Lake County Gazette

Carthage College held a White Coat Ceremony for its Nursing Class of 2027 on September 20, 2025, at the A. F. Siebert Chapel in Kenosha, Wisconsin. The event marks the end of foundational coursework for junior nursing students and signals their transition to specialized clinical training over the next two years. Upon completion, students will earn a Bachelor of Science in Nursing and become eligible to take the registered nurse licensing exam.

Nancy Reese, Associate Dean for Carthage's School of Health, addressed the class during the ceremony. She said, "The White Coat Ceremony is a rite of passage and serves to welcome students to healthcare practice and to elevate the value of humanism as the core of healthcare."

Carthage College’s direct-entry nursing program provides instruction in modern simulation labs and emphasizes patient-centered care. The recently established School of Health offers undergraduate programs in allied health science, exercise and sport science, neuroscience, social work, sociology, and criminal justice. It also features a five-year track leading to a master's degree in athletic training.

Among those recognized at the ceremony were Caitlynn Gsell and Julia Kraus, both from Antioch (60002).

Carthage College describes itself as blending liberal arts traditions with career-focused programs and personal attention from faculty. The college is currently conducting a $100 million fundraising campaign called "Light that Travels" to support student access, program innovation, and ongoing excellence. Founded in 1847, Carthage is located on Lake Michigan in Kenosha.

Information from this story was sourced from MeritPages.com