158 Nursing Students Honored at 2025 White Coat Ceremony

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Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science (CDU) welcomed 158 nursing students into the next phase of their healthcare journey during the Mervyn M. Dymally College of Nursing’s (MMDCON) 2025 White Coat Ceremony.

The auspicious event marked a significant milestone for students across 10 cohorts and multiple programs—including the inaugural LVN-BSN class. The ceremony recognized students from the Bachelor of Science in Nursing (Cohorts 6 and 7), Entry-Level Master’s (Cohorts 29 and 30), Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (Cohorts 19 and 20), and Family Nurse Practitioner programs (Cohorts 39, 40, and 41).

The White Coat Ceremony is a time-honored tradition in healthcare education that honors students who are beginning their journey into clinical practice or are already licensed healthcare practitioners entering a new phase of their training. Soon, they will begin working with patients across a network of more than 100 clinical sites, each carefully selected to support their unique educational needs and reinforce CDU’s commitment to serving underserved communities.

During the ceremony, CDU Provost and Executive Vice President of Academic Affairs Dr. Jose Torres-Ruiz encouraged students to embrace the values at the core of CDU’s mission.

“Don’t underestimate the value of excellence and compassion,” he said. “There are a lot of patients that need you. The community doesn’t just need nurses—we need outstanding nurses. Use your skills wisely and offer the best you can to the patients. They need you. We need you.” 

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Dr. Torres-Ruiz’s comments referenced the chronic nursing shortage facing California. With an estimated 36,000 licensed nurses needed to close the gap, CDU’s nursing students are entering the profession at a critical time. By preparing culturally competent, socially-conscious nurses, CDU is helping to fill this urgent workforce gap. Graduates from these cohorts will not only increase access to quality care in communities that need it most, but also help strengthen the overall capacity of the nursing workforce in the region and beyond.

The significance of the day was underscored by the presence of family members, friends, and loved ones—many of whom had the honor of placing the white coat on their student. The gesture added a deeply personal and emotional touch to the celebration, highlighting the strong support systems behind each aspiring nurse.

For Marchell Francis Campbell, Family Nurse Practitioner program student, the moment held even deeper meaning. “We’re coming full circle, today,” she said. Her mother, Cynthia Francis-Smith, PA (MEDEX ’82), was her inspiration for entering the nursing field. “My mom always took me to the clinic with her as a young girl, and witnessing her interact with the patients left a lasting impression,” Francis Campbell shared.

Students took a solemn oath at the conclusion of the ceremony, pledging to uphold the values of integrity, service, and excellence as they move into clinical training and beyond. With white coats on and purpose in their hearts, CDU’s newest cohort of nursing students now stand ready to make a lasting impact on the communities they will serve.