The onset of the COVID-19 pandemic has required much of the world to go virtual for work, social gatherings, and school. Special events marking milestones in the lives of veterinary students are no exception.

This year, the College of Veterinary Medicine’s White Coat ceremony will be conducted virtually through Zoom. On May 1 at 1 p.m., a livestream will feature speakers and a special video slideshow. The ceremony will be streamed through YouTube live for family and friends. 

Connie Sillerud, DVM '83, a college alumna and president of the Minnesota Veterinary Medical Association Board of Directors, will be the keynote speaker. A class-elected student and the president of the Alumni & Friends Society Board also will speak. 

The presentation of the coats will be conducted in a video slideshow format, with recordings of students putting on their coats and personalized slides for each student featuring messages and pictures will be included. 

The Veterinary Hospitals Association is generously providing funding for the coats again this year.