51社区

The , which received a record number of applications this year, welcomed the Class of 2025 during the 46th Convocation and White Coat Ceremony on Sept. 19. The ceremony was livestreamed across the college鈥檚 three campuses, allowing family and friends to watch it remotely.

The college received 5,741 applications for 256 spots. During the ceremony, the college鈥檚 incoming medical students were presented with a short white coat symbolic of their status as physicians in training. Data on the Class of 2025 shows that 17 percent are first-generation college students, 26 percent are members of minority groups and 93 percent are from Ohio. Their average GPA is also higher than any previous incoming class.

Athens City-County Health Commissioner James Gaskell, M.D., delivered the ceremony鈥檚 keynote address. He also received the college鈥檚 Phillips Medal of Public Service, the highest honor bestowed by the college. As a physician, educator, community leader and health advocate, Dr. Gaskell has been devoted to supporting the health and well-being of southeast Ohioans.

Image

鈥淗is steadfast leadership has been instrumental in the county鈥檚 robust ongoing pandemic response,鈥� said Heritage College Executive Dean and OHIO Chief Medical Affairs Officer Ken Johnson, D.O.

The Athens City-County Health Department worked with the Heritage College and OhioHealth to administer more than 19,000 vaccinations at Heritage Hall, the new home of the college in Athens.

A recording of the ceremony is available to watch on the Heritage College鈥檚 website.