White Coat Ceremony

Today I participated in the white coat ceremony for the UDM dental class of 2009. The white coat ceremony is basically a formal ceremony in which the entering hygiene and dental classes receive their white clinic coats and recite an ethical and professional oath. The ceremony started with a few speeches from people like Dean Steiman and the alumni association president. I am proud to say that my family remembered to turn OFF their cell phones, thus avoiding the embarrassment of a ringing cell phone during the speeches. Next, we walked across the stage and Dean Steiman presented us with our white coats. The students and their families headed to the adjoining ballroom after the ceremony, where an assortment of fruit, veggies, cheeses, chicken and tuna salad sandwiches, cookies and punch was served. J made sure to take advantage of the free food, downing about 4 sandwiches, cheese and crackers, cookies and fruit. Finally, we took a class photograph with everyone in their white coats on the steps of the administration building. The photograph is a nice gesture. Four years down the road on graduation day, we take the exact same photograph wearing our caps and gowns instead.


Class photos

Tonight I went to the big Welcome Party, intended for everyone in the dental school. The dental school had the whole second floor of 5th Avenue in Royal Oak rented out. The place was packed. There was a band, a DJ, 8 billiard tables, a huge bar, food and a dance floor. Whoever planned the bash knew how to throw a good party. I kicked some major ass in pool and had some good conversation. The majority of my class was at the party, along with a big chunk of each of the three classes above me.