Honoring the Class of 2029
The Class of 2029 White Coat Ceremony featured welcome and opening remarks from Dr. Corwin Sutherin, followed by a faculty address from Dr. Randi Hanson, who spoke about the responsibility and privilege of entering the occupational therapy profession.
First-year student Madelyn Husband served as the student speaker, sharing reflections on the cohort’s growth and the meaning of putting on the white coat as a symbol of trust, service, and patient-centered care.
The heart of the event was the coating and pinning of each student by Dr. Hyrum Haroldsen and Dr. Randi Hanson, as the following members of the Class of 2029 received their white coats:
Emily Cole, Anna Guttormson, Madelyn Husband, Elizabeth O’Bryan, Ella Peters, Parker Smith, Taylor Thompson, Reagan Fellows, Lisa Miller, Samantha Martin, and Jennifer Woods.
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The ceremony also included the presentation of a Partnership in Fieldwork Education Award by Dr. Haroldsen, recognizing outstanding collaboration with clinical partners who help prepare RMC students for practice. Dr. Sutherin led the professional oath and closing remarks, and Dr. Haroldsen offered a piano performance to close the celebration, followed by group and individual photos with students and their families.
Honoring the Class of 2028
Later that day, the Class of 2028 White Coat Ceremony recognized students further along in their doctoral journey as they prepare for advanced coursework, fieldwork, and leadership experiences.
Dr. Corwin Sutherin again welcomed guests and offered opening remarks, setting the tone for the event. Dr. Hyrum Haroldsen presented the Fieldwork Educator Award, acknowledging the vital role of practicing occupational therapists who mentor RMC students in clinical settings.
Dr. Randi Hanson led the Pi Theta Epsilon induction, recognizing academic excellence and scholarly achievement among OTD students. Dr. Haroldsen then delivered the faculty address, and Sarah Hopcroft served as the student speaker, reflecting on the cohort’s shared experiences and commitment to serving clients across Montana and beyond.
During the coating and pinning portion of the ceremony, Dr. Haroldsen and Dr. Hanson presented white coats to the following members of the Class of 2028:
John Austin Bardash, Anna Cameron, Juliana Davis, Natalie Day, Phoebe Gould, Janelle Grant, Sarah Hopcroft, Makayla Isaacson, Rendan Klein, and Matthew McGrane.
Dr. Sutherin returned to lead the oath and closing remarks, and Dr. Haroldsen provided a piano prelude and postlude. The ceremony concluded with group and individual photos, capturing the moment for students and their supporters.
The significance of the white coat in an occupational therapy doctorate program
In Rocky Mountain College’s Occupational Therapy Doctorate program, the white coat is more than a uniform — it is a visible reminder of the professional and ethical responsibilities that come with caring for others.
For both the Class of 2028 and the Class of 2029, the White Coat Ceremonies mark:
- A transition from foundational coursework to higher-level clinical preparation and fieldwork, where students begin working more directly with clients under supervision.
- A public commitment to the core values of occupational therapy, including respect for human dignity, evidence-informed practice, cultural humility, and advocacy for participation in meaningful life activities.
- A shared identity as part of the interprofessional healthcare team in Montana and beyond, prepared to collaborate with physicians, physician assistants, therapists, and other professionals.
Faculty emphasized that occupational therapy is inherently hands-on and relationship-driven. The act of receiving the white coat in a small, tight-knit ceremony — surrounded by classmates, professors, and family — reflects the kind of supportive learning community that defines RMC’s in-person OTD program.
Preparing future OTs to serve Montana and beyond
As demand for occupational therapists continues to grow, particularly in Montana’s hospitals, rural clinics, schools, and community programs, Rocky Mountain College’s OTD program is dedicated to preparing graduates who are clinically strong, community-minded, and ready to lead.
Through state-of-the-art lab spaces, individualized mentorship, and close partnerships with fieldwork sites, students in the Classes of 2028 and 2029 are already building the skills they will use to help people regain independence, return to meaningful roles, and participate fully in their lives.
The White Coat Ceremonies on June 27, 2026, celebrated not only what these students have accomplished so far, but also the impact they will have as future occupational therapists serving Billings, rural Montana, and communities wherever they choose to practice.
