The 50 students of the Class of 2011 concluded their three-day orientation with a White Coat Ceremony and Dinner September 21 in the MU Ballroom.
Dr. Susan Tornquist, Associate Dean for Student and Academic Affairs welcomed the students, their families, friends and faculty. Dr. Cyril Clarke, Lois Bates Acheson Dean, addressed the students on the significance of being admitted into the veterinary medicine program and receiving their first lab coats. Dr. Barry Watson, Veterinary Affairs Manager for Hill’s Pet Nutrition, encouraged the students to rely on each other and make the most of their veterinary education. Matt Wesley, President of the Student Chapter of the American Veterinary Medical Association, gave the students a dose of reality regarding the dedication required to be successful in the program, and he encouraged them to have fun in spite of the challenges. Dr. Jacqui Neilson, President of the Oregon Veterinary Medical Association, encouraged students to do their part to promote the veterinary profession. She and Dr. Clarke then congratulated each student as they were “cloaked”.
Past presidents of the OVMA, Drs. Jerry Boggs and Scott Hendy, and president-elect Dr. Scott Loepp assisted with the presentation. Dr. Tornquist called each student to the stage and read interesting facts about each student. She concluded the program by reminding students to look to their families for support and encouragement, and to thank them often. She also thanked Hill’s Pet Nutrition and SCAVMA for sponsoring the dinner and OVMA for sponsoring the white lab coats and name badges.