The MSU College of Human Medicine’s class of 2029 celebrated the beginning of their medical education at a White Coat Ceremony this fall, made even more special thanks to 164 donors who gave a collective $21,650 to ensure every student’s coat was sponsored.
The ceremony is a rite of passage for the new medical students, who receive their first white coat from physicians at the event. The short coats, each emblazoned with a Spartan Helmet in custom green embroidery, represent years of preparation and perseverance to reach this point. Yet the coats also symbolize a deep commitment to learning and caring that will continue well into their futures, far beyond the day they earn the long white coats of full physicians at the completion of their degrees.
Nathan Meyette was a critical care flight registered nurse before enrolling at the College of Human Medicine. Wearing a white coat now instead of a flight suit, he said he’s “building a foundation of lifelong learning” that will allow him to care for his future patients and community.
Judith Brady, a donor to the white coat fund and the college’s liaison for student health and disability insurance in the Office of Student affairs, offered a note of encouragement for the learning and training ahead: “Draw energy from yourself, we who believe in you and the patients who need you!”
Many of the donors, as alumni of the college, once stood in the same position as these new students. They offered congratulations and well-wishes along with the white coats.
Dr. Pat Brewer from the class of 1975 reminded students of the impact they will make.
“You will learn so much and touch so many lives,” she wrote. “We know you will make us proud.”
The sentiment surely resonated with new student Luke Schipper who said he will bring his family’s lived experiences to his future as a physician.
“I have a younger brother, Drew, who has Down syndrome. Experiencing health care disparities and challenges for the disabled population through him opened my eyes for the need to have more physicians who understand and can empathize with patients with disabilities,” Luke said.
Another donor, Dr. Tina Tanner from the class of 1997, reminded students of the impact they can have writing: “You are Spartan strong and will accomplish more than you can imagine in the next four years and beyond.” Her note seemed custom-tailored for the ambitions of new student Jenna Koelsch.
Before joining medical school, Jenna spent time in Ghana doing public health research and later as an HIV/AIDS and adolescent health advocate with Peace Corps in Lesotho.
She said her white coat represents something much bigger than herself. “It represents a calling to service, a passion for health, and a commitment to vulnerable and underserved populations,” she said.
The College of Human Medicine’s Alumni Board set a goal to sponsor the white coats for the entire 2025 class. They exceeded that goal and also generated funds for an endowed scholarship that supports medical students.
Board member Dr. Patricia Brooks, class of 1985, was one of the donors and perhaps she summarized passion behind the outpouring of support best in her note to the incoming class:
“Best of luck at the beginning of this great adventure. You will make an excellent, intelligent and compassionate physician.”
LEARN MORE about support for the College of Human Medicine by contacting the college’s development office at CHMDevelopment@msu.edu or by calling (616) 234-2714. Or, visit their website.
READ MORE about the ceremony and the incoming class of MSU College of Human Medicine students here.