White Coat Ceremony

Class of 2025 White Coat Ceremony

Saturday, May 4, 2024

2:00pm - 4:30pm

Bailey Hall

The White Coat Ceremony

The first white coat ceremony, sponsored by the Arnold P. Gold Foundation, was held at the Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons in 1993. Since that time, white coat ceremonies have become a tradition at many schools of medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, osteopathy, and at veterinary medical colleges across the country. At these ceremonies, students receive a white coat – the symbol of professionalism and empathy in the practice of medicine. The purpose of white coat ceremonies is to alert medical students to the need to balance excellence in science with humanistic patient care.

This event is also an acknowledgment and acceptance of professional values, growth, and commitment as students assume the responsibilities of the practice of veterinary medicine and its obligations before supportive witnesses.

Our college takes the celebration of this “rite of passage” one step further by honoring the mentors who have provided considerable support and special encouragement to our students along the way. These individuals will enrobe their students with the time-honored mantle of the medical profession: the white coat.

Program

Downloadable program coming soon.

White coat ceremony program
Time Program
1:00pm Doors Open (Students arrive prior to 1:15pm)
2:00pm - 4:30pm
  • Students process into the auditorium
  • Welcoming Remarks - Lorin D. Warnick, DVM, PhD '94, Austin O. Hooey Dean of Veterinary Medicine
  • Coating Ceremony - Jai Sweet, PhD '96, Assistant Dean for Veterinary Student Services and Admissions
  • Veterinarian's Oath - Mara DiGrazia, BS '92, DVM '96, President of the Alumni Association Executive Board
  • Address to Class of 2024 - Niccole Bruno, DVM '06, founder of blendVETTM
  • Welcome to the Hospital - Margret S. Thompson, DVM, DACVR, Associate Dean for Hospital Operations, Director, Cornell University Hospital for Animals
  • Closing Remarks - Lorin D. Warnick, DVM, PhD '94, Austin O. Hooey Dean of Veterinary Medicine
  • Class Photo
Approximately 4:30pm Reception Immediately Following - CVM Center Takoda's Run Atrium

Veterinarian's Oath

Being admitted to the profession of veterinary medicine, I solemnly swear to use my scientific knowledge and skills for the benefit of society through the protection of animal health and welfare, the prevention and relief of animal suffering, the conservation of animal resources, the promotion of public health, and the advancement of medical knowledge.  

I will practice my profession conscientiously, with dignity, and in keeping with the principles of veterinary medical ethics. 

I accept as a lifelong obligation the continual improvement of my professional knowledge and competence.  

Keynote Speaker

Niccole Bruno, DVM '06

Dr. Niccole Bruno, a Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine DVM’06, began blendVET™ as a way for veterinary workplaces to become certified in diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging (DEIB). 

As an Afro-Latina, Dr. Bruno has experienced racism and misogyny, leading to a sense of disengagement from a profession she once loved. Today, Dr. Bruno helps improve the DEIB landscape through blendVET’s educational training, speaking engagements, mentorship, and pathway events for BIPOC students (Black, Indigenous, and people of color) to enter the profession. 

Dr. Bruno is also an advisory board member for Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine, the Veterinary Innovation Council, and Pawsibillities, a virtual mentorship platform for BIPOC students.

Additional Information

Ticketing:

  • Tickets are not necessary to attend this event.

  • The event will be live-streamed for additional guests (no ticket required) at the Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine, Lecture Halls 4 and 5.
    • Doors open at 1:00 p.m. at the College of Veterinary Medicine.

Parking:

  • The best place for parking for the White Coat Ceremony is at Forest Home Dr. Parking Garage. Parking is free on Saturdays.
  • The best place for parking for those who will be watching from the College of Veterinary Medicine is in B-lot.
  • Guests may also park in B-lot for the Reception following the ceremony.

Accessibility:

  • Please visit the Cornell University website to learn more about Accessible Parking Spaces. 
  • If you have a visitor who has accessibility needs, please drop them off in front of Bailey Hall prior to parking. There will be an usher outside helping people find the entrance.
  • The ushers inside can assist them in finding seating.
  • Accessible (Handicap) Parking: You may park in handicap accessible spots around Bailey Hall with a handicap tag. 
  • Please do not park in any designated license plate spots, you will be towed.

Live Stream the Ceremony:

Family and friends who cannot attend the event, may watch remotely: https://www.cornell.edu/video/class-of-2025-white-coat-ceremony

Instructions for Coaters:

Please arrive by 1:40pm.  Parking is in Forest Home Garage.  As you arrive to the front entrance of Bailey Hall, an usher will be at the door to direct you to the auditorium.

  • Identify yourself to the usher at the auditorium door as a coater.  You will be directed to the reserved seating area for coaters.
  • When your student’s name is called along with your name as a coater you will approach the stage from the stairs on your side of the aisle (opposite that of the students).  You will coat your student, get your picture taken on stage and return down the same set of stairs to your seat.

Additional Notes:

Dress code: Business-casual

  • The reception is immediately following at the CVM Center Takoda’s Run Atrium
  • Please contact Student and Academic Services at vet_sas@cornell.edu with any questions.