College of Human Medicine's White Coat Ceremony Celebrates 190 Unique Paths to Medicine
August 27, 2025
Michigan State University College of Human Medicine welcomed its newest class of medical students at the White Coat and Matriculation Ceremony on Saturday, Aug. 23. As the symbolic start to the profession of medicine, 190 students donned their new white coats and took the medical student oath among family, friends and mentors at DeVos Performance Hall in Grand Rapids.
The ceremony marks 190 unique paths to medicine. For many, medicine has been the goal from the beginning, with undergraduate studies focused on the sciences. A number of students come to the College of Human Medicine with undergraduate degrees in literature, entrepreneurship and criminal justice, while others had previous careers in economics, history, mechanical engineering, and music.
Nathan Meyette was a critical care flight registered nurse before enrolling at the College of Human Medicine. Wearing a white coat now instead of a flight suit, Meyette said he’s “building a foundation of lifelong learning” that will allow him to care for his future patients and community.
Meyette, a Hanock native and recipient of the Alida Sherwood Larsen Scholarship, is among the 73% of Michigan students entering this year.
Grand Rapids native Awatef Ayesh begins her first year of medical school as her sister Ayah Ayesh, enters her third year at the College of Human Medicine.
Another 27% of students come to the College of Human Medicine from 18 states across the country. First-generation college students made up 16% of this year’s class.
For Luke Schipper, this won’t be his first time wearing a white coat. He’s spent the last two years studying a gene associated with rare diseases alongside Daniel Vogt, PhD, and his research team at the Grand Rapids Research Center.
“My work in the lab taught me a lot,” said Schipper. “My eyes were really opened to the vast unknowns of medicine and clinical research.” He also brings his family’s lived experiences to his future as a physician.
“I have a younger brother, Drew, who has Down syndrome. Experiencing health care disparities and challenges for the disabled population through him opened my eyes for the need to have more physicians who understand and can empathize with patients with disabilities,” said Schipper.
Before joining medical school, Jenna Koelsch spent time in the Peace Corps doing public health research. She served as a HIV/AIDS health advocate in Ghana while completing her Master of Public Health degree through the College of Human Medicine.
Koelsch said her white coat represents something much bigger than herself. “It represents a calling to service, a passion for health, and a commitment to vulnerable and underserved populations.”
In a way, the White Coat Ceremony was a full-circle moment. On stage, Koelsch was coated by Connie Currier, PhD, her faculty mentor through the public health program.
“I am looking forward to unlocking as many ‘best days’ as possible, where I break through ceilings, create long lasting relationships and community connections, and discover exactly what it means to be a Spartan MD,” said Koelsch.
The entering class of students spend their first two years of medical school in either Grand Rapids or East Lansing. The following two years, students will be embedded in one of the college’s eight community campuses across Michigan. Fourteen students will complete the Leadership in Medicine for the Underserved certificate program in Flint, and 22 students will complete the Leadership in Rural Medicine certificate program in either Midland, Traverse City or the Upper Peninsula.
As these 190 new students embark on their journeys, they carry with them diverse experiences, aspirations, and a shared commitment to serve their communities, each taking their first steps toward becoming Spartan MDs.
By Amy Nienhouse