Atlantic Veterinary College holds annual White Coat Ceremony
Seventy new veterinarians were welcomed to the veterinary profession during the Atlantic Veterinary College’s White Coat Ceremony held at the UPEI Performing Arts Centre on May 12, 2026.
At the ceremony, each graduate was presented with a monogrammed lab coat by family members, friends, mentors, or supporters, symbolizing their transition to veterinary professional. Earlier in the day, they received their doctor of veterinary medicine degrees during the first of UPEI’s four Convocation ceremonies.
“This is a monumental achievement,” said Dr. Dominique Griffon, dean of AVC. “You have grown as scientists and clinicians alongside faculty and staff who dedicated their time to you. You have survived doubt, anxiety, your first surgery…with grace and intelligence, and with the support of others.”
She urged the new veterinarians to stay at the forefront of their profession and to help shape it. She added that they should be conscious of the importance of work-life balance as they enter their new careers. She thanked the graduates’ families and friends for supporting them throughout their journey to become veterinarians.
Dr. Wendy Rodgers, UPEI president and vice-chancellor, congratulated the graduates, noting that they are entering a much sought-after profession where there will be a lot of demand for their skills.
Dr. Erin MacDonald (AVC Class of 2007), representing the Canadian Veterinary Medical Association, also congratulated the graduates, noting that the ceremony was the culmination of years of hard work, perseverance, sacrifice, and determination.
“As doctors of veterinary medicine, you are entering a profession that is deeply rewarding and profoundly important. The responsibilities you assume today extend far beyond the walls of a clinic or a hospital. Veterinarians play essential roles in animal health and welfare, public health, food safety, research, environmental stewardship, emergency preparedness, and global One Health initiatives. The world you are entering is increasingly interconnected and increasingly complex.... The veterinary profession needs your knowledge, energy, communications skills, leadership, compassion, and willingness to approach problems with curiosity…. Remain open to new paths, challenge yourselves, and support one another.”
Dr. Stephanie Landry (AVC Class of 2010), a lecturer in AVC’s Department of Companion Animals, told the graduates that they are entering a profession that has an impact on animals and people, where they will save lives, relieve pain, and help people say goodbye to their animals with dignity.
“There will be hard days, but trust yourselves…. You are ready…. Hold on to compassion, curiosity, the sense of purpose that brought you here in the first place. Congratulations, graduates!”
Photo: Dr. Anya Nowicki receives her white coat from her parents Jacqueline and Daniel Nowicki.
