The Purdue Memorial Union ballrooms provided a classic setting for an annual event that has become a cherished tradition of the Purdue University College of Veterinary Medicine. Members of the DVM Class of 2027 gathered with family, friends, faculty and staff on the evening of April 18 for the annual White Coat Ceremony that signals the transition of the third year veterinary students from the classroom to the clinics.
The atmosphere was charged with expectation as the capacity crowd awaited the start of the ceremony. Then, as the strains of the Purdue Fanfare rang out, the class members processed through the South Ballroom to their reserved seats in the North Ballroom, carrying their neatly folded white coats.
Dean Bret Marsh then addressed the audience, commenting on how wonderful it was to have the students’ families, friends and loved ones together to celebrate the special occasion, which recognizes a “rite of passage” for the third year DVM Class. Dr. Marsh also thanked the supporters of the event, including alumni and friends who sponsored the white coats, and the Purdue Veterinary Alumni Association.
The White Coat Ceremony symbolizes the students’ transition into their new role as junior veterinarians, and their acceptance of the great responsibility they will have toward their patients and clients. In keeping with another traditional element of the ceremony, the students selected a faculty member to speak at the ceremony and share words of wisdom and advice. That person was Dr. Timothy Bolton, clinical assistant professor of small animal internal medicine.
Dean Marsh introduced Dr. Bolton as a faculty member who has a passion for education and creates an open and pragmatic approach to teaching in the classroom and clinical environment where students feel comfortable asking questions to further their own learning. “His passion for the job comes from helping students — not only as it relates to mastering internal medicine but also as it relates to developing other important skills needed to succeed as a veterinarian, such as client communication, confidence, and perseverance,” Dean Marsh said.
The class then heard timely words of advice from a fellow student in the class ahead of them, Paige Rudin Kinzie, of Carmel, Indiana, whose post-graduation plans include finishing her Master of Public Health degree and working in shelter medicine and public policy.
Next, Leslie Ferguson, RVT, the president of the Purdue Veterinary Alumni Association stepped to the podium to speak to the class. Reflecting on her time at Purdue and the valuable experiences she gained, Ferguson, who is Scientific Communications Manager for Global Veterinary Professional Affairs at Hill’s Pet Nutrition, provided moments of laughter as well as reflection and insight.
At that point, the attention turned to the class members as Dr. Wendy Townsend, associate dean for academic affairs, came to the podium to call forward each student in the Class of 2027. As their names were announced, the students ascended the stage and each brought a white coat to Dean Marsh, who formally placed it on them before pausing for a ceremonial keepsake photo. After all the students were introduced, the class posed for an official class picture, serenaded by a round of rousing applause.
Before the program concluded, Dean Marsh presented several awards that are designated for members of the third year class. The following students were recognized as recipients:
- Riley Eder and Sandra Warne received the Indiana Horse Council Foundation Equine Industry Award, which is given to those who have provided other students with the greatest exposure to the equine industry. The recipients are selected by peers and the award includes a monetary prize and a certificate. An engraved nameplate also is affixed to the permanent plaque which is displayed in Lynn Hall.
Hailing from Columbus, Indiana, Eder has served as president and president-elect of the Student Chapter of the American Association of Equine Practitioners as well as serving as Large Animal Liaison for the Surgery Club for two years. She also has served as Purdue’s Zoetis Student Representative and piloted a student mentor program with classmate and friend Sandra Warne. In addition, she has shown as an alumna on the Purdue Western Equestrian team and has completed equine externship placements in nine different states.
Warne is a born and raised Boilermaker from Noblesville, Indiana. She earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Biology with a certificate in Collaborative Leadership from Purdue in 2023. Now, she is a veterinary student tracking equine and serving as Wet Lab and Open House Coordinator for the college’s Student Chapter of the American Association of Equine Practitioners and Secretary for One Health Club.
- Maya Fulton received the Holly Watts Memorial Award, which is given to a student who is selected by a vote of the members of the Exotic Animal Club. The award is a tribute to a veterinary student named Holly Watts, who passed away in 1983 during her junior year. Established by her family and members of the class of 1985, the Holly Watts Memorial Award recognizes a student with exceptional interest and proficiency in non-domestic animal medicine. The award consists of a framed certificate and a cash prize.
As a student, Maya has served as a co-chair for the Dr. Skip Jackson Dog Jog for three years and has been a voting member of the SAVMA Purdue cabinet as a Purdue Graduate Student Government senator for two years. She also served as the exotics chair for the college’s Theriogenology Club and is currently an active member of several other clubs. Outside of the college, she is an active student member of the American Society of Laboratory Animal Practitioners.
- Emma Zaicow was recognized for serving as president of SAVMA Purdue, which is an important leadership role that is traditionally filled by a third-year veterinary student. Zaicow is from West Lafayette, Indiana. She was honored for her outstanding tenure as president of the Purdue Chapter of the Student American Veterinary Medical Association, which functions as the student body government in the college. She received an engraved Cross pen in recognition for her work.
Congratulations to the Class of 2027!
