{"id":34307,"date":"2026-06-05T11:34:32","date_gmt":"2026-06-05T15:34:32","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/vet.purdue.edu\/news\/?p=34307"},"modified":"2026-06-05T14:33:24","modified_gmt":"2026-06-05T18:33:24","slug":"white-coat-ceremony-celebrates-third-year-veterinary-students-transition-to-clinical-year","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/vet.purdue.edu\/news\/white-coat-ceremony-celebrates-third-year-veterinary-students-transition-to-clinical-year.php","title":{"rendered":"White Coat Ceremony Celebrates Third-year Veterinary Students’ Transition to Clinical Year"},"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 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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 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 Purdue Veterinary Alumni Association.<\/p>\n\n\n

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Congratulations Purdue DVM Class of 2027 on receiving your white coats symbolizing your transition from classroom to clinics!<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

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. Timothy Bolton, clinical assistant professor of small animal internal medicine. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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. \u201cHis 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,\u201d Dean Marsh said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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\u2019s Pet Nutrition, provided moments of laughter as well as reflection and insight.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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:<\/p>\n\n\n\n