White Coat Ceremony

Contact: Jan Williams, College of Veterinary Medicine, 612-624-6228, willi320@umn.edu

U of M College of Veterinary Medicine Students Receive White Coats

MINNEAPOLIS/ST. PAUL (April 14, 2006) - Ninety-two University of Minnesota College of Veterinary Medicine students were honored at the annual White Coat Ceremony on Sunday, March 19.

The ceremony was held at University of Minnesota St. Paul Student Center North Star Ballroom.  Dean Jeffrey Klausner welcomed the students and Dr. Kate An Hunter, president of the Minnesota Veterinary Medical Association, gave the keynote address. The student response was given by Kelly Griffin, class of 2007, and a reception followed the ceremony.

"This is an important milestone," said Dean Jeffery Klausner.  "The white coat represents the beginning of the clinical training that will make our students true partners in the College's mission to improve the health and well-being of animals and people."

The White Coat Ceremony marks the beginning of a rigorous 14-month clinical rotation during which students put the clinical and professional skills they have learned into practice, providing direct animal care during their final year and a half before receiving their doctor of veterinary medicine degree.

The White Coat Ceremony is sponsored by the College of Veterinary Medicine, the Minnesota Veterinary Medical Association, and Hill's Pet Nutrition.

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The College of Veterinary Medicine improves the health and well-being of animals and people by providing high-quality veterinary training, conducting leading-edge research, and delivering innovative veterinary services.