By Ryan Clark
CHS Communications Director

On Friday, June 3, the College of Health Sciences celebrated our Physician Assistant Studies Class of 2023 as they participated in their White Coat Ceremony — where students recite their oaths of commitment and receive their white coats, symbolizing the start of their journey to become Physician Assistants.

Forty-eight students from the Lexington and Morehead campuses joined their friends, families, colleagues and professors at the Gatton Student Center's Worsham Cinema, and for the first time, three students received one-time $4,000 scholarships. 

The UKPA Mission Scholarship, which focuses on advocacy for rural health, was presented to two students:

• From the Morehead campus, Jacob Bingham, and 
   
• From the Lexington campus, Savannah Jones

Leslie Woltenberg, PhD, assistant professor and coordinator of program evaluation for Physician Assistant Studies, nominated both students, Bingham for his "thoughtful contributions in and outside the class," and Jones for being "exceptionally thoughtful, and steadfast in her intentionality to have courage and help others."

Lastly, the Daus Family Scholarship, which is given in honor of leadership in the program, was presented to Chris Colman, who is president of the 2023 class. Cheryl Vanderford, MPAS, PA-C, nominated Colman for his "demonstrated leadership for his cohort," she said. "(He is) always professional," and visited the Morehead campus to unite the entire class.

After Virginia Valentin, DrPH, PA-C, the Physician Assistant Studies department Chair and Director, wished the Class of 2023 congratulations one last time, Sibu Saha, MD, MBA, left the students with some advice. 

"You will make a difference in the lives of very many people," he said. "Try to ask your heart, what you really get excited about — that will keep you going."

He kept his comments brief before adding, "Good luck, God bless, and go have fun."

PHOTO GALLERY: See our photo gallery of pictures from the event here.