The White Coat Ceremony for the Class of 2028 was held on Sunday, August 31 in the Ohio Staters Inc. Traditions Room of the Ohio Union. The ceremony celebrates the students who have passed the Qualifying Examination, affectionately called “The Qualifier.” The Qualifier is a rigorous assessment spanning three days, designed to evaluate a student’s mastery of the first-year curriculum and assess clinical readiness.
It was heartwarming to see all of the friends and family in attendance. Their presence reminded us that this journey is never walked alone and that support systems are the backbone of success.
We are proud of the Class of 2028 for passing their qualifying exams. This achievement is a testament to their dedication, perseverance, and academic excellence. Donning their white coats, these students have begun the next chapter of their professional lives with confidence and purpose.
We extend our deepest gratitude to our keynote speaker, Lieutenant Commander Kyle Shepard, AuD of the United States Navy and 2013 Ohio State Alumnus. His powerful message on resilience and stress management resonated deeply with students and faculty alike. LCDR Shepard’s words served as both inspiration and a call to action. His words remind us all to prioritize well-being, lean on community, and learn from our actions.
AuD Class of 2028
We proudly recognize the following students who received their white coats:
Emma Canino, Allison Clifford, Audrey Corder, Alaina Eiterman, Dana Hamed, Nathaniel Hay, Jaelyn Jaquay, James Maruca, and Nikki Willman.
Thank You to Our Faculty
This event would not have been possible without the generous support and presence of our faculty. We thank the following individuals for attending and participating:
Dr. Eric Bielefeld, Dr. Christy Goodman, Dr. Ryan Harrison, Dr. Gail Whitelaw, Dr. Jan Weisenberger, Dr. Christina Roup, Dr. Julie Hazelbaker, and Dr. Andrew Blank.
The ceremony was hosted by Ohio State’s Chapter of the Student Academy of Audiology (SAA). Thank you to the students who volunteered their time and talent. Special thanks to Kiersten Spires, Kaitlyn Eichen, and Aryn Robinson.
As we look ahead, we celebrate not just a milestone, but the promise of what is on the horizon. Congratulations to the Class of 2028. Your future is bright, and your community is behind you every step of the way.