White Coat Ceremony

Commander (Cmdr.) Nicholas Cushman, PharmD, MHA, BCACP, is a distinguished officer with the U.S. Public Health Service (USPHS) and a member of the Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians. He earned his BS and PharmD from the University of Michigan and was supported by the Indian Health Service (IHS) Health Professions Scholarship, which facilitated his service with IHS. After completing a PGY-1 Pharmacy Practice Residency, he has held various clinical and administrative roles within IHS. Currently, Cmdr. Cushman serves as the Senior Area Clinical Program Coordinator for the Northwest Portland Area Indian Health Board, where he enhances pharmacy-based services and integrates them into a comprehensive approach to optimize clinical services across tribal health facilities. He leads multidisciplinary teams to improve healthcare delivery and outcomes while actively advocating for the health and prosperity of Indigenous communities. His work has been recognized with the IHS Pharmacist of the Year award in 2022, and his team received the National Indian Health Board's National Impact Award in both 2021 and 2022. As a USPHS officer, Cmdr. Cushman has been involved in major national responses, including Hurricane Florence and the initial domestic COVID-19 response, which involved the evacuation of American citizens from Wuhan, China. On July 1, 2024, he was promoted to Commander, achieving this senior rank through a highly competitive early advancement process that reflects his exceptional service and leadership.

 

General Information:

• This year's venue is at Rackham Auditorium.
• Please plan to arrive early; doors open 45 minutes before the start of the Ceremony.
• Please turn off all cell phones.
• Ceremony will start promptly at 4:30 pm.

Prohibited Items in Rackham Auditorium:

• Food and Beverages (water is allowed)
• Balloons
• Glitter and Streamers
• Noisemakers (including sound amplification tools/systems)
• Projectiles
• Weapons
• Any item that may obstruct or impair the view or enjoyment of another attendee

After Ceremony:

• Student cohort photo will be taken on the steps of Rackham immediately following the ceremony.
• Reception in Rackham Lobby
• Congratulations!

AIR TRAVEL
Detroit International Airport (DTW) is the airport nearest Ann Arbor.  Travel time from DTW to Ann Arbor is approximately 25 minutes. 

ACCOMMODATIONS 
Bell Tower
300 South Thayer
Ann Arbor, MI  48104
(734) 769-3010
belltowerhotel.com

Graduate Ann Arbor 
615 E. Huron St.
Ann Arbor, MI  48109
(734) 769-2200
graduateannarbor.com

A complete list of accommodations in the Ann Arbor area can be found at: visitannarbor.org/accommodations/hotels

PARKING
The Thayer Street, Fletcher, and Palmer parking structure will be open and available for visitors on White Coat Ceremony day. The Thayer structure is located at: 216 S. Thayer Street., Fletcher structure is located at 121 Fletcher Street, and Palmer structure is located at Washtenaw and Palmer Drive.

The Thayer, Fletcher, and Palmer Structures will be open beginning at 1:00pm.  Please note that at the Palmer Structure only the UM Employee Blue parking area is available.

A link to campus maps that including parking locations can be found at: maps.studentlife.umich.edu/

DINING
A complete list of restaurants in the Ann Arbor area can be found at: visitannarbor.org/dining

You are invited to watch the LIVESTREAM event at the start of the program.

As a public university and an institution committed to diversity of thought and freedom of expression, the University of Michigan has many forums where members of the University community, speakers, artists, invited guests, and/or the general public can express their views and opinions. Yet not all University spaces or events are forums where everyone is invited to speak, perform, or gather.  

The University does not attempt to prevent protest that is protected under the First Amendment. At the same time, substantially disrupting speakers and events is not protected speech under the law and is a violation of University policy. When disruptions occur, the University works to mitigate the impact and continue the event. Individuals who continue to engage in disruptive activity may be removed.

We appreciate your patience and thank you for attending this event.

Learn more about Free Speech on Campus