Saturday, April 5 was a day to celebrate 96 inspiring stories of unrelenting commitment with 96 freshly ironed clinical coats of blue. Students, their families, and friends filled the exhibition hall of Monona Terrace, every face beaming with pride as the future veterinarians put on their new coats and took their next steps. Created by the University of Wisconsin School of Veterinary Medicine and WVMA, the Blue Coat Ceremony honors third-year students for accomplishments in the classroom and a dedication to earning a veterinary medical degree. The annual event marks the beginning of a year of clinical rotations.
Voices of Experience
WVMA Board President, Dr. Kimberly Kratt, kicked the ceremony off by delivering an opening message of heartfelt encouragement: “The Wisconsin veterinary community may be just as excited as you are, if not more, to see all of you one step closer to earning your Doctor of Veterinary Medicine. Being a veterinarian is not a job, it’s an opportunity. If you strive to understand, you will be prepared.”
UW SVM Dean, Jonathan Levine, followed with words of wisdom: “Some of what you’re about to experience is scary, but mostly wonderful. My advice is to be curious and stay open to understanding probabilities. And remember, all great veterinarians care about their patients, but don’t forget to care about you.”
Dr. Calico Schmidt even wrote a poem. “This is always a bittersweet day for instructors. We’ll miss you and we’re proud of you. To commemorate your amazing feat, I wrote you a poem that doesn’t rhyme and won’t win any literary awards, but I hope it shares some good memories.”
A snippet of Dr. Schmidt’s ode:
“Poised at the threshold of your fourth year, you are ready. So, farewell to the classroom. Carry on those hopes, dreams, and hard work. Keep growing and learning. You will make a difference. You are loved and you are ready!”
From “No Clue” to So Close
To roaring applause, fellow third-year student Elijah Collins took the stage to share some lighthearted hope and gratitude: “Two and a half years ago, we were 96 first-years walking into orientation with no clue what was in store. As we look to our future, it’s important not to forget about our journeys to get there. Some of us have wanted this our whole lives, and now we’re so close. Thank you to all who’ve been there to support us through our ups and downs.”
Dr. Julie Walker wrapped up the ceremony by officially welcoming the students to clinics. “You don’t know everything. You’re not supposed to. The trick is learning how to ask good questions. On May 12, you’ll be stepping into clinics—pack your water bottle, a pair of comfortable shoes, and maybe a little Pepto Bismol. Welcome to UW Veterinary Care as student doctors and welcome to your clinical year!”
A huge thank you to our Blue Coat sponsors for helping us make this special day happen for the Class of ‘26: BluePearl Pet Hospital, Hill’s Pet Nutrition, Lakefield Veterinary Group, Madison Veterinary Specialists, Old National Bank, PetVet Care Centers, SVA Certified Public Accountants, and VCA Animal Hospitals.