St. Louis, Missouri - Family, friends, faculty, staff, students and alumni recently gathered at the St. Louis College of Pharmacy to celebrate this year's White Coat Ceremony.

Among those receiving a white coat was Alex Rybolt of Dexter.  He is a 2013 graduate of Dexter High School and is the son of Scott and Julie Rybolt.

A college tradition since 1996, the White Coat Ceremony symbolizes the students' entrance into the Doctor of Pharmacy program and the ethical responsibilities they now have as student pharmacists.

Nearly 250 students were welcomed into the professional program on Friday, August 21st.

Dr. Brenda Gleason, associate dean of academic affairs addressed the students.  "Professionals hold a place of privilege in our society because they are experts who can be entrusted to make decisions and take actions that benefit those they serve rather than themselves," she said.  "The price of this privilege - this trust - is an unwavering commitment to professionalism."

In recognition of their new role as student pharmacists, the class recited the Pledge of Professionalism, led by class president Luke Neumann, and were called to the stage to receive their white coat.

Keynote speaker Dr. Peter Vlasses, executive director of the Accreditation council for Pharmacy Education, addressed the class.  students also observed the tradition of reading heartfelt notes left in their coat pockets by alumni, family members, and donors who chose to sponsor the cost of their coats.