On Friday, August 9, 2024, PNWU hosted our School of Physical Therapy’s third-annual White Coat Ceremony. The celebration, which took place at The Seasons Performance Hall in downtown Yakima, honored our newest class of 23 Doctor of Physical Therapy students.
“The White Coat Ceremony is a special event for all of us,” said Dr. Peggy Trueblood, Program Director of PNWU’s School of Physical Therapy (PNWU-SOPT). “It symbolizes the transformation of our students, marking the beginning of their advanced training and education and signifying their pledge to uphold and embrace the values and duties of our profession.”
PNWU Founder Lloyd Butler, DO, served as the ceremonies keynote speaker, honoring the legacy of PNWU President Dr. Michael Lawler, who passed away just days before the third-annual celebration.
“The White Coat Ceremony was one of Dr. Lawler’s favorite events,” said Dr. Trueblood, “and he always gave a heartfelt message to our students and those in attendance. I was honored to have Dr. Lloyd Butler deliver his message this year. It made the ceremony really special, and I know Dr. Lawler would have been pleased.”
“The words of Dr. Lawler, spoken through Dr. Butler, were a humbling charge to all of the duty to serve others at all times,” said Dr. Amanda Adamson, Director of Clinical Education. “The white coat embodies that selfless spirit.”
Dr. Michael Blizniak, Assistant Professor, also found himself thinking about Dr. Lawler for most of the White Coat Ceremony.
“I thought about his powerful energy and his life devoted to serving others,” explained Dr. Blizniak. “I thought about how to be a better professor to help encourage the next generation of physical therapists to go make a difference. Dr. Lawler will live on in all of us and I believe we will channel his positive energy towards helping others.”
Congratulations, SOPT Class of 2027. We are honored to join you in the critical work ahead.