NURSING ALUMNI EVENTS
Upcoming Events:
White Coat Rock - Funding the future of healthcare
Get ready for an electrifying night of live music, community, and philanthropy at White Coat Rock! This annual event brings together the best of Upstate’s medical and local music scenes to support the future of healthcare.
This year’s lineup kicks off with Dr. Chin’s band, Spinal Chords, a must-see act featuring Upstate faculty, staff, and students. They’ll bring high-energy rock and an undeniable passion for music that’s sure to get the crowd moving. Then, Jam Theory takes the stage to close out the night with their signature sound and fan-favorite jams.
More than just a concert, White Coat Rock is a fundraiser benefiting Upstate Nursing and College of Health Professions students. Every ticket, donation, and moment spent enjoying the music helps support future healthcare professionals as they train to make a difference in our community.
Join us for an unforgettable evening of great music, great company, and support a great cause!
đź“… Thursday May 15th
⏰ Doors open at 7 pm – Show starts at 8 p.m.
đź“Ť Funk & Waffles - 307-13 S Clinton St, Downtown Syracuse
Tickets & Info: http://tiny.cc/WhiteCoatRock
About Spinal Chords:
*SPINAL CHORDS: THE DOCTORS ARE IN (THE BAND, THAT IS!)
When they’re not diagnosing, treating, or studying, the members of Spinal Chords are busy rocking out! This Upstate-based band is made up of faculty, staff, and students who trade stethoscopes for strings, scrubs for stage lights, and white coats for wicked riffs. With powerhouse vocals from medical student Olivia Laniak, the keys in expert hands with Jian Li, and a lineup of talented guitarists (Humza Khan, Shaun Sergott, and Amit Dhamoon) bringing the heat, this band knows how to keep a crowd on its feet. Holding down the bassline is Dr. Mike Vertino, proving that neurologists really do have rhythm. And on drums? None other than Dr. Larry Chin, a neurosurgeon by day and rock legend by night.
Whether you need a prescription for good music or just a reason to let loose, Spinal Chords is here to deliver—no appointment necessary.
DON'T FORGET TO ORDER YOUR LIMITED EDITION, COMMEMORATIVE TEE!
Whether you’re attending the concert or cheering us on from afar, this is a fashionable and fun way to support future healthcare heroes.
These limited-edition tees celebrate Spinal Chords, a band made up of Upstate’s own students, faculty, and staff who will bring down the house and raise money for future healthcare leaders!
Multiple styles and colors are available. Order now for delivery before the show: https://www.bonfire.com/white-coat-rock-t-shirt/
Recent Alumni Events
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.
Thanks again to our event sponsor Family Care Medical Group.