“I promise to devote myself to a lifetime of service to others through the profession of pharmacy…”
One hundred and twelve Doctor of Pharmacy students recited the Oath of the Pharmacist and were officially welcomed into the profession and college during the annual White Coat Ceremony on Saturday at Hancher Auditorium.
During the ceremony, students were coated by members of the Genesis Board, including Eddy Airiohuodion, Bri Bakken, Kelly Brock, Matt Farley, Nate Harold, Farah Towfic, Dayton Trent, Emily Vvyerberg, and Matthew Witry. The Genesis Board is a young alumni board whose mission is to provide opportunities that enhance the student experience and facilitate student success.
The white coat is a badge of honor. Patients will put their trust in you.
Dean and Professor Donald Letendre emphasized the importance of professionalism and encouraged students to know their 'why': Why they chose the profession of pharmacy.
Diane Reist—president-elect of the Iowa Pharmacy Association—gave a warm welcome on behalf of the profession and encouraged students to wear their white coats proudly. “The white coat is a badge of honor. Patients will put their trust in you,” said Reist.
The event marked the end of the course, "Engagement: Professional Skills and Values," during which students were introduced to the college community and profession, learned about the curriculum, student resources, service and outreach opportunities, and participated in self-development and awareness activities.
The PharmD class of 2023 is 70 percent female and 30 percent male, with 65 percent coming from Iowa. The class represents ten different states/territories (Colorado, Florida, Illinois, Iowa, Louisiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Puerto Rico, and Wisconsin) and nine are international students. 40 percent are underrepresented minorities and 63 percent have a bachelor’s degree or higher.
Eleven new graduate students also enrolled in the College of Pharmacy for the 2019-2020 school year. The students began PhD programs in Clinical Pharmaceutical Sciences, Medicinal and Natural Products Chemistry, Health Services Research, and Pharmaceutics last week. They participated in a week of orientation activities, which included meeting with professors, touring the health sciences campus, and attending a welcome reception on August 22 with faculty, staff, and current graduate students.
The 11 graduate students represent five different countries: China, Egypt, Jordan, Nigeria, and the United States; and six states: Arizona, California, Connecticut, Florida, Iowa, and Pennsylvania.
We are excited for the 2019-2020 school year and are thrilled to have our halls full of activity again!