Welcoming New Students
Columbia University's College of Dental Medicine, School of Nursing, and Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons celebrated the start of a new academic year and the incoming classes of students last week. Take a look back at the festivities.
College of Dental Medicine
On Aug. 4, 2025, the College of Dental Medicine welcomed 92 students to the Class of 2029 at a ceremony during which the future dentists received their white coats. Read about the ceremony here.
School of Nursing
On Aug. 7, 2025, the School of Nursing held its annual Masters Direct Entry (MDE) pinning ceremony, with 175 new students receiving their pin. The pin symbolizes student preparedness to serve the health needs of society after completing the school’s rigorous program. The Columbia Nursing pinning tradition dates back to the 1860s. Read about the ceremony here.
Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons
On Aug. 8, the faculty of the Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons welcomed 140 students into the medical profession with the annual White Coat Ceremony.
After being cloaked in their white coats by VP&S faculty members, the students recited an Oath in the Hippocratic tradition, written and voted on by members of the Class of 2029, that reflects the values they are committed to upholding as they begin their medical training. The oath tradition began in 2021.
Read more about the ceremony in the CUIMC Newsroom.