College of Saint Mary physician assistant students recognized during white coat ceremony

OMAHA, Neb. – College of Saint Mary (CSM) honored 35 Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies (MSPAS) students during a white coat ceremony on October 3.  

“The white coat has become a rite of passage. While in training, students must wear short white coats as they learn the practice of medicine. Once graduated, a medical provider then wears a long white coat to signify the successful completion of training,” said Kimberly Allen, vice president of academic and student affairs. 

The ceremony is focused on professionalism, which encompasses the concepts of ethical behavior, compassionate care and service to others. During the ceremony, students were given their first white coat and recited an oath to remind them of the high standards which will be expected of them as they care for patients.

“Your white coat is not just a symbol of your training, but of your commitment to serve with compassion, humility and resilience,” said Risa Zimmerman, physician assistant studies associate program director and assistant professor. 

Jessica Jones, director of didactic education and assistant professor, was the featured speaker. Physician assistant studies assistant professors Melissa Groff, Lindsey Kaiser and Matthew Roesner presented students with their white coats.  

Upon receiving their white coats, students will complete their didactic year of education in the classroom and then enter their final 12 months of clinical rotations with hands-on practice in varied medical settings. 

CSM’s 24-month MSPAS program provides rigorous education and professional development to prepare students to become competent, compassionate healthcare providers who continually strive for growth and innovation. 

Physician Assistant Studies Class of 2027 

Peyton Bagley 

Sadie Baich 

McKenzie Balis 

Megan Bavitz 

Allison Berens 

Madelyn Biggers 

Morgan Brown 

Concha Campa-Lopez 

Jocelyn Casavant 

Kira Gee 

Haley Habrock 

Morgan Haskins 

Jodi Henry 

Breanna Hetchler 

Hannah Hrbek 

Loren Johnson 

Brigit Jones 

Alyshah Kara 

Samantha Klein 

Amanda Krueger 

Gracie Lemer 

Abigail Lingelbach 

Merveille Makita 

Karly Marx 

Nicole Neubauer 

Kim Pham 

Autumn Roskowiak 

Allison Schubert 

Katy Sebert 

Alexis Smith 

Ava Stenger 

Kamryn Stortenbecker 

Trevor Upton 

Gloria Wosu 

Florian Wirtele