St. George’s University School of Veterinary Medicine welcomed its newest class of aspiring veterinarians at the Fall 2025 White Coat Ceremony, held on Saturday, September 13. Among the milestone moments, the event spotlighted SVM legacy student Morgan Keaffaber and other first-term students who shared the experience with their families.
The legacy lives on
The ceremony was especially meaningful for Morgan as she received her white coat from her father, Scott Keaffaber, DVM ’04. The Indiana native becomes only the second SVM legacy student to have a parent graduate from SGU’s veterinary program.
“This is a dream come true,” Morgan said. “I’ve wanted to be a veterinarian since I was about five years old, and my dad was always one of my biggest inspirations. He never pushed me into it but watching him made me want to follow this path. Being here at SGU already feels like home.”
For Dr. Keaffaber, who practices small animal medicine in Indiana and owns the family’s three-generation veterinary clinic, the experience was equally rewarding.
“It’s amazing to see how much SGU has grown since I graduated in 2004,” he said. “They’ve done so much for students, and I’m very pleased that Morgan is here. I couldn’t be prouder that she’s following in my footsteps and carrying on our family’s legacy.”
View SVM White Coat Ceremony Instagram Reel
The White Coat Ceremony is a time-honored tradition at SGU, symbolizing the official start of veterinary medical students’ training. Surrounded by faculty, family, and friends, the Class of 2029 received their white coats and recited an oath of commitment, agreeing to uphold the principles of veterinary medical ethics and the highest professional standards.
Continuing the family tradition
The ceremony also featured another special family moment when Term 1 SVM student Namju Lee of South Korea was coated by both of his parents, who are veterinarians. Namju’s mother, Dr. Sakyeng Shin, practices acupuncture and rehabilitation in South Korea.
“I feel really excited and thrilled to finally put on my white coat,” Namju said. “I explored different paths before, but this moment confirms that I chose the right one.”
Dr. Shin expressed her pride in watching her son embrace the profession. “This is such a wonderful ceremony,” she said. “I am very proud of my son for following in our footsteps and beginning his own journey in veterinary medicine.”
