Professional Coat & Travel Fund Programs

A tradition that started in 1998, each year Drake’s College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences formally welcomes incoming students to their professional programs during induction ceremonies. Each student is presented with their own professional white or blue coat and name tag. Together, they recite the pledge of professionalism before their families, friends and the College faculty.

These ceremonies serves as a symbolic rite of passage. Through the simple gesture of slipping a professional coat over their shoulders, these ceremonies is a meaningful celebration of the next chapter in these students’ lives – beginning the professional athletic training, occupational therapy, and athletic training programs at Drake.

Alumni and friends of the college are asked to sponsor professional coats for our incoming students. By sponsoring a student, our alums and friends are sending a strong message to our students that they are part of a larger community of Drake friends, athletic trainers, occupational therapists, and pharmacists. Our students have been truly touched by the generosity of our alums that have participated in this program.

The cost to sponsor a student’s professional coat is $100 ($50 for those who are within 10 years of graduation).  Additional support will provide funds for the Student Travel Fund, which provides financial support for student attendance at professional meetings, scientific conferences, or other professional development opportunities. 

Donate to the Professional Coat Sponsorship Program