Beginning on August 16, 108 first-year pharmacy students were welcomed into the University of Iowa College of Pharmacy. Two days of getting to know the college culminated in the college’s annual Welcome to the Profession Ceremony on Saturday, August 18.

During the ceremony, students discussed with Dean Donald E. Letendre what drove them to enter the field of pharmacy. He charged them to maintain professionalism and encouraged active involvement throughout their pharmacy school experience. Remarks from University of Iowa Vice President for Research and Economic Development Jordan Cohen and former Iowa Pharmacy Association President Carl Chalstrom welcomed students to the college and the profession.

Following, the students received their white coats, many of them from the professional mentors who will guide them through their journey for the next four years. These professional mentorship relationships provide students insight to the field and profession of pharmacy, and work in concert with mentors in their peer groups and faculty.