Class of 2026 White Coat Ceremony

Saturday, May 3, 2025

2:00pm - 4:30pm

Bailey Hall

The White Coat Ceremony

The first white coat ceremony, sponsored by the Arnold P. Gold Foundation, was held at the Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons in 1993. Since that time, white coat ceremonies have become a tradition at many schools of medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, osteopathy, and at veterinary medical colleges across the country. At these ceremonies, students receive a white coat – the symbol of professionalism and empathy in the practice of medicine. The purpose of white coat ceremonies is to alert medical students to the need to balance excellence in science with humanistic patient care.

This event is also an acknowledgment and acceptance of professional values, growth, and commitment as students assume the responsibilities of the practice of veterinary medicine and its obligations before supportive witnesses.

Our college takes the celebration of this “rite of passage” one step further by honoring the mentors who have provided considerable support and special encouragement to our students along the way. These individuals will enrobe their students with the time-honored mantle of the medical profession: the white coat.