Ohio University Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine celebrates 50th incoming class at annual Convocation and White Coat Ceremony

In a milestone event, the Ohio University Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine welcomed its 50th class during the 2025 Convocation and White Coat Ceremony at the Convocation Center on the Athens campus.

In 1976, the first class entered the college with 24 students. Today, 262 were ushered into the Class of 2029. Of them, 94% are from Ohio and 18% are the first in their family to attend college.

“Convocation is more than just a celebration of where you are – it’s a statement about who you are becoming. It’s the moment you begin your transformation from student to healer,” said Ken Johnson, D.O., executive dean of the Heritage College and OHIO’s chief medical affairs officer.  “Today marks the beginning of something extraordinary - not only for you, but for every life you will touch throughout your journey, and there will be many.”

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During convocation, students receive a short white coat, which symbolizes their path toward becoming an osteopathic physician. During his speech, second-year student George Papadeas, who currently serves as the Student Government Association president for the Athens campus and national representative for the Heritage College, told the Class of 2029 to never lose sight of their “why.”

“It’s about the patient. The nature of this profession is self-sacrificing. Remember that no matter where they come from, each person you encounter is trusting you. It is your responsibility as their health care provider to foster that patient-physician relationship and treat them with compassion,” he said. “To those who much is given, much is required. Well, my friends, we have been given much.”

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Drawing from his own experience at the Heritage College, Papadeas encouraged students to lean into the “osteopathic advantage” and the support offered by physicians, administrators and educators at the college. He also asked them to remember the guidance family and loved ones provided so they could fulfill their dream of becoming a physician.

“You are here for a purpose. Now is not the time to waver,” Papadeas said, “but to have confidence in your successes, and all that you have accomplished, and to step forward as an osteopathic medical student and leader of society.”

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