PIKEVILLE — The University of Pikeville – Kentucky College of Optometry (KYCO) welcomed its fourth class of optometry students with a White Coat Ceremony Saturday in the Health Professions Education Building. The invitation-only event for family members was live-streamed via Facebook for the community.

 KYCO Dean Michael Bacigalupi, O.D., M.S., FAAO, FNAP, was among the leaders who greeted the 57 students and spoke about the resulting challenges to education from the pandemic.  

 “The class of 2024 entered optometry school at a very uncertain time. History has shown us that in times of crisis, the ones who succeed are the ones who stick together.” Bacigalupi explained. “This class communicated with each other and supported each other to get here today. They demonstrated their toughness, strength and grit. They engaged in learning in all formats and stayed on track to reach today’s white coat ceremony. We are incredibly proud of them for protecting themselves and each other during the pandemic.”

 The White Coat Ceremony is an important first step in the career of a future optometrist, serving as a rite of passage for health professional schools around the country. On Saturday afternoon, the class of 2024 committed to patient care and their future with the recitation of the KYCO Profession Conduct Pledge and the donning of the white coat.