Univ. of Northern Iowa Basketball Star Celebrates Milestone with Special White Coat Ceremony

At the University of Northern Iowa, nursing faculty held a special mini-White Coat Ceremony for a student named Taryn Wharton, who missed the main event to play in a women’s basketball game. This second annual Nursing White Coat Ceremony is a significant event that marks the start of new students’ journeys in nursing.

Since Taryn was unable to attend the ceremony due to her basketball commitment, faculty members decided to create a unique moment for her. After the basketball team’s victory over Southern Illinois, they held a special ceremony just for Taryn on the court.

In front of her teammates and other supporters, Taryn received her White Coat. This event not only celebrated her transition into nursing but also highlighted the importance of both academics and athletics in her life.

The mini-ceremony was a beautiful reminder of the community spirit within the university. It showed that support in pursuing one’s dreams can come from multiple places—whether on the court or in the classroom.