First-year Ph.D. students in the Vanderbilt University School of Medicine are embarking on an exciting time in their lives and careers this fall as they begin their biomedical sciences research at Vanderbilt. To welcome them to our scientific community and commemorate the beginning of their research at Vanderbilt, the Office of Biomedical Research Education and Training (BRET) will hold its seventh annual “Simple Beginnings” Lab Coat Ceremony Sept. 1.

The ceremony, which last year was attended by more than 200 family members and friends, is an opportunity to learn about some of the research and professional development activities these students will share at Vanderbilt. A reception afterward provides a time of camaraderie and celebration for the students and their families and friends. Faculty and staff members are invited to the reception as well.

In addition, faculty and staff have the special opportunity to join in welcoming these students by making a gift to sponsor the Simple Beginnings program. Each $100 gift provides not only a personalized lab coat for one student, but also helps fund student programming throughout the year. The lab coats will be presented at the Sept. 1 ceremony.

The BRET office hopes you will consider partnering with them to mark this meaningful event in the life of a new Ph.D. student, and to help enable this tradition to continue for years to come. To ensure your gift is properly allocated to support this event, please visit the Simple Beginnings Fund giving page before Aug. 31.

Seventh Annual “Simple Beginnings” Ceremony:

Sept. 1, 2017
4 p.m., Light Hall 208
Reception afterward in Langford Auditorium

To support “Simple Beginnings” with your gift:

Go to vu.edu/simplebeginnings

Contact: Kate Stuart, (615) 875-8981