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White Coat Ceremony


The Arnold P. Gold Foundation established the White Coat Ceremony in 1993. The event has become an iconic ritual emphasizing compassionate, collaborative and scientifically excellent care. At Cooper Medical School of Rowan University (CMSRU), this rite of passage serves to welcome students to healthcare practice and elevate the value of humanism as the core of healthcare. The most important element of the ceremony is the oath taken in the presence of family members, school leadership, and their peers to acknowledge their obligation of caring for the patient.

Class of 2029 White Coat Ceremony

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Friday, August 8, 2025, 9:30 a.m. – 1 p.m.

Location: Rowan University, Pfleeger Concert Hall at Wilson Hall, North Campus Drive, Glassboro, NJ

Event includes an indoor ceremony followed by a light reception outside under a tent (weather permitting).

Important Information for Students

Each student will receive four (4) physical tickets during Orientation Week. Students are responsible for distributing tickets to their guests before August 8. Guests must present their tickets at the theater entrance. Students may coordinate with each other to trade unused tickets. CMSRU will not manage extra tickets.
A professional photographer will capture an image of each student as they are cloaked in their white coat. These images will be provided for download at no charge, compliments of CMSRU. Guests will not be permitted in the aisles to take photographs during the event.

Class of 2028 White Coat Ceremony Recap


 

White Coat Notes

A White Coat Note is a heartfelt message, a source of inspiration, and a token of encouragement given to new medical students during the White Coat Ceremony. White Coat Notes are placed in the pockets of our students' new white jackets before they put them on for the first time at the White Coat Ceremony. Through the purchase of a Note, you can participate in this meaningful program for your favorite medical student, and these Notes help raise money specifically to support Student Activities at CMSRU and the SGA Endowed Scholarship Fund.

Learn more