RECENT ALUMNI EVENTS

WHITE COAT ROCK HITS ALL THE RIGHT NOTES!

SPINAL CHORDS ARE PROOF THAT DOCS CAN ROCK.

May 15, 2025 - If you weren’t at Funk ’n Waffles on May 15th, you definitely missed something special.

White Coat Rock, a first-of-its-kind benefit concert hosted by the Upstate Nursing and College of Health Professions Alumni Associations, brought the house down with live music, Upstate pride, and serious support for student scholarships. The event sold out in advance and filled the iconic Syracuse venue with energy, laughter, and a crowd that was ready to cheer for their favorite healthcare rock stars.

The show kicked off with Spinal Chords, a high-voltage band made up of Upstate faculty, staff, and students. The crowd couldn’t get enough of powerhouse vocalist Olivia Laniak, a medical student who brought both talent and stage presence to every song. She was joined by a stacked lineup of Upstate talent: medical students Jian Li on keyboards and Humza Khan on guitar, Shaun Sergott from Neurology on guitar, Dr. Mike Vertino (Department of Neurology) on bass, and on drums—none other than Dr. Larry Chin, Chair of Neurosurgery and Dean of the College of Medicine.

Local favorite, Jam Theory, followed and rocked us into the night with a setlist that kept the crowd on its feet until the final note.

The night was more than just a good time - it was a meaningful celebration of our Upstate community and a powerful way to give back. All proceeds from the concert support scholarship and other initiatives benefitting the College of Nursing and College of Health Professions.

DOCTOR OF NURSING PRACTICE POSTER SHOWCASE

CELEBRATING DNP STUDENT ACHIEVEMENTS AT THE 2025 POSTER SHOWCASE

Congratulations to our Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) students on a successful 2025 DNP Poster Showcase! Held on March 25, 2025, this event highlighted the incredible work of our students as they presented their final scholarly projects - evidence-based initiatives designed to address real-world healthcare challenges and improve patient care.

The evening began with welcome remarks from Dr. Suzanne Sullivan and Dr. Lori-Jeanne West, followed by compelling presentations from DNP students Kayla Butler and Jayne Vamvakias. Their projects exemplified the DNP program’s focus on translating research into clinical practice, showcasing innovative approaches to improving healthcare outcomes.

A panel discussion featuring Dr. Aisha Lubega, Dr. Kristen Soper, Dr. Sheri Stone, and Dr. Caitlin Tomko provided further insight into the impact of evidence-based practice in nursing. Dean Tammy Austin-Ketch, commended the students for their dedication and contributions to the future of nursing.

The event continued with a poster session, where attendees had the opportunity to engage with students about their projects, which covered a wide range of topics aimed at enhancing healthcare delivery.

Congratulations to all our DNP students on this major milestone!

2024 College of Nursing White Coat and Schoalrship Awards Ceremony

October 16, 2024 - The Upstate College of Nursing proudly hosted its annual White Coat Ceremony and Scholarship Awards, a meaningful event celebrating both new and continuing students as they commit to advancing their nursing education. This year’s ceremony recognized students at different stages of their nursing journeys, marking a pivotal moment in their careers.

With generous sponsorship from Family Care Medical Group, the event brought together students, faculty, alumni, and supporters in celebration of the nursing profession. Special thanks to Family Care Medical Group for their invaluable support, which helped make this impactful evening possible.

Among the distinguished speakers was David Cadet, RN, who shared a powerful story of resilience and growth following a life-changing accident. His journey of experiencing patient care from "the other side of the bed" inspired students to reflect on the compassion and empathy that define great nursing. His message was a moving reminder of the profound impact nurses have on patients' lives—and on each other.

Dr. Mantosh Dewan, President of Upstate Medical University, also spoke, offering words of wisdom and encouragement as students embark on their next steps in the field. A central moment of the ceremony was the symbolic presentation of white coats, signifying each student's dedication to ethical practice and patient care.

In addition to the white coat presentations, scholarship recipients were honored with certificates, acknowledging their dedication to excellence in nursing. Congratulations to all our students and scholarship recipients—your commitment to patient-centered care, integrity, and growth is an inspiration to us all. The Upstate College of Nursing Alumni Association is proud to support your journey and looks forward to all you will accomplish.