{"id":8658,"date":"2020-06-12T11:03:14","date_gmt":"2020-06-12T15:03:14","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/qa.vet.purdue.edu\/news\/?p=8658"},"modified":"2026-06-16T10:32:43","modified_gmt":"2026-06-16T14:32:43","slug":"white-coat-ceremony-combines-tradition-with-virtual-reality","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/vet.purdue.edu\/news\/white-coat-ceremony-combines-tradition-with-virtual-reality.php","title":{"rendered":"White Coat Ceremony Combines Tradition with Virtual Reality"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Over 350 participants joined in the virtual White Coat Ceremony, led by Dean Willie Reed, on Saturday, June 8.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

After students braved the \u201cnew normal\u201d brought on during the spring semester by the COVID-19 pandemic, the Purdue University College of Veterinary Medicine sought to ensure their memorable achievements were recognized. So a beloved tradition known as the White Coat Ceremony became all the more important this year to mark the third-year students\u2019 transition into their clinical experiences. After Purdue University and the College of Veterinary Medicine recognized that there was no way to safely conduct in-person events, teams set about planning a White Coat Ceremony in the realm of virtual reality.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

At 3:00 p.m. on Saturday, June 8, Purdue Veterinary Medicine\u2019s DVM Class of 2021, along with their family and friends, logged into their computers to participate in the event which was streamed via Facebook Live.  Now in its 19th<\/sup> year, the annual White Coat Ceremony honored the third-year veterinary students as they embark on their final year in the DVM program. Numerous alumni donors sponsored the afternoon ceremony.  Hours of behind-the-scenes work and recording sessions in the Elliott Hall of Music were transformed into an elegant digital ceremony that began with PVM Dean Willie Reed thanking the many families, friends, and loved ones who attended the special occasion.  <\/p>\n\n\n

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\"Dr.
Dr. Aaron Smiley, IVMA president, addresses third-year DVM students during their virtual White Coat Ceremony.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

\u201cIt is now time to celebrate the rite of passage for our third-year veterinary students,\u201d Dean Reed said, explaining that the ceremony marks the students\u2019 passage from the classroom into the clinic. \u201cThe white coat indicates your acceptance of your great responsibility toward your patients and clients, your commitment to show compassion and empathy, and to make a positive difference in the life of every animal and person with whom you come into contact.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The program continued with words of commendation in the form of a recorded message from the president of the Indiana Veterinary Medical Association (IVMA), Dr. Aaron Smiley, chief of staff at the Devonshire Veterinary Clinic in Anderson, Ind. and the Geist Station Animal Hospital in Indianapolis. Dr. Smiley encouraged students to stay confident and humble and not be overwhelmed in their clinical year, reminding them that they are receiving an excellent education at a Big Ten institution. He went on to challenge the students to find opportunities to give back through volunteerism. While he acknowledged that students had already given up a lot due to the COVID-19 pandemic, he noted, \u201cLife becomes so much more rich when you find ways to volunteer.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Dr. Nickie Baird, professor of large animal surgery and chief of staff for the Large Animal Hospital, also addressed the students, offering a clinician\u2019s insights about their journey ahead. Dr. Baird was selected to speak at the ceremony by a vote of the third-year class members. Dr. Baird taught the large animal surgery courses for the class and will teach the class members during the coming year in the large animal surgery rotation. \u201cThank you for honoring me with the responsibility to share a few words on this exciting occasion. I do truly consider this an honor and without a doubt a highlight of my recent professional life. You are my 36th<\/sup> graduating class, nearly 4,000 veterinarians from four different universities.\u201d Dr. Baird then alluded to his daughter who is part of the DVM Class of 2021, \u201cI have told you before in lecture, the Class of 2021 will always be my most special for several reasons.\u201d And he added in jest, \u201cDon\u2019t worry, I will not show wedding pictures today.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n

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\"Dr.
Chief of Staff for the Purdue Large Animal Hospital and Professor of Large Animal Surgery Nickie Baird offers a clinicians insight on the journey ahead for third-year DVM students.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

Dr. Baird continued his address with practical tips, advising the students, \u201cBetween today and starting clinics: get lots of sleep, hydrate, put on a few pounds to cover losses during the next year, stock up the pantry and tell your loved ones you will see them next May.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

He also told them that they would enjoy their clinical year and learn a lot while surrounded by faculty and clinicians concerned for their physical and mental health, as well as their education. He concluded, \u201cWe are all so excited to watch you all grow during this clinical year.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Dean Reed then led the virtual presentation of white coats that were mailed to students with a program in advance of the event. Students were encouraged to have loved ones in their homes safely (following social distancing) present their white coats while a slide show displayed each of their photos and Associate Dean for Academic Affairs Kathy Salisbury announced their names.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The ceremony also included the presentation of awards recognizing individual members of the class for special accomplishments. The following students were honored:<\/p>\n\n\n\n