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College of Pharmacy - White Coat Challenge Gift Fund
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White Coat Challenge Gift Fund

Each fall, the University of Kentucky College of Pharmacy gathers to celebrate a beloved tradition: the White Coat Ceremony. It’s a moment that transcends the simple act of putting on a coat—one that unites our incoming Pharm.D. class and Ph.D. cohort under the shared goal of advancing healthcare and making a meaningful impact on people’s lives.

In 2019, our college became the first to extend this tradition to Ph.D. students, affirming our commitment to guiding all members of our community toward purposeful and transformative careers. The white coat itself stands as a symbol of dedication, reminding each student—from future pharmacists to pioneering researchers—that their work can save lives, inspire hope and break down barriers. Even if the coat isn’t worn every day, it is a constant reminder of the responsibility and privilege they bear in caring for others.

During One Day for UK, we invite you—our Pharmacy Family—to join us in uplifting our students by supporting the White Coat Challenge Gift Fund. Your generosity will provide each incoming student with a white coat embroidered with our college’s name, ensuring that they feel the full embrace of our community from the start. This is the ONE DAY we come together to celebrate the aspirations, perseverance and passion that shine in every new class—an investment not just in their future, but in the future of healthcare for all.

Each white coat costs about $40. Every $40 you give allows us to continue this transformative tradition for our incoming Pharmacy Wildcats! 

Testimonials

We’re proud to share personal reflections from students who’ve experienced the profound impact of receiving their white coats:

"Receiving my white coat was a pivotal moment, representing the culmination of a long-held aspiration that began in my childhood. For me and my family, donning the white coat symbolized the tangible realization that with determination and perseverance, any dream is within reach. The white coat ceremony was not only a personal milestone, but also a powerful reminder that as an African American woman from Atlanta, I can overcome obstacles, break barriers, and achieve my goals of making a meaningful impact in healthcare."


- Cheyenne Chandler (Pharm.D. Class of 2027)


“The white coat ceremony made me feel like I was really starting a journey at UK with my cohort. It also provided my family with a tangible way to commemorate the start of my graduate school experience. As an out-of-state student, it was a pleasure to feel so welcomed into the program at the College of Pharmacy.”


- Nick Guadagnoli (Ph.D. Candidate Pharmaceutical Sciences)


“I will never forget my white coat ceremony. Watching my peers receive their white coats while patiently waiting my turn was absolutely nerve wracking, but also served as a great time to reflect. Listening to faculty and alumni talk about the importance and symbolism of a white coat made me feel a sense of purpose and belonging. Receiving my white coat made all the hard work worth it, and each time I put it on I remember how lucky I am to have the opportunity to be here!”


- Kinsey Story (Pharm.D. Class of 2027)

Write a White Coat Note

We want to ensure our newest members of the pharm fam have the opportunity to celebrate this milestone through personal messages from our community. Click here to write a note of encouragement to our incoming pharmacy or graduate students! Messages will be placed in the pockets of coats given to the students during orientation.


Thanks To Our Recent Donors!

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