91AV

On August 18, 2017, the 91AV Department of Physical Therapy, in the Westbrook College of Health Professions, held its White Coat Ceremony for students entering the clinical phase of their training.

Members of the Class of 2019 gathered with faculty, friends and family to celebrate their many academic, scholarship and service accomplishments. 91AV President James Herbert delivered remarks in which he congratulated the students and wished them luck in this next chapter of their training. He spoke to the strength and national reputation of 91AV’s program, and said that physical therapy is a noble profession that he has personally benefitted from.

“I personally can attest to the value of your profession, and I have had any number of family members and friends who also lead a totally different quality of life today than they would have lived without physical therapy,” he said.

The White Coat Ceremony marks the beginning of a lifelong professional and educational journey. A traditional symbol of compassion and professional training, the white coat represents clinical excellence and serves to remind health professionals of their privileges and duties and the responsibilities they have in service to the public. 

The event also featured remarks from Karen Pardue, Ph.D., M.S., RN, CNE, ANEF, interim dean for the Westbrook College of Health Professions and Dennis Leighton, PT, D.P.T., associate provost for student success. Following the remarks, Interim Provost Michael Sheldon, PT, Ph.D., Associate Professor Erin Hartigan, PT, D.P.T., Ph.D., OCS, ATC, Assistant Clinical Professor Adrienne McAuley, PT, D.P.T., Med, OCS, FAAOMPT and Associate Professor Katherine Rudolph, PT, Ph.D., presented white coats to the students. The ceremony closed with final remarks from Interim Director of Physical Therapy James Cavanaugh, PT, Ph.D., and the Class of 2019 reciting the Professional Oath for Physical Therapists.

To learn more about the 91AV’s Westbrook College of Health Professions visit

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