St. George’s University School of Veterinary Medicine marked a major milestone for its newest cohort of aspiring veterinarians at its White Coat Ceremony, held in January on campus in Grenada. Surrounded by faculty, family, and friends, Term 1 students donned their white coats for the first time symbolizing the official start of their veterinary medical education and their commitment to the profession.
The ceremony is a time-honored tradition at SGU, representing students’ entry into the veterinary community and their pledge to uphold the principles of ethics, compassion, and professional excellence.
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A lifelong calling
For many students, the moment was the culmination of a dream years in the making including Madeline Paterson, a Term 1 student from Seattle, WA.
“I’m feeling very excited, very supported, and looking forward to a fabulous three years on the island,” she said.
While Paterson does not come from a family of medical professionals, she credits the veterinarians she worked alongside prior to SGU with inspiring her path.
A promise fulfilled
Simunye Alexander, a Term 1 student from St. Paul’s, St. George, Grenada—and the only Grenadian veterinary student in his class—had an especially emotional day.
“I am extremely elated and have been crying nonstop. I’m going to be the first veterinarian in my family,” he shared.
Alexander knew from a young age that he wanted to pursue veterinary medicine. A childhood experience shaped that decision in a profound way.
“I’ve known I wanted to be a veterinarian since I was seven years old,” he said. “The moment that shaped me was when my childhood dog passed away in an accident, and I remember feeling completely helpless. From that day on, I wanted to make sure I could help animals and the people who love them, so no one would have to feel that way if I could make a difference.”
A family legacy
The White Coat Ceremony also carried deep family significance for some students.
Justin Price, a Term 1 student from Virginia, was coated by his mother, Dr. Michele Price, who owns a veterinary practice in Northern Virginia. For Justin, the moment felt symbolic of more than just the start of school.
“Eventually, one day, I want to take over her business. It feels like she was passing it down by coating me,” he said.
Dr. Price reflected on the pride she felt watching her son take this step.
“I am so proud of him. He has worked so hard to get here, and it’s just been amazing,” she said. “And the school has been amazing. I just love the support. I loved the whole ceremony.”
Similarly, for Elysse Holmes, a Term 1 student from Chicago, IL, the moment carried an added layer of meaning as she was coated by her aunt, making the milestone not only surreal but deeply personal.
“I’ve been wanting to be a veterinarian since I was three,” she said. As she recalls it, her love for animals was evident early on.
“The way my mom explained it is that I always wanted to be around animals, wanted to bring squirrels and strays inside the house and things like that.”
Even before she knew the proper title for the profession, she knew the role she wanted to play.
“When I was old enough to actually say what I wanted to be, I would say an ‘animal helper.’ And then my mom taught me the word veterinarian.”
Holmes was coated by her aunt, veterinarian Dr. Lisa Jackson, owner of Huntsville Animal Clinic in Huntsville, AL.
“I am just so, very proud of my niece,” Dr. Jackson said. “Perseverance, perseverance—that was the key.”
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