Class of 2027 White Coat Ceremony set for September 8
Cooper Medical School of Rowan University (CMSRU) will symbolically welcome the Class of 2027 into the profession of medicine at the annual White Coat Ceremony on Friday, September 8, 2023, at 4 p.m.
This invitation-only event will be held at Pfleeger Concert Hall/Wilson Hall on Rowan University’s main campus in Glassboro, NJ.
Students should arrive at Pfleeger Concert Hall by 2:30 p.m. Doors will open for event guests at 3:30 p.m. – 30 minutes before the start of the ceremony.
Students, staff, and White Coat Ceremony guests may park in Lot C or Lot D. It is a moderate walk from these lots to Pfleeger Concert Hall/Wilson Hall. For those needing special assistance, golf carts, and the CMSRU van will be available to shuttle guests from the parking areas to the auditorium.
The White Coat Ceremony typically runs 90-120 minutes. A reception with light refreshments will immediately follow the White Coat Ceremony.
• Directions to Rowan University
• Directions to Pfleeger Concert Hall/Wilson Hall
Livestream
The Class of 2027 White Coat Ceremony will be live-streamed on YouTube for those who are not able to attend the event. Click here to watch the event live.
Important Information for Students
Arrival Time:
Students and Advisory College Directors should arrive at Pfleeger Concert Hall by 2:30 p.m. Upon arrival, students should check in with the Event Staff at the tent outside the building. Students will be lined up alphabetically within their Advisory Colleges for this event.
Rehearsal:
Rehearsal begins PROMPTLY at 2:45 p.m. This is a complicated event with many moving parts, so all who are participating in the White Coat Ceremony must arrive on time.
Transportation:
Students are responsible for finding their transportation to Glassboro. If you have problems finding transportation, please contact the Office of Student Affairs.
• Directions to Rowan University
• Directions to Pfleeger Concert Hall/Wilson Hall
Attire:
Students should wear professional attire to the White Coat Ceremony. Suit jackets should NOT be worn.
About the Speaker
This year’s speaker is Heval Kelli, MD, a trailblazing cardiologist, empowering educator, and nationally renowned refugee advocate. He is the main character of Refuge, a documentary that has received numerous national and international awards.
Dr. Kelli’s expertise is focused on preventive health, serving underserved communities, refugee-related issues, and utilizing artificial intelligence in healthcare. He was named one of the refugees shaping America by Voice of America.
White Coat Notes
A tradition at CMSRU is the White Coat Notes initiative, which provides an opportunity to give new students hand-written messages of encouragement and congratulations while supporting the Student Activities Fund.
Notes are placed in the pockets of students’ jackets before they are cloaked during the ceremony.
Loved ones, fellow students, past and future mentors and colleagues, and friends are encouraged to participate in this meaningful program. Click here for more information about CMSRU’s White Coat Notes initiative.