![\"Class](\"https:\/\/vet.purdue.edu\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/04\/aaa_131-81-flat-web_cropped-e1524231699255.jpg\")
\nMembers of the Purdue Veterinary Medicine Class of 2019 reached a major milestone Sunday afternoon (April 15) as they took part in the College\u2019s White Coat Ceremony held in Stewart Center\u2019s Fowler Hall. Sponsored by Elanco Animal Health and Hill\u2019s Pet Nutrition, the event, now in its 17th<\/sup> year, recognizes students entering their final year of the DVM program with a ceremonial donning of white coats symbolizing their new role as junior veterinarians.<\/p>\n PVM Dean Willie Reed began the ceremony by thanking the many families, friends, and loved ones in attendance for the special occasion. \u201cIt is now time to celebrate the \u2018rite of passage\u2019 for our third-year veterinary students,\u201d Dean Reed said.\u00a0 \u201cClass of 2019, the donning of the white coat symbolizes your new role as junior veterinarians.\u00a0 The 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 Dean Reed then reminded the students that they are just a few weeks away from the time when they will begin their clinical year and start interacting with Veterinary Teaching Hospital clients as veterinary professionals.\u00a0 \u201cThis is a big responsibility!\u201d\u00a0 The dean then turned the program over to Associate Dean for Academic Affairs Kathy Salisbury, who called the members of the Class of 2019 to the stage individually to receive their white coats.\u00a0 The students also were congratulated by representatives of the Indiana Veterinary Medical Association, who provided each class member with an engraved name badge.\u00a0 After the ceremony the students gathered for a class picture in their new white coats.<\/p>\n The ceremony also included the presentation of awards recognizing individual members of the class for special accomplishments.\u00a0 \u00a0The following award-winners were honored:<\/p>\n Also during the ceremony, Kimberly Lutz, of the DVM Class of 2018, who is just finishing her fourth year, shared words of wisdom with the third-year students.\u00a0 Additionally, Dr. Andrew Woolcock, assistant professor of small animal internal medicine, shared advice with the Class of 2019.\u00a0 Dr. Woolcock was selected to speak by a vote of the class members.\u00a0 He has taught the class of 2019 during their third-year in the medicine courses.\u00a0 Dr. Woolcock also will teach them in the small animal medicine rotation during their fourth year.<\/p>\n Dean Reed concluded the program by congratulating the Class of 2019 on reaching this pivotal point in their training.\u00a0 \u201cThe next year will be a phenomenal learning experience!\u00a0 Immerse yourself in it so you can become the best veterinarian you can be \u2013 and have fun!\u201d\u00a0 \u00a0The ceremony was followed by a reception for the students and their families and friends.<\/p>\n\n
\nRecognizing a third-year student who has shown aptitude in the study of pathology<\/em><\/li>\n
\nChosen by peers as having provided the greatest exposure of the equine industry to other students<\/em><\/li>\n
\nHonoring a student with exceptional interest and proficiency in non-domestic animal medicine<\/em><\/li>\n
\nIn recognition of a student who expresses interest in and aptitude for the business of private veterinary practice<\/em><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n