lean on your support and lead with confidence鈥攅ven when the path feels uncertain.鈥�
Her words encouraged students to embrace imperfection, advocate for themselves and enter the profession wholeheartedly and unapologetically.
Alumni Advisory Council Members Share Their Journeys in Speech-Language Pathology
Alumni Advisory Council member Kayla Bush, MS 鈥�22, then shared her own path as a speech-language pathologist, offering wisdom, authenticity and reassurance for the cohort preparing for their clinical futures. She reminded students that grounding themselves in their purpose will guide them through challenges:
鈥淚f you pour your heart into this, if you stay connected to your 鈥榳hy,鈥� you will get through it. And you will come out stronger, wiser and more confident than you ever imagined. Be the best version of YOU. You deserve that.鈥�
Following her message, fellow Alumni Advisory Council member Bobbi O鈥機onnor 鈥�22, MS 鈥�24, reflected on her own journey through Adelphi鈥檚 communication sciences and disorders program and the lasting impact it continues to have on her career. Her words highlighted the deep connection between the education that the students receive and the clinicians they become:
鈥淎delphi gave me the foundation, skills and confidence I needed to step into the field with immense courage. The experiences I had here prepared me for academic success, professional growth and, most importantly, the privilege of helping others communicate.鈥�
Her message served as a powerful reminder of the enduring strength of the Adelphi community, one that supports students not just during graduate school, but throughout their professional lives.
The Pinning and White Coat Presentation
The highlight of the evening was the official presentation of pins and white coats. One by one, Dr. Proios announced each graduate student鈥檚 name as they walked across the stage to receive their white coat from Anne-Marie Skvarla, director of the Hy Weinberg Center for Communication Disorders. Students were then presented with their pins by Angela Murphy, associate director of field and clinical experiences in the Ruth S. Ammon College of Education and Health Sciences, before being greeted by Steven R. Cox, PhD, associate professor and director of the graduate program, with a congratulatory handshake.
Dr. Proios expressed sincere appreciation for the individuals whose commitment brought this ceremony into fruition, including College leadership, program faculty, administrative staff, and the student subcommittee whose passion and teamwork shaped every detail.
To conclude the evening, Dr. C0x reminded students that the path ahead will be challenging and rewarding鈥攂ut also transformative.
A New Tradition Begins
This inaugural combined Pinning and White Coat Ceremony marks the beginning of a tradition rooted in pride, unity and professional identity.
The communication sciences and disorders community looks forward to continuing this meaningful celebration in future years, honoring each new cohort of speech-language pathology graduate students into the profession with recognition, encouragement and gratitude.