WHITE COAT CEREMONY 2025

Congratulations Class of 2029

September 6, 2025

Organized by the Assistant Dean of Student Affairs, Dr. Christine Deere, the White Coat Ceremony welcomed an overwhelming turnout.

The room was filled to capacity with proud family members, friends, and supporters, all gathered to witness this important milestone for the CNU College of Medicine Class of 2029.

The ceremony opened with a stunning rendition of the National Anthem performed by the Sacramento Choral Society. The college was honored by a full guest appearance by the entire chorus. Their powerful and moving performance set an inspiring tone for the event. A special thank-you goes to the Sacramento Choral Society for graciously joining the College of Medicine in this meaningful celebration and contributing to the unforgettable atmosphere of the day.

Highlights from the ceremony included a powerful and motivating address by Dr. Richard Isaacs, Dean of the College of Medicine. In his welcome speech, Dr. Isaacs acknowledged the remarkable academic achievements of the incoming class, whose average MCAT scores rank in the top 90th percentile nationally. This distinction marks the cohort as one of the most competitive admitted to the College of Medicine in the past decade.

Another memorable moment came when Student Body President Chance Aguilar took the stage to read letters of wisdom from students in the M2, M3, and M4 classes. His heartfelt delivery offered thoughtful advice, encouragement, and insight into the level of dedication and resilience required for the journey ahead.

The keynote address was delivered by Dr. Mark W. Hawk, M.D., a neurosurgeon, who captivated the audience with a touching and inspiring story of his own path through medicine. Through a compelling slideshow, he likened the medical journey to the ascent of Mount Everest, noting that the incoming class now stands at base camp, ready to begin their climb. This metaphor resonated deeply, helping friends and family better understand the extraordinary level of commitment, teamwork, and perseverance required of these future physicians.

Dr. Hawk also shared a powerful story of collaboration during a particularly complex and delicate surgery he performed alongside Dean Isaacs. The two reminisced about the importance of teamwork in medicine. This lesson struck a chord with the Class of 2029, reminding them that one day, their colleagues may be the very ones caring for those they hold dear.

A heartfelt thank-you goes out to the College of Medicine staff and IT team for making this event possible. Your dedication behind the scenes does not go unnoticed. Without your hard work, moments like these that inspire and motivate our future physicians would not be possible.

A SPECIAL THANK YOU

A heartfelt thank-you goes out to the College of Medicine staff and IT team for making this event possible. Your dedication behind the scenes does not go unnoticed. Without your hard work, moments like these that inspire and motivate our future physicians would not be possible.