{"id":29790,"date":"2025-05-02T12:01:25","date_gmt":"2025-05-02T16:01:25","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/vet.purdue.edu\/news\/?p=29790"},"modified":"2025-05-02T12:01:27","modified_gmt":"2025-05-02T16:01:27","slug":"pvm-white-coat-ceremony-celebrates-major-milestone-for-dvm-class-of-2026","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/vet.purdue.edu\/news\/pvm-white-coat-ceremony-celebrates-major-milestone-for-dvm-class-of-2026.php","title":{"rendered":"PVM White Coat Ceremony Celebrates Major Milestone for DVM Class of 2026"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

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 2026 gathered with family, friends and faculty and staff on the evening of April 12 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.<\/p>\n\n\n

\n
\"Dean
Dean Bret Marsh leads the members of the Class of 2026 through the Purdue Memorial Union ballrooms at the start of the White Coat Ceremony.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

Dean Bret Marsh then addressed the audience, commenting on how wonderful it was to have the students\u2019 families, friends and loved ones together to celebrate the special occasion, which recognizes a \u201crite of passage\u201d 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 Indiana Veterinary Medical Association.

The White Coat Ceremony symbolizes the students\u2019 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. Joanne Messick, professor of veterinary clinical pathology in the Department of Comparative Pathobiology<\/a>. Dr. Marsh introduced her as a faculty member who is deeply committed to shaping the next generation of veterinarians, not just by teaching but by inspiring curiosity, critical thinking and a passion for pathology.

Dr. Messick said it truly was an honor to be part of this special moment for the class. \u201cI’d like to begin with a few reflections on what this year means and how to make the most of it,\u201d Dr. Messick said. She went on to explain that the White Coat Ceremony is a celebration \u201c\u2026of your resilience, your growth, and your readiness. You began this journey as veterinary students \u2013 bright-eyed, eager, and full of ambition. Along the way, the weight of your studies, the long nights, and the constant challenges may have dimmed that initial spark. But today, standing here, I see that light in your eyes again.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Dr. Messick continued by explaining that this moment marks a powerful transition-from student to doctor-in-waiting. \u201cDonning the white coat symbolizes a shift in identity,\u201d Dr. Messick said. \u201cYou’re stepping into a new role \u2013 not just learning from the sidelines, but being an important part of the care team, making decisions, and owning the responsibility that comes with the title, \u2018Doctor.\u2019\u201d

She then shared several tips for how the students could make the most of their clinical year:<\/p>\n\n\n\n