The Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine hosted its annual White Coat Ceremony on Saturday, May 3 at Bailey Hall Auditorium, honoring the D.V.M. Class of 2026’s pivotal transition from classroom learning to clinical practice.

Lorin D. Warnick, D.V.M, Ph.D. ’94, the Austin O. Hooey Dean of Veterinary Medicine, opened with welcoming remarks, reflecting on his own journey as a veterinary student: “In retrospect, I and others were very focused on what we could do already, for example being proficient (which we often were not) rather than becoming proficient,” said Warnick. “My advice to all of us is to not let ourselves be defined by our mistakes, but rather let one of our defining qualities be our response to setbacks and taking them as opportunities to learn.”

Jai Sweet, Ph.D. ’96, assistant dean for veterinary student services and admissions, next led the symbolic coating of students. Each student took the stage with a chosen mentor who helped the student don the white coat, symbolizing the passing of knowledge, trust and responsibility from one generation to the next.

Once coated, the class took the time-honored Veterinarian’s Oath, led by Michele Barrett, D.V.M. ’09, vice president of the alumni association executive board, together reaffirming the commitment to animal welfare, public health and ethical practice.

Elin Carlin, D.V.M. ’07, scientist and policy expert on epidemiology, gave the class address, recalling her own White Coat Ceremony and how she had been eager to “know everything” once she was a licensed veterinarian. “It does get easier, but as it turns out, you never get to know everything,” Carlin said. “So, your goal is to become as competent as you can over time, while being entirely open to new knowledge, new questions and new experiences for all of your working life.”

Following Carlin’s remarks, Kathryn Bach, M.S. ’08, Ph.D. ’19, assistant professor of practice in the Department of Population Medicine and Diagnostic Sciences and member of the College Awards Committee, presented the John F. Cummings Memorial Award to Evan (Moose) Clarke-Deaver.

Next, Susan Ruland, interim director of the Cornell University Hospital for Animals, welcomed the students to the clinical portion of their education. “In this profession you will never stop learning,” Ruland said. “Every patient, every client, every case will teach you something new. Please stay curious, stay humble and never forget the privilege that comes with the White Coat.”

Warnick closed the ceremony by thanking the all the speakers, participants and all attendants of the program, and welcomed everyone to join for a celebratory reception at the CVM Center’s Takoda’s Run Atrium in honor of the students’ accomplishments and the journey ahead.
 

Written by Lauren Cahoon Roberts

Photos by Carol Jennings